Alex Siegers is a Netherlands based 63 old singer who has been making music all his life.
In his 40 years of musicianship he has had the honour of working amongst others Allen Toussaint and the Golden Earring.
The music that he plays now is a blend of jazz, funk , soul and pop.
His latest release is a cd in which all these influences are heard. This release is a celebration of 40 years of musicianship.
Anthony Krizan’s rock roots run deep. He was lead guitarist of the Spin Doctors, opening 15 dates for the Rolling Stones with audiences of 70,000, and for the Allman Brothers. He played guitar with Jimi Hendrix’s legendary bassist, Noel Redding. Anthony is known for rocking the big stages and getting an audience on their feet. He’s an original member of Amphibian, with Phish lyricist Tom Marshall.
Anthony has also penned rock/soul staples such as Stand By My Woman with Lenny Kravitz, 5 songs on the Spin Doctors Greatest Hits, the theme of the Spin City TV series and The Howard Stern “Miss America” theme. Recently, Krizan co-wrote the title track to British rock singer John Waite’s new EP, When You Were Mine, and produced 3 tracks on the release. He also produced Waite’s 2022 release, Anything.
The world of music is the literature of the heart. It commences where
speech ends. It washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life and
takes you on an adventure.
My unforgettable adventures include:
2018 - Grand De Talent finals Menton, France
2019 - The Voice Kids Callbacks France
2022 - New release Crois En Toi album.
2022 - La Voie Des Talents Finales, France
2022 - Live Interview CHBN Radio / Thanks Jason for the support on my EP, special thanks to my U.K fans.
Tiffany Huntley was born in Alsace, France, and at 17 years old, she is a
coming artist in France who is trying to break into the pop-country
culture and has had success. She released her first album in 2022, Crois
En Toi, and has been recognized by several newspapers and a local tv
station in Alsace. In addition, 2022 has opened doors to her career by
opening for several bands while touring in the region for her new album.
In the back of my mind, I have carried reminders of evenings engaged
with Keith Jarrett’s 1975 The Köln Concert recording of improvisations
played on a Bösendorfer Imperial Concert Grand. Solo piano is a precise
arena for many a pianist. At once revealing, yet intimate and rewarding.
Much to do with the broad range, possibilities, command, touch, and the
instrument at hand. Jarrett achieved something few before had ever
tested in front of a vast audience. Sit behind the piano and play. No
script, no set list, no banter between entertainer and admiring crowds.
With Paradise Blue I explore the range of emotions, the many shades of
the colour blue. Six of twelve tracks are improvised. The blues, a touch
of classical and the accidental improvisational curves of jazz. And
there is a backstory to my relationship with the piano.
In the ‘50s, Era King looked after the boys as dad worked the night
shift at Colgate’s, and mom hemmed parachutes at the Quartermaster
Depot. Era was my grandmother, old country in style, manners, and as
stern as a woman could ever be. A weary upright piano stood near a soft
lit window, the centrepiece of her daily life. Mid afternoons, the soap
opera The Edge of Night and other Christian programming held her
interest.
When playing, Era whispered along, invariably something sacred. I’d
study her squinting eyes as they peered above wired-frame glasses while
she leafed through a hymn book, hair rolled in a bun, and understood the
wheezing soap opera organ in the background, the soundtrack of her
daily life. The hymnals - a reprieve from separating agitated kids and
averting the devil’s grip.
It was the most primordial sound. Melody and broken chords. No frills,
just the occasional inverted triad, one that never disrupted a lyric or
directive from the Lord. Slow-moving melodies, distinctive and
meaningful. Folkish and rooted deep in civil soil.
I’ve long been intrigued with melody. The cry of a single note as it
seeks a partner, suddenly a community member, and then a composition.
It’s those moments when sound moderates the brain, and one tunes in. How
and when a single note, a second, and third merge - stream down through
the soundboard resting at the feet of the damper pedal.
