Crystal Shawanda

 

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.” 

 http://crystalshawanda.co/

Joe Bailey

 

British indie-folk outfit 'Joe Bailey' isn't actually just Joe Bailey; it's really two long-time friends and musicians Joe Bailey and Gaz Wilby, wedded by their passion for eclectic, vintage soundscapes. Joe had initially written an acoustic album that his musical soulmate Gaz was going to mix and master for him, but when the opportunity arose for them to work their music magic in tandem, it only seemed right. 

"After getting back the first mixes I thought it sounded like an unfinished album, at which point Gaz said he loved the songs and would be up for adding other instruments and ideas... so that's what we did!"

What Joe and Gaz managed to create is bluesy, folksy and unmistakably retro in its feel. 'Without Love' traverses soft blues tones with jangly guitar riffs, and tom-heavy percussion lifts the energy. Cries of "without love we've got nothing at all" transform the track into something truly rousing. There's modern touches; subtle piano musings underpin the whole thing, yet a definite 60s anthemic feel runs throughout. 

'Without Love' is taken from Joe Bailey's soon-to-be released full length album (a self-titled project) – a collection of tracks close to Joe's heart: "This track and the whole album are the most personal and honest songs I've ever written. I'd not written any music for quite a few years and I did a lot of self-reflection in that time – I just felt like I needed to write some music again so I wrote this album."  

 

The 36-year-old is keen not to tie the Joe Bailey duo to any particular set of artists or genres. Instead, he clarifies that their sound is an all-welcoming vibe: "I don't know who our music is similar to but there's been a few comments saying 'Without Love' reminded them of The Beatles, which is obviously a super cool comparison for people to make. But I don't know, maybe it's for people who dig the kind of 60s/70s sounds and vibe – I'd like to think we've made some songs that almost anyone will enjoy."

The pair worked closely on the creative production of their album, yet Joe remains humble about his own song-writing process: "I'll just get a guitar melody or maybe a line of a song pop into my head and then I'll go find my guitar and just write," he says. "I think a lot of the songs from this album kind of wrote themselves. I know it sounds stupid but sometimes I don't even know where the words I write are coming from." 

Gaz Wilby collaborates on the album in epic style – 'Without Love' in particular; what was supposed to be an acoustic serenade became a powerful song of love through the virtues of innovative instrumentation, production and delicate mixing and mastering. "'Without Love' was just a few guitar chords and some words when I first sent it to him – he's brought the whole thing to life," Joe reflects.

For a musician who hasn't written music for years, 'Without Love' represents a special re-introduction to the scene – one that he's extremely proud of, and should be. The talented song-writer has some way to go to catch Paul McCartney and co. – but backed by the musical prowess and unbounded friendship of Gaz Wilby – can firmly cement his place in the indie-folk arena.

 

 https://linktr.ee/joebaileymusic

Jonathan Williams

 

Jonathan Williams tells powerful stories of faith, love, and family, using his evocative voice and intimate lyricism to build meaningful connections with his listeners. Not confined to a single genre, he combines elements of pop, rock, and folk to create his emotionally stirring sound. He is an artist of rare candor and authenticity, one who puts his entire heart into every song he writes.

Jonathan was born in Canada. He started his life as a musician being taught the songs of Gordon Lightfoot by his mother, on a guitar purchased by his father. As he grew up, his tastes began to expand dramatically. Discovering Joe Satriani was a seminal event in Jonathan’s life, and he quickly became obsessed with the guitar. He became a mainstay on the Victoria rock scene, both as a solo artist and a founding member of iRiS, opening for big name acts and establishing himself as a dynamic performer.

Eventually, Jonathan’s dream led him to Vancouver. That dream, however, would have to be deferred, as he fell in love, started a family, and began a new career as a police officer. For twelve years, Jonathan devoted himself to his work and his children, allowing music to become a thing of the past. However, when his life fell apart a few years later, music was there to save him.

