Annoyed by Restaurant Playlists, a Master Musician Made His Own

"Annoyed by Restaurant Playlists, a Master Musician Made His Own"

From NY Times –

by Ben Ratliff

Last Autumn a friend told me a story about Ryuichi Sakamoto, the
renowned musician and composer who now lives in West Village, New
York. Mr. Sakamoto, it seems, so likes a particular Japanese

restaurant in Murray Hill, and visits it so often, he finally had to be
straight with the chef: He could not bear the music it played for its
patrons. The issue was not so much that the music was loud, but that
it was thoughtless. Mr. Sakamoto suggested he could take over the
job of choosing it, without pay, if only so he could feel more
comfortable eating there. The chef agreed, and so Mr. Sakamoto
started making playlists for the restaurant, none of which include any
of his own music. Few people knew about this, because Mr. Sakamoto
has no particular desire to publicise it. It took me a few weeks to
appreciate how radical the story was, if indeed it was true. I consider
thoughtless music in restaurants a problem that has gotten worse over
the years, even since the advent of the music-streaming services,
which – you’d think – should have made it better. If I’m going to spend
decent money on a meal, I don’t want the reservation-taker, the dishwasher or someone from the back office to be cooking it; I want someone who is very good at cooking food to do it. The same should apply to the music, which after all will be playing before, during and after the eating. I would prefer that music not seem an afterthought, or the result of algorithmic computation. I want it chosen by a person who knows music up and down and sideways: its context, its dynamism and its historical and aural clichés.

Joseph L Young – New Album – Every Moment

"Joseph L Young – New Album – Every Moment"

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.

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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

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Ivona Rose – New Album – So Modern

"Ivona Rose – New Album – So Modern"

Ivona Rose

Central Coast based Ivona Rose is a raw, evocative, dreamy, honest and uncompromisingly unique artist. Her music is where eccentric melody marries poetic song writing. Hand carved like insignia on pavement, her tales of suburban life are as being lead through an enchanted garden, by a haunting hymn.

Currently only available in cafes  her debut album “So Modern” will be released worldwide July 27. Produced with Brian Campeau at “The Plex” recording studio, it is a collection of 10 carefully selected and crafted songs. Featuring Zoe Hauptmann on Bass (Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, King Curly), Evan Mannell on Drums (Sarah Belkner, The Alcohotlicks, Self Titled Artist), Emily Palethorpe on Cello (Sarah Blasko, Accent Strings), Casey Nicholson on Trumpet (Ngarukuruwala, The NEO, The Boom Band Krewe) and Brian Campeau on Guitars and Synth.

The Album will be Launched in Sydney on the 13th September at Django Bar (see link below for tix)

LAUNCH

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QnA

What is the first record you bought and why?
It was Joni Mitchell “Hits and Misses” and it was a tape. Purchased to learn every word by heart.

Favourite artists of all time?
I have to say Bjork. It’s a hard question to answer and it doesn’t necessarily mean that my music is in the same genre or that I am aiming for a pop sphere but the truth is own all her albums, admire her creativity and boldness and when I feel that I’m just a bit too weird for the word, I take solace in Bjork.

What are your future plans for 2018/2019?
I plan to release and promote my debut album “So Modern” and do lots of yoga.

Ivona talks about  So Modern  “So Modern” the title track of the Album.

“If we live our lives as an avatar of ourselves, what are we giving up of our true self to uphold that image and where do we go from there as a society?” (Ivona Rose) So Modern questions the impact of technology, how we are using it and what we are losing as a society in the process. A dance between Autoharp, Guitar and Zoe Hauptmann’s expert Double Bass licks, take us to a time reminiscent of 60’s Go Go.

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

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

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

 

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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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/

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

Joel Leffler – Run With The Wolves (Instrumental) – EP

"Joel Leffler – Run With The Wolves (Instrumental) – EP"

Following on from his successful Love Thirsty single from late 2016, Joel Leffler, now with 10 years of songwriting under his belt, 2 nationally recognisedsongwriting awards, 4 top 10 Triple JJJ Unearthed charting songs and a string of appearances on stages around the country, Joel has released his debut EP. Produced by ARIA Nominee Peter Holz and Mastered by Grammy Award winner William Bowden this EP is a work of art taking you into the heart and soul of Joel Leffler.

Tracklist:

  1. Atmosphere (Instrumental)
  2. Run With the Wolves (Instrumental)
  3. Promise Me Tomorrow (Instrumental)
  4. Love Thirsty (Instrumental)
  5. In My Pocket (Instrumental)

 

Listen to the new EP here!

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Connect with Joel Leffler!

joelleffler.com 
facebook.com/thejoelleffler
instagram.com/thejoelleffler
twitter.com/thejoelleffler

Tailor Birds – Feature album Stilts on the Water

"Tailor Birds – Feature album Stilts on the Water"

Tailor Birds

Thom de Vos 2

 

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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Spotify:

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Itunes:

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