MELODY GARDOT: SINGER /SONGWRITER

Gardot’s 3rd album was released in April of 2008 MY ONE AND ONLY THRILL, the 26 year old singer of acoustic jazz blues has a magical sultry quality in her voice. The reason for this review after the fact; out September 2011 by Tribute Masters a Tribute to ‘Melody Gardot’, which is other people singing her songs, not a recommendation when you can download any of the original music by Ms. Gardot, and get the real deal.
Most recently she released “Your Heart is a Black as Night” (2011) as a single, not available on iTunes, or Amazon, but it is featured in a commercial for a European automobile . It is on MY ONE AND ONLY THRILL album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7Vtx7SSbzI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dJ0ISaTLCc

In 2003 Melody was struck by a Jeep while riding her bike in Philadelphia. She spent a year in the hospital recovering from severe injuries to her spine, pelvis and brain. The neural injuries have left her with a permanent sensitivity to light and sound. She suffered short and long term memory loss, and had difficulty speaking because she could not recall the words to express her feelings.

Her Doctors thought she may never recover, because the neural pathways between the brain cortexes which control perception and a higher mental function were damaged and they suggested she use music therapy to help rebuild the neural pathways, and from that her career has emerged. She was going to school at the time of the accident studying fashion. She had studied the piano for many years and performed in local clubs, but not as a recording artist at the time of the injury.

She has devoted herself to using music therapy for healing and promotes it with every opportunity and works with hope to use her experience to help others.

The sound of her voice and the music quality she delivers is pleasing to the ear, and she writes with heart and feeling of someone that is far beyond her years and experiences. One can only anticipate her next album. Enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Eb651s_o1Q


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CHRIS CORNELL: SINGER/SONGWRITER

Chris Cornell gives us “SONGBOOK” his live album, coming out in EP installments. The first out November 1, with 4 tracks  the second on November 15, another 4 tracks,  and rumor has it the album will be out November 21st. The live acoustic songbook is honest, raw, and true Cornell. While fans may be disappointed in the slow release, and/or a live album, it is exactly what he should be doing. It is real, and probably his best work ever.

Cornell calls himself the chief architect of the 90’s grunge movement. The former front man of SoundGarden, AudioSlave, and Temple of the Dog, now the soulful rocker selling out venues as a solo artist wherever he books a show. He has been in the business since 1984, but as lead singer in groups, has had moderate success. The former sous-chef at a restaurant named Ray's Boathouse has found his niche.

In 2009 his second solo album SCREAM, has been his most successful so far. SONGBOOK is his 4th solo album, is sure to surpass anything he has out there. Out on his own he is proving his talent, again and again, and fans can't get enough of this guy. The alternative metal, grunge, alternative rock, heavy metal, hard rock, funk metal and pop styles of groups he fronted are not overpowering his voice and talent anymore. He is known for his wide vocal range, spanning B1-G5 in full-voice, and up to E6 in falsetto, and this guy can belt out a tune with feeling and heart you can’t help but take notice.

The SONGBOOK is a collection of tracks recorded at various venues on his live acoustic tour in early Spring 2011. The multi-talented musician plays 9 different instruments, and the singer/songwriter records his own music plus covers of many artists, including the Beatles whom he spent a couples years of his young life listening solely to their music.

If you don’t know who Chris Cornell is and you’re a rocker at heart, this guy is worth taking the time to get to know. Check out his youtube performance, and listen to the previews on iTunes, but be careful you may end up a fan.

Acoustic rendition of the cover “Billie Jean” made famous by Michael Jackson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2MgwAJrfXo

Chris Cornell wrote and performed the theme song ‘You Know My Name’ for the James Bond Movie CASINO ROYALE, with Daniel Craig as Bond.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN_DpIAnfC4&feature=related

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HOWLIN' WOLF: SINGER/SONGWRITER/MUSICIAN

Out October 24,2011, SMOKESTACK LIGHTING -THE COMPLETE CHESS MASTERS 1951-1960. The 97 track package is a tribute to the great bluesman from Mississippi. Just in time for Christmas, for the blues music collector.
Chester Arthur Burnett, aka Howlin’ Wolf has been gone for 35 years now (January 10, 1976),  but his legacy is larger than the Mississippi farm boy could have ever imagined. The 6’6” 300 pound man had a portentous presence when he entered the room, and with his booming voice he made the crowd a bit anxious, but when the electric bluesman began to do his thing, people forgot about his size. Wolf could rock the house down, and the crowd was at his mercy. When he was on stage playing his guitar, he would turn it over backwards and forwards, and throw it around over his shoulders, between his legs, and get the crowd to roaring. He was a performer at every opportunity with his memorable voice, and hard-drivin’ harp, entertaining seemed effortless for the gentle giant and if you throw in a few guitar tricks you got‘em howlin’ with you.

