In 2016, singer/songwriter folk-pop artist and photographer Peter James Millson, self-produced a collection of wonderful understated folk-pop tunes entitled The Red Cafe` (May 2016). Currently, Mr. Millson is working on his latest long-player, Mobile, due out sometime in the June/July time frame. Here, on the title track to The Red Cafe`, you can see why he is slowly growing a following. The story of the girl in the red cafe` is a story about a memory. We’ve all had those wistful moments when we visit a place where…
Read MoreSomething that may not have been talked about much on Vodka is the resurgence of soul music, packaged in the influences of today’s genre’s hair-splitting nuances. Yep. Edmonton Canada’s own Tanika Charles sings soul music. She has the pipes and conviction to sell it as soul. It encompasses so much more than just that one genre’, but in the final analysis, it is soul, and soul that you can get your mind around. Here on the title track to Ms. Charles first long-player, Soul Run (April 2017), she sets…
Read MoreEvery now and then, usually, when I’m the most down about the music business and its propensity to deliver the same old crap day after day, I’m jarred into the reminder that there are wonderful examples of pure musical genius still hidden in the shadows. Today, while listening to Serious XM’s The Loft, I heard this gem from the incredible UK band, London Grammar. Vocals fronted by the talented Hannah Reid, who has a range that is absolutely incredible, the band weaves majestic melodies that conjure up imagery…
Read MoreNew Venusians (self-titled long-player March 2017) combine alternative sensibilities with funky beats and a hip-hop soul to create a truly fresh sound, fronted for the most part by the beautiful high soprano vocals of talented Meklit Kibret. On their debut release, the beats and bass are a powerful influence, providing an ever-present metronome to the infectious melodies here. Present, too, are elements of vocal and instrumental jazz, making the overall sound complex but very accessible. You can find information on New Venusians from their Facebook about page. They do…
Read MoreSignal Fire, from Jared Mees’ (the musician, not the motorcycle man) latest long-player, Life Is Long (April 2017), is a testament to parenthood; about our goals and desires to be good parents to our children and to help guard them, or at least guide them, whenever possible. This is heartfelt music, a picture painted with words so clearly that you can feel and see their meaning with precision. Musically, Jared Mees plants his tunes firmly in the space between folk and pop anthems. Lyrically, these are stories, read with…
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