2016/02 - month - Indie Music Reviews

James Harrison Bacon Has a Stacked Hand

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

James Harrison Bacon isn’t playing with one card. “The Last Time” has a funky blues feel as you hear the story of when Bacon was a little boy and there’s a solemn feel to the words but a funk to the beat. In “Never Get It Right” takes us from blues and into the emotional realm of R&B. The vocals are stronger here and more prominent. With “Good Luck Groove” it’s as if we’re transported into the ’70s. It has a nightlife feel to it that makes you want to dance, but in a skating rink way. Usually we’re told to save the drama for our mama, but here we’re welcoming “Drama” with open arms. It has a fun beat to it that can’t be missed. It’s clear that James Harrison Bacon doesn’t let one genre have hold of him. He likes to showcase his talents on every level whether it’s playing the blues or getting you on the dance floor. Those who like a variety pack in one artist, check out James Harrison Bacon now! (https://www.reverbnation.com/jamesharrisonbacon)

Keeping It Light with Gene Anthony

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

We start off our time with Gene Anthony either really early or a little late, depending on how you look at it, with “The Holiday Song.” A nice song to listen to even when the sun is shining and there isn’t a Christmas tree insight. It has that warmth the months of November and December are all about. We keep the spirits alive and well with “Party Time Break.” It’s like something straight out of the 80’s. With the last song, it was all about the instrumentals - here we hear Gene’s vocals and those too are a nice throwback to 80’s pop. In “Wanna Luv U” we take a step into the next decade with that R&B smooth operator monologue that starts things off. After that, a simple hook comes through and aids to the more light hip hop delivery he’s working with in this one. What is really nice about the start of “Tell Them What’s Going On,” the percussion sounds like something an alternative band may use in their music. Instead Gene incorporates it in this 80’s meets electronic, new wave song that plays like a night out. If you’re a fan of music that has light styles, check out Gene Anthony today. (https://www.jango.com/music/Eugene+Williams+aka+eugenegenay?l=0)

Kevin Kull: Years in the Making

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Almost two decades ago Kevin Kull released an album that could be compared to something James Taylor would’ve dropped back in the day. With a folk spirit flowing within the confines, we present “Years in the Making.” Kull opens up with a sentimental but light sounding “In Between the Tears.” He tells a story as most folk artists do and it puts listeners right there in the middle of everything. He picks up the energy with “Don’t Worry Elvis,” while getting heartfelt with “God Bless the Wandering Souls.” What’s to be said about Kull is that he knows how to compile a good mix of tracks and he’s done it here because for every sad song, there’s an upbeat ditty like “Another Love Gone Bad.” If you’re a fan of folk or even country for that matter, check out Kevin Kull’s “Years in the Making,” out now and available on CD Baby. (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kevinkull)

“Run On To Detroit” by Barth Beasley

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

While many reviewers are hesitant to put pen to paper in writing a review about just a single every now and then one comes along that makes you want to share it with the world. “Run On To Detroit” by Barth Beasley is one such single and here’s what I believe makes it worthy: It’ll rock you from beginning to end.

Singer and keyboardist Barth Beasley is in the same league as recording legends such as Billy Preston, Little Richard and Elton John. He sings from his soul and tickles the ivories like a playful lover teasing the object of his affection. To top it off on this single he’s evidently mastered the craft of writing tight tunes while telling a memorable tale and all in under four minutes. That’s not as easy as you may think.

Voice of men – This is my war

Fri, 19 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Voice of men – This is my war

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/VoiceOfMenProduction/

Voice of Men are a vocal Group from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and they have recently released their single This is my War. There is no doubt that this group has talent. Footage from their entry in Malaysia’s Awakening Talent Contest shows them delivering flawless vocal harmonies, involving all five members of the band. It’s no surprise that they made it into the top 16 of the competition.

