Marjorie Whitley pulls her influences from every decade, including the angst ridden days of Alanis’ “Jagged Little Pill” and mixes it with a coffee shop folk sound that results in what you’ll hear when you check her out. “Little Bird” has a Joni Mitchell essence to it; mature innocence wrapped up in sweet folk like vocals. “It’s Complicated” picks up the speed for things around Marjorie Whitley’s sound. It’s a pretty song that will make your toes tap. “As I Am” is on the same page as “Little Bird” in that it’s a more serious sounding song and doesn’t leave you room to move. It’s more about listening to the lyrics and diving into them head first. If you’re into singer songwriters who fall somewhere between AC pop and folk, check out Marjorie Whitley . (https://marjoriewhitley.com/)

Emily Gold’s “Wrap You Up In Dreams” album is like a teenager, happy at times but then gets dark fast. No matter what though, you’re intrigued by what will come out of every mood swing. As soon as “Santa Cruz” starts, you know you’re in for a treat with the whole album. The lyrics and music run together ceaselessly. “Running Back To You” has more of an indie feel to it in the way that it’s got a hint of folk tossed in here and there. For “In The Air” Emily really takes a chance. It’s at this point in the album that you hear a darker side of the singer. “Like Leaves” keeps that style going, while things wrap up nicely with the title track, “Wrap You Up In Dreams.” As a whole, “Wrap You Up In Dreams” is an album that stands strong on an indie base that’s held together by the glue of a storyteller and the heart of a rocker girl who dances to an alternative beat almost always. If you’re into artists like Meg Myers, check out Emily Gold’s “Wrap You Up In Dreams,” out now. (https://www.emilygoldmusic.com/)

The Gift brings to life heartfelt R&B to the masses. Almost everyone will fall for someone who’s in love with the wrong person; not you. That’s where “Where Is He Now” comes into play. This terrifically sung song asks the question everyone in that situation wonders. “Struggles” is led by the sound of ivory and is met with a hearty amount of soul. I thought “Fly” would be about being cool and “fly” but it’s not. Instead it’s this R&B track that slowly treks through an emotional story with more downs than ups. When listening to “The World,” here’s a warning – you will get lost in the beauty of it. It’s one of those songs that play so well, you don’t notice you’ve had it on repeat for a half hour. When it comes to The Gift, he’s got one; his voice. There’s no questioning his skills, so don’t ask but do listen. (https://www.reverbnation.com/thegift1234)

Gary Trobee is a man who puts his faith first and does it well. “Waited” is a wonderfully sung song that’s sincere to the core. Gary Trobee lets his faith shine in this aptly titled one called “Faithful One.” It’s all about the “One” that he’s been put his beliefs in all these years and all that he does for him; it’s much appreciated. That seems to be the same tale Gary sings about in “You Pursue Me” as well. I think it was Shakespeare who once said something along the lines of, how many ways do I love thee, let me count the ways. In this case Gary Trobee is singing how many ways he loves the Lord with all of the above and “My Jesus I Love Thee.” A lot of the songs are these slowed down testaments of faith, but the title track, “I Will Sing,” brings an upbeat energy to the record. If you love Christian music that’s done with the big guy upstairs in mind, check out Gary Trobee now. (https://www.trobee.com/)

Stephen Shareaux is a musician who works on his craft in the city of angels; Los Angeles. He just dropped his debut solo record, “Golden,” on November 5, 2013 so it’s ready for listening consumption. The album starts strong with “Between Us.” This alternative rock song relies on the guitars that drive it home. The rock takes a break as Shareaux eases into “Stay.” It’s a sentimental song that showcases the heart on the singer’s sleeve. In an ironic twist, “R & R” isn’t that relaxing because it’s a song that’ll get you moving a bit. The same goes for “Kamikaze” but that was to be expected. The folk element of Stephen Shareaux’s sound is clearest in “Dead Roses.” You can hear the storyteller side of this musician’s work loud and clear here. You can’t leave without hearing about the album’s title track “Golden” though. It could be a contender for a Vh1 Top 20 Countdown alongside of those top 40 artists. If you’re into rock that’s got a pinch of folk, but it is overall alternative sounding – check out Stephen Shareaux’s “Golden,” out now. (https://stephenshareaux.bandcamp.com/)

JonRodgersExpression does it all both behind the scenes and in front of the mic. “Spain” sets a beautiful atmosphere thanks to the soul in the vocals, and then like a burst of lightning - BAM! The music and the vocals speed up. It’s all quite musical theater and turns into a true performance. “Stop Loving You” isn’t quite like that; it’s a more serious song. It’s that feeling when you’re in love and it won’t stop – no matter what. The love will always be there.“Been on This Road too Long” has more of a southern soul vibe to it. It’s one of those songs where you hear; you feel every word being sung. It’s the kind of music all ages can appreciate. With “Rosebud,” it’s more for the older folks who grew up in the 70’s. Lastly, “Frendz” flips everything you’ve come to know about JonRodgersExpression on it’s side. It’s upbeat and energetic to the point that you think it’s going to come on when you’re on the dance floor. If you’re into musicians who can change with the flip of a switch but remain skilled when doing so, check out JonRodgersExpression. (https://www.reverbnation.com/jonrodgersexpression)

Treybo is a talented young man who deserves to hop off the YouTube pages and into your stereos. “Just Tryin’ To Make It Out” should be on your radios like yesterday. There’s no questioning the vocal abilities of this young man. His voice is smooth and sweet, if it were a desert it’d be hot chocolate. “You Just Need My Love” is obviously a love song, and it’s a good one that makes you swoon. Even the lonely will feel the compassion in Treybo’s delivery. It’s appropriate that Treybo covered Ne-Yo’s “Do You” because that’s who you could compare him to. The same goes with Trey Songz as he covers “Love Lost” as well. Between the two, “Love Lost” is the stronger one. He also takes on Jazmine Sullivan’s “Holding You Down” and Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” They were good, but Trey Songz, more Songz. If you’re into heartfelt R&B, check out Treybo. (https://www.youtube.com/user/TreybotheRealest/videos)

Kraig Kilby is a music man who takes the world of Jazz and fuses it with a modern twist, but remains true to the style by not overdoing any one element. The piano sings, the brass is strong – Kraig Kilby does everything he can to make his album “Satori” one to remember. “Incantation” sounds like the music you’d hear in an 80’s movie scenario set in a high rise building; ready for business. That decade continues to stand strong as you get into “Sometime Soon” as well “Ketchee,” which was a little seductive at times. It wasn’t always like that though, “Musing” was this delightful piano piece destined for a starlit ballroom. “Satori” and “Strawberry Point have some brass elements to them make them a little different from the rest. If you’re into instrumental Jazz, check out Kraig Kilby. (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kraigkilby)