LLOYD JONES: SINGER/SONGWRITER

Lloyd Jones: Singer/Songwriter

Jones comes to us from the Pacific Northwest as a storyteller with a Memphis blues sound. Lloyd Jones just released an acoustic blues album, his 7th on 4/19/2011 HIGHWAY BOUND. He is virtually unknown in the POP music world, but he has been around for decades, playing with the legends on the blues circuit.
His song writing will remind you of the standard blues from the past. His rendition of back porch pickin’, swampy blues, and old school R&B is what he works very hard at pushing the American Root Music into the here and now.

In 1985 he decided that he would play his music after his stint as leader of the group “Brown Sugar” back in the 1970’s. He was associated with a few other groups, before he went out on his own.

Jones is a mainstay on the West Coast Circuit, but has toured all over the states, Canada and Europe. His sound is a little Curtis Obeda, Delbert Clinton, and Taj Mahal, telling stories of love, loss, and adventure. The soulful singers sound  has been referred to by Vintage Guitar Magazine,  “his vocals are as gritty as a dirt road and as smooth as melting butter”. An excellent description of his sound and this album personifies his tone in just that way.

If you enjoy soulful, standard style blues, and old school R&B, take a chance and listen to Lloyd Jones, you will be surprised, and pleased. He should be recognized for his song writing, singing and guitar, and be in front of the pack of blues slayers of today.

http://www.lloydjonesmusic.com/

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TV ON THE RADIO: ROCK BAND

TV on the Radio: An American Alternative Rock Band out of Brooklyn, NY that came together in 2001, has recently released their 4th studio album  4/12/2011 NINE TYPES OF LIGHT. Fans are expressing mixed reviews and comparing it to previous work. Stating the previous two albums were the best/better than NINE TYPES OF LIGHT.


Their style is influenced by favorite artists like Prince, Earth Wind & Fire, Nancy Sinatra and many more. Taking from their influences they have created a diverse range of styles including freeform jazz, pychedelia, trip-hop, modern soul, classic rock, and post punk electric. A critic referred to their style as “Futurist Doo Wop”. Their catchy beats and verses, along with distorted guitars, their signature sound, and the reverberating bass bring an interesting twist to a love song. This album, is non-traditional love songs said to be deeper than previous albums.
Members of the band are Tunde Adebimpe (vocals/loops), David Andrew Sitek (guitars/keyboards/loops) and Kyp Malone (vocals/guitars/bass/loops) Jaleel Bunton (drums/vocals/loops/guitars) and Gerard Smith (bass/keyboards) as official members. Sadly Smith passed away Wednesday on April 20, 2011 from lung cancer at the age of 36. Gerard Smiths will joyfully be remembered and live on in his recorded music and in the hearts of his fellow band members, family, friends and fans.

CONCERTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED IN DETROIT, CHICAGO, MINNEAPOLIS AND DENVER, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Some of the 11 songs of the album: “Second Song” kind of grows on you, “Keep Your Heart”, haunting vocals of Tunde, “You”,nice. “Will Do”, to be released as a single. “New Cannon Ball Blues” fun, upbeat rhythms. “Caffeniated Consciousness”, and “Trouble” available on the album only.

Rumor has it;  they put on a entertaining show. Look for them in your area, for a fun filled night of music.

http://www.tvontheradio.com/splash/

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NOEL GOURDIN;SINGER/SONGWRITER

Noel Gourdin: Singer/Songwriter




Just out 4/12/2011, the R&B soul singer Gourdin’s second studio album (fresh): THE DEFINITION.
He is among the numerous up and coming R&B soul singers of today. Gourdins vocals are excellent; he can really belt out a tune, but is it distinctive enough? Only time will tell.

This album is so, so. It is syrupy romantic, full of gushy love ballads. His voice is good and the songs are good, but they all sound alike after track 2. He brings the same tempo, same tone throughout, with little distinction to make it memorable. I liked it more the second time around, but again thought it was too much of the same thing from song to song.

