Fiona Joy Hawkins – New Album – Story of Ghosts

"Fiona Joy Hawkins – New Album – Story of Ghosts"

Fiona Joy Hawkins – New Album – Story of Ghosts

Fiona Joy Hawkins – A name that resonates in acoustic music circles as one of this generation’s top contemporary solo piano artists. Having won many awards for her two previous solo piano albums, Fiona is destined to do the same with Story of Ghosts.

Fiona’s third solo piano album takes her fans on an introspective journey reflecting the past year of her life as she deals with its twists and turns (as we all do). The music is provocative and hauntingly beautiful.

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“It’s much more classical and very connected to my roots” says Fiona of this new album. “There’s a lot of emotion in it; that part was challenging. But when I get feedback from my audience saying that I’m touching their lives, and in some way making a difference, that makes it worthwhile.”

Fiona has recorded for only two labels, her own Little Hartley Music for standard recordings, and Blue Coast Records – known for its high quality audio file recordings. Working with producer Cookie Marenco.

“Even CD quality is unsatisfying when you’ve heard DSD or SACD, especially when played on a high-end system” says Fiona.

The release in June 2018 marks the official launch date, the album is now available in high resolution down-load and on streaming channels.

Track list

1. Song for Dunnie [3:35]

2. Story of Angels [4:48]

3. Contemplating (Solo) [5:31]

4. Blue Dream (Solo) [3:12]

5. The Solo Tango [5:11]

6. The White Light [3:35]

7. Story of Ghosts [3:27]

8. Twilight [3:41]

9. Story of Insanity [2:52]

10. Before the Light [5:31]

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Rachel LaFond – New Album – Encounters of the Beautiful Kind

"Rachel LaFond – New Album – Encounters of the Beautiful Kind"

Rachel LaFond – New Album – Encounters of the Beautiful Kind

Come along on a powerful musical journey inspired by Rachel LaFond’s experience, of being a stranger in a new country. New Zealand to be precise where she now calls home.

This beautiful solo Piano Album was recorded in high resolution audio at her home and mastered by the golden ears of Mike Bloemendahl.

The music explores universal human experiences: feelings of loneliness, worries about not being good enough, and the evolution we undergo as existing friendships change or fade while new connections spring to life.

This journey culminates in the realisation that as we bear each other up and connect with one another, we make the world a more beautiful place for all of us.

Rachel LaFond

About Rachel LaFond:

Rachel LaFond is an American composer and pianist who has been steeped in musicality her entire life. Her appreciation of the piano began when she was a toddler as her mother (a piano teacher) played with a young Rachel on her lap. She began formal lessons at age five, and by the time Rachel was eleven, she began teaching lessons herself. She lived in Vienna and studied piano performance there as a teenager, then returned home to major in piano at the University of Washington. After university, she continued to teach and perform professionally, but for years Rachel didn’t realise she had a talent for writing music hidden inside herself until David.

David she had met just weeks ago. Rachel couldn’t stop thinking about him on one rainy autumn afternoon, everything changed. Gazing out the window of her teaching studio, Distraction transformed into inspiration, and by the end of that evening she had finished her first original piece, Loving in the Rain. This first piece stood alone for a while as Rachel got swept up in life’s adventures: Rachel and David got married, quit their jobs, and embarked on a year of long-term travel around the world.

Rachel’s music is inspired by, and engages with, the full depth of human experience. Whether she’s capturing the heady wooziness of falling in love or responding to the chest-cracking pain of Barcelonans who suffered in the terror attack of summer 2017, her pieces are unflinching and compel the listener to lean into the feeling of the song for just a moment more. Rachel’s drive to bring beauty, light, and kindness to dark places through her music lends a striking sense of purpose to her creative work. And she’s just getting started.

