Texas-based alt rock band New Jetz release their first album ‘Expressed Yourself’

October 3, 2022

With no less than 4 songs from the new album on our Spotify Playlist these guys are well worth checking out!

Veterans of Texas, NY, and Atlanta alt rock club scenes, the eclectic band is led by a talented trio of songwriter/vocalists including Lee Ann Zimmers Cameron, Brian Mullin, and Kendall Marsh. They also share guitar and other instrumental duties. New Jetz are rounded out by the solid sonic foundation of Chuck Norcom on drums, Jeff Weimer on bass, and Jim Combs on keyboards and synthesizers.

The album was recorded old-school onto analog 2” 24-track tape by John Carey at Crystal Clear Sound studio in Dallas, TX, with the whole band in the studio playing vintage instruments and amps. No click tracks or sequencers. The analog tape was transferred to digital at Welcome to 1979 studio in Nashville by Jeremy Bernstein. Final mixes were completed by Jim in the first half of 2022 at his Common Sound studio in Decatur, GA, and then mastered by Greg Wright. Atmos mixes by Jim and Trammell Starks at StudioMagic in Atlanta, GA.

The title track by Lee Ann, “Expressed Yourself” is a roots reggae-influenced plea for self-expression and finding oneself.

“Make Me Crazy” is another Lee Ann song, this one in a punk vein about being in love. Kendall’s fiery lead guitar,
Brian’s rhythm guitar, and Lee Ann’s acoustic guitar drive this rocker.

Brian continues the punk vibe with, “Reflections” and a call for independent thinking with another scorching solo
by Kendall.

Kendall’s “Privilege” is a chill out roots reggae-esque tune about coping with life, sung by Brian.

Kendall takes lead vocal duties on his “Flesh Wound”, a look at relationships. Lee Ann’s mandolin takes center-stage along with another soaring Kendall guitar solo.

“Jet Lag” is a Kendall-penned instrumental tune that throws together elements of classic surf rock and dual guitar lead rock and puts a spotlight on each instrumentalist.

Kendall’s “Secret” is another soul-searching rocker with a great guitar solo.

Kendall and Chuck’s “Time Was Wrong” is the perfect breakup/on-the-road tune with a driving 4-on-the-floor drum and bass, and call-and-response vocal harmonies.

Kendall’s “Crazy Bout the Girl” closes out the album with a song about unrequited love.

Stream the album:

For more about New Jetz:

Peter Sterling – Beauty Abounds (Official Video)

February 9, 2022 Leave a comment

Featured Artist Interview – Peter Sterling

February 9, 2022 Leave a comment

We scored a QnA interview with this fascinating artist from the USA who spent time in Byron Bay busking and selling cassettes when first starting out

Tell us about the moment you decided to become an artist. What did your family/friends have to say about it?

“I discovered my music while living in the outback canyons of sedona in the early 90’s. I lived in my VW van for 3 years and spent much time meditating in the silence of this ancient land scape. I heard the music in the silence and then I sensed angels around me who eventually made themselves known. They told me my life purpose and mission was to play the harp and bring thru special music for thistle of the dawning of the golden age. At first no one could believe my incredible story. My family thought I had gone off the deep end.I was in my early 30’s and music had not been a large part of my life up to that moment. But eventually everyone realized I was very serious about this. I got a small harp and made my first recording Harp Magic only 10 months later with no formal lessons. Harp Magic went on to be nominated for String Album of the year in the NAIRD Indie awards.

2. What is the first record you bought and why?

I can’t remember the first record I bought it was sooo long ago. My record buying started in high school.I listened to Genesis, Yes, Steve Hillage, and George Benson!! I had a super nice vinyl record collection with all albums protected by plastic sleeves!!

3.Tell us a little about what a crowd can expect at a live show?

My performances are called A Evening of Harp Magic with Peter Sterling. I create a magical atmosphere with atmospheric sounds. Long reverbs and delays. I use colored light s and lasers to create a mood that is dreamy and fantasy .

