Chuck Morris- A Good Life ( Single Review)

Words by Anselm Anderson 

Jazz Drummer Chuck Morris forged a career on The Arsenio Hall Show, before forming his own band  Chuck Morris & Freedom.

The legendary musician now releases new single " A Good Life" from his upcoming new album, due for release in 2019.

The upbeat, jazzy, funk piece has garnered attention across national radio stations, as well as coverage in Europe and Japan. This is none too surprising once you hear the first few seconds of notes that slither across the overt drum -fills and saxophone that introduce this to an all to endearing ear. The funky rhythm of bass skips across nicely to the encompassing vocals of Morris himself. The listener truly hears the joy in his wholesome voice as he bellows out huge vocals lines. The lyrics content feels like an autobiographical account of what makes Morris enjoy his life. This shines through with the harmonic progressions and melodic accompaniment of a talented music section.

 This does not feel showy, but... more a feelgood factor. There is a nice instrumental break midway that you can't help but pat your knees too. The searing keyboards and drums work in tandem to the constant revolving motions of bass that never lets up. Chuck Morris is currently working on a new project with a slew of talented musicians such as Tracy Carter ( Keys) Andrew Gouche ( Bass) Eric Walls ( ( Guitar) Craig Thomas ( Sax) and many more.

You can follow Chuck Morris via www.facebook.com/chuckmorris

You can check out the song by clicking on the Player below;

 

Lazer & Levi- One More Time ( Single Review)

Lazer & Levi are A Country/ American duo born and raised out of the confines of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado Springs, USA.

They have been playing bars and clubs since the ages of 10 and 14 respectively, accompanied by the acquisition of a hundred songs written in reserve.

This exciting prospect has performed at many shows and supported many renowned acts.
Lazer & Levi now release their new single "One More Time" which is taken from their EP The Prologue. They have been described as "a new twist off of Americana music that is sure to leave you wanting more". and this is no understatement

This example of upbeat, feel-good Country music really lights up the room with its reflective lyrics and boogie riff, which will lead fans to discover more from their array of written tracks.

"One More Time" opens with an easy ear riff-packed full of charm and signature bluesy phrases that supplement the harmonic vocals from the duo. As they croon about those good times, the guitar breaks really amplify their confident Americana sounds with a delectable solo towards the end that underlies the band's ability to write simple songs for a targeted audience.


" One More Time" is off the band's upcoming EP The Prologue

For more information on the duo please visit www.lazerandlevimusic.com

Alternatively, you can follow them via 

www.facebook.com/LazerandLevi, 

  www.twitter.com/LazerandLevi &

www.instagram.com/lazerandlevi

Joshua KYEOT S- Blocks ( Single Review)

Joshua KYEOT is a soulful singer/songwriter originally from Accra, Ghana and raised in Croydon, London. KYEOT has a background rich in a musical experience. Albeit, as a leading tenor in high school, or cutting vocals at university halls, Kyeot taught himself to play instruments and sing.

He is now on something of a crescendo wave on the back of a memorable year that has seen the young musician release his own two-track project " She Loves Me", alongside a sold-out appearance at Servants Jazz Quarters, and BBC introducing. He now releases the new single " S-Blocks" off the upcoming EP " She Loves Me".

And what transpires is a beautiful woven pattern of different genres that combine to create a momentary rainbow of harmonious textures that would be beneficial for a regular radio release. "S- Blocks" takes a trip through soul, afro-beats, hard rock and pop with heartfelt lyrics that will keep plenty bating more.

The track starts off with a muted bass sound that skips along to a steady rhythm, before the introduction to KYEOT's sinewy vocals that captivate the audience with power and emotion.

The bridge takes a different direction with the screech of a heavy-laden electric guitar

sound that borrows influence from classic rock acts before returning to the soulful acapella of KYEOT's cries.

I feel the inclusion of a guitar solo towards the end adds resolution to a track that feels like a man saying goodbye to a loved one. The dynamic mix of flute and a competent rhythm section rounds out a well-polished entrance for the man from Accra.

Joshua KYEOT will be performing at Sebright Arms, London on February 7th 2019.

