Monday, July 27, 2009

"The Emergent Sea" by Roman Rhodes and the Born Again Pagans (Folk Artist from Japan)

It's no wonder that Roman Rhodes and the Born Again Pagans' fine CD is titled "The Emergent Sea." Of its 16 folk / jazz / pop-rock hybrid songs, 8 pieces refer to the ocean - directly or by inference, in their titles. More interesting, is that for this accomplished, multi-cultural band, the predominant sound the unique synthesis of such musical styles evokes is altogether that of California coastline vistas on warm summer nights. Built on light, breezy, and melodic contemporary folk-rock along the lines of Jack Johnson (but incorporating flourishes of late '60's / early '70's pop-rock and jazz styles as well), Roman and his Pagans deliver spirited and decidedly spiritual, tunes that celebrate life and nature with a keen inventiveness, both musically and lyrically. The opening (title) track, "The Emergent Sea," with its free-flight flute backing and tasteful guitar interpolations, sets the tone for the disc, while other highlights incorporate judicious horns as heard on "Odysseus," syncopated rhythms on "A Man Once Called Me," Youngbloods like guitar fills on "Long Talk Off a Short Beer," and even some good-old down-home reminiscing on "Grandma's Telecaster (The Good Old Days.)" "The Emergent Sea" offers an excellent showcase for the skills and influences of players with origins that stretch from Scotland to Japan and sundry points in between, but what ultimately makes Roman Rhodes and the Born Again Pagans' CD so effective is the cohesive, well balanced, and accessible music at its core.

-Rice B & RadioIndy.com Reviewer team
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Saturday, July 25, 2009

"Change Up" by Lefty Blues Band (Blues/Country Artist from Florida (FL))

Lefty Blues Band, a Florida-based outfit steeped in R&B and roots-based Americana, conjures less the Sunshine State than dark swamplands and backwoods roadhouses on their fine debut album, "Change Up." Led by brothers John & Greg Bell, this 6-piece band is as equally adept with a deep South blues ("All For You") as a George Jones-inspired ballad ("Slow Love Song"), but for the most part carves out a classic rock sound that hovers between John Hiatt & Dire Straits; that is, displaying the former's all-inclusive grasp of Americana, while reflecting the latter's ability to fashion something completely new from tried and true forms. Highlights include the above mentioned "All For You," with its atmospheric Hammond organ and Gospel-like female chorus, as well as the moving "The Rush," a perfect hybrid of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger piano balladry. But in truth, there are no weak songs among these 10 original performances. Lefty Blues Band's new release "Change Up" is a terrific representation of Americana rock that embraces its roots, and fans of Leonard Cohen and Mark Knopfler will definitely enjoy it.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Butter On My Roll" by Sheba the Mississippi Queen (Blues/Jazz Artist from Florida (FL))

Virtually born to sing, Sheba the Mississippi Queen, aka Martha Booker, inherits a proud legacy of female blues belters, adding her own resonant chapter to the story with her wonderful, uptown-style album, "Butter On My Roll." Built solidly on a foundation of the blues and Southern R&B, and utilizing a stellar band that includes a truly galvanizing horn section, Sheba the Mississippi Queen refuses to be constrained on this 13-song collection, sprinkling pure jazz ("Can't Help Lovin My Man"), Southern Soul ("Tell Me Why"), and Funk ("Hay Girlfriend"), and even some classic balladry ("Don't Say Goodbye"), into the potent mix. But let there be no doubt that Sheba the Mississippi Queen is first and foremost a master blues singer, and on mid-tempo numbers, like the Bessie Smith-infused title track, "Butter on My Rolls," or on foot-stompers like "Dance Jump Shout" and "Oh So Good," the singer proves herself more than worthy to join the ranks of successor to the recently departed Queen of Blues, Koko Taylor. Sheba the Mississippi Queen's "Butter On My Roll" will stand as a first-rate addition to listeners' collection of outstanding Blues albums.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Check out Lightnin Rod & The Thunderbolts, one of RadioIndy's favorite Blues artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Lightnin Rod & The Thunderbolts

View Lightnin Rod & The Thunderbolts Image

 

 




Band Name: Lightnin Rod & The Thunderbolts
Band Location: Michigan
Sounds Like: Bob Seger
Visit Band's Website: click here

Friday, July 10, 2009

"Another Dirty Deal" by Rodney Wayne King (Blues/Country Artist from Tennessee(TN))

Capturing the essence of Country and Blues, Rodney Wayne King's excellent CD, "Another Dirty Deal," instantly charms the listener with eleven well-crafted songs. The energetic opener, "Outlaw on the Run," will grab the listener's attention right from the start with its gruff and tough vocals, razor sharp guitar, and solid beat. Showing country blues at it best, "The Richest One," with its slow and steady tempo, has an easy-flowing piano accompaniment and stirs up some thoughtful lyrics with memorable and warm vocals. Down and dirty blues is what "Dealing With the Devil" is all about with guitar and harmonica riffs complementing the powerful, driving vocals. Country flavor abounds in "Dusty" with an outstanding steel guitar and also offers some great harmony on the chorus. The compilations on this disc confidently alternate a mixture of a good old vibrant and energetic country feeling to a slow and steady blues vibe, which gives this album a nice texture. Don't miss a chance to hear the talented treasures of country and blues on the Rodney Wayne King's great new release, "Another Dirty Deal."