4 Who are your early influences and Favourite artists of all time ?

Andreas Vollenwieder, Hillary Stagg and Loreena McKennit

Beatles, Genesis. Yes, Grateful Dead.

5.Tell us a little about your writing process, how does a song come along?

All my music is born thru improvisation. Every time I sit at the harp it takes me on a journey of discovery. My award winning 2021 album Sanctuary of Light was a complete improv from start to finish. I sit at the harp, press record and began to play the music for the first time

6.What are your future plans for 2022/2023.

Releasing my new album Visions and Dreams spring 2022. Coming soon 🙂

Peter Sterling HarpMagic Music http://www.harpmagic.com https://www.youtube.com/user/harpmagic1 https://www.facebook.com/harpmagic1

When he is asked, “What is the best part of being a musician?” Peter answers, “Creating music that touches the heart and soul of listeners… bringing peace and healing to people all over the world. I love receiving letters about how my music has touched peoples’ lives.” Peter looks back at his path to the present now and humbled at his worldwide success. Back when he was recording his first 8-track compositions on a cassette tape in Byron Bay, Australia, and then marketing it by going door-to-door to Sedona’s stores, he could scarcely imagine that one day his music would reach people across the planet through international airplay (Pandora, SiriusXM, Soundscapes) as well as on major airlines (United and American).

Checkout Peter’s latest Release The Winding Way

Composed & produced by Peter Sterling for Harp Magic Music (BMI)
Peter Plays a custom made Lyon and Healy electric Troubador, keyboards, vocals, percussion, freenote chimes, G-Dov Gertzweig/violin, Richard Hardy silver and bamboo flutes, Hans Christian Cello

Mastered by Eric Boulanger, The Bakery Sony studios Culver City

“I worked on this record for over one year during the time of the global pandemic and lock down. Tucked away from the world in my home studio, these songs came forth from my heart and soul during this difficult time for all of us. As in music so in life says the back cover. I have found as many others have that our life is not a trek from point A to point B, but rather a meandering journey down the Winding Way with many unexpected twists and turns along the path to the destination of our hopes and dreams. My wish is that this music will uplift and bring joy to your heart and soul as you journey forth.” PETER STERLING

The Winding Way is OUT NOW (Harp Magic Music)

Spotify album link:

Connect with Peter Sterling:

Peter Sterling’s Latest Album ‘The Winding Way’

February 9, 2022 Leave a comment

I worked on this record for over one year during the time of the global pandemic and lock down. Tucked away from the world in my home studio, these songs came forth from my heart and soul during this difficult time for all of us. As in music so in life says the back cover. I have found as many others have that our life is not a trek from point A to point B, but rather a meandering journey down the Winding Way with many unexpected twists and turns along the path to the destination of our hopes and dreams. My wish is that this music will uplift and bring joy to your heart and soul as you journey forth. – Peter Sterling

About Peter Sterling
Born in Santa Monica, Peter began playing the piano at 6 years old, first accompanying his brother who was practicing violin. When he was 33 Peter moved to Sedona, Arizona, drawn to its energy vortices, its natural beauty, and its powerful connection to a higher purpose in life. It was in Sedona that Peter discovered his affinity for, or more accurately, his mystical connection with the Celtic harp. It was 1993 and he took to the instrument, without any formal training or lessons, like the proverbial fish to water.

His career as a recording artist began in 1994 with his first album, Harp Magic, released on the World Disc label. Success came almost immediately as the recording was nominated for the Best Instrumental Album award by NAIRD (now A2IM), an organization for independent musicians. His acclaim continued and grew exponentially in the 2000s with multiple nominations from the prestigious website New Age Reporter/Zone Music Reporter, including several nominations for Album of the Year. His albums consistently charted high up in their top 100, including grabbing the #1 spot for his 2013 release, Twilight Serenade. While his recent works are released on his own Harp Magic label (including his 2018 album, Magic Kingdom), Real Music, one of the giants of new age music, released his Shadow, Mist and Light album in 2005. His most recent recognition came in 2017 when he shared the Hollywood Music and Media Award for Best New Age song. In addition, Divine Reflection from Sanctuary of Light won the HMMA for Best Ambient/New Age song of 2021 and Sanctuary won the 2021 COVR Silver Award in the Visionary Music category.