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Encounters of the Beautiful Kind, Track Listing;

1. Luminous; 5:30

2. Your Beauty Calls Me; 5:00

3. Heart Full Of Memories; 4:24

4. Tears For Catalunya; 4:31

5. You Will Conquer This Shadow; 4:32

6. Love’s Labour’s Never Lost; 5:08

7. The Questions Your Heart Asks; 4:59

8. Don’t Cry, Calvin; 2:46

9. Unrestrained Joy; 3:40

10. Shout To The Sun; 3:27

11. A Knight’s Journey; 3:22

Encounters of the Beautiful Kind Reviews:

Mainly Piano review by Kathy Parsons:

“Encounters of the Beautiful Kind begins with “Luminous,” a piece that starts out in a quietly reflective mood and gradually builds in intensity and passion, peaking and then becoming more subdued to the end – a great opener!”

https://mainlypiano.com/reviews/rachel-lafond-encounters-of-the-beautiful-kind

Contemporary Fusion Reviews By Dick Metcalf:

“Rachel’s expressive and bold approach to the keyboard wins her high marks from me again… songs like the opener, “Luminous“, will raise your spirit to new heights.”

http://contemporaryfusionreviews.com/bold-expressive-solo-piano-rachel-lafond-encounters-of-the-beautiful-kind/

All recorded in Auckland, New Zealand in Rachel’s home.

Mastering by Mike Bloemendahl

Connect and listen to Rachel LaFond:

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New June Sounds Like Cafe Playlist

"New June Sounds Like Cafe Playlist"

Our New June Sounds Like Cafe Playlist is up for your listening pleasure!

Spotify Link:

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Check out our new line up of tunes in curated tracklist order:

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Nick de la Hoyde, Mirror Mirror (from the single)

Mirror, Mirror reflects Nick’s own insecurities, giving a voice to those who feel they don’t have the power to speak up for themselves.

Nick’s prior releases received immediate adds to Australia’s biggest radio networks such as Southern Cross Austereo, Nova, KIIS and more as well as stateside airplay at numerous Top 40 stations nationally charting several tracks in the top 35 on the Billboard Top 40 Monitor Chart. Nick’s current single, “Hold Me Close” is also building in the UK and has been added in the Best New Pop category on BBC Radio 1, receiving airplay at KISS, Gaydio and various other regional stations. “Mirror Mirror” will launch to radio starting with an Australian Pop and specialty radio plan with stateside and UK campaigns layering into the timeline shortly thereafter. 

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Chris S, High (from the single)

‘High’ is a love song the first release from Australian artist Chris S. It’s about the first moments of new love.

After spending many years as the lead singer in an a cappella group and finishing his contemporary music course at the Institute Of Music, things started to pick up by doing various performances and scoring a first runner-up in the Kick Up The Dust band competition causing a mild controversy as his vocal duo at the time was not technically considered a band, but the judges stated that they were just too damn good not to be awarded a place.

 Teaming up with award-winning songwriters and producers, Chris has been working on new material and is excited to share with you the next chapter of his music. With “High” being his first release, Chris welcomes you all to join him on his musical journey.”

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Joel Leffler, Speed Of Light (from the EP ‘Strip me Bare’)

Following on from his successful EP from 2016 and subsequent instrumental releases and tour. Joel Lefler is back for 2018 with a stunning new EP produced by longtime collaborator and aria winner Peter Holz (Pekin Duk, Gang of Youths)

  1. Did you choose music or did it choose you?

I recently found out that my direct blood line back to the 17thcentury had very strong links to music. They were brought over from Sweden to England to be singers in the Kings Court. In the 18thcentury, there were 5 generations of singers and instrumentalists all of whom performed at one time or another in Westminster Abbey & the London Opera. I think music chose me but I made the choice to embrace it

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Lissa Jayne, Batface Girl (from the EP)

Melbourne based singer-songwriter Lissa Jayne has held a deep-seated love affair with music all her life. Her debut EP containing six beguiling songs with enchanting titles such as Batface Girl, Towns that Make you Bizarre, Damn your Name and That Girl is Gone. “Lisa Jayne sat demurely in her sweet little Lolita dress and bow, with her pretty blonde acoustic and then served us up a love song of her own, laced with metaphor and darkness!” Reviewer.

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Jim Combs

Sensitive Chaos, Missing Vjeo (from the album ‘Walking a Beautiful World’)

Sensitive Chaos is the solo project of producer Jim Combs, with collaborators from around the world.

A core component of Sensitive Chaos compositions is improv, and songs on the albums have their genesis in live performances and recordings. This unique approach has endeared audiences and radio programmers around the world, with airplay across the U.S., Europe, and the U.K., including many “Best Of” nods over the years. Walking a Beautiful World, their 9th album, is an eclectic indie-electro-rock-world-jazz-pop travelogue of Combs’ journey around the world and an ode to the common threads that bind people across different lives and locations.

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Flow, Free Ascent (from the album ‘Flow’)

Fiona Joy Hawkins – aussie Piano Player and vocalist of the group reveals how it came about

“We had all worked together for many years playing on each other’s albums and doing songs together, so it seemed logical to write and record as a group.  It was actually Lawrence Blatt’s idea. He called Jeff Oster and I and we instantly connected with the idea.  Lawrence wanted Will Ackerman to produce the album.  In the past, Will has played guitar on all our albums and in his own right is one hell of an amazing writer and player, so we had a head to head discussion and asked Will to join the group as the W in FLOW.  It stands for Fiona, Lawrence, Oster Will. It was an awesome move because the combination works so well, not just the instruments, but how we write as a team.  Add Tom Eaton (producer, engineer) and Bob’s your uncle !  “

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BiG MERiNO, Black Cockatoos (from the album ‘Suburban Wildlife’)

Sydney-based Alt-Country/ Rock/ Soul band Big Merino just released their newest album Suburban Wildlife.

With influences like: The Rolling Stones, Jackson Browne and Glen Hansard, co-writers Davis and Craig bring their songs to life with a full tone.The album starts up with a deeply sensitive tune called “Black Cockatoos” that is soaring high with free-floating energy. –Skope Mag – USA

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The Sheyana Band, Soul Sister (from the album ‘Big Love’)

The Sheyana Band are master musicians with creating their debut album “Big Love” with toe-tapping head bopping classic Rock grooves paired with beautiful Blues lyrical storytelling. They recently performed at Forth Valley Blues Fest and have supported the likes of Hoodoo Gurus, Neil Finn, Meg Mac, Renee Geyer, Diesel, The Angels, Ian Moss and Bill Chambers.

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Lily

Lily Duval, Down to the Lake (from the single)

Down to the Lake was written as a poem first and then Lily added the music. Lily: ‘I was looking for more of a minor guitar sound and a feel that was a bit ethereal. That’s where Peter Holz came in and put that vibe into the song; he plays this beautiful understated feel.’ Lily describes the song as a little mini film clip – the story of one human reaching out to another.
Previously Lily has digitally released a number of acoustic blues originals to a warm response on Community Radio and online.

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Rachel LaFond

Rachel LaFond, Luminous (From the album ‘Encounters of the Beautiful Kind’)

Rachel LaFond’s music explores universal human experiences: feelings of loneliness, joy, pleasure, pain and the evolution we undergo as an existing relationship  fades while new connections spring to life.

Tell us a little about what a crowd can expect at a live show? My music is always inspired by something, so there is always a story or an experience to share. I tell those stories at my live shows, I think it makes the music even more meaningful in the moment. I pour everything I am into performing my music, so watching me play can be a bit intense and is certainly an engaging experience.”

Favourite artists of all time? There are so many! Ingrid Michaelson, Rachmaninov, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Jason Mraz. Really, I could go on and on, it’s so hard to pick a favourite!”

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Loren Evarts, Home Again – (from the album ‘Home Again’)

Loren Everts newest album Home Again is the 6th original album, of this amazing contemporary pianist. It revisits several pieces previously recorded by Loren in the 1980’s, and eight new ones.

Fave film? Fave Book? Fave place? Fave animal or pet?.”I Loved “The Lord of the Rings” movies. (It was great to visit the filming sites when I was recently in NZ.) I have always loved England, but very much enjoyed an extended visit to Australia several years ago. (Spent 6 weeks touring the country.) Definitely a cat person, but I have 2 border collies.”

Fave food or drink and is there a story associated with that”Pizza! No story there. I’m lucky to live near the pizza capital of the world- New haven, CT. (If you are ever there, try Sally’s on Wooster St.) And I like a good non-IPA beer to go with that.”

