Indie Music Reviews

Reaching Higher with Terrence Robinson

published on November 20, 2014

Terrence Robinson is a Gospel artist who has a soulful beat to his step. “I Surrender All, Pt. 2” is about surrendering oneself to Jesus. It has a very modernized Gospel sound. It’s light on the ears and straddles and R&B line. We get a story with “Share My World.” The way it plays out sounds like how a Disney character would sing during a sad part of the movie. While it’s been established that this singer has a love for a higher power, we do hear his vocals and soul in “Cry Out.” This and “Sorry” could work with audiences of all kinds. Then we get back to the church with “He Saved Me” and “Heavens Calling.” The bottom line is that Terrence Robinson has a voice that one should be proud of, so if you’re a fan of well sung music that touches the soul and gives purpose, check him out today. (https://soundcloud.com/terrencerobinson)

Jokatech Trump the Competition

published on November 19, 2014

Jokatech is never far from his trumpet and creates a mixture of sounds with it. When “Workin on Something” it sounds like it is the start of The Cosby Show or something but then it takes on a more metropolitan, nightlife feel. With “Magnum Opus” you get an industrial vibe with the beats and sounds. It’s like you took a high school band and gave them a dark edge. That industrial feel continues on with “Tech it Too Far” only it’s more ’80s sci-fi. We step away from all that and more into a lounge setting with “J.OK.” It’s more similar to where we started things with Jokatech. As we wind down, he just keeps it going with more laid back tunes like “On Air” and then go out with a very easy going one, “The World is Not Ready.” Unlike many of the others this one has distinctive vocals the whole way through. If you’re a fan of instrumental music and jazz, check out Jokatech. (https://soundcloud.com/jokatech)

Strength and Kindness - Somebody Else’s Nightmare

published on November 19, 2014

Strength and Kindness Somebody Else’s Nightmare

URL: https://www.senightmare.com/

Score: 4/5 Stars

This CD “Somebody Else’s Nightmare” by Northern California Fusion Jazz Project “Somebody Else’s Nightmare” is probably destined to be remembered as one of the classic good timing Smooth-Jazz CD’s of recent time from the Bay area. I’m an experienced listener of Jazz – and always skeptical as my standards set high. This is Jazz and so much more.

So who is Joe Holiday who made all of the aforementioned happen. In his own words: As the bandleader, my job is to develop a musical style, compose in that style and guide the interpretation of the compositions. The goal for this project was to perform music that was both written in “parts” and also meant for improvisation. “Parts” music is played by reading notes on a page; this can sometimes be complex and can require much concentration. It is found in many types of music, including classical, pop, musical theater, big band and more. The challenge is to make the music sound alive and fresh every performance even though the musician has performed it the say way hundreds of times. With Somebody Else’s Nightmare, some of the “parts” change from performance to performance - for example, some compositions demand that the musicians improvise their own melody. To do this, they must listen closely to what the others are doing and adjust. During performance, chord patterns might change. Also, I might cue in new sections while the piece is evolving, much like an audible called from the quarterback in football. In my mind, this is musical fun for both player and listener.

Vinyl Floor - “Vaudeville”

published on November 18, 2014

Vinyl Floor - “Vaudeville”

URL: https://www.vinylfloor.dk/About.html

Score: 8.5/10 Stars

(COPENHAGEN, DK) “Vinyl Floor is a 3-piece rock band which hails from Copenhagen, Denmark. The band was formed in 2007 and consists of the two brothers Thomas Charlie Pedersen and Daniel Pedersen and the longtime friend and colleague Rasmus Bruun. The sound is very much their own but the style is primarily drawn from the melodic and energetic 60´s/70’s and likewise from the edgy progressive rock of the 90’s. The band combines symphonic and grandiose expression with the urge to write melodic songs, always non-compromising and exploring new frontiers.

Jason Masi - Life is Wonderful

published on November 17, 2014

Artist/Band: Jason Masi –https://www.jasonmasi.com/

Album: Life is Wonderful

Score: 8/10 Stars

About the Artist: Masi hails from Richmond, VA. and has received many impressive accolades during his tenure as an artist. In his own words: Masi is an American/Virginia based singer-songwriter. He got his start with a Richmond, VA based group, Jubeus, opening for acts like Blind Melon, Everclear, and SOJA and releasing two well received albums, “Two Tone Circles” 2004 and “Natural Mood” 2007, respectively. The latter was named as a top DIY (Do-It-Yourself) release by Performing Songwriter Magazine.

JazzElle Makes New Waves

published on November 17, 2014

Santa Cruz is a beautiful, laid back part of California, but something that adds to it is JazzElle. Her mixture of genres allows her to stand out on her own. “Hey You” has a Madonna “Vogue” feel to it. It’s sang at that same pace but has a more low key musical backbone than the Material Girl’s track. With “Love and Peace” you get a better grasp on what this artist is all about; intertwining electronic, pop and new wave but putting her own twist on it. “Run For Your Life” really captures you. You continue to listen waiting for something to happen. It’s after about two minutes that you notice nothing has been said. You’re more into the fast pace and heavy breathing that’s occurring. After the initial two JazzElle comes through and has a very ’80s pop, New Wave performance. That energy is matched by “Frustrated,” and then we end things on a very danceable track, “Touch Me.” this is the capstone for the batch and a good note to end the review and possibly your night with. It has a sick beat and an odd but captivating way with words. If you’re a fan of the ’80s New Wave scene as well as the early pop days of the ’90s, check out JazzElle today. (https://www.jazz-elle.com/index.php)

Charley and Jesi – With Love

published on November 14, 2014

Charley and Jesi – With Love

URL: https://www.charleyandjesi.com/

(Los Angeles, CA) Charley and Jesi are no strangers to a musical movement, and Love. Their latest release is entitled “With Love” was released in 2014. Charley and Jesi isn’t about pushing boundaries, redefining the industry, or reshaping your perception of music. I feel they write music from the heart and only wish to share it with as many people as we can, all the while having a blast doing it. They probably let the chips fall where they may? This is how bands change the world with music. On With Love, the duo’s sound is a seductive amalgam of The White Stripes-meets-The Carpenters.That unique musicality courses through the upbeat swagger of the first single “Just Wanna Dance,” punctuated by a bombastic saxophone solo and massive harmonies. Meanwhile the opening track, “Hurry Up and Take Your Time” combines a blues bounce with simmering solos from Echols. “Better Day” is a bright, harmonious, upbeat anthem and “Love In” boasts a countrified rhythm and a mini-choir of Charley & Jesi’s musician friends. The album culminates with “Love Light,” a song that shines with a gorgeous dénouement and impeccable playing courtesy of Anderson.

Float On with Sdipia

published on November 14, 2014

Sdipia is a music man who doesn’t have a lot to say but tells a million and one stories. “Hot In Here” has a very worldly sound to it. It incorporates a fast beat with some sort of wind instrument, a flute perhaps? It’s light and fun. With “Alana” you get a Spanish vibe. Right away you are taken away some place south of the border, by the coast. You can just imagine a drink being served as the band plays this one; relaxing yet full of spirit. “Cazy12” has that same feel, only not with the Spanish flare. It does keep you chilled and happy though. The fun just doesn’t stop as we glide into “Give It A Name.” You get lost in it and don’t even try and find your way out. That’s when you know it’s a good song. If you’re a fan of instrumental music that can take you away from reality, check out Sdipia ASAP. (https://soundcloud.com/sdipia)