Burnett, got his nick name from trying to yodel. He wanted to emulate Jimmie Rodgers, whom he admired in the thirty's, but his yodelin’ was more like howlin’ so he just started howlin’, and it did him well. A frugal man, he didn’t spend his money on drugs, alcohol or women. He drove his own car to gigs,(station wagon) nothing fancy, although he could have afforded one at the time. He was one of the few entertainers who could afford to pay his band and provide benefits like insurance for them. Making him a desirable employer and enabling him to have his pick of musicians. Hubert Sumlin his guitarist was with him until the end, and is credited for the Howlin’ Wolf sound.

Howlin’ Wolf has garnered many accolades before and after his death. The Blues Foundation, awarded him The best album Vintage or Reissue Blues Album—US or Foreign in 1992 for THE CHESS BOX, out now the Complete Chess Masters. Howlin Wolf is a Grammy Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Blues Foundation, and Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame inductee. He has 16 albums, plus various collaborations. The man of integrity, is a legend whose music is still played today by the worlds best musicians. While he was not as polished as some of the greats he is an institution in the Blues Rock world forever.


Smokestack Lighting 1964

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1FK620bS7A


Killing Floor 1970

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xvw7VGBWU8w&feature=related



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JAMES MORRISON: SINGER/SONGWRITER

James Morrison Catchpole, is a BRIT Award winning recording artist from Rugby Warwickshire, England. He released his 3^rd album out September 2011 THE AWAKENING . The soul, adult contemporary pop album has substance and many facets layered within.

You may be familiar with his track with Nelly Furtado “Broken Strings’ which had success in the US.  He also has made guest appearances on the Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmels shows.  Primarily his recognition has been Europe, Australia, Japan and

New Zealand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26PAgklYYvo

Morrison states his first 2 albums were practice. THE AWAKING is the realization that he is not just the former 'van’ washer, his music is viable and pertinent. He has grown as a person and a musician. He recently lost his dad, and became a father, and  has grown-up with his music, and it shows in this album. The self taught musician gained his experience busking, and open mic-nite in local pubs. His life experiences have formed a humble, thoughtful musician, who has given us a meaningful album.

A few notable tracks: "Up” (feat. Jessie J.) is uplifting and sure to be a pop hit, with powerful vocals. “Slave To the Music” another pop song, sure to make the charts. “Person I Should Have Been” soulful, powerful phrasing, reggae rhythm, “Right By Your Side” meaningful, showcase Morrison vocal range. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRxccy-zcJ8

http://www.jamesmorrisonmusic.com/about 

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KEITH B.BROWN: SINGER/SONGWRITER

Keith B. Brown, recently released his 3^rd album DOWN ON THE LINE, October 10, 2011. Brown a singer, songwriter, composer and Delta Blues singer from Memphis brings us the sounds of soul/country rock/pop/blues and gospel.

His refreshing sound invigorates the blues-root music. This young man is the modern day blues artist that takes us on a spiritual journey with his raw acoustic sound of  honest to goodness music that is heartfelt with an easy going vibe.

KBB, is not only a singer/songwriter he is an actor, and you may have seen him in the movie “Stop Breakin’ Down” where he played the role of Son House (1902-1988). He was also selected by Martin Scorsese & Wim Wenders in the movie “The Soul Of A Man”  to portray the role of Skip James (1902-1969). 

His role is just beginning in music and acting, and we are sure to see and hear a lot more from the talented Delta Blues Singer/Musician.

Previous Albums:  Jan 2010 THE SOUL OF KEITH B.

Jan 2010 THE FOLK/POP ACOUSTIC SESSIONS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OHCrQy6Pwc

http://www.kbrownblue.net/index.php?page=home

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