In 2017, Jonathan’s marriage collapsed. He was suffering from severe depression and found himself unable to continue working. With nowhere else to turn too, Jonathan surrendered himself to God. He spent countless hours in prayer, finding hope in the teachings of the Bible. As his broken heart began to heal, Jonathan felt newly inspired, and with guidance from above, he decided to return to his first love - music.

The songs that Jonathan writes are a testament to the power of the human spirit. He explores the depths of his soul, turning his own loss into universally resonant messages of faith. Jonathan’s songs are performed with the conviction of a man who has hit rock bottom and still found the strength to carry on. With new music expected in 2022 and beyond, Jonathan is devoted to using his voice and music to inspire listeners around the world. 

 https://jonathanofficialmusic.com/

The Lost & Found

 

A south wales originals band with alternative guitar sounds and with added welsh swagger.

We're over the moon to be sharing with you the new album from, Cardiff-based rockers, The Lost & Found. 

Plastic World is packed with rifftastic tunes, great harmonies and is one of our favourite releases of 2022 so far.

 

https://music.apple.com/gb/album/plastic-world/1641323688

https://www.facebook.com/LostandfoundCardiff

Takin'off

 

"Takin'off" is a new Alternative Rock band.

Their first single "Come Together" is a tribute of respect and love to the great Liverpool Four. The band's unique style and musical approach to the original song make it sound even more lyrical and dramatic.

"Come Together" was released in early summer 2022 and immediately got into rotation in Greece, Aruba, Kirghizia.

The song "Come Together" has hundreds of cover versions, but this one, with its interesting arrangement and altered harmony, really catches, rocks and makes the audience fall in love with it again.

Takin'off did a great job!' - Edward Semenov, PD "Start FM" 104.5 Mordovia.

At the moment the band has locked themselves in the studio, working hard on an album that will include cover tracks of Nirvana, U2, Depeche Mode, and of course, several own tracks.  

 https://music.apple.com/ru/album/come-together/1631162764?i=1631162946

BLUE MOON MARQUEE Releases Fiery Track “Hound Dog On A Chain”

 

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.”

 

 

https://bluemoonmarquee.com/

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.

Tim Wolf

 

Aspiring rock stars dream of becoming household names in their 20s, but when Nashville-based Americana artist, Tim Wolf, was that age, he fantasized about creating a household consumer brand. The lifelong musician and entrepreneur did taste business-world stardom, earning prestigious Marketing Excellence awards; inventing and earning multiple US Patents; and living in chic and exotic locales like New York and Japan. Yet, the grind got him down, and, by 2014, Wolf found himself at his wit’s end.

One fateful day, a buddy intervened. He marched into Wolf’s office and demanded he shut down his enervating business ventures and pursue his dreams. “My friend metaphorically hit me on the head with a two by four. Things were so gray and dreary, and music just felt like sunshine and beautiful flowers. As soon as he left the office, I vowed to do music full time,” Wolf recalls. Within 24 hours Wolf listed real estate for sale which would allow him to restructure. He adds: “After it was sold, I was completely free to pursue my musical dreams full time.”

To date, Wolf has released a brace of singles, the Castle Built of Cards EP, and next he will issue his full-length debut, Everything I Learned In Grade School. In addition, since he’s fired up his artist career, Wolf has toured regionally and internationally. So far a career milestone has been touring Ukraine and Poland which climaxed with Wolf headlining the Stara Fortetsya Festival in Trostyanets, Ukraine.

His songs are those of the lone wolf—masculine but sensitive, romantic but ill-fated. Wolf a storyteller of hard luck and heartbreak. Wolf’s music is informed by the blues—he’s a lyrical and economic lead guitar player—but contextualized by Americana, that sweet spot where country, folk, and blues overlap, and songs come first. His vocals have a patina that’s both paternal and mythical—as if he’s singing from years of hard road living. Wolf’s song’s invite comparisons to Johnny Cash, Mark Knopfler, Rhett Miller, and Jason Isbell.