That being said, it is worth the download of your favorite track or two, but probably not the entire album. Give him the benefit of the doubt because it is only his second album, and this is the learning curve. As stated earlier, there are so many young R&B singers out there right now that can sing, but only a few are distinctive, memorable, and making music we want to buy. The competition is fierce and each one including Gourdin need to get producers that know how to make an album with more flare and flavor. Make me want more.

Gourdin has had his ups and downs and suffered a bout of depression when his record label Epic, basically gave up on him, and when they parted ways he felt dejected and without direction. He said he gained 35 lbs. and contemplated giving up music. He made the right choice by hanging in there, because his rich vocals and lyrical content are just fine, it’s the song selection. It’s not fresh, or new. Albums with just love songs are a dime a dozen. It needs to be unique to bring in the listener, and bring them back, and I don’t get that from this Album. Maybe next time.

Some of the noted songs on the album: “In Love”, Been A Longtime”,  and the bonus track on the album, “Wanna Get Close”, is the most upbeat track that is rockin’, bluesy, and toe tapping.

http://www.noelmusic.net/

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PAUL SIMON: SINGER/SONGWRITER/MUSICIAN

Paul Simon: Singer/Songwriter/Musician

Paul Simon just released, SO BEAUTIFUL OR SO WHAT, April 11, 2011, his 11th Solo studio album. He has recorded: Compilations (9), Live (3), and Singles (15). The count does not include his association with Garfunkel, or recordings by other names. He is a success, no doubt, and not normally a person that needs to be introduced because his reputation supersedes the music. This is his first album in 5 years, and he did it right.
If you are familiar with his music of the past, you will be impressed with the quality of this album. It is as good as GRACELAND, with a similar message throughout.

First: The musicality of this album is amazing. The musicians give us their best sound, and their level of performance is one you can’t help but notice.
Second: The roots influenced writing is somewhat melancholy, and the message throughout is of mortality, in the tradition that Mr. Simon is known for.
Third: Paul Simon’s voice sounds like he did in his younger days. He will be 70 in October, 2011, and you would never guess it from the quality of his voice. It will blow you away.

The only complaint: He includes as the lead track “Getting Ready For Christmas Day”, which was released as a single in December 2010. Not a song I want to listen to every time the CD plays. The song is a sample of a 1941 sermon given by Rev. J.M. Gates. Just one of those songs you would rather hear at Christmas time.
“Afterlife” contains amazing guitar work, released as a single. He sang this song on Opera live and he didn’t sound as good as it does on the album.

“Dazzling Blue”, “Rewrite”, “Love and Hardtimes” and “Love and Blessings”, with foot stomping beats, “So Beautiful, So What”, another upbeat track.

If you were a fan, you will love the vintage poetic Paul Simon songwriting and the excellent musicians that make this album a success.

http://www.paulsimon.com/

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TROY "TROMBONE SHORTY" ANDREWS: TROMBONIST/TRUMPETER & COMPOSER

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews: Trombonist, Trumpeter, and Composer

Troy Andrews a horn virtuoso, who released his first major label album May 2010 BACKATOWN is sure to influence the brass section in music for years to come. The 25 year old from Tremé (tre-MAY) 6th Ward in New Orleans, and the brother of bandleader James Andrews and grandson of singer/songwriter Jesse Hill, has been playing in brass bands since the age of six.
He will be appearing at the New Orleans Heritage & Jazz Festival on April 30, and on May 7th, 2011. If you get a chance to hear him you are sure to be impressed with his intense high energy performance. He is a viable soulful vocalist as well.

His name “Trombone Shorty” came from his brother while marching down the street carrying a trombone as long as he was tall and it stuck with him. He has since grown up and is master of his own sound, he calls SUPAFUNKROCK . It’s a little funk, jazz, hip-hop and rock.

In 2005 he was a featured member of the Lenny Kravitz horn section for a world tour that shared the billboard with Aerosmith. After Hurricane Katrina 8/29/2005, he has participated in many bands and groups to raise money for storm victims.

Trombone Shorty has recorded and toured with many artists, such as U2, Greenday, Eric Clapton, and Dr John, before he put together his own group “Orleans Avenue”. Members include: Mike Ballard on bass, Dan Oestreicher on baritone sax, Pete Murano on guitar, Joey Peebles on drums and Dwayne “Big D” Williams on percussion, all virtuosos in their own right.