Paradise Blue is the piano talking back at me. That light in the head
momentarily eclipsed, hands in receipt of inspiration. Junctures of
sweeping colour and others of blue intent. Fingers jabbing and prying at
the space between black and white notes, the overtones, the undertones,
wedged between the crevices. A solitary moment where melody and harmony
linger beyond invitation.
In memory of those piano teachers that brought so much joy and clarity
to my playing. Eva Smith, Don Murray – The Louisville Academy of Music,
Jamey Aebersold, Oscar Peterson, Composition studies at Ursuline College
and piano at the Louisville Conservatory of Music. That other worldly
miracle of influence, pianist Martha Argerich.
Remembering Doug Tipple whose Yamaha C-3 resides in our kitchen, a gift
from Laura Tipple and the love and care Doug shared with his beloved
friend. Big hugs to my piano finder and friend – Helga Stephenson.
To Kristine for the lovely cover art, Jesse - cover design, Mike Haas
the critical mastering – friends, Gary Slaight, Derrick Ross, Pat
Silver, FYI MUSIC News, Saturday Night Jazz, Mark Ruffin, Martine Levy,
Jane Harbury, Stephen Smith, Ilona Kauremszky, Jessica Bellamy, Ken
Stowar, CIUT 89.5 FM, Gloria Martin, Mark Hebscher, Susan Perly, John
Harris and my brilliant cousin, Linda Michelone Lang.
Michael Massaro is in motion once again
with his 5th full Album Release with ‘I Remember You’ as a follow to his
latest Single Release of New World being played over 200 +Stations
spanning over 20 countries! This Album consists of 12 Original eclectic
and easy-to-listen instrumentals that are accessible to the listener. In
other words, it covers different grooves, styles, and genres to connect
on some level with everyone.
Michael Massaro is no stranger to the Canadian airwaves as he is one of
Canada’s premier musicians. His distinctive saxophone recordings have
been heard internationally since the eighties with major instrumentals
such as ‘Flying Easy’, ‘L.A. Days New York Nights’, and ‘Wings of
Glory’. His talents were heard on a Redmond Broadcasting compilation
recording with some of Canada’s foremost instrumental performers
including David Foster, Liona Boyd, Moe Koffman, Andre Gagnon, and Frank
Mills to name only a few. Michael Massaro was thrilled to be included
with such a stellar lineup and was humbled when the album was titled
after the Massaro hit, ‘Flying Easy’.
https://michaelmassaro.bandcamp.com/
In a domain as saturated as the music industry, it is very rare for an
up-and-coming singer and songwriter to not only discover their niche
very early on, but also to make it their defining attribute. This is
exactly what Robert Ocean has done – by blending an array of dynamic
acoustic ranges and marrying them with the bold hook of alternative
rock, Robert Ocean has created a brand of music only he can truly
champion.
Ocean has always prided himself in writing music with a higher purpose
in mind. He has always aspired to create music that has the potential to
inspire, enlighten, and initiate growth and forgiveness. Championing
the theme of togetherness at its core, his entire discography stands
tall as a riveting example of how music has the transcendent ability to
foster love and care.
JUNO Award-winning powerhouse singer-songwriter Crystal Shawanda is back with a new studio album, Midnight Blues, set for release this September 30th on True North Records. The latest fiery bluesy Americana collection features the first single “How Bad Do You Want It” — showcasing her full-throttle raspy voice, unmatched in today’s musical landscape, and an authenticity for the genre dating back to her youth.
“Growing up, all of my favorite music had these breadcrumbs that led me to the blues,” Crystal says. “I often quote Willie Dixon: ‘Blues is the roots and everything else is the fruits.’ Even today's pop music, there's all this influence that derives from the blues. I was just always really attracted to the rawness and the realness of the blues.”
