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September 2023 MBR The Library CD Shelf
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Midwest Book Review
Sep 30, 2023, 9:23:44 PM9/30/23
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The Library CD Shelf
Elysian Eclipse
Vincent Lyn
Exxeo Publishing
www.exxeo.xyz
$TBA CD / $5.99 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDXK7MM4
Concert pianist, actor, and on-the-ground crusader for human rights worldwide Vincent Lyn presents Elysian Eclipse, an extraordinary piano album with contributions from Sami Turunen on guitar, Hector Ruano on bass guitar, Glenn Welman on percussion, Yoed Nir on cello and strings. The music represents Vincent Lyn's will to make the world a better place, as seen through his actions in starting the nonprofit organization We Can Save Children with the mission to rescue and recover trafficked children in Africa and the Middle East, his efforts to help families in Ukraine, and his outspoken condemnation of atrocities that have been committed against Ukraine's civilian population. Elysian Eclipse is powerful, profound, spiritually evocative, and worthy of the highest recommendation for both personal and public library music collections.
Love Walks Through Rain
Ann Sweeten
www.AnnSweeten.com
Orange Band Records
$15.99 CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/Love-Walks-Through-Rain-Sweeten/dp/B0C263QFDS
Love Walks Through Rain is an instrumental piano music album by concert stage music artist and cancer survivor Ann Sweeten, with contributions from Charlie Bisharat on violin, Eugene Friesen on cello, Nancy Rumbel on English horn, Premik Russell-Tubbs on EWI and soprano saxophone, Will Ackerman on guitar, and Tom Eaton on bass. The music is deeply emotional, inspirational, and spiritual, drawing inspiration from the love that sustains through tough times. Love Walks Through Rain includes songs that Ann Sweeten created as tribute to her beloved dogs. An inset booklet in the physical CD presents her thoughts and memories about caring for her dogs when they approached the end of their lives, and the many years of joy their companionship brought her. Love Walks Through Rain is a treasure for connoisseurs of instrumental music, highly recommended for both personal and public library collections. The tracks are Valley Greene, Glimmer, Seirios, The Winter's Circle, Love Walks Through Rain, Red - Requiem for an Old Friend, The Hills of Riversong, The Shadow of You, Through Jasmine's Eyes, Out of the Fog, and Valley Greene Orchestral Reprise.
The Gratitude Project
Sherry Finzer
sherryfinzer.com
Heart Dance Records
$17.98 CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/Gratitude-Project-Sherry-Finzer/dp/B0C9PJR6G3
Sherry Finzer presents The Gratitude Project, a new age, solo flute album on two CDs featuring peaceful, meditative, and inspirational music. All songs are original improvisations, some created for specific supporters of the project. A rapturously beautiful listening experience, The Gratitude Project embodies the emotions of hope, love, and compassion, and is highly recommended. The tracks are Genesis, Ghost Stories, The Extraction of Innocence, Flying Dreams, Introspective, Hidden Emotions, Undercurrent, A Whole New World, A Mother's Love, Unconditional, Heart Space, Finding Purpose, Strength, Sassafras, The Warrior, Exploratory Pathways, Raven Song, The Empress Within, Sacred Trees, Invoking the Spirit, Spirit's Grace, Winds of Change, Divergence, and Lovely Lovely Day.
Private Earth
Carlos Dengler
www.carlosdengler.com
$TBA CD / $7.74 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C641FN63
Carlos Dengler presents Private Earth, an ambient new age music album of rapturous beauty. All of the songs are Dengler's original compositions, performed by Dengler with contributions from Keith Bonner on the flute in "Violet Night", "Ancient Lake", and "Solemn Cavern". Inspired by the wonders of nature, Private Earth is passionate, immersive, and highly recommended especially for new age connoisseurs. The tracks are Desert Flora, Violet Night, Golden Dawn, Ancient Lake, Solemn Cavern, and Rising Mountain.