Troy, from the oldest black neighborhood in New Orleans, says it is the root of his music. He said he grew up with music that was for dancing and feeling good, and he brings that street wise, gritty sound to us in a new direction. It is not the stereotypical New Orleans jazz. He and Orleans Avenue are shifting the sound of New Orleans jazz to attract the younger music lover into the energetic sounds of Trombone Shorty, which is post Hurricane Katrina, and impacts the music in a new and meaningful way.

His Album: Leads off with “Hurricane Season” This album references Hurricane Katrina in several of the songs. He also includes Alan Toussaint’s classic “On Your Way Down” which Mr. Toussaint accompanies him on the piano.”Something Beautiful” was released as a single and features Lenny Kravitz, his old boss. It also includes “Fallin” a smooth, sexy soulful ballad to catch the ladies attention. You will be pleased by the many facets of this talented energetic musician.

http://www.tromboneshorty.com/

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DUMPSTAPUNK: MUSIC GROUP

Ivan Neville: Singer/Songwriter/Musician



Ivan Neville’s DUMPSTAPHUNK, formed in 2002, but didn’t really take off until after Hurricane Katrina, in 2005. He commented that people wanted to help out and would hire bands with New Orleans roots. They wanted to be part of the Jazz & Heritage Festival, so they signed up and were a big hit, and Dumpstaphunk evolved in to an actual band.  Ivan, a talented keyboardist, guitar, bass and drum player was a professional musician for a living prior to Dumpstaphunk.

Ivan played and toured with his dad, Aaron Neville and the Neville Brothers group for years before moving on to play with Keith Richards and the X-Pensive Wino’s. He has also played/toured with The Spin Doctors, and Bonnie Raitt. He has performed and recorded with the Rolling Stones, Angie Stone, John Mayer, and The Dave Matthews Band, and many many more, this list is never ending.

Dumpstaphunk, released their most recent album in November 2010 EVERYBODY WANT SUM. It is a timeless hybrid of rocking soul, neo-funk, a modern day deep fried gumbo of sorts. They are keeping it real, and figure that one day people will get tired of the electronic/synth stuff and come a running back to great music.Then they will have their time in the sun.

They have released a couple of albums LIVE: From the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. They are lively and sure to have you dancing in the street, with the riveting sound of this talented group of musicians.

While they aren’t a household word, they are out there and performing their hearts out for you, doing what they love to do, and that is to play their kind of music.

http://www.dumpstaphunk.com/

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KY-MANI MARLEY: REGGAE/HIP-HOP SINGER/SONGWRITER

Kymani Marley: Reggae/Hip-Hop Singer/Songwriter

Kymani or Ky-Mani, is a Jamaican, American Reggae Hip-Hop and dance hall artist. Born in Jamaica and later moving to Miami by the age of 9, Kymani is the 10th child of the great Bob Marley. On 3/11/2011 he released the single title track “ New Heights” from his soon to be released album. This will be his 6th studio album. This single is more reggae than hip-hop which differs from his previous album.

As a young man he was heavily involved in soccer and football in school and played the trumpet in his high school band. He grew up in the ghetto’s of Miami and did not receive the wealth and security some of his family members received. In high school he began rapping and DJ’ing and started to think that music was his forte. He made a couple albums and soon he was experimenting with laying tracks, at times with his brothers, Stephen, Julian and Damian.

In 2010 he released the single “Dear Dad”, a letter to his Dad declaring his love and loss. A heartfelt I miss you Daddy kind of theme to celebrate Bob Marley’s 65th birthday. The Song came shortly after a book of the same title, “Dear Dad” with the added subtitle “Where is the family in our family today” written by Ky-Mani which was changed from Dear Dad: The Marley Son Who Persevered from the Street to Prominence, was released to much controversy, about the Marley family secrets. From the name change to content, it opened a huge can of worms for the legendary family.