Produced and engineered in Nashville by her husband and long-time collaborator Dewayne Strobel, Midnight Blues — her eighth studio album, and fifth since switching from a chart-topping career as a country artist — is a collection of original songs, such as the seductive-sounding rocker “Midnight Blues,” swampy dance-floor groove “Rumpshaker,” and gentler “Take A Little Walk With The Moon,” as well as covers of the Howlin’ Wolf classic “Evil” and her take on Celine Dion’s hit “That’s Just The Woman In Me.”
“This is absolutely my favorite album I've ever recorded because I feel like my husband put me in a picture frame,” says Crystal. “He really captured who I am as an artist. He let my vocal shine. He brought out the best in me and all the songs that we wrote really capture my live show and who I am.”
Crystal was introduced to the blues by her eldest brother and to old-time country by her parents. “I was also into other styles of music that led me to the blues,” she says, citing everything from Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog,” written by Big Mama Thornton, to R&B-pop star Monica’s “Misty Blue,” by Dorothy Moore.
“I was one of those kids who read the liner notes,” Crystal says. “I wanted to know everything, who are the songwriters, the musicians, the producers, the engineers. I'm always wanting to know who are the originators, who are the mothers of invention, who inspired all of us? I’m a purist at heart, so I was always diving back to learn from the masters, like Etta James, as far as vocalists; Muddy Waters, as far as feeling; and Buddy Guy, as far as stylists who have a lot of swagger.”
And yet Crystal’s first foray as a professional singer was in country music, not blues. She was in her early 20s and had immediate success after signing a U.S. record deal with RCA Nashville. 2008’s Dawn of a New Day, featuring the single “You Can Let Go,” reached No. 1 on the Canadian Country Album chart and No. 16 on the Billboard Top Country Albums, the highest charting album by a full-blooded Canadian First Nations country artist (in the SoundScan-era). Her first single, You Can Let Go,”
The following year she left the label and created her own, New Sun Records. Her first release was the holiday album I’ll Be Home For Christmas. Her next country album was 2010’s Just Like You, which won a 2013 Juno Award for Best Aboriginal Album, before she made the change to the blues with 2014’s The Whole World’s Got The Blues.
“I love all styles of music, but there was just always something drawing me to the blues,” she explains. “I had a country hit on the radio, and I would show up at country music festivals and I'd do a BB King cover or Buddy Guy or Etta James. Within country music, as much as I loved it, I had to restrain my voice a lot. It's very hard to hold back, and sometimes it was exhausting, whereas with the blues, I could just let it fly.”
While other artists have been embraced when they’ve made the switch to a different genre — Taylor Swift from country to pop; Dallas Smith from hard rock to country; and Darius Rucker from pop/rock to country — Crystal doesn’t mind talking about the difficulties she’s encountered.
“Country music is so excited when anybody from any genre comes to their world, hoping it'll make their world more popular. It'll up the cool factor but switching from country to blues is a lot more difficult because the blues scene is very protective because it's such an original genre. They want it to be respected and preserved.”
She would’ve had an easier time if she had created a blues-influenced sound, like the Black Crowes, Sass Jordan, or Alannah Myles, but Crystal can hold her own in any conversation about the blues pioneers. Still, she still likes to cover an iconic Canadian artist in her inimitable way. Last album, it was The Tragically Hip’s “New Orleans Is Sinking” and this time, Celine Dion.
“Because I had so much friction coming to the blues where people were like, ‘You don't know nothing about the blues,’ I'm trying to show them not to be so close-minded because a lot of people are more inspired by the blues than they may realize. Again, I'm trying to reiterate that quote by Willie Dixon that the blues is roots and everything else is the fruit.”
Mark Ruebery is an original songwriter, singer. guitarist and recording artist.
Mark has been writing songs for over 25 years and has performed his material all over the world…..
After graduating with distinction in guitar from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, he recorded his debut album ‘Because of You’ at the legendary Rockfield Studios, Wales.
The album was promoted by BBC Radio Wales as ‘album of the week’ and five songs were featured as ‘single of the week’. He has had multiple plays on BBC Radio 2 and his videos aired several times on Sky TV. Mark regularly performs his songs live in session on BBC radio and for many other stations.
His second album ‘One Night One Chance’ was recorded at the famous Abbey Road Studios, London. A lifelong ambition for Mark. A song from Mark’s second album ‘One Night One Chance’ was featured on an American pilot TV Series “Do I have a hit Song?” in Jacksonville, Florida.
After a lengthy absence from music, Fritz Kahn and The Miracles return with a stirring new song titled ‘My Baby Star’.
‘Fritz Kahn’ is the pseudonym of the multi-talented musician and
composer hailing from Portugal. Born in 1976, Serras began his musical
studies at the regional conservatory of Tomar, but following an
unsavoury relationship with his music professor, he chose to self-teach –
he learned the guitar, harmonica and refined his rhythmic ability on
jambés borrowed from the Castelo de Bode Campsite in Lisbon.
The singer-songwriter notes that his pseudonym represents “a fine
irony”; the German Jewish doctor Fritz Kahn stood for science (quite the
opposite of ‘The Miracles’, which stands for faith). Serras endeavours
to find meaning and hope in everything he writes.
The Portuguese musician credits all of the gospel music he has ever
heard as motivation for ‘My Baby Star’. He cites the work of some gospel
and soul heroes, touting the rousing energy he brings on this track as
similar to that of “the great Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, John
Coltrane and so on.
“The song means a lot to me,” he says, “because it’s probably where my voice stands out from any other composition I´ve made.”
‘My Baby Star’ was recorded in Lisbon at Namouche Estudios as part of a
project orchestrated by Tiago Machado, the producer (and pianist) on the
track. Serras says Machado “transformed Fritz Kahn and The Miracles'
music into something truly special.” The Portuguese pair worked hard to
underpin the album with sound production and creative direction, letting
Serras’s stirring voice take centre stage.
Despite his obvious vocal ability, the singer remains modest about his
creative process: “It’s hard work – (ninety percent), and inspiration –
(ten percent). It's a common thing to say, but it's true.”
The moving gospel ballad ‘My Baby Star’ is out now on all major platforms. Follow Fritz Kahn and The Miracles’ musical journey.
Chris Antonik, whose album, Morningstar, still sits at No. 1 on the Roots Music Report, has released a blues/hip hop hybrid single, “Trust in Me,” something a little different for the chart-topping blues-rock guitarist who has always pushed the boundaries of blues.
"I wrote this song as a commentary on how toxic, childish, and mean politicians were becoming in the media in the years leading up to the pandemic,” says the Toronto-based musician. “As a single parent, I needed to work extra hard to drown it out and outweigh it with positive behaviour examples for my kids because there was no help from the top. How we talk to people is important and it's incredible how crazy the world was getting in this respect."
“Trust in Me” features one of the fiercest guitar solos Chris has ever recorded. “Musically, I required this sort of modern, chaotic, industrial-type vehicle to tell my story and to deliver the song's ferocious and intense guitar solo,” he explains.
The track also includes a beautifully chaotic and mind-bending soprano sax solo by 2022 Maple Blues Award-winner Alison Young. “Sonically, her contribution matches the frustration and confusion of the lyric’s theme, but also has a desert/mystical/Duran Duran ‘Union of the Snake’ vibe,” Chris says.
“Trust In Me” is the fourth single from Morningstar, following August’s release of “Back to the Good”, July’s “Pilgrim,” and June’s “Waves of Stone” (feat. Jarekus Singleton).
All the singles have done phenomenally well on the Roots Music Report, starting with “Waves of Stones,” which landed at No. 1. Both “Back to Good” and “Pilgrim” also reached No. 1 in Canada on the Roots Music Report’s singles chart.