Light Up Your Life with Some Taylor Hower

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

One can’t help but be in a good mood after listening to Taylor Hower. “Light Up The Night” has a bright and engaging intro and with that the lyrics come through with a positive charge. It can’t help but make you want to sing along like you’re part of something bigger. In “Make My Guitar Sing,” that cheery tone is continued. He may remind listeners of something you’d hear on a mixtape alongside singer-songwriters like Jason Mraz and Matt Nathanson. Last up, “Heaven’s Road” brings a little more of a rock feel to the table and he really lets loose out the gate here. Overall Taylor Hower has a modern take on songwriting but a great throwback sound that reminds me a little of 90’s alternative intertwined with a lighthearted coffeeshop performer. If you like what you hear, make sure to keep tabs on this rising star. (https://www.taylorhower.com/)

Michael Good Luck: Scripts and Scraps

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Michael Good Luck’s “Scripts and Scraps” is an alternative gem. Words are not the key when it comes to making music that speaks volumes. That is at least the case with “New Step.” The energy flooding through it comes at a pace that both builds excitement and gets you ready to go. You’re anticipating what’s around each note, and happy when it comes through. It sounds like Michael Good Luck is creating this epic pieces when it comes to his musical construction in “The Gemini.” This one sounds like it could’ve been the foundation for some timeless rock track from the likes of Journey. With a name like “The Golf Club,” it was hard to know what to expect but what came well, it wasn’t. It was this heartfelt instrumental that made you picture an intense movie scene set in the rain, and of course - slow motion. Music doesn’t always need words and when it’s made that way, artists like Michael Good Luck take charge. If you’re a purist, check out Scripts and Scraps," out now. (https://michaelgoodluck.bandcamp.com/album/scripts-and-scraps)

Susie Butler: Susie Sings Sarah

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Susie Butler’s “Susie Sings Sarah” is a look back at a great time in music, but in the now. “Can’t Get Out of This Mood” starts off the record on a high note. Her cool and calm delivery is a welcoming embrace. She really sets in the soul as “Misty” plays on and into “Lullaby of Birdland,” which has more of an upbeat tempo that makes toes tap. “Nice Work if You Can Get It” transports you back to a simpler time. You instantly feel as if you’re in Harlem when African Americans were really beginning to find themselves emerged in the arts and started to shine for it. Her elegance is impeccable in “Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year” All in all this is an album for those who cannot get enough of smooth jazz. (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016UNR2G?ie=UTF8&keywords=Susie%20Butl)

The Many Sides of Johnny Derek

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Johnny Derek is a man you just can’t peg down. With Ariel by his side on “What If,” the two bring a story to life with a sincere take on music. He picks up the beat with “Jesus in the Morning” and gets a little funky with it. We started out on a more folk note and have definitely switched gears here. This guy is a new man at every press of play. In “If I Knew a Song That Really Sucked I’d Sing That Song For You!” we hear his country side coming through. It’s not just the sound but the lyrics that make this one have that that country vibe. As we head down the list of songs he’s got going on “Tequila Sunrise” sticks out as it paints a Southwest sunset picture in the head of everyone it comes across, while “Mountains of Mourne” really does a number on the heart as the beautiful intro of it cannot be beat. Johnny Derek has a lot of styles going on, but overall what he does best is construct a good time with his sound but if you’re a fan of music that’s more country with a hint of blues, he’s the man for you. So check him out now! (https://www.reverbnation.com/johnnyderek)

Buford Powers: "I Wish I'd Met You"

Fri, 12 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Buford Powers’ “I Wish I’d Met You” comes to our ears. Well, it’s not exactly the sweetest story, but it is a romantic sentiment. It’s about wishing to have met the love of your life sooner in time. I think many have felt like that. When they reach a certain age and meet someone, they look at it like - dang, if only we had more time. On the flip side, it could also be when you feel like you’ve wasted too many years without that special someone. Meaning aside, this song has a great, classic contemporary sound that would make fans of the pop standard smile. Fans of acts like Sinatra would be down to download this one. So if that sounds like you, check out “I Wish I’d Met You” by Buford Powers, out now. (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bufordpowers7)