Ky-Mani has the phrasing of Bob Marley when gets into the reggae mode of vocalization, but not the voice. His vocals at times seem raw and unpolished. He seems more suited for the Hip-Hop/Reggae influenced genre.

Only time will tell which if any of the Marley boys will have the staying power of their heritage. The family is capitalizing on a memory, while the Reggae sound is not dead, it may be drifting away if incorporated into Hip-Hop/Rap craze and not preserved by the family business.
Look for Ky-Maini’s new album out this year, and judge for yourself which direction he is going.

http://www.kymani-marley.com/

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BEN TAYLOR: SINGER/SONGWRITER

Ben Taylor: Singer/Songwriter

Ben’s last Album out 2008 THE LEDGEND OF KUNG FOLK [PART 1 (THE KILLING BITE)] his 3rd studio album, came out with great reviews. Benjamin Simon Taylor, (Ben) son of the Great James Taylor and Carly Simon, is evolving into a skillful storyteller and effortlessly incorporates it into his music. He has his Dad’s smooth sound, but with a wider range than Sweet James. He can jazz it up and infuse an R&B flavor into the tune, without eliminating the folk sound.
As a young man Ben had a passion for nature and initially had not planned on being a singer. He tripped across Asia & Europe to see the wonders so to speak, and thought he would end up being a gardener or a farmer, but soon came to realize that music was really the only business he understood.

In 2001 The Ben Taylor Band was born, and he has been making music touring and writing ever since. However, The Ben Taylor Band didn’t really work out. Taylor describes it as “neo-psychedelic folk funk” that didn’t work out as he felt it was not his range, and moved into the acoustic sound that he is usually associated with.

The Legend Album is more electric than previous albums, and quite possibly the route he should be moving toward. It gives him depth, and moves him away from the constant comparison of his father’s work. Which is not a bad comparison; it’s just not his identity.

Over all the Legends of Kung Folk is a good album. Probably not his best, as he is trying to find the perfect niche among the Folk artist of today. It is definitely his strong suit, and if he doesn’t get caught up in the acting roles he sometimes gets into,  he will probably be around for decades following in the footsteps of his heritage.

http://www.bentaylormusic.com/

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JAKOB DYLAN: SINGER/SONGWRITER

Jakob Dylan: Singer/Songwriter

Jakob released his 2nd solo album April 2010 WOMAN & COUNTRY. The two time Grammy winner with his group The Wallflowers, is going solo all the way. Dylan’s folk roots come across in the soft spoken acoustic tracks of the album. His great lyrics follow in his father, Bob Dylan footsteps. He proves to be a masterful songwriter, and his voice offers a pleasing delivery as he serenades us with his folksy melodic tone.


From USA TODAY by Edna Gunderson: Dylan says "I don't want anyone to write my songs or design a sound for me," says Dylan, 40. "It's not that I'm overconfident, but if you can't do it by the time you're my age, you're probably not paying attention. I think I've identified something I do that the next guy can't."

In the same article he talks about his group The Wallflowers: "I wasn't dying to get away from anybody," he emphasizes, but he says the band, which released its last studio album in 2005, was confining. "All bands are. If you have four or five people, you're dealing with a lot more creativity and opinions. That's why they're great and why they're a drag. People grow apart, and it gets complicated."

This album is one you play for background music and find yourself singing along to tunes like “Nothing But The Whole Wide World”, and the mellow rhythmic sound of  “Lend A Hand” and the country style of “Smile When all Me That”, which sounds like a George Straight song, or “Truth For Truth” a laid back sound that drums clichés into your head,

An overall pleasing album of root-folk music, which sometimes sound like country rock, but always in the low-key style of Jakob Dylan. As a performer and songwriter with lyrical artistry he is sure to be around for decades, and the future of folk music. He has clearly inherited the art of storytelling in his music as he sings of human struggles in life as his songs reflect trials and tribulations of WOMEN & COUNTRY.

http://www.jakob-dylan.com/

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SALVADOR SANTANA BAND

Salvador Santana Band (SSB)

SSB released their debut album in February 2010, KEYBOARD CITY.

