Peter Holden’s “The Athens And Other Stories” is an up and down ride through the human experience put to song. “Meshback Trucker Hat” is one of those songs that come on in a bar and it transforms the energy of the room. What was a dismal dive bar is now an lively atmosphere full of good times and sing alongs. “Desert Jade” comes through though as the sentimental side of Holden’s music. It’s a slow song brought to life by the acoustics. The same can be said with “Pulling Stars” and its heartfelt performance. To pick things back up though, heads towards “Susannah.” It’s really hard to pick a side to stand on with this record. Each, the fast pace and the more easy going tracks, have their high points but we’d recommend the heart of the record and lead you towards the slower ones like the wonderfully sung “Midtown.” That one set the vocal standard on the album. If you’re into singer songwriters who can bring the rock when they feel it necessary, check out Peter Holden’s “The Athens And Other Stories,” (https://soundcloud.com/peterholden33)

Rick Carr comes straight from Queen Creek, Arizona with some sweet pop sounds. “Granted” has a bit of a Country twang to it in the vocals, but overall it feels like an uplifting pop song about getting through things in life and appreciating them. He picks up the pace a bit with “Calling You,” but doesn’t overwhelm. Then Carr gets serious with “What Remains” as he takes you on a tour of his emotions with every word he sings. If you want to really hear what Rick Carr can do vocally though then head towards “Angel Above.” You’ll hear not only his voice, but his heart. If you’re into easy listening pop, then you have to check out Rick Carr sooner than later. (https://www.reverbnation.com/rickcarr)

With dance and jazz as influences growing up, Terry Trice has transformed himself into a soul man taking on R&B. When it comes to love, Trice has a lot to say because it has set him free he felt inclined to express that in “Love Lifted Me.” That is a mid-tempo ditty that really gets the toes tapping just a little bit, but then things slow down with “Let Yesterday Be Gone.” It’s when he gets a little more sentimental. Then the mood goes back up with the beats of “I Have Got To make A Love Call.” It sounds like it was transported out of the ’80s with its easy going delivery that sits on top of a timid dance track. Going into “If You Can’t Stand The Heat,” one would’ve assumed this was going to more in your face, instead it has more of a sensual feel to it. If you are a fan of old school R&B, check out Terry Trice now. (https://www.broadjam.com/TERRYDTRICE)

Joe “Jace” Cento is a classic pop artist from New York. “All I Need Is Love” is a pop song that sounds like the good natured ways of the music that’d escape jukeboxes during sock hops. You’ll wish your name was “Monica” after you hear this one. It’s airy and flows off the tongue like a name you love to say. Jace picks things up with “Keep On Loving” as the music is lively and is cause for a toe tapping and a little finger pointing. Then you have “Ahead of the Rain” which sounds like a more mature sound than the rest. It stands a little steadier and had less of innocence to it than the rest. If you’re a fan of Barry Manilow, then you’re advised to check out Joe “Jace” Cento ASAP. (https://www.jango.com/music/Joe+Jace+Cento?l=0)

Jesse O. Johnson’s “Never Give Up” is an album overflowing with a mixture of blues, R&B and gospel. He takes all those elements and churns them together to create a sound that’s as smooth as butter. “Love Over Here” has a smooth flow as the music comes through like a laid back night out on the town. The title track, “Never Give Up” has an old upbeat blues feel that doesn’t quit in this song that’s a true affirmation to live by. With “Lazy Bones” you get a more modern sound, it’s kind of funky while “Do You Remember” also has an almost ’80s feel to it. What you expect from “Get On Up” is definitely there. It’s upbeat and fun while “A Man Named Jesse” comes at you in a way that’s comforting. It’s like a warm blanket on a winter’s day. If you’re a fan of the man All Greene or Frankie Beverly, you have to check out this Georgian Jesse O. Johnson and his album “Never Give Up” now. (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jesseojohnson3)

Carlito is an artist who has a beat forever in his bones. Starting out fast, “Heaven” is a heart pumping musical experience that has a beat that will not stop. The same can be said for “So Liquid.” The flow of this one is like that of a rushing river. There’s nothing sad and down about the music Carlito creates. All are beats destined for the night life of the club scene. Songs like “Sanctuary,” “Nothing Better,” and “Perfect Combination” are proof of that. So if you like to move about, Carlito’s sounds are your best bet. So check Carlito out sooner than later. (https://www.jango.com/music/Carlito?l=0)

Clove’s “Panacea’s Touch” is an album that sits somewhere between Sade and Ingrid Michaelson. “Look to the Sky” is a soft song about being on one’s own and it really captures the listeners with its demure. Things shift a little with “In Our Own Light” as the futuristic sounds play out like a scene from “Tron.” She’s back to that innocent sounding girl in “New Day,” and then goes back to that industrial kind of way with “Send Me Down the River.” So she’s got this Lillith Fair sound to her, but can also shake it up just an little bit. She never truly strays too far from that singer songwriter vibe, she only gets a little ambient with it. If you’re a fan of Cocteau Twins and M83, check out Clove’s “Panacea’s Touch” today. (https://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/Clove1)

KKasper007 is a musician with what it takes to do his own thing and take on that of others. “Baby It’s You” is a simple song that’s chalked full of emotion and heart. With “I Got a Name” you get that same simplicity in the music, but the lyrics this time around dance around a sweet melody. Then you have the covers…KKasper007 does what it revered as one of the top graduation songs ever - Green Day’s “Time of Your Life.” They keep it pretty close to the original, while the Bon Jovi cover of “Dead of Alive” is a little softer than the original and plays around more with the instrumentation. There’s a lot going on with KKasper007 from originals to covers and back to the original content. All showcase a sense of musicianship, so check out KKasper007 and all there is to take in. (https://www.youtube.com/user/kkasper007/videos)