Mastered by Eric Boulanger, The Bakery Sony studios Culver City

The Winding Way is OUT NOW (Harp Magic Music)

Spotify album link:

Connect with Peter Sterling:

Sensitive Chaos Releases New Album ‘Closer to Home’

May 7, 2021 Leave a comment

Soundsliekcafe Proudly presents this brilliant set of tunes for our new feature album all the way from the USA

Sensitive Chaos is the solo project of composer/synthesist/producer Jim Combs, a collaborative music project with ambient, world, electronic, jazz, found sound, and down-tempo chillout vibes.

Sensitive Chaos compositions use live looping improvisation, and most songs have their genesis in live performances or from live recordings.

Building on a massively successful 15-year run of worldwide airplay, live concerts, and festival appearances – as well as multiple award considerations from Zone Music Reporter and One World Music Radio to the Grammys – Sensitive Chaos proudly presents its 11th release: Closer to Home.

A selection of the tracks from this new release were chosen for cafe play,

from mid-tempo jazzy beat instrumental to more ambient sounds:

Some videos to checkout below

Fauna Funk Fusion – (click below to watch video)

Snow Laughing Matter(click below to watch video)

Fast Driving Open Road(click below to watch video)

Watching Embers Glow(click below to watch video

As Night Unfolds(click below to watch video)

Official site: https://sensitivechaos.com

Fiona Joy (Hawkins) – New Single – Grace Chill Remix – Out Now

September 17, 2018 Leave a comment

Fiona Joy (Hawkins) – New Single – Grace Chill Remix – Out Now

Soundslikecafe is proud to feature this International Tune on the new September 2018 playlist

“I originally wrote Grace as a piano instrumental and it ended up on a Grammy winning album in 2014. I wanted to add words and record my own singer/songwriter version as I really connected with the message in the song “To be with Grace, To live with Grace, Always with Grace’. A slower acoustic recording was followed by a chill mix which featured on the first Say Yes To Love album in support of marriage equality. This current remix of Grace is punchier Dream-Pop.
The track features Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel) playing NS Bass, Marc Shulman (Jewel & Suzanne Vega) playing Electric guitar with a little Beat-Box by my son Nick Hawkins.
The song has genre hopped from World to New Age to Pop and it’s been covered by a number of other artists including Flutist Sherry Finzer and Grammy winners Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman.

Connect with Fiona:

Website

Facebook

Joseph L Young – New Album – Every Moment

July 24, 2018 Leave a comment

Joseph L Young – New Album – Every Moment

For his fifth album, acclaimed flutist Joseph L Young returns to the instrument which first awakened his muse—the saxophone.

Every Moment marries soulful sax with flowing new age melodies, lightly sprinkled with elements of ambient textures and chilled rhythms. All of this is wrapped up in Young’s usual top-notch production quality. Prepare to hear Joseph L Young in a whole new light, where every moment is musical bliss.

The critics weigh in on Every Moment

The many layers of instrumentation make the 12 tracks on this CD a delightful journey for the listener. The use of the synthesiser layered between the sax is brilliant. The atmospheres are a combination of new age and smooth jazz. I love that combination and most certainly would like to hear more. The variety is what draws me and keeps me interested… Joseph L. Young gives us another masterpiece of sound and colour to listen to…say or Every Moment of this gift of music and spirituality and thank Joseph when you can.5/5 StarsKeith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

As I move into my 30th year of writing music reviews, I continue to be amazed by the high quality of music coming in here each and every day… and Joseph’s high quality work on his new release[Every Moment] is one of the best examples of that perfection…I give this album a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99… it is definitely an album worth owning and will give you aural pleasure for years to come. Dick Metcalf/ Contemporary Fusion Reviews

Every Moment by Joseph L Young is one of the finest albums I have heard this year, there have been a few now but it’s so pleasing to hear so much quality out there. Young…has opened his heart and embraced his original muse, the Saxophone, and manifested something so pristinely beautiful, that it will flourish in all corners of the musical world.