Keyboardist front man Salvador Santana brings us neo-funk, with hip hop beats and clever electric synth driven with a Latin flavor that is a new blend, new sound reinvented for today on this album.

The band uses exotic instrumentation, and funky afro beats, with the spoken word. It can be a little Herbie Hancock, and futurist at the same time. It infuses jazz, hip hop and funk into a sonic vibe with richly textured grooves. This just might be the sound of tomorrow. Salvador cites as his mentors Bob Marley, Thelonius Monk, Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane and Miles Davis to name a few.

Salvador Santana, son of the 10 time Grammy winner Carlos Santana, prefers the keyboards to the guitar of his father, although he started out on the drums. When he was 6 yrs. old and taking piano lessons, he knew this was his instrument and he has invented his own vibrant sound on  the keys.

He wants to use music is a positive way says Salvador “I want to give back to people in need; there are not enough people to do that”. Very much like his parents who established the Milargo Foundation that was created for underprivileged children, by the Santana Family.

He has collaborated with his Dad, Carlos on the song “El Farol” from Santana’s 1999 Grammy winning album SUPERNATUAL, and has toured with Santana as a member of the band, but also as the opening act for Carlos Santana, as well as Los Lonely Boys and others.

The Keyboard City Album, is just a start of what will probably be a great career for this inventive musician, you are sure to find a favorite among the tracks of masterful music. Keep him on your radar as he matures in his art form.


http://salvadorsantana.com/

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DEVON ALLMAN'S HONEYTRIBE: JAM BAND

Devon Allman's Honeytribe:

Honeytribe came about in 2005 with lead guitarist Devon Allman, front man for the band, singer, songwriter and lead guitar. The blues rock jam band released their 3rd studio album fall, 2010 SPACE AGE BLUES, which includes member bassist George Potsos, and drummer Gabriel Strange.

Actually the group formed in 1999 -2002 then disbanded and reformed in 2005 and has evolved into the 3 man band that it is today. They are a hard working group hitting the road doing more than 250 shows a year. The name Honeytribe, means sweet like honey, fierce like a tribe, and this small group is fierce on the stage by giving the crowd great entertainment with heartfelt blues.

Devon Allman the son of Gregg Allman, resembles his father in looks and in voice. You will be reminded of his Dad when you hear his baritone voice, but it is richer than that of his father, and his style of phrasing is a completely different. He is noted for his guitar finesse, but claims he is not as fast as some of the guys out there; his style is more of feeling the music when he plays the guitar. While Devon was exposed to music and guitar at an early age by one of the famous bands in America, he wants his music his way, and he does not go to his dad for musical advice, he said in a recent interview. The Music of Honeytribe is a collection of sounds from all the music styles they know, and making it different and their own is the challenge they work on.

The title track “Space age Blues” is a soulful number that makes you sway to the music. “Could Get Dangerous” is heavy with the harmonica expertise of Huey Lewis. Excellent harp, from the talented Mr. Lewis, and Devon stretches his vocals on this number.
Much of the album is original music, but they toss is a few great numbers by artist they want you to remember like Stevie Wonder and ZZ Top.

An overall good album, but they are still evolving and who knows where they will end up. More than likely it will be the blues/rock genre, but they want the young people to notice it, and work on bringing younger kids in by developing a style that will interest them. Devon said he is working on the next album and it will be danceable music, so we shall see? More to come from Devon Allman and HoneyTribe.

http://www.thetribalcommunity.com/

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THE STRINGED CHEESE INCIDENT - JAM BAND

The String Cheese Incident: JAM BAND

The String Cheese Incident band formed in 1993 out of Colorado, the former ski lodge band released their 10th album in October of 2010, and just recently, 3/15/2011 iTunes released in iTunes Essentials the music of The String Cheese Incident.

Their Album RHYTHM OF THE ROAD: VOLUME ONE INCIDENT IN ATLANTA, recorded back in 2000, but released in October 2010 on their own label, SCI Fidelity is a 3-CD package for a total of 20 songs. Warning: Some of the numbers are 18-19+ minutes long. This is a jam band that flows from one genre to another. They are progressive blue grass, country, neo-psychedelia, rock, calypso, funk, jazz, jazz fusion, Latin, and reggae. You can see they have some versatility. The band consists of Jason Hann, Michael Travis, Bill Nershi, Keith Mosely, Kyle Hollingsworth, and Michael Kang, all who belong to other bands, whom you may have heard of before, but come together as SCI. They also write a lot of their music and will pull music from all genres at the right moment.