This kind of reception is nothing new for Chris. Since his nomination for Best New Artist at Canada’s Maple Blues Awards in 2011 based on his debut album, Chris has been delivering innovative and thoughtfully crafted songs that transcend expectations of the genre. His sophomore album, Better for You, was hailed by critics as “the best Canadian blues-rock album of 2013” and “a masterpiece” — with American Blues Scene calling it the “sound of someone taking the blues to a new place.” His self-produced third studio album, 2017’s Monarch, further expanded the blues’ boundaries into blues-rock, soul and Americana; it was nominated for both Songwriter of the Year and Recording of the Year at the 2018 Maple Blues Awards.
Reviews for his latest album, Morningstar, have been stellar. All Music Magazine gave it a 10/10, while influential US blues-rock outlet, Rock and Blues Muse, said “Antonik is clearly focused on making music that advances the state of blues/rock and guitar music in general. He’s got bigger game on his mind and is creating music that will stretch your soul when you hear it. He’s a fully developed artist working on something big. We should all be listening.”
A few days after its Aug. 5 release, Morningstar charted on the Roots Music Report at No. 4 for radio play in Canada (all genres) and No. 7 in the U.S. (for blues rock). The album also hit No. 1 in Canada on the Roots Music Report, the week of Aug. 13, and No. 20 in the U.S. for blues.
The Whythouse is back with a new song called Urban Country, This fast
paced, fun and energetic song is our 11th studio release this year.
Urban Country is the final single released off The Country Files LP. It
features a little bit of urban and a little bit of country which is no
surprise based on The Whythouse's previous releases.
The
Whythouse is a multi-versatile urban collective fronted by Chris Hale
alias Plex who hails from Toronto, Canada. This prose fits in perfectly
in that pop box as they do in the Country scene and is what has made it a
fan favorite with the tracks from their impressive discography going on
to amass millions of streams with massive airplay on radio and other
digital channels. It seems like everything the band touches ultimately
turns to gold and is really proving to be one of the most innovative and
creative collectives of its generation. The Whythouse connects with its
audience by putting their hearts and souls into their songs while
ingeniously investing real-life stories into their lyrics.
Claudia Campagnol's voice is extremely powerful, yet warm and soulful.
She takes inspiration from jazz, pop, soul, and R&B, showcasing a
stunning flair for improvisation and vocal arrangements.
Claudia Campagnol has a deep-rooted affection for jazz fusion, and she
has achieved great success on the jazz scene in Denmark as well as
abroad. Her debut album "I'm Strong" (2019) was nominated for Danish
Music Awards Jazz in two categories: 'Best Vocal Album' and 'Best New
Act', and received excellent reviews worldwide.
But for a while, Claudia has considered trying her hand at other genres.
With her single "Dance With Me" (2020) – inspired by names like Chaka
Khan and Sade – Claudia stepped into a funky pop/R&B world that
suits her amazingly.
In February 2021, Claudia released the beautiful love ballad
Abracadabra, with which she participated in 'Dansk Melodi Grand Prix
2021' (the Danish pre-selection for ‘Eurovision Song Contest’).
In March 2021, the super catchy "Do You Love Me (Dance Edit)" was
released – and with an ongoing desire to challenge herself, she
continued down the Pop/R&B/Soul path with her single "Everything's
OK" (June 2021). – This time adding a flirty touch of Reggaeton.
Her new single "Confused" is a laid-back, confident and funky affair
that makes you dream of the California sun and cruising up and down
legendary PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) - or the French Riviera. Think
West Coast music, Earth Wind & Fire, Bill Champlin and Michael Ruff,
and the mood is set.
Has it been a long time? Nah, that's actually great. So not so long ago a number of musicians, relatively unknown to each other, got together to share their love for Country and Americana, in particular. Joint heroes soon found the men in Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Gram Parsons. There is also a common preference for the more traditional instruments. They mean guitar, mandolin, banjo, bassukulele and whatever else comes to the table.
From their town on the Rhine, the men are slowly but steadily building a solid live reputation. And they are welcome guests on and off stage. Given their set of instruments, they have freedom of movement to play in any cozy corner. In fact, that's probably what they like the most. Blessed with voices like nightingales, the polyphonic vocals really add value.