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Tom Moore & Sherry Finzer, Sacred Ground (from the album ‘Let there be Light’)

Let There Be Light is the second collaborative album from multi-instrumentalist Tom Moore and award-winning flutist, Sherry Finzer. This album’s music is an expression of a journey, it is about movement not only in our outer life, but equally on the inner plane. The universe is made up of light, which then becomes vibrations and sound. The purpose of this album is to bring ‘light’ to the listener is as many forms as possible.

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Jim Samuel – New single It’s a Wrap

"Jim Samuel – New single It’s a Wrap"

Jim Samuel is the former keyboardist and songwriter with the Conchords, the R&B recording group with hits in the 60’s and 70’s. He has enjoyed performing with R&B icons like Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles  as well as pop superstars the Beach Boys and The Who. His new single It’s a Wrap features on Soundslikecafe this month.

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After leaving the music industry and building a successful business career over the past 30 years, Jim returned to music a few years back and has enjoyed success in the contemporary jazz world. He has written and produced Top 20 charted songs while performing with jazz greats like Gerald Albright, Rob Tardik and Darryl Walker. Over the past year he had his song Now That You’re Gone used by the Bosch TV/ Novel franchise and performed his latest single It’s a Wrap with Kevin Walker of Prince/ Justin Timberlake fame. Jim is currently working on more songs for a 2019 album  release. 

You can checkout a tune from Jim on our new playlist here

Plus all of his release can be found at

http://www.jimsamuelproductions.com

And if you prefer a stream just listen right here and now!!

Loren Evarts – Home Again

"Loren Evarts – Home Again"

Loren Evarts newest album  Home Again is the 6th original album, of this amazing contemporary pianist. It revisits several pieces previously recorded by Loren in the 1980’s, and eight new ones. It was produced by Grammy award winner Will Ackerman (Windham Hill Records) at his Imaginary Road studio in West River valley, Windham County, Vermont and was engineered by Tom Eaton.

Featuring Grammy-winning artists and Grammy-nominated Artists Eugene Friesen on cello (Paul Winter, Trio  Globo), Rhonda Larson on many types of flutes (Paul Winter, Ventus) and Jeff Haynes on percussion (Pat Metheny, Pete Seeger), bassist Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel and King Crimson).

Besides keyboards, Loren Evarts has been known to perform by singing, trombone, hammered dulcimer and organ.

Loren has performed professionally in the Connecticut area of USA in a variety of musical situations for over 40 years. He has been grateful to have been involved in performances with artists such as Dave Weckl (Chick Corea), Gerry Neiwood (Chuck  Mangione), Everett Silver (Chuck  Mangione), Mike Davis (Rolling Stones), Danny Stiles (Bill Watrous),  Fred Vigdor (Average White Band), Rhonda Larson (Paul Winter Consort).

Tracklisting: 

1. A  Day  on  the  Concord  River

2. Dugong  Dance

3. Far  and  Away

4. Ktaadn

5. Sunset  Island

6. Evensong

7. Home  Again

8. Outermost  House

9. Wedding  at  Sunrise

10. Baker  Lake

11. Nine  Mile  bridge

12. The  Good  Life

Links to music:

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loren-Evarts-381341318731960/

Offical: http://www.lorenevarts.com/

Big Merino – Suburban Wildlife

"Big Merino – Suburban Wildlife"

The Sydney-based band Big Merino their debut album “Suburban Wildlife” is a smashing it, getting rave reviews overseas and their our featured album.