Music composed, performed, engineered and mixed by Joseph Lee Young, except as noted on the album. Album artwork by the artist. Produced by Joseph Lee Young and Lenise Redding. Mastered by Andy Mitran at Mitran Studios, Chicago.

TRACK LISTING

Prism 5:38

Falling Through Time 4:49

Every Moment 5:07

Twilight 4:21

Time Traveler 5:18

Once In A While 4:26

Vicariously Blue 5:07

Continuum 4:44

Chronos Dreams 5:56

Letting Go 4:30

Eleventh Hour 5:46

Evening Repose 6:11

Fiona Joy Hawkins – New Album – Story of Ghosts

July 24, 2018 Leave a comment

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.

“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]

Brian Hudson releases his debut jazz/fusion album, Next Level

June 21, 2018 Leave a comment

Australian promotion has started on this fine album by Atlanta, Georgia USA based drummer and studio musician Brian Hudson

Next Level blends jazz, jazz/fusion, funk and Latin with a contemporary jazz underpinning and features an all-star group of musicians who have performed and/or recorded with Dave Weckl Band, Mike Stern, Jimmy Haslip, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Loggins, Larry Carlton, Earl Klugh, Memory Dean, Quincy Jones, Barry Manilow, Brian Bromberg, Tyler Perry, Kirk Whalum, Stevie Wonder, The London Symphony Orchestra, Elton John, Matchbox 20, Arrested Development, Aretha Franklin, Steven Curtis Chapman and many more. Next Level, which was released worldwide on August 18, received extensive radio play across the United States and Canada and peaked at # 3 on the Roots Music Report Jazz Chart, #7 on the NACC Jazz Chart and spent 9 weeks on Jazz Week’s Top 100 Jazz Chart!

This is sure to find plenty of love in Aussie Cafes with feature tunes NYC, Seventy Eight and Silver Lining going out on the July Playlist very soon. If you just can’t wait checkout the links below.

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Connect With Brian Hudson

Website: www.brian-hudson.com/nextlevel

Buy Links:

iTunes – https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/next-level/id1265484428

Amazon – http://a.co/810Sp53

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/3DXooin4FuxXeyj6og7RrH…

CDBaby – https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/brianhudson1

Social Media:

Youtube – https://youtu.be/NxNpnSC025k

Facebook: @BrianHudsonDrums

Rachel LaFond – New Album – Encounters of the Beautiful Kind

June 14, 2018 Leave a comment

Encounters of the Beautiful Kind cover artwork

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.

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.

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

SoundsLike Cafe

Cafe Music Delivered for Free

SoundsLike Cafe

Cafe Music Delivered for Free

Tag: American Artists

Texas-based alt rock band New Jetz release their first album ‘Expressed Yourself’

Peter Sterling – Beauty Abounds (Official Video)

Featured Artist Interview – Peter Sterling

Peter Sterling’s Latest Album ‘The Winding Way’

Sensitive Chaos Releases New Album ‘Closer to Home’

Fiona Joy (Hawkins) – New Single – Grace Chill Remix – Out Now

Fiona Joy (Hawkins) – New Single – Grace Chill Remix – Out Now

Joseph L Young – New Album – Every Moment

Joseph L Young – New Album – Every Moment

TRACK LISTING

Fiona Joy Hawkins – New Album – Story of Ghosts

Fiona Joy Hawkins – New Album – Story of Ghosts

Track list

Brian Hudson releases his debut jazz/fusion album, Next Level

Rachel LaFond – New Album – Encounters of the Beautiful Kind

Rachel LaFond – New Album – Encounters of the Beautiful Kind

Connect and listen to Rachel LaFond:

Listen to Sounds Like Cafe

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