'Darlin' Why?' is the first single off the long awaited DAMN GIRL! album from Nashville roots rocker Stacie Collins.
Sporting a slam-bang rock ‘n’ roll band and a hard-core honky- tonk wail, Stacie Collins pushes the boundaries of rock, blues and country. A singer-songwriter and a bad-ass harmonica player in the style of Chicago Blues greats Little Walter and James Cotton, Collins has garnered a reputation for her high energy shows, diverse songwriting and unlike most chick-singers, they are not all about love and heartbreak.
Based in Nashville, TN, Stacie is a road warrior having performed countless shows in the USA and Europe over the past few years and has even spawned a Japanese “Stacie Collins” tribute band. In addition to touring, Collins, along with her writing partner, husband, band mate Al Collins (Jason & The Scorchers) have written, recorded and released five records on her own label.
https://staciecollins.com/
The Livesays are an accomplished five-piece Heartland/Americana band
fronted by the band’s namesake critically acclaimed
singer/songwriter/guitarist Billy Livesay, who spent 12 years
performing, recording and touring with E-Streeter Clarence Clemons' band
"Temple of Soul." During his 12-year tenure with the beloved “Big Man,”
Billy recorded and released "Live in Asbury Park" Volumes I & II at
The Stone Pony, the second album which features Bruce Springsteen.
Billy has shared the stage with so many industry giants, his resume
reads like a "Who's Who of Rock n' Roll Hall of Famers."
Drummer Steve Rheingold, was formerly the beat keeper with the legendary Wayne Cochran.
The Livesays' lineup is rounded out with Jorge Laplume on bass, Victor
"Cuqui" Berrios on Hammond B-3 organ, and Tim Murphy on piano, all of
whom have impressive resumes of their own. Cuqui, who grew up in New
York City, offers a touch of the Big Apple to the band with his Hammond
B3 and impassioned vocals. Tim brings his ear for harmony and his unique
Elton John style piano. Jorge hails from Havana, Cuba; with his Latin
roots coupled with a steady diet of the rock groups The Who and Free, he
delivers a bass sound that is both funky and thunderous.
The combination of these five seasoned pros, with their versatile
backgrounds, incomparable harmonies, energy level, and undeniable
chemistry, create real magic on stage together and put on one heck of a
dynamic live performance.
The Livesays have created five full length albums that are both
memorable and moving with stories ranging from adolescence to adulthood,
from battling addiction to conquering depression, from finding love to
losing love ... with lyrics that will surely touch your heart and quench
your soul.
JUNO Award-winning powerhouse singer-songwriter Crystal Shawanda is back with a new studio album, Midnight Blues, set for release this September 30th on True North Records. The latest fiery bluesy Americana collection features the first single “How Bad Do You Want It” — showcasing her full-throttle raspy voice, unmatched in today’s musical landscape, and an authenticity for the genre dating back to her youth.
“Growing up, all of my favorite music had these breadcrumbs that led me to the blues,” Crystal says. “I often quote Willie Dixon: ‘Blues is the roots and everything else is the fruits.’ Even today's pop music, there's all this influence that derives from the blues. I was just always really attracted to the rawness and the realness of the blues.”
Produced and engineered in Nashville by her husband and long-time collaborator Dewayne Strobel, Midnight Blues — her eighth studio album, and fifth since switching from a chart-topping career as a country artist — is a collection of original songs, such as the seductive-sounding rocker “Midnight Blues,” swampy dance-floor groove “Rumpshaker,” and gentler “Take A Little Walk With The Moon,” as well as covers of the Howlin’ Wolf classic “Evil” and her take on Celine Dion’s hit “That’s Just The Woman In Me.”
“This is absolutely my favorite album I've ever recorded because I feel like my husband put me in a picture frame,” says Crystal. “He really captured who I am as an artist. He let my vocal shine. He brought out the best in me and all the songs that we wrote really capture my live show and who I am.”
Raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Crystal was introduced to the blues by her eldest brother and to old-time country by her parents. “I was also into other styles of music that led me to the blues,” she says, citing everything from Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog,” written by Big Mama Thornton, to R&B-pop star Monica’s “Misty Blue,” by Dorothy Moore.
“I was one of those kids who read the liner notes,” Crystal says. “I wanted to know everything, who are the songwriters, the musicians, the producers, the engineers. I'm always wanting to know who are the originators, who are the mothers of invention, who inspired all of us? I’m a purist at heart, so I was always diving back to learn from the masters, like Etta James, as far as vocalists; Muddy Waters, as far as feeling; and Buddy Guy, as far as stylists who have a lot of swagger.”
And yet Crystal’s first foray as a professional singer was in country music, not blues. She was in her early 20s and had immediate success after signing a U.S. record deal with RCA Nashville. 2008’s Dawn of a New Day, featuring the single “You Can Let Go,” reached No. 1 on the Canadian Country Album chart and No. 16 on the Billboard Top Country Albums, the highest charting album by a full-blooded Canadian First Nations country artist (in the SoundScan-era). Her first single, You Can Let Go,”
The following year she left the label and created her own, New Sun Records. Her first release was the holiday album I’ll Be Home For Christmas. Her next country album was 2010’s Just Like You, which won a 2013 Juno Award for Best Aboriginal Album, before she made the change to the blues with 2014’s The Whole World’s Got The Blues.
“I love all styles of music, but there was just always something drawing me to the blues,” she explains. “I had a country hit on the radio, and I would show up at country music festivals and I'd do a BB King cover or Buddy Guy or Etta James. Within country music, as much as I loved it, I had to restrain my voice a lot. It's very hard to hold back, and sometimes it was exhausting, whereas with the blues, I could just let it fly.”
While other artists have been embraced when they’ve made the switch to a different genre — Taylor Swift from country to pop; Dallas Smith from hard rock to country; and Darius Rucker from pop/rock to country — Crystal doesn’t mind talking about the difficulties she’s encountered.
“Country music is so excited when anybody from any genre comes to their world, hoping it'll make their world more popular. It'll up the cool factor but switching from country to blues is a lot more difficult because the blues scene is very protective because it's such an original genre. They want it to be respected and preserved.”
She would’ve had an easier time if she had created a blues-influenced sound, like the Black Crowes, Sass Jordan or Alannah Myles, but Crystal can hold her own in any conversation about the blues pioneers. Still, she still likes to cover an iconic Canadian artist in her inimitable way. Last album, it was The Tragically Hip’s “New Orleans Is Sinking” and this time, Celine Dion.
“Because I had so much friction coming to the blues where people were like, ‘You don't know nothing about the blues,’ I'm trying to show them not to be so close-minded because a lot of people are more inspired by the blues than they may realize. Again, I'm trying to reiterate that quote by Willie Dixon that the blues is roots and everything else is the fruit.”
The electrifying sound of blues-folk duo Blue Moon Marquee out of Cowichan Valley, British Columbia, is sure to make audiences jump out of their seats and dance with the latest upbeat single, “Hound Dog on a Chain” — available now!
A harmonic synthesis of blues, jazz, rock n’ roll, and swing, the latest single comes from Blue Moon Marquee’s highly anticipated fifth studio album “Scream, Holler & Howl.” The album is a sophisticated collection of music that instantly transports listeners to places of sonic wonder.
“Hound Dog on a Chain” is a pulsating track dripping with equal parts style and substance. The song features emotive vocals by Badlands Jazz, a.k.a Jasmine Colette, and a Hammond solo from the supremely talented Darcy Phillips (Jann Arden). As approachable as the new single is, “Hound Dog on a Chain” is about the systems of oppression that continue to drive society further from happiness.
As the duo says, “Wake up to the realization that people have the power. We need to believe in that power and to believe in the people. The chain is taut. This hound dog is about to bust loose.”