Beach sloth – “Big Merino goes for a powerful, heartfelt sound on the symphonic folk musings of Suburban Wildlife.”

http://www.beachsloth.com/big-merino-suburban-wildlife.html

Dancing About Architecture (by Dave Franklin) – “The art of pinning down a band in just a few generic descriptions or a handy soundbite is the stock-in-trade of the music reviewer but I have to admit that it will take a better man than me to concisely pin down Big Merino.”

https://dancingaboutarchitecture.info/2018/05/19/suburban-wildlife-big-merino-reviewed-by-dave-franklin/

Middle Tennessee Music.com (by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman) – “Comprising of a team of seasoned music makers, Big Merino is the culmination of various musical styles, years of various experiences and the talented personalities which have come together like Voltron to form an appealing, soul-infused rock record that can be listened to from beginning to end…multiple times…without getting old.”

https://www.midtnmusic.com/big-merino-suburban-wildlife/

Formed a little over two years ago, Big Merino play original songs that blur the lines between rock, country, blues, roots, soul, funk and grunge – occasionally making forays into lesser-known genres such as New Orleans 2nd Line.

Their major influences Glen Hansard, The Frames, Jackson Browne and The Rolling Stones, co-songwriters Alex Craig and Stuart Davis write socially and politically-charged songs that are sometimes gentle and nostalgic and at other times nothing less than a fierce cry for revolution.

TrackList:

1. Black Cockatoos

2. How Can You Be Sure

3. Turn This Boat Around

4. Hand Grenades

5. Blackwater

6. Love Letter From A Fool

7. Sometimes

8. Hands In The Fire

9. Dramamine

10. Maybe I Was Sleeping

Links to music:

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigmerino/

Offical: https://bigmerinoband.com.au/INFO.html

Joel Leffler – Strip Me Bare

"Joel Leffler – Strip Me Bare"

Joel Leffler’s New EP Strip Me Bare follows on from his Run With The Wolves EP and tour.

Produced by long-time collaborator and ARIA-winning Producer Peter Holz (Peking Duk, Gang of Youths).

The first single is In  My  Sights(Feat Melissa Jane) . This poppy anthem tune hits home and you can’t help but sing and dance along. This song features a guest vocal from Melissa Jane which is the culmination of her and Joel Leffler working together on numerous recordings.

Track List:

1. Speed of Light

2. Strip Me Bare

3. In My Sights

4. Fuse

5. Aprils Fool

6. Auburn Hair

Links;

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Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/thejoelleffler/ 

Offical; https://www.joelleffler.com/home

Sherry Finzer & Tom Moore – Let There Be Light

"Sherry Finzer & Tom Moore – Let There Be Light"

Heart Dance Recordings is proud to announce the new release of Let There Be Light its New age, ambient, meditational music was created as the follow-up album of multi-instrumentalist Tom Moore and award-winning New Age flutist Sherry Finzer – after their highly successful release of Whispers from Silence their debut album, which received worldwide airplay on FM, Internet Radio, SXM Spa Channel, and numerous airline placements.

This album’s music is an expression of a journey. It is about movement not only in our outer life, but equally on the inner plane. Light is the most omnipresent element in nature. The universe is made up of light, which then becomes vibrations and sound. The purpose of this album is to help bring “light” to the listener in as many forms as possible.

Tracklist:

1. The Way of the White Clouds

2. First Light

3. Timeless Journey

4. Full Moon Night

5. A Celebration of Life

6. Sacred Ground

7. Waves of Light

8. Tides of Time

9. A Deeper Light

Listen to Music

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Facebook:

Sherry Finzer; https://www.facebook.com/SherryFinzerMusic/

Tom Moore; https://www.facebook.com/voyagertommoore

Offical:

https://heartdancerecords.bandcamp.com/album/let-there-be-light

The Sheyana Band – Feature Album Big Love

"The Sheyana Band – Feature Album Big Love"

A fine album of easy listening blues rock that harkens back to the greats of the 70’s as well as maintaining a modern flavour.

Having just played Party In The Paddock the band are set for big things. The Sheyana Band are a collective of rock-solid rhythms, impassioned vocals and tightly packaged toe-tapping grooves steeped in blues and storytelling.

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Tailor Birds – Feature album Stilts on the Water

"Tailor Birds – Feature album Stilts on the Water"

Tailor Birds

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Sophie Kinston is Tailor Birds. Stilts on the Water is Tailor Birds newest album release it’s music that soothes the soul, warms the spirit, and ignites your passions, a 37 minute single piece that weaves its way from lullaby to mid tempo electronic.

 

 

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Highly recommended – see review below-

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