Geodepedie - Hidden Light
Christina Tourin
www.ChristinaTourin.com
Emerald Harp Productions
$15.98 CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/Geodepedie-Hidden-Light-Christina-Tourin/dp/B0BSR9J7LN
Harpist and composer Christina Tourin presents Geodepedie - Hidden Light, an original music album of ethereal beauty. The effulgent harp music accented by synth, guitar, and vocalizations is ideal for promoting relaxation, healing, and creative inspiration. Geodepedie - Hidden Light is a treasure for harp music connoisseurs, and public library collections, and also makes an excellent gift. The tracks are Geodepedie - Hidden Light; Music Is Love; Passacaglia - Handel's Healing Harp; Brigid's Green Mantle; Land O' The Leal; Early One Morning; Walk Through The Sunflowers; Reminisce; Sommarpsalm; Icelandic Northern Lights; Grieg's Morning Mood; Largo - Vivaldi's Vision; Arigato, I For You; Amethyst Of Avalon; As Above So Below; and Colors Of The Season.
Into the Quiet
Deborah Martin and Jill Haley
Spotted Peccary Music
www.SpottedPeccary.com
$16.99 CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/Into-Quiet-Deborah-Martin/dp/B0BYK7D52D
The second collaboration between electronic music artist Deborah Martin and established oboe player Jill Haley, Into the Quiet is an electronic ambient music album featuring masterful performances on the flute, horn, synth, harp, oboe, and more. All songs are original and instrumental. A captivating, deeply immersive listening experience, Into the Quiet is ideal for meditation, relaxation, or encouraging creativity, and is highly recommended especially for connoisseurs of the genre. The tracks are Sleeping Giants, Falling Away From the Earth, Into the Quiet, Reaching the Ambient, Refuge, Hall of Whispers, Elements, and Violet Night.
A Walk in the Shadow Garden
Rudy Adrian
Spotted Peccary Music
www.SpottedPeccary.com
$16.99 CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Shadow-Garden-Rudy-Adrian/dp/B0BSHBZFN8
A Walk in the Shadow Garden is an electronic ambient album inspired by the beauty of a well-tended garden. The original "sonic garden" compositions eschew vocals or melodies, instead inviting the listener to meditate, imagine, or dream on an open canvas of flowing sound. A Walk in the Shadow Garden is rapturous, inspirational, and highly recommended. The tracks are A Walk in the Shadow Garden, Clouds Over Fields, Dawn Redwood, Hemlock Grove, Of Mosses and Liverworts, Maple Glen, Rising Mist, Dark Waters, Perchance to Dream, Beechwood, and Conversations with a Gardner.
This Could Be The Start
Linda Purl
lindapurl.com
Reaching Records
$TBA CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDYMJJXK
Music director and pianist Tedd Firth and dulcet vocalist Linda Purl present This Could Be The Start, a rapturous music album with contributions by David Finck on bass, Ray Marchica on drums and percussion, and Nelson Rangell on reed. Linda Purl is well-known for her roles on multiple iconic television series; in This Could Be The Start, she offers a heartfelt performance of classic songs written and composed by a wide variety of creators. This Could Be The Start is a joy to experience and also makes an excellent gift! Highly recommended. The tracks are This Could Be The Start Of Something Big, I'm In The Mood For Love, Let's Get Lost, Blue Moon, Dream Dancing, Let Me Down Easy, Live Alone And Like It, Two Hearts On Lawns, How High The Moon, Not While I'm Around, I Love Being Here With You, and Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams.
In Time
Alyssa Giammaria
alyssagiammaria.com
Privately Published
$TBA CD / $6.93 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CF6ZFX25
Toronto vocalist and composer Alyssa Giammaria presents In Time, an album of her original music; she created half the pieces in 2016 and half in 2022. A medley of jazz songs that range in nature from lively to contemplative, In Time contrasts old and new styles and showcases Giammaria's beautiful singing voice, supported by Steven Noronha on piano, Josh Sparks on guitar, PT Sandberg on bass, and Aidan McConnell on drums. Aoife Louise-Doyle and Stephanie Sloss also contribute vocals to the songs "Conversations", "Mend" and "For Now". In Time is a sparkling gem, highly recommended for both connoisseurs of original vocal jazz and public library collections. The tracks are The Only Part, Dream Life, Conversations, In Time, What are the Words, Mend, and For Now.
