CHRIS PIERCE: SINGER SONGWRITER

I CAN HEAR YOU, the 4^th studio album out 10/11/2011 for Pierce. The California native brings to us his exceptional soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting in his latest album. He expresses pain, sorrow, hope, joy and freedom, all in a single album with musical variety. 

Pierce has toured with BB King, Seal, Colbi Caillat, Al Green, Toots & The Maytals, and Robert Cray to name a few.  His music has been featured on various TV shows, movies and has had commercial value with Bananna Republic and Project Runway ad campaigns.

At the age of 15 Chris lost his hearing in one ear due to Otosclerosis, a rare hearing disorder.  Not sure the Title has anything to do with the hearing loss. The song “I Can Hear You” is more on the order of a lost love.

His song “Meet Me In The Vineyard” may have something to do with the fact that he is co-owner of the wine label “Ledbetter Dry Creek Valley Syrah”. His song “Thunder of The Rain” references to sometimes I cannot hear the thunder of the rain, but can feel it. All of the tracks on the album seem to reference parts of his life in subtle heartfelt ways. His musicality is not only a joy to listen to, but has depth and feeling in each and every song. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql2OfQKA35g&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3rN57cbYMU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Deo4cbV0rbg&feature=related

Tunedin4U.blogspot.com

ALOE BLACC: AMERICAN SOLE SINGER

Born Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins III, aka, Aloe Blacc began his career in 1995 as part of the Hip Hop duo Emamon. Together they released 6 albums. In 2003 he went out on his own and released his first album in 2006, and subsequent EP’s. His second studio album GOOD THINGS was released October 4, 2011.  Blacc produces music for other artists.


As a Hip Hop artist he had moderate success in Europe and Japan. He has appeared as the musical artist of the day on Conan and Jimmy Fallon. His song “I need A Dollar” was the intro to the HBO:  “HOW TO MAKE IT AMERICA”

While he is faring better in the European markets with his latest album, his popularity in the US has not materialized todate. Now classified as an R&B Soul Singer, he has lots of competition. While he has some good qualities, he at times falls short in his lyrical delivery. Occasionally he is flat and seems to lack the vocal strength to hold a note long enough for the melody to flow smoothly. He often steps up to his falsetto, and while it works his transitions may fall short.

All and All the guy has enormous potential and you will find a few downloads on the album, including the single from the Album “I Need A Dollar” and “You Make Me Smile”, “Loving You Is Killing Me” and probably the best number “IF I”.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDyUhI1ArPo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WNYeyZXNwc&feature=related



Check out this live rendition of Billy Jean on youtube:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xihryj8KRyw&feature=related


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ALLEN STONE: SINGER/SONGWRITER

ALLEN STONE:  Here is a guy that by looking at him, you would not think R&B Soul Singer.

Stone just released his 3rd album 10/4/2011, self titled ALLEN STONE.

As the youngest son of a preacher from Chewelah, WA. he said he was expected to grow up, find a wife and have a family, and maybe become a preacher like his dad, or a youth minister like his brother. But, after he graduated from High School he decided he was going to be a famous soul singer. Six years later, his dreams are coming true. He recently sang the National Anthem at a Laker game, and will appear on the Conan show Oct 26th.

The 24 year old has been compared to Freddie Mercury (Queen), only his voice/phrasing. With his long blond hair, and big glasses, he is kind of nerdy looking, and the opposite of any R&B/soul singer you can think of. He thinks it should be his singing that brings you to him not his appearance. We’ll see how long that lasts…..

The guy has potential; he has the voice, charisma, and the drive to make his dream come true, definitely a guy to watch. See his youtube video (link below) of "Unaware" recorded in his Mother's lvingroom.

The album is not bad, in fact a couple must have downloads, “Sleep”, “Unaware”, “Celebrate Tonight”,
"Contact High" and maybe a few more. ..
http://www.allenstone.net/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4Hy6kp5kIs

Tunedin4U.blogspot.com

JAZZ GREATS:SPYRO GYRA, ACOUSTIC ALCHEMY, RAMSEY LEWIS, GEORGE BENSON

Jazz Greats: This is a little different take because we have two notable jazz groups and two super famous jazz greats, who have recently released their latest albums. All of them are worth the download, if not the entire album, at least a few tracks from each  If you are a smooth jazz, jazz fusion fan here are few good ones out right now.

Spyro Gyra released their 28th studio album A FOREIGN AFFAIR (9/13/2011). An American jazz fusion group formed in the early 70’s, the smooth jazz sound of “Shaker Song” and “Morning Dove” can still be heard some 30 years later by this memorable group. Just last year they received a Grammy for the Best Pop Instrumental album DOWN THE WIRE.

http://www.spyrogyra.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EC0sHGYW8M

Acoustic Alchemy, released their 18th studio album (9/27/2011) ROSELAND. The English contemporary smooth jazz band formed in 1981, and later released their debut album in the USA in 1987 RED DUST AND SPANISH LACE. Here they are 24 yrs. later releasing another album and going strong.

http://www.acoustic-alchemy.net/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUXuG8Q_I-I&feature=related

Ramsey Lewis, and American jazz composer, pianist and radio personality, began his musical career in 1958, and has over 80 albums to his name, with the release of his current album TAKING ANOTHER LOOK (9/20/2011). By 1966 he was the most nationally recognizable jazz pianists topping the charts with “The In Crowd” and “Hang on Sloopy”.

http://www.ramseylewis.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Slv0j5USBa4

George Benson, just released his 35^th studio album GUITAR MAN (10/4/2011) The smooth jazz, jazz fusion album is a collection of songs George put together that he likes to play. He left off the “Funk” but a pleasing album for easy listening. (See February 2011 review)         

  http://georgebenson.com/guitar-man/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7YAYQxmLh0&feature=related