They perform at many festivals and carnivals around the Colorado area, their home state, and have made their way to the east coast. They have hosted a 3 day event at Red Rocks, and present a different show each night. The productions are huge, sometimes with light shows, and trapeze artists, who are worth the price of admission alone, plus you get the added value of a musical production that has something for everyone. While they no longer perform as a group on a regular basis, when they do come together, it is magical.

They are musical group that will entertain you, and guarantee you have a good time. You can find them on iTunes, and many FREE download sites. Check them out, they may be of interest to you, they certainly are interesting, a regular musical thruway.  Their live show is to live for.

http://www.stringcheeseincident.com/

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PAUL THORN: SINGER/SONGWRITER

Paul Thorn: Blues Singer/Songwriter



Paul Thorn released his 5th Studio Album June 2010 PIMPS & PREACHERS, his best effort so far. I was not sure if I liked this guy, his music kind of grows on you slowly. I loved the CD cover which is his art work and the interesting story that goes with it.
He is another Blues guy from the south. This time Mississippi, and he has received some accolades along the way for his music which seems to be gaining ground, especially his writing. As a songwriter he writes of life experiences and he has evolved from “Burn Down the Trailer Park”, “Help Me out, Hook Me Up”, and “Fabio & Liberace” from 1999 to the current PIMPS & PREACHERS.

He is such an interesting fellow; first of all the cover art which he depicts as his “Family Portrait”. His father was a Pentecostal Preacher, and his uncle, his Fathers brother was a Pimp. The following is from his biography:

THE COVER DEPICTS A TEEMING STREET SCENE AT THE UNLIKELY INTERSECTION OF REDEMPTION LANE AND TURN OUT BOULEVARD. TWO FIGURES DOMINATE: A PIMP AND A PREACHER BOTH DRESSED TO THE NINES BENEATH BROAD-BRIMMED HATS, SURROUNDED BY HOOKERS, HOLY ROLLERS AND HANGERS-ON, AND ALL ON THEIR PATHS TO SALVATION OR PERDITION. NEARLY LOST IN THIS TUMULT IS A SMALL BOY BANGING A TAMBOURINE BRANDED WITH THE NAME OF JESUS, BUT BACKED UP AGAINST A STREETWALKER HOLDING A FISTFUL OF GREENBACKS.”


“THAT LITTLE BOY REPRESENTS ME,” SAYS THORN. “I'M IN THE CHURCH GROUP, BUT MY EYES ARE LOOKING BACK TO THE STREET WHERE ALL THE SIN IS GOING ON. IT SHOWS ME BEING INTRIGUED BY THE BROAD WORLD. THAT'S WHY I MADE THIS MY ALBUM COVER. IT DESCRIBES WHO I AM.”

Well, his uncle moved back home to Mississippi from California and reformed his ways, and he became a large influence in young Paul Thorns life in many ways.

Another interesting tidbit; before he began his music career he worked in a furniture factory, but more noteworthy, he was a professional boxer. He won the Mid-South Middle Weight Championship in Memphis TN, and his claim to fame was he fought former World Champion Roberto Duran in a national televised fight.

An Interesting guy right? Paul Thorn may remind you a little of Boz Scaggs, with his terrific sense of phrasing and little Lyle Lovett, with that quirky down home style. He’s bluesy, Rock-A-Billy, Rock, Country, Gospel, Southern Rock, and Root music from the heart.

The Title Track “Pimps & Preachers” is a funky little number as is “I Don’t Like Half The People I Love” and the heart stopper: “Love Scar” If I could be a tear rolling down your cheek and die on your lips, my life would be complete. The words that he said really hit her in the heart, so now she is walkin’ round with a “Love Scar”.

http://www.paulthorn.com/

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