Root in Tandem
Bellbird
www.bellbird.band
Privately Published
$TBA CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDMJ9LQF
Root in Tandem is the debut jazz album of the band Bellbird, showcasing the coordinated talents of Claire Devlin on tenor saxophone, Allison Burik on alto saxophone and bass clarinet, Eli Davidovici on bass, and Mili Hong on drums. Each member of the band has contributed original songs to Root in Tandem, resulting in an eclectic mix of jazz stylings that draw upon influence from folk melodies, atonal counterpoint, rock and more. Root in Tandem is an adventurous work capturing the spirit of improvisation, with both moments of calm introspection and striking solos that spur the imagination. Highly recommended! The tracks are Blurred Season (Burik); Bluff (Davidovici); If You Can't Swim, Dance (Burik); Manakin (Devlin); Pigeons & Disco (Devlin); Well (Hong); Ten Dog (Davidovich); and Maybe I Won't Go (Hong).
The Drip
Rubim de Toledo
rubim.com
Privately Published
$TBA CD / $8.91 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CC9XB926
Award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader Rubim de Toledo presents The Drip, and album of his original songs; most were created by Rubim alone, although "Freedom Ain't the Same", "Rhythm Chante", and "Equal Ground" were created by both Rubim and co-performer Karimah. Rubim de Toledo performs on bass and guitar, along with Karimah lending vocals on the three co-created songs, Bob Tildesley on trumpet, Audrey Ochoa on trombone, Chris Andrew on keyboards, Feliz Tellez on guitar (in "Out from Under"), Raul Tabera on a variety of percussion instruments, and Jamie Cooper on drums. The Drip is a celebration of Brazilian-Canadian musical heritage, blending jazz with elements of Afrobeat and funk, and drawing inspiration from Caribbean musical stylings. Highly recommended, especially for connoisseurs of standout original fusion music! The tracks are Out from Under, The Drip, Freedom Ain't the Same (feat. Karimah), Rhythm Chante (feat. Karimah), Son del Arroyo, The Long Way (Down), Equal Ground (feat. Karimah), Danza para los Difuntos, and The Long Way.
Someday
Marc Copland Quartet
marccopland.com
InnerVoiceJazz
innervoicejazz.com
$TBA CD / $8.99 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNVCK5WH
The Marc Copland Quartet consists of Marc Copland on piano, Robin Verheyen on tenor and soprano saxophones, Drew Gress on bass, and Mark Ferber on drums. Their first quartet CD in several years is Someday, an instrumental jazz album of performances that revel in the thrill of the moment. The lively songs enthrall the listener with their balance of technical proficiency and exuberant rhythm. Someday is a "must-have" for connoisseurs of original jazz, highly recommended. The tracks are Someday My Prince Will Come (Churchill/Morley), Spinning Things (Copland), Dukish (Verheyen), Let's Cool One (Monk), Round She Goes (Copland), Encore (Verheyen), Day and Night (Copland), and Nardis (Davis).
Memories of Empathy
Samir Bodhi
Rishov Music Publishing
$15.98 CD / $5.94 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/Memories-Empathy-Samir-Bodhi/dp/B0C8LZ3GSR
Memories of Empathy is the second new age fusion album by Samir Bodhi. Blending traditional melodies from India with relaxing Western rhythms, Memories of Empathy features original songs with vocals that inspire reverie, sung by Bollywood singer Madhumita Chatterjee and Indian classical vocalist Supriyo Dutta. Themed around the desire to encourage empathy, the thought process of putting oneself in another's place, Memories of Empathy includes three tracks co-produced by guitarist/bassist Sanjoy Das and three by American multi-instrumentalist David Vito Gregoli. Memories of Empathy is a wonderful treasure for new age connoisseurs, highly recommended. The tracks are Affinity, Compassion, Have and Have Nots, Heaven So High, Indifference, and World of Empathy.
Imaginary People
Viv & Riley
vivandriley.com
Free Dirt
freedirt.net
$14.98 CD / $8.99 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/Imaginary-People-Viv-Riley/dp/B0C858GC5X
Imaginary People is a music album blending elements of indie, pop, and roots music. Most of the songs are original compositions, although "The Blackest Crow" is a new take on a traditional Ozark song. Vivian Leva provides vocals and acoustic guitar; Riley Calcagno provides vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, fiddle, and banjo; additional contributors Alex Bingham, Andy Stack, Sam Fribush, Whit Right, lend their talent on a wide variety of instruments, with Bucket Bingham contributing additional vocals. The result is a rich, earthy, unforgettable soundscape, highly recommended especially for connoisseurs in search of a sublime balance of traditional and innovative approaches. The tracks are Kygers Hill, Sauvie Island, The General, Is It All Over, Imaginary People, Flashing Lights, How to Lose, Chance Creek, The Long Way, and The Blackest Crow.