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Rodney Wayne King's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Thursday, July 9, 2009

RadioIndy is pleased to present Celeste with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Live at the Bluebird Cafe "

RadioIndy is pleased to present Celeste with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Live at the Bluebird Cafe "

"Live at the Bluebird Cafe" is the latest release by Grammy nominee artist Celeste. Featured on this album is a wonderful collection of performances highlighting Celeste's vocal abilities with various styles and lyrics. This highly talented country/blues singer and songwriter kicks out vocals that are melodic, strong, and alluring. Her bluesy and bold lyrics on "I Can Change My Mind" will have all women nodding their heads in agreement. "Suddenly, We're All French" has witty and fun lyrics which Celeste delivers with easy flowing spoken wordplay. Sweet and tender, "Body and Soul" shows the diversity in style this delightful singer has to offer. Celeste's "Live at the Bluebird Café" is a great album to hear especially if you're looking for some new and refreshing country and blues.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Celeste 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

"One Last Look" by The Buffalo Blues Band (Blues Artist from California(CA))

Buffalo Blues Band's seven-track debut disc, "One Last Look," will lasso listeners in with some tasty bluesy treats. The first spin on this album and also the title track, "One Last Look," brings out the deep and soulful harmonica with absorbing blues riffs. The deep-rooted vocals on "Conoco Saloon Blues" brings together the rhythmic beats of the solid bass and guitar. Taking to the softer side of the album, "Feels Like Rain," strikes a chord of a different note as the charming vocals will sweep you away while the guitar gently plays a sweet accompaniment. The chemistry within the band is clearly heard in "Killin' Floor," as each instrument is strikingly dominant in their rock solid fills and pure intensity to the bouncy beat. Not only will you feel the high amount of energy this group conducts but you will be moved by the tonality of their musicianship. If you're a blues fan, you won't want to miss hearing a beat on the excellent and vibrant new album "One Last Look" by Buffalo Blues Band.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Buffalo Blues Band's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

"Originals By Smoochy" by Smoochy Smith (Blues Artist from Tennessee(TN))

"Originals By Smoochy," by the highly talented rockabilly piano player Smoochy Smith, is a charming and energetic collection of piano driven blues/country tunes. The instrumentation presented by Smoochy Smith on this CD is nothing short of phenomenal. His keen sense for groovy piano blues leads infuse each of these tunes with unforgettable energy. Moreover, Smoochy Smith's skillful and heart-felt lyrics conjure visceral emotional responses. Highlights include the mid-tempo, soulful love ballad "Soul Mate of My Life." The danceable "Smoochy's Boogie" demonstrates why this CD receives such musical acclaim with its polished big-band sound. Additionally, the patriotic "Stand Up for America" deserves mention for its beautifully assembled vocal arrangements. Fans of passionate rockabilly will find countless evenings of listening pleasure with Smoochy Smith's "Originals By Smoochy."

-Xavier and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Never Said Good Bye" by Robert R. Patterson (Folk/Blues Artist from Illinois(IL))

Robert R. Patterson's second CD, "Never Said Good Bye" finds the guitarist / singer-songwriter furthering an exploration of his unique songcraft in ways as original and inventive as they are satisfying. A virtuoso on guitar, Patterson turns his acoustic and electric guitars loose over 12 songs that delve into classical, folk, and blues influences which, nevertheless, blend seamlessly into a whole of potent musicality. Where the song "Five Dollar Mohawk" is a blues-rock workout with slashing slide licks, the hauntingly beautiful "Smile Little One" features acoustic picking as delicate as it is pristine. "Little Spanish Evening," an acoustic solo instrumental, is a veritable wordless lullaby, while the CD opener and titled track, "Never Said Good Bye" is an oddly effective composition that's both exotic and eccentric. Much of the album finds Patterson in elemental mode, his lone guitar and rich voice breathing life into songs of loss and redemption, but on the ballad, "Life," a deep and sonorous cello accompaniment raises the performance to solemnity. As second releases go, Robert R Patterson's "Never Said Good Bye" CD is a fine sophomore album, building on the echoes of his first, while pointing forward with his evolving potential.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Robert R Patterson's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites