Anya M. Wassenberg's Blog: Art & Culture Maven, page 22

Indie Single | Amo Jr. - Emotions (Independent / Release: 18 March 2022)

Indie Single
Amo Jr. - Emotions
(Independent / Release: 18 March 2022)

Buy It On BandcampStream It On Spotify

With straight from the heart lyrics in a piano ballad format, Amo Jr.'s new single is lit up with lush vocal harmonies and a nicely sincere emotional base.

The arrangement is layered and dimensional. His piano part creates a solid emotional base for the harmonies and instrumental lines to weave in and out of. 

Fidelis Amo-Antwi, aka Pap C, aka Bursty Burst is coming back to the music scene after a five-year hiatus as Amo Jr. The songwriter, guitar player, and performer is based in Hamburg, Germany. 

He grew up in the "Garden City" of Kumasi in the Ashanti region of Ghana during the turbulent rule of J.J.Rawlings. Amo's father fled to Germany and was granted political asylum there in 1988, with the rest of the family following him to Northeim 5 years later. 

Amo's music is informed by his first love - classic Ghanaian Highlife - bolstered by the influences of his second home in Germany, from indie to pop, blues and soul.

It's an interesting combination of elements to bring together in his music. 

Personnel: Written & Composed: Amo Jr.; Arrangements: Amo Jr.+ Franz Schedlbauer; Piano: Amo Jr. + Christian Schällert Guitars, Bass, Programming: Franz Schedlbauer Flute: Charlotte Ortmann 

Stay in touch:

http://www.amojr.com/https://www.facebook.com/amojrmusic/https://twitter.com/AmoJr9https://www.instagram.com/amojrmusic/

Indie Pop | Optacure: Stray (Independent / 15 February 2022)

Indie Pop
Optacure: Stray
(Independent / 15 February 2022)

Stream It On Spotify

It's true that I've got you
But I don't know what that means

Optacure's latest single Stray is upbeat pop with an infectious beat that will have you bouncing in your seat. Based in Australia, the track was recorded in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, and in Quezon City, Philippines. 

From the Artist:

"The song explores the perspective of someone who loses trust in relationships - friends, family, or romantic. In an extended period of thinking of being alone, this person will slowly question what it means to have someone and what the limitations are in every relationship."

Emmanuel Aguila adds layers of shimmering guitar and bell-tones from the keyboard that spin around the base of Edmund's vocals and acoustic guitar. It's a nice combination of elements that add textural depth to the track.

From the artist's bio:

Optacure is a fabricated word which means Optical Cure. It's a philosophy of searching for a universal perspective through music. It is the backbone of the art surrounding the music which focuses on presenting different perspectives to ponder on.

After moving to Australia, songwriter Edmund Gemelo Jr. found himself without the usual bandmates. He connected with producer Emmanuel Aguila to release a series of singles.

It's upbeat indie pop with a sophisticated edge.

Personnel: Edmund Gemelo Jr. - vocals and acoustic guitars; Emmanuel Aguila - electric guitars, bass, keys, and drums

Stay in touch:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/optacure/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optacure/

Country Folk With A Twist Or Two | Westrock: Welcome to the River (Independent / 24 September 2021)

Country Folk With A Twist Or Two
Westrock: Welcome to the River
(Independent / 24 September 2021)

Stream It On Spotify

Westrock's Welcome to the River covers familiar territory, with a polished sense of musicianship and sweet harmonies that enhance August Huckabee's melodic tenor. The result lies somewhere between roots and contemporary country, Americana and country rock. 

The band released a string of singles through 2020, and Welcome to the River is their first full-length album. Their music is characterized by melodic songwriting, and some unexpected turns. 

There are flashes of rock guitarwork from Dave Beegle that emerge from the country folk vibe, leaning into rock territory on Dirty Girl. It adds a modern dimension to the elements of traditional Americana.

Instrumentation is rich and layered, including mandolin, fiddle, and both acoustic and electric guitar. Dark Horse is a standout track, a slow, atmospheric ballad.

Life from a Lift Chair begins with familiar country idioms, then the band inserts interesting chord changes and rhythms and a jazzy instrumental break or two. It's typical of their inventive approach to the genre.

Cowgirl from Bruneau is a rollicking track with a story to tell, with lyrics lit up by a sense of observation and poetry.

Thematically, the release is heavily influenced by a sense of place - frontman August Huckabee grew up on a farm in West Texas and consequently has deep roots in the Texas Country/Red Dirt scene. Lyrically, the album is for those who enjoy the outdoor lifestyle.

Now based in Colorado, the band had this to say in a statement:

Westrock’s sound is high energy, hard-charging kick drum melodies with the folk-rock influences of the fiddle and mandolin. We’re here to celebrate the mountain tribe and get down with those who would rather be outside. 

Personnel:

Dave Beegle: Electric Guitar & Bass, August Huckabee: Lead Vocal & Acoustic Guitar, Amy Ballinger: Harmony Vocal & Mandolin, Christian Teele: Drums, Enion Pelta-Tiller: Fiddle 

Tracklist: 1. Dirty Girl; 2. Life from a Lift Chair; 3. Welcome to the River; 4. Dark Horse; 5. Quiet Place; 6. Hannah Jayne; 7. Alpine Start; 8. Cowgirl from Bruneau; 9. Hey Hey  

Stay in touch:

Official Website: www.westrockband.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/westrockmusicInstagram: @westrockmusic

A Sense Of Invention | Arnab Sengupta: Leap of Faith (Independent / 14 January 2022)

A Sense Of Invention
Arnab Sengupta: Leap of Faith
Independent / 14 January 2022)

Stream it on SpotifyBuy it on Bandcamp

Elements of multiple genres emerge in the intriguing work of Arnab Sengupta, including jazz, blues, world, classical and experimental.

On Leap of Faith, his third album, he's reaching for universal truths along with musical invention.

From the artist:

“For “Leap of Faith” I wanted to try out some new styles and sounds. The creative ideas for the songs in this album have spanned over 5 years, which entailed my migration to Australia, my experiences of setting up life in a new environment, my learning and regular practice of Vipassana meditation and dedicating my musical direction to learning and practicing Jazz piano with my teacher from New York.

“So this album did mark a “Leap of Faith” in many ways. The songs in this album are more versatile and there is a certain stylistic variety which shines through, though the words are still about my pursuit of the final frontier – the ultimate truth and meaning of Life.”

 
The tracks range from the driving jazz beat of Face in the Crowd, lit up by the vocals of Anshu Jha, to This Way, which marries danceable beats to contemplative, soulful lyrics. Instrumentation is varied and changes up with the personnel on each track. Alone But Not Lonely is heavy on melodic guitar, with elements of classical music and art song in a jazzy mix. Leap of Faith features a strong drum line by percussionist Patrick Simard, set against Scott Allen's lead guitar in a progrock arrangement. 
The 8 tracks offer variety in style and genre, with an eclectic sense of musicianship. 
Based in Sydney currently, Arnab is an alumni of Berklee College of Music, and works as a vocal coach and session artist - along with developing a live show. 
Personnel: Arnab Sengupta - Vocals, Backing Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards/Piano, Songwriting, Composition & Arrangements; Anshu Jha – Vocals, Songwriting on Face in The Crowd; Andrija Gavrilovic – Horns & Brass Arrangements, Trumpets, Saxophone; Sonu Sangameswaran - Bass on Leap of Faith; Elin Sandberg - Bass on Face in the Crowd, This Way; Yoshiki Yamada - Bass on Drudgery Train, Perfect Line, Set in Stone; Patrick Simard - Drums on Leap of Faith; Matias Menarguez - Drums on This Way, Face in The Crowd; Bruno Werner - Drums on Set in Stone, Perfect Line; Larry Salzman - Percussions on Drudgery Train; Scott Allen - Lead Guitars on Leap of Faith 
Stay in Touch: Facebook Instagram 

PsychPop | Swansgate: Becoming Someone (Independent / 29 April 2022)

PsychPop
Swansgate: Becoming Someone
(Independent / 29 April 2022)

Stream it on Spotify

“With this album, we really wanted to bottle up about 20+ years worth of musical influence into a 45 minute piece of music. My dad died a year before starting the project, and that thrust me into a transformation of sorts. 

“I went through a long process of reflection, which led to a better understanding of who I am. Just as we are all children of our ancestors, this album is a child of all of the musical ideas that inspired it. I really tried hard to capture the essence of every artist I’ve ever loved, while arranging things in a way that is new and fun to listen to.” - Stu Draughn

Currently based out of Charlotte, NC, Becoming Someone is the debut albun for Swansgate, a trio of close friends who've concocted a brew of synthesizer-driven psychedelic pop. 

The mood is dreamy and often mesmerizing in effect. The trio's music is characterized by earworm melodies set against interesting rhythms. While the music is definitely synth-heavy, electronics are used in the service of the song, creating a smooth and multi-layered sound.

Lost in the Sun is appropriately trippy, with jazzy chord changes and an irresistible groove. In Island of Lies, the mood turns to a trancey dance-friendly vibe with echoes of the Middle East. Stu Draughn's vocals are fluid - enhanced with studio wizardry to add to the track rather than disguise weakness. 

Drunken Limbo is a standout track, one where Draughn's observant poetry is showcased against a syncopated rhythm and atmospheric keyboards. The beat and rhythm change about halfway through, building with a sense of urgency.

Each song offers something a little different, keeping it fresh through 12 tracks. Lust For Love and Why Need Someone are sweetly melodic in a romantic vein. The group's musical sense of invention comes to the fore on Broken Role Models, with a blend of dreamy melody, spoken word, and moody harmonies. 

It's a intriguing release of polished work with a high bar of musicianship.

Tracklist: 1. Lost in the Sun; 2. Island of Lies; 3. Lust for Love; 4. Drunken Limbo; 5. While the Nighttime Wades; 6. Why Need Someone?; 7. Broken Role Models; 8. Notice Me; 9. Lines to Us; 10. The Story (End of Emotion); 11. Moving Forward; 12. Embedded Rhythm

Personnel: Stu Draughn - vocals, keyboards, piano, guitars, bass, drum programming, samples, MIDI programming; Michael McKinney - Drums (tracks 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12); Gabe McKinney - Bass (track 12)

Stay in touch:

Official Website: www.swansgatemusic.com FacebookInstagram

Eclectic Guitar | Chris Forte: Backyard Astronomy (Independent / 22 October 2021)

Eclectic Guitar
Chris Forte: Backyard Astronomy
(Independent / 22 October 2021)

Stream It On Spotify

Eclectic guitar love with high bar of musicianship - that's the appeal of veteran musician Chris Forte's latest release, Backyard Astronomy.

The majority of the tracks on the album (11 out of 14) are instrumentals, showcasing his rich musical imagination. Searchin' is haunting and evocative in a folk mode. Liquid guitar lines take the place of vocals in a smooth and seamless effect. 

Using a combination of earworm harmonic changes and melodic density, the compositions hold your attention. In A Funk is a kinetic ride of musical virtuosity, where a nice fat organ accompanies his nimble guitar work against a driving beat.

Forte doesn't get stuck into any kind of stylistic rut. He gives the blues classic a glossy contemporary makeover, with jazzy overtones and gorgeous vocals by LaShera Moore. In Tranquilo, the rhythms are Latin, the guitar work bright and fluid, and the pace lightning quick. Moore jumps in again on the jazzy and piano-driven The Way We Love, and the gospel/Americana Messed Up World.

Quarantine Coronatones takes a trip into ambient territory, with mesmerizing water sounds along with a trippy guitar rhythm. He covers Rhapsody in Blue, giving the iconic track a layer of bluesy guitar. The title track is melancholic and introspective, rendered in impressive fingerwork on the frets. 

Chris Forte is a performing and touring guitarist based out of the Chicago area, with a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from Roosevelt University. Along with his work as a solo artist, he is the musical director and a performer in the SoundTracks of a Generation show, and tours with Mannheim Steamroller.

If you love the guitar, and following a virtuosic take through multiple genres with impeccable musical taste, Chris Forte's latest effort is a worthwhile buy.

With 15 musicians and singers involved, the album was recorded at various studios and at Chris' home during the quarantine.

Personnel: Chris Forte – Guitar, LaShera Moore – Vocals, Chris “Hambone” Cameron and Matt Becker – Keyboards, Chuck Webb, Brian Ebert, and Mike Zabrin – Bass, Rob Davis and Luiz Ewerling – Drums, and other various guests

Tracklist: 1. Searchin’; 2. In A Funk; 3. The Thrill Is Gone; 4. Tranquillo; 5. A Lifetime With You; 6. Quarantine Coronatones; 7. Rehash Swagger; 8. The Way We Love; 9. The Swan; 10. Messed Up World; 11. Covidy Blues; 12. Rhapsody In Blue; 13. Baby Steps; 14. Backyard Astronomy

Stay In Touch: 

Official Website: www.chrisforteguitar.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisforteba... @chrisforteguitar

Note: I know the vid looks odd, but it will play :)

Harbourfront Centre Presents Ontario Premiere of A’nó:wara Dance Theatre’s 'Sky Dancers'

From a media release:

Harbourfront Centre Presents
Ontario Premiere of
A’nó:wara Dance Theatre’s Visually Stunning Sky Dancers

Multidisciplinary production explores the impact of Quebec bridge disaster that killed 33 Mohawk ironworkers in 1907 - May 20 to 23, 2022

Buy Tickets

TORONTO, ON – Harbourfront Centre presents the Ontario premiere of A’nó:wara Dance Theatre’s multidisciplinary work, Sky Dancers, on stage May 20-23, 2022 at Fleck Dance Theatre, as part of the contemporary dance series Torque. 

Sky Dancers, photo by Brian Medina

Sky Dancers explores the impact of the Quebec Bridge disaster of 1907, which killed 33 ironworkers from the Mohawk community of Kahnawake. When the bridge collapsed while under construction, the fallout was felt around the world and the aftermath still echoes across generations today. Through the integration of contemporary and traditional dance genres, award-winning Mohawk and mixed heritage choreographer/director Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo, whose great-grandfather Louis D’Aillebous died in the tragedy, brings the past to the present in a way that will haunt and captivate audiences, deepening our understanding of Indigenous peoples’ history.

“We are thrilled to present the long-awaited Ontario premiere of A’nó:wara Dance Theatre’s vital and potent work, Sky Dancers. The Montreal-based company was part of a production residency at Harbourfront Centre in 2019 and scheduled to make its world premiere with Sky Dancers in May 2020 when the pandemic hit,” says Nathalie Bonjour, Director, Performing Arts at Harbourfront Centre. 

Sky Dancers, photo by Brian Medina

“We feel immensely privileged to present this crucial work now, while honouring those that perished in this horrific tragedy. While Sky Dancers is choreographer Kaneratonni Diabo’s deeply personal response to the disaster, and a reflection on Indigenous peoples history, the work also touches on universal and resonant themes of disaster, family, community, resilience, and the importance of building bridges between communities and generations.”

Originally premiering on September 10, 2021 as part of Festival Quartiers Danses, at Place des Arts, Montreal, “the epic film, dance and theatre show” (NS Reviews) features eight dancers and a guitarist live on stage, complemented by a mesmerizing soundscore. Sky Dancers will showcase an impressive breadth of dance genres including contemporary, lyrical, breakdancing and Indigenous hoop dancing, stunning video projection, and an elaborate set design.

Sky Dancers, photo by Brian Medina

More than a century since the accident, Sky Dancers not only explores, from an Indigenous perspective, the impact the loss had on Kaneratonni Diabo’s community, but also shines a light on the strength of the Mohawk community and the resilience of the widowed women and children. The work puts a human face to a story that represents many of the struggles that Indigenous peoples have had to face.

Alongside choreographer Kaneratonni Diabo, a number of the descendants of the victims of the Quebec Bridge tragedy will be on stage or have contributed to the creation of the work: music composer Michael Tekaronhianeken Diabo; singer Marshall Kahente Diabo; Mohawk translator and elder George Wahiakeron Gilbert; dancer Lauren Ashley Jiles; and archivist Cathy Rice.

Set, video and lighting design by Andy Moro and costumes by Jeff Chief.

Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo will also be leading a masterclass on different styles, perspectives and the meanings behind Indigenous dances on May 17 from 7-9pm at the Walter Carsen Centre for the National Ballet of Canada.

Barbara Diabo, photo by Sylvie-Ann Paré

A’nó:wara Dance Theatre is led by Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo. An award-winning choreographer and dancer for more than 30 years, she specializes in creating works that highlight Indigenous themes, stories and perspectives by often combining powwow, Haudenosaunee dance and other contemporary styles to create a fusion of dance that speaks to many different populations. Kaneratonni Diabo has performed across Canada and internationally, including the Banff Centre, National Arts Centre, Confederation Centre for the Arts, Place des Arts, Prismatic Arts Festival, Harbourfront Centre and Festival Quartiers Danses. She was the recent recipient of the prestigious Prix interprète de la danse (dancer) at the 2021 Prix de la Danse de Montréal.

Blues/Rock Veteran | Doug Henthorn: Three (Independent / 6 May 2022)

Blues/Rock Veteran
Doug Henthorn: Three
(Independent / 6 May 2022)

Stream Him On Spotify

A veteran of the American rock and blues scene, Doug Henthorn comes out of the pandemic with a strong new release. 

Henthorn has a depth of talent that mines multiple modes from the classic rock/blues idiom.  Set Em Up, Throw Em Back, Knock Em Down, despite the pugilistic title, is a slow, contemplative groove. His vocals have just the right raspy sense of world weariness to convey the mood.

He covers The Cars classic Drive in a slow and sexy groove that emphasizes melody, adding an irresistible rhythm to the mix. He also does a muscular cover of The Eagles' Wasted Time, and a slide guitar version of The Beatles' Across The Universe.

Fate of None showcases the strength of his vocals, with both power and melodic flexibility in an anthemic song anchored by both guitar and keys. 

Songs like Forewarned and Failing, and So Long, Goodbye fall squarely into bluesy rock territory, while Counting Down Every Minute falls into a country-rock mode, and he does rock straight up in Devil's Coming Home.

Prior to his solo career, Doug formed the Healing Sixes, releasing three records with producer Kevin Shirley, Jason Bonham on drums, and featuring guitarist Joe Bonamassa. He's also performed and recorded with the likes of John Hiatt and Beth Hart.

 
He's bounced back from health issues and the pandemic to release a new album. Doug spoke about the experience in a release. 
"After releasing my first solo record 'Cold Medicine' (2016), I encountered some health issues and found myself contemplating end of life scenarios. I was writing a lot of material in this time period but didn't feel right about releasing it after my recovery. I released 'The LLC' (my second solo release) instead," he says in a release. 
"With the onset of the pandemic, lockdowns and isolation, I found myself contemplating again - adding to the material I'd compiled years earlier, and wanting to release this material. It feels right to release now. It's a bit dark and obviously contemplative, but really a very positive and hopeful record. Sometimes dark, sometimes poking fun at myself, from mellow and somber to straight up hard rock, I feel it's the most honest record I've done to date. There are three covers on the record as well that fit perfectly." 
The release lights up with stellar guitar work, and strong rock vocals. Along with a gift for crafting catchy new blues rock, he can wring new emotions out of well-worn covers. 
Personnel:Doug Henthorn: Voice and Guitars; Tim Fuller: Bass; Travis Feaster: Guitars; Troye Kinnett: Keys; Brian Yarde, Devon Ashley, Wade Parish:Drums 
Tracklist: 1: Set Em Up, Throw Em Back, Knock Em Down; 2: Drive; 3: Fate of None; 4: Forewarned and Failing; 5: Wasted Time; 6: Counting Down Every Minute; 7: So Long, Goodbye; 8: The Tourist; 9: Across the Universe; 10: Devil's Come Home 
Websites: Official Website: www.doughenthorn.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehenthornllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doughenthornmusic/  

Retro Pop Single | Emery Pulse: Gift Box (Independent / 20 December 2021)

Retro Pop Single
Emery Pulse: Gift Box
(Independent / 20 December 2021)

Stream it on Spotify

Florida-based Emery Pulse is a big fan of retro pop, as she talks about in a media release.

"As a fan of 80s pop, I strive to bring a retro flare to new music. ‘Gift Box’ contains 80s pop snares and DX7-esque chimes wrapped in modern elements." 

Her new single Gift Box is bright and bouncy, with lush vocals and harmonies wrapped up in an earworm tune and danceable beat. The message is equally upbeat - a nice contrast with the times.

The arrangement is synthy, with a sweet rhythm guitar line that runs through the song. Emery has just the right kind of sweet soprano to make the mood work. 

She's assembled a talented crew to contribute, including guitarist Chris Camozzi, who has collaborated with Mariah Carey, Michael Bolton, Kelly Clarkson and others. Accomplished producer Brett Brown (Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker) provides percussion and co-produces the track with Emery Pulse.

Stay in touch:

https://www.emerypulse.com/https://www.instagram.com/emerypulse/https://www.facebook.com/EmeryPulse/

Americana/Alt-Country Veteran | Stevie Cornell - Stevie Cornell (Sonoma-Sonic Records / 25 March 2022)

Americana/Alt-Country
Stevie Cornell - Stevie Cornell
(Sonoma-Sonic Records / 25 March 2022)

Check Out The Album On Bandcamp

Stevie Cornell is a veteran of the music biz (notably the East Bay punk scene of the 1970s,) and a band called the Young Adults, who took a break - a long break. They talked about coming back to music in a release.

"This album release marks my official return to music after a Rip Van Winkle twenty years away! Styles have changed and I’ve changed too, but I’m still all about the song. Rather than rely on loops and beats, I wrote all of these songs on paper at a real piano, like some old guy in a tiny Brill Building office full of heartache and cigarette smoke. I produced each track according to it’s own wishes, and so I’ve ended up with an album that wanders all across the landscape of my entire musical past, which, as you can tell by listening, is a pretty broad piece of geography! I filled the tracks with plenty of ear candy (I play a lot of instruments ) but the songs work just as well when I perform them solo." 

With a pedigree that also includes Americana stalwarts the Movie Stars (from San Fran), and retro country band Red Meat, it's not surprising his new material falls squarely into those genres.

He's got a fluid approach to songwriting that creates fresh interest out of well worn genres, and the album incorporates many modes, from the plaintive alt-country If Crying Is A Crime or Hope Came By Today to the folk-pop of I Couldn't Reach You.

Sailboat combines pop and jazzy elements for a unique sound with a spooky edge, while I'm In A Dream is reminiscent of Brit-pop brightness. That impression becomes even stronger in songs like Whispering Wind and Feet First, with their hooky guitar riffs. 

As a songwriter, he's got a nice ear for catchy melodies, albeit without a classic pop-style vocal hook. Vocally, he ranges from an earnest tenor to a melodic falsetto, and instrumentally, each song gets its own treatment, from simple acoustic guitar to layers of electric guitar and keyboard. 

Fans of Americana and alt-country will find a lot to like in this upbeat collection of songs. 

Stay in touch:

Official Website: https://steviecornell.comFacebook: @steviecornellmusicTwitter: @stevecornellmu2Instagram: stevecornellmusic

Tracklist: 

01 “If Crying Is A Crime”; 02 “I Couldn’t Reach You”; 03 “Sailboat”; 04 “I’m In A Dream”; 05 “Hope Came By Today”; 06 “Black Hole In My Heart”; 07 “Whispering Wind”; 08 “A Tune That I Don’t Know”; 09 “Feet First”; 10 “Sarah”; 11 “Over Too Soon”; 12 “Just A Phase”