I Ain't Ever Growing Up, volume 1
Tom Ciurczak
TomCiurczak.com
Ludlow TFC Records
$TBA CD / $7.92 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBQM8KBV
Volume 1 of I Ain't Ever Growing Up is a feel-good, rock and roll album of eight original songs by singer and songwriter Tom Ciurczak. Created in homage to legendary rock and roll figures that Ciurczak admires, including Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel, Warren Zevon, and Tom Petty, I Ain't Ever Growing Up is intensely exultant, showcasing rock stylings ranging from heartland to prog rock to world music rock. Highly recommended, especially for rock music connoisseurs everywhere! The tracks are Ontario Nights, All Night Long, Kilimanjaro Skies, Action Out There, Nights On Fire, Right Or Wrong Choice, The Vault, and Bonnie and Clyde.
The Same Changes, Vol. II
Connor O'Neill
www.coneillmusic.com
Privately Published
$TBA CD / $5.94 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5R1MHPV
Like the preceding album The Same Changes Vol. I, The Same Changes Vol. II consists of original compositions and arrangements by award-winning jazz musician Connor O'Neill (one track, "Early Departure", is co-credited to Connor O'Neill and Jon Williams). The songs featuring Connor O'Neill Connor O'Neill on guitar, Alex Delcourt on bass, Steven Perry on drumset, Morgan Walbridge on vibraphone (tracks 1, 2, 3, 6), Mervin Toussaint on alto saxophone (track 3), Jessica Cantone's vocals (track 4) and Micah Graves on piano (track 5). The jazz music immerses the listener in a contemplative journey, inviting exploration of new soundscape horizons. Highly recommended! The tracks are Disordinance, Another Moment Reconciled, Gears, Early Departure, Singularity, and Jade.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no funds from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, internet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested individuals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.
The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "California Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwatch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview (dot) com
Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugalmuse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publisher, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number, and list price).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
Elysian Eclipse
Vincent Lyn
Exxeo Publishing
www.exxeo.xyz
$TBA CD / $5.99 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDXK7MM4
Concert pianist, actor, and on-the-ground crusader for human rights worldwide Vincent Lyn presents Elysian Eclipse, an extraordinary piano album with contributions from Sami Turunen on guitar, Hector Ruano on bass guitar, Glenn Welman on percussion, Yoed Nir on cello and strings. The music represents Vincent Lyn's will to make the world a better place, as seen through his actions in starting the nonprofit organization We Can Save Children with the mission to rescue and recover trafficked children in Africa and the Middle East, his efforts to help families in Ukraine, and his outspoken condemnation of atrocities that have been committed against Ukraine's civilian population. Elysian Eclipse is powerful, profound, spiritually evocative, and worthy of the highest recommendation for both personal and public library music collections.
Love Walks Through Rain
Ann Sweeten
www.AnnSweeten.com
Orange Band Records
$15.99 CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/Love-Walks-Through-Rain-Sweeten/dp/B0C263QFDS
Love Walks Through Rain is an instrumental piano music album by concert stage music artist and cancer survivor Ann Sweeten, with contributions from Charlie Bisharat on violin, Eugene Friesen on cello, Nancy Rumbel on English horn, Premik Russell-Tubbs on EWI and soprano saxophone, Will Ackerman on guitar, and Tom Eaton on bass. The music is deeply emotional, inspirational, and spiritual, drawing inspiration from the love that sustains through tough times. Love Walks Through Rain includes songs that Ann Sweeten created as tribute to her beloved dogs. An inset booklet in the physical CD presents her thoughts and memories about caring for her dogs when they approached the end of their lives, and the many years of joy their companionship brought her. Love Walks Through Rain is a treasure for connoisseurs of instrumental music, highly recommended for both personal and public library collections. The tracks are Valley Greene, Glimmer, Seirios, The Winter's Circle, Love Walks Through Rain, Red - Requiem for an Old Friend, The Hills of Riversong, The Shadow of You, Through Jasmine's Eyes, Out of the Fog, and Valley Greene Orchestral Reprise.
