Annoyed by Restaurant Playlists, a Master Musician Made His Own

August 4, 2018 Leave a comment

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

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

Ivona Rose – New Album – So Modern

July 24, 2018 Leave a comment

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

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.

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]

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

Connect and listen to Rachel LaFond:

Jess Dunbar and Matt Price new duet cover album – Songs From The Village

June 8, 2018 Leave a comment

Jess Dunbar and Matt Price

New album

“Songs From The Village”

Have a listen to the newest album by Jess Dunbar and Matt Price, a beautiful duet cover album. These fantastic Australian musicians, cover some of the greatest Folk and Traditional songs ranging from Bob Dylan to Paul Simon in a curated selection from the hay-day of 1960’s Greenwich Village NYC back where it all began.

With Jess and Matt’s New Australian Generation Sound you will fall in love with these songs all over again.

Album Track List:

The Times They Are A-Changin’; Bob Dylan (Sony/ATV Music Publishing Australia Pty Ltd)

The Boxer; Paul Simon (Universal/MCA Music Publishing Pty Ltd)

Blowin’ in the Wind; Bob Dylan (Sony/ATV Music Publishing Australia Pty Ltd)

Mrs. Robinson; Paul Simon (Universal/MCA Music Publishing Pty Ltd)

The Sound of Silence; Paul Simon (Essex Music Australia Pty Ltd)

Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright; Bob Dylan (Sony/ATV Music Publishing Australia Pty Ltd)

Scarborough Fair; Traditional (Public Domain)

Leaving On a Jet Plane; John Denver (Essex Music Australia Pty Ltd)

The House of the Rising Sun; Traditional (Public Domain)

Like a Rolling Stone; Bob Dylan (Sony/ATV Music Publishing Australia Pty Ltd)

Both Sides Now; Joni Mitchell (Essex Music Australia Pty Ltd)

If I Had a Hammer; Peter Seeger, Lee Hays (Essex Music Australia Pty Ltd)

The Times They Are A-Changin’ (Reprise); Bob Dylan (Sony/ATV Music Publishing Australia Pty Ltd)

Find where to easily buy/stream “Songs From The Village” here:

http://smarturl.it/JM.SFTV

Check out Jess and Matt’s Spotify, Facebook and Website

Courtesy Sony Music Australia.

Jim Samuel – New single It’s a Wrap

May 8, 2018 Leave a comment

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.

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!!

Big Merino – Suburban Wildlife

May 8, 2018 Leave a comment

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:

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

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

FLOW – With their debut self titled album FLOW

April 10, 2018 Leave a comment

FLOW

Forty years after Windham Hill became a catalyst for the global musical phenomenon, its bountiful legacy of best-selling solo works (George Winston, Liz Story, Alex DeGrassi, Michael Hedges) and Grammy-winning ensembles (Shadowfax) – extends into a truly new age with FLOW – a new four-piece ensemble comprised of Windham Hill founder and New Age Grammy-winning guitarist Will Ackerman, and three of today’s most acclaimed independent award-winning artists, Australian pianist Fiona Joy Hawkins , acoustic guitarist Lawrence Blatt and flugelhorn master Jeff Oster.

Checkout this superb video-

Tracklist

Hear them here-

Spotify:

Itunes:

Connect with Flow

Website
www.flowthegroup.com
Facebook
www.facebook.com/flowthegroup
twitter.com/flowthegroup

A chat with Dorina Morelli as she releases new album Make Believe

October 25, 2017 Leave a comment

Dorina has her new Album Make Believe just out and we had a chat to her about how she became a singer / writer and her thoughts on influences and current artists – Spoiler – Cat Story Below……

Tell us about the moment you decided to become a singer? What did your family have to say about it?

I’ve been singing and dancing since I was 4 years old. Music was all I ever wanted to do. It was in the blood as my father played piano accordion in bands. I trained and performed to perfect my craft until I finally landed a gig that changed my life at age 21. My family could not understand my drive to become as singer and did not exactly encourage me but I did it anyway, and then they became my biggest fans.

What inspired you to become and artist and who are your early influences?

Early influences were obviously ABBA as a child. I had the pillow and socks! I also grew up with the Young Talent Time, and wanted nothing more than to be on that show. I got close as I attended their school. As a teenager I started to appreciate a great variety of singer songwriters from Rickie Lee Jones to Karen Carpenter, Sara Vaughan.

Tell us a little about your writing process, how does a song come along? What gets you going creatively?

I get so easily inspired to write when I hear a piece of music that stirs something in me, I cannot help but burst into song with a melody that I feel fits. Throw some matching lyrics in it and suddenly there is a song. On the other hand, words come to me from my own current situation as a form of expression. Then I’ll hear a tune in my head and bring to a great musician to flesh out the chords.

What current Australian acts inspire you and why? What international acts?

Locally, I’m a big fan of Meg Mac. I love her style and sentiment and expression. A great talent that I hope goes a long way. Internationally, I cannot go past Sheryl Crow. From her humble beginnings as a backing vocalist for Michael Jackson to becoming a prolific songwriter and not afraid to speak out, she is a true artist with amazing talent.

Tell us a little about your music and what a crowd can expect at a live show?

My music is basically feel-good music. As I age, I tend to write songs with uplifting and inspiring messages and I make my live shows much the same. Being a veteran on stage, I can sing anywhere, anytime without fear and give it my all. I love involving the audience to ensure that everybody has a good time. I also love to laugh so I make sure it’s fun for all.

Fave film? Fave Book? Fave place? Fave animal or pet?. And story if there is one

Film: Cinema Paradiso

Book: Anything by Dr. John Demartini

Place: Italy

Pet: Spooky (my cat) -Photo by Ron Lamoureux

Spooky is Canadian; I brought her back with me when I moved back home after 6 years in Winnipeg. Spooky is very relaxed and likes to travel. I built a little case for her to sit on the back of my bike so that she could come with me to work. People often stared and pointed in amazement with huge smiles on their faces. It was a sight to see. She would also follow me to work when I walked and again passer-by’s were amazed. But then it would take an hour of searching to get her to come home as she didn’t like the place I was living, especially the unruly dog!

What is the one thing you want/need that you think will make you a successful artist? Why?

I want and need YouTube subscribers and likes and people to listen and buy my music and visit my site and come to my shows and book me for house-gigs. I just want to get out there more and fully be who I was meant to be on this earth and entertain as only I know how. I want and need love from all of you!

What are your future plans for 2017/2018?

Future plans for the forthcoming year is to become a full time musician again. To record my next album, release it to a growing fan base, keep touring and doing what I love. I spent too long away from music and now I want embrace it all again totally! I hope you help me to do that and through the process I inspire you to do something you love! Thank you!

http://dorinamorellimusic.com/

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Annoyed by Restaurant Playlists, a Master Musician Made His Own

Joseph L Young – New Album – Every Moment

Joseph L Young – New Album – Every Moment

TRACK LISTING

Ivona Rose – New Album – So Modern

Ivona Rose

QnA

Fiona Joy Hawkins – New Album – Story of Ghosts

Fiona Joy Hawkins – New Album – Story of Ghosts

Track list

Rachel LaFond – New Album – Encounters of the Beautiful Kind

Rachel LaFond – New Album – Encounters of the Beautiful Kind

Connect and listen to Rachel LaFond:

Jess Dunbar and Matt Price new duet cover album – Songs From The Village

Jess Dunbar and Matt Price

New album

“Songs From The Village”

Jim Samuel – New single It’s a Wrap

Big Merino – Suburban Wildlife

FLOW – With their debut self titled album FLOW

A chat with Dorina Morelli as she releases new album Make Believe

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