Wolf’s earthy musicality no doubt is tied to his rural upbringing in South Dakota where he grew up on a large but lonely farm. Despite being a natural at living off the land, Wolf had big city aspirations and earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, and set off for the wilds of the business world where he tasted success and excess. Eventually, he tired of the glitz, and brought his enterprising spirit back home.

Back in South Dakota, he pursued various entrepreneurial endeavors while overseeing the family farm. Away from the din and excitement of a life in business, his love of music began to surface. He had been playing guitar since grade school, and continued to practice, perform, and evolve as a musician throughout his adult life. He even picked up the saxophone later in life and began gigging semi-professionally with a cover band.

A series of events recalibrated Wolf’s journey from being landlocked by his family’s farm in South Dakota. His cover band dissolved, and a bubbling-under urge to be a front man, and his friend’s urgent request that he pursue music galvanized him into making some profound changes. He sold the farm, and decided to go all-in with music and move to Nashville in 2017.

It wasn’t an easy transition. The reality of a career in music hasn’t necessarily been the sunshine and beautiful flowers Wolf envisioned. In the wilds of Music City, Wolf rubbed shoulders with powerful producers interested in his talents, but hypercritical of his abilities. “I’ve been broken down so many times,” he admits. “My first reaction was to quit because I felt like I would never amount to anything. I remember thinking what would be the fastest route to sell my gear, but there’s nothing I would rather do than play music.”

However, he’s emerged from it all with dignity, grace, and an impressive back catalog of songs. He’s earned the stamp of approval of working with in-demand Nashville producer and singer-songwriter, Kenny Schick. Schick and Wolf worked together on his upcoming debut album, Everything I Learned in Grade School. That title is pinched from a quip a producer made while listening to one of Wolf’s tracks, remarking that his tasty blues licks were somehow pedestrian—“I learned those in grade school,” the producer exclaimed. To his credit, Wolf did take the hard scrapes in stride, feeling the pain, but also growing from the advice. He fine-tuned his vocals, easing them back into the pocket, but he stayed true to his gutsy and achingly beautiful lead guitar playing.

A sneak peek at his upcoming album produced by Schick includes the smoldering pop-rock track “Earthquake In A Bottle,” the gut-wrenching “A Million Little Hearts,” and the boldly vulnerable piano ballad, “Frequency.” The stunning “Earthquake In A Bottle” conjures the sleek groove-pop of prime 1970s Fleetwood Mac with a captivating romantic narrative. Here, Wolf’s writing is sexy and clever, one choice passage is A palindrome in human form/Like poetry upside down/She looks as good from any direction you can see.

Wolf’s EP Castle Built of Cards EP is available now on all digital sales and streaming platforms. Two highlights on this six-song EP include “Born In South Dakota” and “Castle Built of Cards,” both are co-written by guitarist Jimmy Davis. The swampy “Born In South Dakota” is both a storyteller and a scene-setting song, conveying a mythically grand perspective of Wolf’s home state through the Deadwood series saga of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. The lyrics are ominously evocative and feature such imaginative lines as: As the cold blows thru your bones/A man knows he’s alone/When he understands the wind can smell your fear I was born in South Dakota/Born in South Dakota. The EP title track features some of Wolf’s finest lead guitar playing, and his tasty melodic-blues playing evokes Eric Clapton and Mark Knoplfer. His vocals are low-register and understated and tell the story of a temptress woman who hoodwinks the male protagonist, using her charms and deceptive ideals to lure him into a trap.

The Nashville chapter in Wolf’s life has been both hard fought and triumphant. Up next, Wolf will be finishing up his debut album, and embarking on a 5 month, 85-date tour starting in January. The road has been reaffirming and grounding for Wolf, especially the festival in Ukraine. “When I went on, the audience was clapping and singing along from the first song,” he remembers. “It felt amazing, otherworldly, and I’m excited to hit the road in January!”

 https://thetimwolf.com/