The Gratitude Project
Sherry Finzer
sherryfinzer.com
Heart Dance Records
$17.98 CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/Gratitude-Project-Sherry-Finzer/dp/B0C9PJR6G3
Sherry Finzer presents The Gratitude Project, a new age, solo flute album on two CDs featuring peaceful, meditative, and inspirational music. All songs are original improvisations, some created for specific supporters of the project. A rapturously beautiful listening experience, The Gratitude Project embodies the emotions of hope, love, and compassion, and is highly recommended. The tracks are Genesis, Ghost Stories, The Extraction of Innocence, Flying Dreams, Introspective, Hidden Emotions, Undercurrent, A Whole New World, A Mother's Love, Unconditional, Heart Space, Finding Purpose, Strength, Sassafras, The Warrior, Exploratory Pathways, Raven Song, The Empress Within, Sacred Trees, Invoking the Spirit, Spirit's Grace, Winds of Change, Divergence, and Lovely Lovely Day.
Private Earth
Carlos Dengler
www.carlosdengler.com
$TBA CD / $7.74 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C641FN63
Carlos Dengler presents Private Earth, an ambient new age music album of rapturous beauty. All of the songs are Dengler's original compositions, performed by Dengler with contributions from Keith Bonner on the flute in "Violet Night", "Ancient Lake", and "Solemn Cavern". Inspired by the wonders of nature, Private Earth is passionate, immersive, and highly recommended especially for new age connoisseurs. The tracks are Desert Flora, Violet Night, Golden Dawn, Ancient Lake, Solemn Cavern, and Rising Mountain.
Geodepedie - Hidden Light
Christina Tourin
www.ChristinaTourin.com
Emerald Harp Productions
$15.98 CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/Geodepedie-Hidden-Light-Christina-Tourin/dp/B0BSR9J7LN
Harpist and composer Christina Tourin presents Geodepedie - Hidden Light, an original music album of ethereal beauty. The effulgent harp music accented by synth, guitar, and vocalizations is ideal for promoting relaxation, healing, and creative inspiration. Geodepedie - Hidden Light is a treasure for harp music connoisseurs, and public library collections, and also makes an excellent gift. The tracks are Geodepedie - Hidden Light; Music Is Love; Passacaglia - Handel's Healing Harp; Brigid's Green Mantle; Land O' The Leal; Early One Morning; Walk Through The Sunflowers; Reminisce; Sommarpsalm; Icelandic Northern Lights; Grieg's Morning Mood; Largo - Vivaldi's Vision; Arigato, I For You; Amethyst Of Avalon; As Above So Below; and Colors Of The Season.
Into the Quiet
Deborah Martin and Jill Haley
Spotted Peccary Music
www.SpottedPeccary.com
$16.99 CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/Into-Quiet-Deborah-Martin/dp/B0BYK7D52D
The second collaboration between electronic music artist Deborah Martin and established oboe player Jill Haley, Into the Quiet is an electronic ambient music album featuring masterful performances on the flute, horn, synth, harp, oboe, and more. All songs are original and instrumental. A captivating, deeply immersive listening experience, Into the Quiet is ideal for meditation, relaxation, or encouraging creativity, and is highly recommended especially for connoisseurs of the genre. The tracks are Sleeping Giants, Falling Away From the Earth, Into the Quiet, Reaching the Ambient, Refuge, Hall of Whispers, Elements, and Violet Night.
A Walk in the Shadow Garden
Rudy Adrian
Spotted Peccary Music
www.SpottedPeccary.com
$16.99 CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Shadow-Garden-Rudy-Adrian/dp/B0BSHBZFN8
A Walk in the Shadow Garden is an electronic ambient album inspired by the beauty of a well-tended garden. The original "sonic garden" compositions eschew vocals or melodies, instead inviting the listener to meditate, imagine, or dream on an open canvas of flowing sound. A Walk in the Shadow Garden is rapturous, inspirational, and highly recommended. The tracks are A Walk in the Shadow Garden, Clouds Over Fields, Dawn Redwood, Hemlock Grove, Of Mosses and Liverworts, Maple Glen, Rising Mist, Dark Waters, Perchance to Dream, Beechwood, and Conversations with a Gardner.