If you would like more information about the singer you can follow him via

 https://en-gb.facebook.com/JoshuaKYEOT/ &


 https://www.instagram.com/joshuaKYEOT&


https://twitter.com/joshuaKYEOT?lang=en


Please click on the link below to listen to the track;

Song Review: Freya Alley- Another Man

Freya Alley is an accomplished and adaptable singer!! That is not a bad statement to start a review on a young star that oozes the ability to appeal to one's emotions. Many readers of this blog will recognise the name of a singer I reviewed back in July.

Alley moved to London from her native Lithuania several years back to pursue a musical career. She soon teamed up with Songwriter Laurence Hobbs from Charthouse Studios, which has found success with notable names like Pixie Lott and Sam Smith.

Frey Alley now treats us to her new single Another Man, a track about the complexities of love that leads to breaking up in a relationship.

I feel this has a slightly darker tone to Come Back, which was released in July. The subtle electronic beats create an eerie atmosphere, that truly symbolises the pain one can feel in this situation.

The most striking attribute of Alley I like is her songwriting, as she writes heartfelt poetry.

This speciality allows the listener to empathise with the subject because they can envision behind it.

Another man combines this songwriting technique with stark music that has similarities to LanaDel Rey. The track opens with a piano-driven passage that maintains a mid-tempo build to Alley's warm and pain-etched vocals. The inclusion of drum loops and multi-layered vocals adds to the unsettling feeling when you listen.

You can find out more information by visiting www.freyaalley.com

Alternatively, you can follow her via 

www.facebook.com/FreyaAlley

www.twitter.com/freya_alley

www.instagram.com/freya.alley

Tom Auton- Stay (Single review)

Words by Anselm Anderson

Tom Auton is a 19-year-old singer/ songwriter prodigy from Cardiff, Wales. Tom started learning guitar and piano at the age of 9, which has played a large part in his music writing.

If that is not all, he won two national first-place awards at "Open Mic UK ( 2014) and " Future Music UK Song Writing Competition a year later.

Tom made his breakthrough by breaking into Fender's top Ten undiscovered artists' list, which is an achievement for someone so young. 

He now releases his second EP ' Big Glass Little Bowl',  a follow-up to a highly successful debut.

Tom's next single Stay has all the swagger and bravado to be a hit. The overall bluesy sound supplements the hubris of the star's lyrical content about a song  I believe is about falling for the wrong woman.

The simple guitar lines stretch and squeal along to the star's cool vibe. His vocals are not too flashy but are suited to a simple electric acoustic song like this. I would personally like to hear more from this star to see how far he can go with his mercurial talents.

The addition of an edgier piano sound creates another dimension to the music. As one critic, quoted "The young singer-songwriter should fill out a deed poll and change his name to The Alchemist - as everything he touches turns to gold.” David Owens,  Music Critic.

 He certainly may be on his way towards reaching gold with more tracks like this one.

You can listen to the track below:

If you like the sound of this, please find more from Tom via his website below

www.tomauton.com

Alternatively, you can follow him via www.facebook.com/tomautonmusic
and  www.twitter.com/tomauton

Monky Fighters- She From Keg ( Single Review)

Monkey Fighters describe themselves as " Presidents of the Stone Age, or Queens of the USA". This quirky statement underlies the band's energy and strong personality that comes from a band starting off. The Bristol-based group was originally formed in 2003. However, the band soon disbanded after releasing an EP, amid a few lineups changes with drummers. They have now returned with a re-recording of those tracks and recently released their debut single " She from Tiny Keg", which was initially published at the tail end of last month via all good digital platforms and streaming services.

Monkey Fighters play alternative- grunge- prog rock with an extra dose of Punk added to the mix.  If this doesn't pique your interest, the opening riff will whet your appetite. The combination of an edgy bassline and the opening chords of the crunchy guitar riff will instantly keep you hooked. The track manages to sustain this high-tempo riff throughout over the steady tempo of bass, which hints at elements of the blues. This keeps the song fresh and engaging for the listener, which supplements the rich vocal lines. The lyrical content is as quirky as the band's name suggests. Yet, this track is a finely constructed piece that climaxes with a well-rounded solo that screeches in tandem with the thundering echoes of impressive drumming.

