2014/01 - month - Indie Music Reviews

Brian Allen Spreads The Gospel

Thu, 30 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Brian Allen brings his faith to the forefront from Marion, North Caroline. There he spends time at the Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church helping to share the Gospel and bring light to the world through his music. “Freedom” is an upbeat song that doesn’t really sound like a traditional song of worship. It’s got a hip feel to it and the country rock vibe helps it crossover well. “God Made A Way” slows things down with this very soft intro that helps easy in Brian Allen’s vocals that are just as tender but will prove to have a strong impact on listeners as the lyrics are touching. If you’re a believer and music lover, check out Brian Allen. (https://www.brianallenmusic.com/)

Noah I. Brown and Company Praise Him for All

Thu, 30 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Noah I. Brown and Company was founded by Noah I. in 1998 and has since given their life not only to the Lord, but have brought music into the mix. They sing the gospel with such conviction and poise; it’s beautiful. The song you can hear on their page is breathtaking. The voice comes out smooth on its own and the skill level only improves as Noah I. is joined by the rest of the Company. It’s a gospel song with a modernity to it that makes this enjoyable experience. The lyrics are just as great as the vocals singing them. If you’re a fan of gospel music, make sure to do yourself a favor and check out Noah I. Brown and Company. (https://nibacministries.yolasite.com/)

Dbone Acoustics: The Revolution

Sun, 26 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Dbone Acoustics’ “The Revolution” is just what you’d expect…and acoustic delight. “Livin’ Live” is an acoustic gem that’s simple but has a deep message. “Love A Woman” is an endearing song about affection while “Brand New Song” is different to say the least. The lyrics include everything from mentioning Eminem to hot dogs and mustard. It’s one you have to listen to to really understand. “Listen To The Music” has a rough approach but things soften up with “Everything.” If you’re into acoustic music that’s a little adult contemporary, check out Dbone Acoustics’ “The Revolution.” (https://dbonearchives.com/audio-and-media/)

Shawn Howard's Cowboy Ways

Sat, 25 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Shawn Howard is a self-taught musician who has been playing since the tender age of 12-years-old. “Sonny” lets the music do a lot of the work while the lyrics are kind of the supporting characters to the piece of the whole. “Wild Horses In Missouri” has a country feel, unlike the one before that was more adult contemporary. Shawn seems to shine more with a twang in his musical step. “American Folk Tradition” has striking lyrics that make you think, while “Cowboy Diplomacy” again proves that Howard is better when he straps on his country hat – cowboy hat that is. Other than some production matters, Shawn Howard has some solid pieces in his discography but I’d suggest leaning towards the country songs if you were going to give him a go. (https://www.jango.com/music/Shawn+Howard?c=1&l=0)

Bill Hitchings' Twang Was Meant to Sang

Sat, 18 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Bill Hitchings is a talented guitar player on top of a skilled songwriter who has mastered his ways and made Country music that’s a real treat. “I Could Get Used to This” is a true blue country song, and also an original treat from Bill Hitchings that’s strong and sassy. His vocals got that twang that was meant to sing. Then there’s another original, “You’re Beautiful (I Don’t Care).” It’s a love song about the natural state of love, a ballad for the romantics. “Heaven” sits somewhere between the two just mentioned. It’s not a full blown bar anthem like “I Could Get Used to This” and it’s not as ballad-like as “You’re Beautiful.” It actually could pass for a AC song ala the Goo Goo Dolls. So there you have it, Bill Hitchings. He’s a country boy whose weapon of choice is a guitar and sometimes he could sit and play you a song that’s comparable to AC radio. Make sure to check this talent house out. (https://www.youtube.com/user/BillHitchings/videos)

Niho Cranks Up the Heat

Tue, 14 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Niho was born in Cuba but currently resides in Houston, Texas. She may be a ways away from her homeland, but she hasn’t abandoned her roots. You can hear them loud and clear on her album D’ Rosas. “Si pudiera” has a lot of heart in it. Niho has that deep, sultry voice like Shakira in this one and stays true to her roots throughout with the wonderful guitar parts. “Catarsis” is an upbeat one compared to the last. It’s got a hint of sass, but still has this playful appeal to it. “Quiero,” I may not know what the song says as a whole, but I at least know the title and fans will definitely want more of this one. This one is really energetic and great. “Ayer” takes it down and gets emotional. It’s a beautiful song wonderfully executed. One would likely expect “Memorias” to be as heartfelt as the last, but nope – it has a very lively feel to it. If you’re into Latin pop, check out Niho. (https://www.nihomusic.com)

Bobby DiBlasio Channels the Past and Makes it the Present

Sun, 12 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Bobby DiBlasio is an artist with a very distinct voice in the music scene. He’s a man from New Jersey who channels his inner singer/songwriter to come across as a modern version of folk that’s unlike the kind you hear of Top 40 and more like the kind you heard back in the day. “Had No Business” is a traditional folk song in vein of Bob Dylan and the 70’s. It’s not that Americana vibe to it that’s not about the genre, but the idea of capturing the American man’s spirit. “Without a Care” follows that same idea and showcases Bobby DiBlasio’s songwriting ability very well. If you’re a fan of Dylan but like a more Mellancamp voice, check out Bobby DiBlasio sooner than later. He’s likely playing a local club so make sure to head out and see him. (https://www.facebook.com/BobbyDiBlasio)

JaaJo Brings Dance to Paradise

Fri, 10 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

JaaJo puts his upbringing in his music and you can hear that throughout in this very happy sounding dance tracks that sit in paradise. “Take Me Along” is an energetic song where you can hear JaaJo’s accent and it only adds to the delight. It’s impossible to be upset when listening to this song because the music really sings a happy note. “Afro Lady” is more slowed down, but still has a killer beat. It’s a love song in the form of a love song. “Hala Say” sits separate from the rest at first. It starts sounding like it’s going to go the more traditional R&B path, but them lightens up and sounds like the sound we’ve come to be familiar with when it comes to JaaJo’s music. If you’re into island sounding music that takes a modern spin, check out JaaJo. (https://myspace.com/eberejajo/music/songs)

Lou Pecci: James Bond On Electric Guitar

Fri, 10 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Lou Pecci puts his guitar take on James Bond classics on his album James Bond On Electric Guitar. First there’s the obvious theme song which is identifiable. Pecci isn’t making these songs into something you won’t know, he’s just putting his spin on them from “Into Miami” from Goldfinger to “Death of Fiona” from Thunderball and right back to You Only Live Twice’s “The Wedding,” all of Pecci’s renditions stay close to the originals but still have an originality to them. If you’re a guitar fanatic or just a James Bond one, this is a must have record. (https://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/LouPecci)

Shadee Rashada Continues to Make Soul Cool

Fri, 10 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Shadee Rashada is a jazz/soul singer from California who brings it cool. “Say So” is a soothing song that plays on the idea of relaxation in a cool time and place. “What Kind of Fool” relies on Shadee’s soulful voice laced between easygoing music that’s comforted by the ivory sounds. “Good Guys” also has that same feel, but is slightly more upbeat and has a monologue and message to it. “Hey You!” isn’t as startling as the title leads you to believe. It’s a fine line of music when dealing with Shadee Rashada. He creates modern Jazz and soul music that one can tell is heavily influenced by the best of those genres the 70’s had to offer. If you like that, check out Shadee Rashada. (https://www.jango.com/music/Shadee+Rashada?l=0)