Groovy licks and up-tempo percussion punctuate “Hound Dog on a Chain” and the urgency of the message about social patriarchy and the prioritization of profit and corporate greed over life.
“Go hoist a rag
Can’t stop what’s coming
Hey, can you believe it?
They trying for your head
Watch out they don’t snare ya
Rock the feint instead.”
The sensational new album “Scream, Holler & Howl” showcases the exceptional talent of some of Canada’s finest musicians. Co-produced by the legendary Duke Robillard (The Fabulous Thunderbirds / Roomful of Blues), the album also features the musical stylings of Darcy Phillips (Jann Arden) on piano and Jerry Cook (Colin James) on tenor and baritone saxophone.
The latest single is accompanied by a provocative black and white music video that visualizes the detached world we’re reeling through. Utilizing dazzling choreography and interpretive dance, the official music video for “Hound Dog on a Chain” was produced by Studio 549 and filmed on the unceded territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples.
Blue Moon Marquee is comprised of creative duo A.W. Cardinal (vocals/guitar) and Jasmine Colette, a.k.a. Badlands Jass (vocals/bass/drums). American Roots UK calls Blue Moon Marquee a band with “their own completely original style,” and “modern blues doesn't really get any better than this. This is a tremendous sound by a hugely talented duo.” Over nine years since its inception, Blue Moon Marquee has enjoyed success entertaining audiences across Europe and North America with their dynamic sound with no intention of stopping any time soon.
A lover who withholds is often frustrating, at best. With that, multi-award-winning Victoria, BC-based jazz songstress Alli Bean captures the dynamic’s push-pull perfectly in her new single “Twenty Questions,” from her recently released album, Outside Voice — available now!
Framed as a series of increasingly probing questions for her lover, “Twenty Questions” features a funky, head-bopping groove, saucy and soulful vocals, and a chill “Doo doo doo” chorus over rollicking piano. Basically, it asks – in a detached and curious way – why the guy is such a damn narcissist:
What do you dream about while I awake from dreaming of you?
While I try to turn my light out, what is it you do?
Where do you go when you don't have a plan?
Who are you when you're not the front man?
The narrator inquires, somewhat sadly, why such a lover won’t let anyone in, but her smarts and self-respect get the better of her over and over again, as she challenges: “Why am I freezing in the heat while you're struttin' around so cold?” The overall message is a tried-and-true “you’re so vain,” so that the woman doing the calling out emerges as the song’s embattled hero.
It’s a theme that’s overarching on the album, recorded in its entirety in Bean’s tiny home studio during the pandemic. “Outside Voice is a culmination of works created along a personal growth journey,” Bean divulges. “We go through life making moves, and choices aren't always conscious. By chasing people and seeking external validation, we find ourselves in dicey situations, leading us astray from what matters.
“When I realized I had this issue,” she continues, “I turned inward and began really asking myself what I was relentlessly pursuing – what did I need to let go of in order to find it? In that process, I said goodbye to a lot of habits and ideas that got in the way.”
Alli Bean is a multi-award-winning Canadian powerhouse blues/jazz/pop-influenced songwriter and vocalist. Drawing influence from a multitude of artists including Wynton Kelly, Horace Silver, Fiona Apple, and Amy Winehouse, her compositional style leans toward the bluesy, funky side of the street, with a twist of jazz and a dash of sass for good measure.
Boston-based traditional blues duo almost eerily reminiscent of the like-minded Fabulous Thunderbirds, the Radio Kings primarily comprised vocalist/harpist Brian Templeton and guitarist Michael Dinallo. Formed in 1991, the group debuted in 1994 with the Icehouse label release It Ain't Easy, a showcase for their clear affection for the gritty sound of giants including Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter and Slim Harpo; Live at B.B. King's followed a year later, and in 1998, the Radio Kings returned with Money Road.
Bjørn-Helge Kurseth is a singer songwriter located in Sykkylven, Norway.
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