Monkey Fighters may have won the first battle here.

if you'd like more information, please visit their website http://www.helphelpmonkeyfighters.com

or you can follow them via

http://www.instagram.com/monkeyfightersband


http://www.twitter.com/monkeyfighters


http://www.youtube.com/monkeyfighters


http://www.soundcloud.com/monkeyfighters

Please listen to the track below

Lilith- Deep Waters (Single Review)

Words by Anselm Anderson

Folk singer/songwriter Lilith started writing songs at the age of 11 and developing her own unique writing style by entering competitions at a young age. Lilith now releases her new single "Deep Waters" via Charthouse Music Studios in London, where she recently performed at one of their showcase events.

 

She also recently picked up a highly commended certificate at the 2017 UK Songwriting Competition. I feel Lilith brings a breath of fresh air to an always-evolving market in the folk scene.

Her lyrics are deep and poetic, with a strong message about feeling left out. I believe there are strong comparisons between KT Tunstall and Regina Spektor.

 'Deep Waters' is one of those folk songs that incorporates many different textures and images that creates a feeling of walking on clouds and looking down on the world. The slow tempo build of acoustic fingerpicking gradually comes to light with the haunting and powerful vocals of Lilith. This song is made to be more evocative with the unusual use of steel guitar and effects that sound similar to a western film.

Lilith produces a warm and tender track designed to attack those senses.

Single Review: FireBug- Follower

Words by Anselm Anderson

The California-based Firebug is an Alternative Rock group,, heavily influenced by 70's rock and New Orleans blues. They have been generating a following amongst festival-goers and concert attendees. The band's groove-orientated rock has enlightened 80,000 fans at Sonisphere in Knebworth, England. The band released Follower ,  the first track from the new album Wandering Soul.

The thing that strikes me most about the track is the high-energy riff that is maintained throughout and the soulful timbre of lead singer Juliette Tworsey. The 70's influenced vibes make this an instant favourite with its polished production values and blues-tinged rhythmic patterns.

The track begins with the tantalising hook that leads into the vocals of Tworsey, a rich and tender entrance that hypnotises the listener. Her voice blends with the buzz of guitar-driven desert rock with a nice new Orleans solo that fits in with the structure of the music.

Wandering Soul is now available via itunes.

You can listen to the track below;

The Kut- Hollywood Rock 'N' Roll ( Single Review)

The Kut are a three-pronged assault of raw, '90s-infused grunge and alt-rock that is set to ignite a stage near you. The alter ego of multi-instrumentalist Princess Maha. The Kut has been causing quite a stir with their arduous touring and festival appearances that include Download and Camden Rocks, as well as appearances on national radio stations and TV stations like Kerrang! and Scuzz.

They now release Hollywood Rock 'n' Roll, off their new album Valley of the Thorns, which reached #7 on the UK Rock album charts. This is an energetic ball of scuzzy guitars and hellacious attitude, which reminds me of A edgier Runaways that begins with a blood-pumping and sonic riff that inflame with choral chants of "HOLLYWOOD ROCK AND ROLL".

This is a fun track that shows the girls are really enjoying themselves, which could easily be a crowd-pleaser at festivals for fans who want a good time.

The production is so refined you can almost feel the fingers climbing up the fretboard. The bass is thunderous, the vocals are boisterous and the music is loud!!!

Valley of the Thorns is now available via Criminal Records you can hear the track below

Nelson King Shine On ( Single Review)

Nelson King is a Lo-Fi, Indie singer, based in Brighton, England. King is fast becoming a hit on the Indie scene with many describing his music as a prolific catalogue of material that navigates an array of genres with effortless versatility.

He now releases Shine on, the next single off his latest album Shine. King names The Beatles, T-Rex and Jimi Hendrix as his influences, which are none more evident than on this track. An acoustic and melodic track that would be expected to grace the airwaves of all national radio stations.

The song is simple without any complex structures. which is why I believe can become a hit. King's vocals are raw and receptive to any listener taking a long drive home from work. The strumming pattern is basic with subtle backbeats with a singalong chorus and beautiful fingerpicking that blend with an accustomed backing drum track that provides a tight rhythm.

You can listen to the track below

Just aJester- Someone Like You ( Single Review)

London-born Just A Jester AKA Timothy Daniel Whittaker has had an illustrious career in the music industry, having supported established musicians like Van Morrison, played with Stuart Copeland of The Police and performed 7 times at Glastonbury Festival. Whittaker now releases his second solo track Someone Like You, a charming and upbeat acoustic track enthusing full of wisdom.