This Could Be The Start
Linda Purl
lindapurl.com
Reaching Records
$TBA CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDYMJJXK
Music director and pianist Tedd Firth and dulcet vocalist Linda Purl present This Could Be The Start, a rapturous music album with contributions by David Finck on bass, Ray Marchica on drums and percussion, and Nelson Rangell on reed. Linda Purl is well-known for her roles on multiple iconic television series; in This Could Be The Start, she offers a heartfelt performance of classic songs written and composed by a wide variety of creators. This Could Be The Start is a joy to experience and also makes an excellent gift! Highly recommended. The tracks are This Could Be The Start Of Something Big, I'm In The Mood For Love, Let's Get Lost, Blue Moon, Dream Dancing, Let Me Down Easy, Live Alone And Like It, Two Hearts On Lawns, How High The Moon, Not While I'm Around, I Love Being Here With You, and Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams.
In Time
Alyssa Giammaria
alyssagiammaria.com
Privately Published
$TBA CD / $6.93 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CF6ZFX25
Toronto vocalist and composer Alyssa Giammaria presents In Time, an album of her original music; she created half the pieces in 2016 and half in 2022. A medley of jazz songs that range in nature from lively to contemplative, In Time contrasts old and new styles and showcases Giammaria's beautiful singing voice, supported by Steven Noronha on piano, Josh Sparks on guitar, PT Sandberg on bass, and Aidan McConnell on drums. Aoife Louise-Doyle and Stephanie Sloss also contribute vocals to the songs "Conversations", "Mend" and "For Now". In Time is a sparkling gem, highly recommended for both connoisseurs of original vocal jazz and public library collections. The tracks are The Only Part, Dream Life, Conversations, In Time, What are the Words, Mend, and For Now.
Root in Tandem
Bellbird
www.bellbird.band
Privately Published
$TBA CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDMJ9LQF
Root in Tandem is the debut jazz album of the band Bellbird, showcasing the coordinated talents of Claire Devlin on tenor saxophone, Allison Burik on alto saxophone and bass clarinet, Eli Davidovici on bass, and Mili Hong on drums. Each member of the band has contributed original songs to Root in Tandem, resulting in an eclectic mix of jazz stylings that draw upon influence from folk melodies, atonal counterpoint, rock and more. Root in Tandem is an adventurous work capturing the spirit of improvisation, with both moments of calm introspection and striking solos that spur the imagination. Highly recommended! The tracks are Blurred Season (Burik); Bluff (Davidovici); If You Can't Swim, Dance (Burik); Manakin (Devlin); Pigeons & Disco (Devlin); Well (Hong); Ten Dog (Davidovich); and Maybe I Won't Go (Hong).
The Drip
Rubim de Toledo
rubim.com
Privately Published
$TBA CD / $8.91 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CC9XB926
Award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader Rubim de Toledo presents The Drip, and album of his original songs; most were created by Rubim alone, although "Freedom Ain't the Same", "Rhythm Chante", and "Equal Ground" were created by both Rubim and co-performer Karimah. Rubim de Toledo performs on bass and guitar, along with Karimah lending vocals on the three co-created songs, Bob Tildesley on trumpet, Audrey Ochoa on trombone, Chris Andrew on keyboards, Feliz Tellez on guitar (in "Out from Under"), Raul Tabera on a variety of percussion instruments, and Jamie Cooper on drums. The Drip is a celebration of Brazilian-Canadian musical heritage, blending jazz with elements of Afrobeat and funk, and drawing inspiration from Caribbean musical stylings. Highly recommended, especially for connoisseurs of standout original fusion music! The tracks are Out from Under, The Drip, Freedom Ain't the Same (feat. Karimah), Rhythm Chante (feat. Karimah), Son del Arroyo, The Long Way (Down), Equal Ground (feat. Karimah), Danza para los Difuntos, and The Long Way.
