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.
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
"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.
“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
"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.
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
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.
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:
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
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
FLOW – With their debut self titled album FLOW
"FLOW – With their debut self titled album FLOW"
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
Flutist’s-USA’s Sherry Finzer & Aussie Based Peter Sheridan Team Up
"Flutist’s-USA’s Sherry Finzer & Aussie Based Peter Sheridan Team Up"
New Age composer and flutist Sherry Finzer (US), and classical low flute specialist Peter Sheridan (AU) join forces to bring a new and imaginative collaboration called TRAVELER. The album came about after Sherry and Peter performed together several times in a Phoenix based flute choir known as DEF Project (Desert Echoes Flute Project) conducted by Christina Steffen.
Sherry is based in Phoenix, AZ, US, and Peter in Melbourne, Victoria, AU. Sherry has released many previous award winning New Age recordings on her label, Heart Dance Recordings, and Peter many classical recordings receiving accolades on low flutes on the Move Music label, commissioning over 70 compositions for low flutes.
They both brought new and creative ideas to their project, taking listeners on a journey through time, both terrestrial and non-terrestrial. The last track, Joy, leaves listeners with a very memorable and upbeat tune to celebrate the joy of life. Both artists are active members of the USA National Flute Association.
Peter and Sherry plan on touring and performing music from Traveler both in the US and Australia in the summer and fall of 2018.
Sherry is a Phoenix based flutist, performer and composer, and runs Heart Dance Recordings – a label consisting of artists with a focus on relaxation and healing music.
You can listen to and follow Sherry on Pandora, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Her music can be purchased on Amazon, Apple Music and Bandcamp. For more info about Sherry visit www.heartdancerecordings.com or www.sherryfinzer.com
Peter is a founding member of the LA Flute Quartet, and has worked with the Hollywood Studio Orchestra, Australian Philharmonic, Australian National Academy of Music, Grand Canyon Music Festival (on PBS), Aspen Music Festival (NPR), Pasadena and Thousand Oaks symphonies, Arizona Opera Company and many more.
You can listen to Peter’s music on Spotify, and follow him on Facebook. For more information about Peter, please visit www.lowflutes.com
The first track from the Traveler Release ‘Leaving Earth’ appears on the Soundslikecafe Spotify Playlist
Find The Full EP Traveller Here Stream or Buy