 Someone Like You starts off the subtle taps of cymbals that lead to the uptempo and bright tones of guitar loops that transition into a huge pop chorus. The strumming pattern and reflective lyrics produce a warm song that builds nicely to a satisfactory finish. The bridges are delightful as the vocals are receptive to new listeners. This is a track I feel shares similarities with the rock band Biffy Clyro and is understandable why Just A Jester has been a regular at Festivals. This is certainly a track that could be a successful summer track.

You can listen to the track via Spotify or find more information via www.facebook.com/timothy.d.whitaker

Song Review: The New Realm- Troublemaker

The New Realm is a Hard Rock band from London, formed by brothers Lee Alexander (Vocals) and Ryan Margolis (Piano) in 2009.

The New Realm has gone on to forge a promising fanbase by supporting a host of legendary artists at some of the UK’s top live music venues and headlining their own shows in London. The duo now releases Troublemaker from their forthcoming second studio album due out this summer. It's an enjoyable feel-good rock track filled with a big chorus and dazzling melodies that will definitely light up any arena!

 The track begins with an electric piano intro that moistens the ears before the listener is addressed by the warm vocals of Alexander cooing “ You! Little Troublemaker” which incorporates gentle subtleties of electric guitar and a steady drumming pattern that erupts with a catchy chorus that is reminiscent of Dave Grohl’s finest work. The song's final breakdown ends with the explosion of huge strikes of bright guitar chords and piano that supplements# the impressive vocal ranges expressed here.

The song transitions through several colourful melodic lines that build towards a pop- a hook-laden chorus that’ll leave many fans flickering their lighters in the air. This is a well-structured track full of interweaving melodies and harmonies that attracts through slow bridges that picks the tracks up at the right time.

 For fans of Foo Fighters. You can find out more about the band via www.thenew-realm.com

or you follow them via social media at www.facebook.com/thenewrealm and www.twitter.com/thekotr

You can hear the track below

Song Review: Jonni Slater - Lights ( Refracted)

Jonni Slater now returns with his new single " Lights (Refracted)" from the upcoming EP “Inversions”.

 A sweet and melancholic track with heartfelt lyrics packed full of raw passion and emotion.

 Slater has been described “as being a talented kaleidoscopic and charismatic songwriter”. The Bristol-born Singer-Songwriter has played all over Europe and supported Bastille and Decemberists.

 Alongside a continuous programme of sound for 24 days in 24 hours, "Lights (Refracted)" is a structured form of ambience that gradually builds to a finish. It starts with wistful piano tinkering and Slater’s solitary vocals that create an intimate mood that climaxes with an outpouring of emotions that is not hard to empathise with. The inclusion of backing vocals and drum loop steadily clambers towards the chorus adds density to the overall power of the song’s message.  

For Fans of Peter Gabriel. Genesis

You can follow Jonni Slater via his website;

https://www.jonnislater.com/ or follow him via social media outlets;

http://www.facebook.com/jonnislatermusic


http://www.twitter.com/jonnislater


 https://www.instagram.com/jonnislater/

Song Review: Pretty Gritty- Love Don't Live Here Anymore-

Pretty Gritty delivers a track that is as the band’s name suggests. “ Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” is a sweet and enchanting track that will warm the hearts of anyone suffering in this cold weather.

 Pretty Gritty is a Portland-based Male / Female act, sung from the souls of Sarah Wolff and Blaine Heinonen. The duo sings crafted soulful harmonies against well-timed strums and beautiful lyrics. The Americana duo, originally from Rockville, Maryland, met at school where they both played in their respective bands. They crossed paths again when a mutual friend asked them to perform an “Open Mic”. Sarah herself described the name during an interview when describing their sound.

“Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” is the newest single from the latest album “Seven Year Itch”, produced by the iconic duo of Fred Cannon and Paul Buono.

Heinonen opens the track with a steady strumming pattern and raw vocal qualities that immediately grab at the heartstrings. Wolff interjects with the chorus to expose mellifluous harmonies that combine with the swirling backbeats that create an atmospheric timbre that will leave no tears dropped. They sing roots-y Americana that will attract many listeners to their harmonious voices.