Someday
Marc Copland Quartet
marccopland.com
InnerVoiceJazz
innervoicejazz.com
$TBA CD / $8.99 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNVCK5WH
The Marc Copland Quartet consists of Marc Copland on piano, Robin Verheyen on tenor and soprano saxophones, Drew Gress on bass, and Mark Ferber on drums. Their first quartet CD in several years is Someday, an instrumental jazz album of performances that revel in the thrill of the moment. The lively songs enthrall the listener with their balance of technical proficiency and exuberant rhythm. Someday is a "must-have" for connoisseurs of original jazz, highly recommended. The tracks are Someday My Prince Will Come (Churchill/Morley), Spinning Things (Copland), Dukish (Verheyen), Let's Cool One (Monk), Round She Goes (Copland), Encore (Verheyen), Day and Night (Copland), and Nardis (Davis).
Memories of Empathy
Samir Bodhi
Rishov Music Publishing
$15.98 CD / $5.94 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/Memories-Empathy-Samir-Bodhi/dp/B0C8LZ3GSR
Memories of Empathy is the second new age fusion album by Samir Bodhi. Blending traditional melodies from India with relaxing Western rhythms, Memories of Empathy features original songs with vocals that inspire reverie, sung by Bollywood singer Madhumita Chatterjee and Indian classical vocalist Supriyo Dutta. Themed around the desire to encourage empathy, the thought process of putting oneself in another's place, Memories of Empathy includes three tracks co-produced by guitarist/bassist Sanjoy Das and three by American multi-instrumentalist David Vito Gregoli. Memories of Empathy is a wonderful treasure for new age connoisseurs, highly recommended. The tracks are Affinity, Compassion, Have and Have Nots, Heaven So High, Indifference, and World of Empathy.
Imaginary People
Viv & Riley
vivandriley.com
Free Dirt
freedirt.net
$14.98 CD / $8.99 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/Imaginary-People-Viv-Riley/dp/B0C858GC5X
Imaginary People is a music album blending elements of indie, pop, and roots music. Most of the songs are original compositions, although "The Blackest Crow" is a new take on a traditional Ozark song. Vivian Leva provides vocals and acoustic guitar; Riley Calcagno provides vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, fiddle, and banjo; additional contributors Alex Bingham, Andy Stack, Sam Fribush, Whit Right, lend their talent on a wide variety of instruments, with Bucket Bingham contributing additional vocals. The result is a rich, earthy, unforgettable soundscape, highly recommended especially for connoisseurs in search of a sublime balance of traditional and innovative approaches. The tracks are Kygers Hill, Sauvie Island, The General, Is It All Over, Imaginary People, Flashing Lights, How to Lose, Chance Creek, The Long Way, and The Blackest Crow.
I Ain't Ever Growing Up, volume 1
Tom Ciurczak
TomCiurczak.com
Ludlow TFC Records
$TBA CD / $7.92 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBQM8KBV
Volume 1 of I Ain't Ever Growing Up is a feel-good, rock and roll album of eight original songs by singer and songwriter Tom Ciurczak. Created in homage to legendary rock and roll figures that Ciurczak admires, including Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel, Warren Zevon, and Tom Petty, I Ain't Ever Growing Up is intensely exultant, showcasing rock stylings ranging from heartland to prog rock to world music rock. Highly recommended, especially for rock music connoisseurs everywhere! The tracks are Ontario Nights, All Night Long, Kilimanjaro Skies, Action Out There, Nights On Fire, Right Or Wrong Choice, The Vault, and Bonnie and Clyde.
The Same Changes, Vol. II
Connor O'Neill
www.coneillmusic.com
Privately Published
$TBA CD / $5.94 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5R1MHPV
Like the preceding album The Same Changes Vol. I, The Same Changes Vol. II consists of original compositions and arrangements by award-winning jazz musician Connor O'Neill (one track, "Early Departure", is co-credited to Connor O'Neill and Jon Williams). The songs featuring Connor O'Neill Connor O'Neill on guitar, Alex Delcourt on bass, Steven Perry on drumset, Morgan Walbridge on vibraphone (tracks 1, 2, 3, 6), Mervin Toussaint on alto saxophone (track 3), Jessica Cantone's vocals (track 4) and Micah Graves on piano (track 5). The jazz music immerses the listener in a contemplative journey, inviting exploration of new soundscape horizons. Highly recommended! The tracks are Disordinance, Another Moment Reconciled, Gears, Early Departure, Singularity, and Jade.
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