Seven Year Itch is out now via Spotify, iTunes, google play and Amazon

You can find further information 

via  http://www.prettygrittymusic.com/music/

 or follow the band;

https://www.facebook.com/prettygritty 

 

https://twitter.com/PG_PrettyGrity

In the meantime, you can listen to the track below

Album Review: The Cubes- Fall Out EP

The Cubes are an Indie rock trio based in Liverpool from the brainchild of frontman Jacob Solarek, as part of several projects he has written and performed on his own.

Solarek forged The Cubes out of a jamming session between friends back in 2012. After several line-up changes. He is joined in the group by current members Chris Jones (Bass) and Danny Kirkham (Drums.) The trio has appeared at such notable venues in the City as The Cavern, Zanzibar, The Lantern Theatre and the Scoop event in the City of Liverpool College.

.

Fall out is the Five- track debut EP from the band that was recorded at Crosstown studios in Liverpool, and is expected to be released soon.  The EP shows promises of an exciting prospect emerging from a city enriched in musical history. The listener is treated to a half-hour mix of poetic lyrics and a well-honed rhythm section that combines Blues, Pop, Funk and Acoustic fused with Solareks raw outpourings through every syllable that is sung. In the opener Can you This is no more evident in Solarek's stuttering sneer combined with a hypnotic riff reflects the theme of forgiveness that climaxes with an exquisite solo that underlies his talents on vocals and guitar.

Next is the reminiscent About you, A Bob Dylan- esque  Acoustic track that evokes an image of somebody singing it on a beach. This gentle song will leave you drifting away with the waves. The upbeat chords of Too Bad see Solarek contemplate the woes of a past lover that resonates with a tasty slide guitar that feels like a farewell.

On the standout track, Ron’s blow the talented Jones and Kirkham showcase their versatility with a collective texture of thick bass and steady drumming that initiates building to a big finish with stark imagery that resolves with a dual bass/guitar solo that dazzles. The final track, Funky is four -minutes of what the title suggests converged with Solarek's pleas on vocals.  The great pedal effects add definition to the young band’s arsenal of talents. This wraps up an enjoyable first outing for the band that can only grow going forward packed with the volume of lyrical content, polished production and musical craftsmanship that serves as a precursor for a promising future.

For fans of Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, RHCP

Words by Anselm Anderson

EP Review:The NaveBlues- Self- Titled Release

The Nave Blues hail from Bergen, Norway and are fronted by the multi-talented vocalist/harmonica player Nave Pudnik. a man that aims "intention of becoming the blues you will come to know; Something different, yet familiar " a brand of modern blues combined with Alternative rock. Pudnik promises to make music an “oasis for the masses”. The brand of Blues he aims to create does not disappoint on this half-hour, 7 track debut with a solid display of soulful crooning, tasty guitar licks, and sonic harmonica play. This EP is a delightful insight into the crossover of classic ebbing towards modern blues. 

The opener Sexy Kiss is accompanied by an audiovisual to legendary harmonica player Little Walter, an inspiration to the lead vocalist, and who was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame in 2008. A blazing roar of that favoured instrument signals the intent with the juxtaposition of sultry vocals that interact between Pudnik and his female counterpart that oozes the bravado of a delta blues track. The combination of modern rock with classic blues is a strong dynamic that works with the music here. It is the mercurial abilities of Pudnik on the harmonica that captures the essence. He controls the instrument like it was his voice with the ability to alter his emotion through that acts as a purveyor throughout the remaining tracks.

 This is evident in the follow-up track Say My Name. A slow burner that feels reflective in the mood of the track and a beautiful multi-layered track that leaves you drifting through the clouds above. In a Quiet Place, A piano-soaked song has Pudnik and his counterpart reflecting on their thoughts that would not be out of place in a smoke-filled jazz lounge, Early in the morning is the standout track of separation has the frontman in a sonic mode with his harmonica playing centre stage in tandem with a slick guitar solo that whips into a frenzy that underlies the overall nature of the album. Thank you is a Led Zeppelin cover rich in melody and tenderness,

The album closes with The Ghost Collector , a rowdy 4-min jam session of frenzied blues, lung-busting harmonica of harmonica play and power chords that rouse the listener into a manic foot-stomping spell Tender Rose is a sweet and touching song finale with all the raw emotion and soul that wraps up an enjoyable half-hour lesson in the evolution of a new blues movement.

Words by Anselm Anderson

Social Media Links

https://thenaveblues.com/