Category: Music News

New album release: Lost Voices – Tim Stafford and Thomm Jutz

Tim Stafford and Thomm Jutz pay tribute to those who ‘Still Had So Much To Say’ on their new album Lost Voices now out via Mountain Fever Records. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

When long-time friends, mutual admirers, and heavily respected bluegrass musicians Tim Stafford and Thomm Jutz started accumulating a catalog of co-written songs during Covid lockdown and beyond, it only made sense to get these inspired, well-crafted stories recorded for the rest of the world to hear and enjoy. Retreating to Jutz’ log cabin studio outside of Nashville with a crew of like-minded greats including Shaun Richardson on mandolin, Ron Block on banjo, Tammy Rogers on fiddle, and Mark Fain on bass, Stafford and Jutz cut fourteen of their songs to create an album of tunes that the beloved, late music writer and historian Peter Cooper called “Songs that bring American history—mountain culture, steam trains, vaudeville, race, baseball, strife, and grace—to technicolor life.” The album is called Lost Voices, and it is out now on Mountain Fever Records. (Tim Stafford/Thomm Jutz, 2023)

From Callie Lou, a song based on a scene from Harriette Arnow’s The Doll Maker that features Dale Ann Bradey on vocals; to the story of Negro League heroes, The Elizabethton Blue Grays, brought to life by the dedicated research of Jacey Augustus and the Cedar Grove Foundation; to the amazing story of the now-recognized Navajo heroes of the battle of Iwo Jima in Code Talkers; to The Queen and Crescent which is full of the alluring jargon from the golden era of America’s railroads; Lost Voices is all in tribute to what the longtime Blue Highway guitarist (Stafford) and the long-respected Nashville songwriter and session man (Jutz) call “the lost voices that still had so much to say.”

After calling both Stafford and Jutz “master guitarists and writers,” the aforementioned Cooper described Lost Voices: “These are new kinds of bluegrass songs, informed by mutual heroes Tony Rice, Norman Blake, John Hartford, and Gordon Lightfoot, yet not beholden to any prior influence, other than the influence of the American experience.”

Fans can stream or purchase Lost Voices.

Lost Voices track list:
Take That Shot
Enough To Keep You Going For A While
The Blue Grays
The Ballad Of Kinnie Wagner
Callie Lou
The Wild Atlantic Way
No Witness In The Laurel But The Leaves
Vaudeville Blues
Code Talker
The Standing People
The Queen And Crescent
High Mountain Rising
Revolutionary Love
Lost Voices

Mountain Fever Records is proud to announce the signing of Tim Stafford and Thomm Jutz; two of the most prominent and prolific songwriters in bluegrass music, for the release of their forthcoming duo project, Lost Voices. Their love for history, vintage guitars, and well-crafted songs brought the two together five years ago. “I’m such an admirer of Tim’s writing, singing, and playing. Making a duo record with Tim was a logical step and a dream come true for me,” notes Jutz. Stafford says, “Thomm is such a great, unique writer, player, and singer – we connected and found so many ideas that spoke to us both. Recording was a breeze!”

Songstress Jessica Medina blends musical genres in new single

Jessica Medina blends merengue and salsa in her new single Locura, available now for streaming. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Jessica Medina is a singer-songwriter born in New York to a Dominican mother and Puerto Rican father. Their voices were the soundtrack of her formative years. She studied jazz and rights at Hunter College in New York City and she was influenced from a very young age by merengue, specifically the merengue sounds of the 80s. By having the musical wealth of two cultures, her sound is a mixture of both. (Vesper Public Relations, 2023)

Jessica Medina broke barriers with her previous single “Back to Black,” an exemplary song by Amy Winehouse, approached from a completely new style. NPR regards her as “a new artist that you cannot stop listening to.” Constantly taking risks, she breaks barriers that the music industry imposes on language, offering bilingual lyrics and attracting the new generation called “Latinx,” Latinos raised in the United States.

Her new single Locura is now available for streaming. She once again demonstrates her passion for fusions, this time bringing together the rhythms of merengue and electronic synths with samba. Locura is part of her upcoming EP entitled Rosa, which will be released this April. In this EP she dives deeper into her Dominican and Puerto Rican roots and the different types of love from a woman’s perspective. Rosa is a project which includes women in all aspects, such as compositions, musicians, visual arts, musical arrangements, and production. Merengue is having a resurgence and Jessica Medina has decided to celebrate love with this romantic merengue.

Locura depicts an empowered woman with passion, sensuality, and joy. This track will make us all dance and celebrate love. Locura translates as craziness and captures that period of infatuation we all know. “Let’s start the year dancing merengue and being crazy in love.” Award-winning composer Alex Cuba composed Locura with musical arrangements and production by Janina Rosado. It was recorded in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

New single release: En Este Amor – Adriel Favela

Adriel Favela presents his new single En Este Amor. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Adriel Favela is an internationally celebrated singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist in the northern Mexican Regional genre known as norteño. Adriel Favela gives free reign to his free spirit and does not hold back. Once again, he surprises the musical scene with the release of En Este Amor, a heartbreak song written by Gussy Lau and Tamayo Aguilera, who through their lyrics try to explain what it means to be that special person, who meant everything and takes away your entire life when they leave. (Adriel Favela, 2023)

En Este Amor was recorded in Sonic Ranch and is the first preview of his next album in the mariachi genre, different from his previous releases, and to which he has invited a renown group of industry collaborators, such as Kiko Cibrian (mix and vocal director), Marco Ramírez (Masterization), Daniel Valenzuela (head producer in Esperanto debuting as “Tipo Country Productions”) along with David Valenzuela, Jared Vacapiz and Ervey Vargas in the musical ensemble.

The release of En Este Amor comes with an official video, which through pictures, showcases a beautiful sunset in the desert of Sonora, Mexico. This is the perfect setting to convey the melancholy in the message of the song, while also representing the singer, composer, musician and producer roots, Adriel Favela.

“Everything has been a happy accident because this song was aimed for another person, but at the end of the day, God has a purpose for us all and the song conveyed a lot. I loved it! It has a beautiful essence which I think will differentiate itself from everything we’ve done before and we’ve obviously put a lot of heart into it and we hope the audience receives it the same way.” – Adriel Favela.

“This is one of the most personal songs I’ve ever written. I started composing it while sitting on my bed, before going to sleep, thinking about the two perspectives of this love, it was self-criticism because I gave it everything and the other person didn’t give anything, and when my heart told me that I had to continue trying, I realized that wasn’t a very smart decision.” – Gussy Lau, composer

New album release: Perfectly Imperfect: The Acoustic Sessions – Signal Omega

Perfectly Imperfect: The Acoustic Sessions is the new album by Signal Omega. Photo: Signal Omega, used with permission.

Signal Omega is an up and coming artist from New Port Richey, FL. For Signal, music is more than just a sonic combination of sound, it is a way to express the deepest stories through creativity and emotional individuality. Unlike many contemporary artists, Signal Omega takes immense pride and reassurance in his own style and musical expression, embracing his uniqueness and impressive qualities. Signal Omega is currently focused on expanding his music and brand this year with an acoustic rendition of his current and newer songs. His latest release is Perfectly Imperfect: The Acoustic Sessions. (Signal Omega, 2023)

Perfectly Imperfect: The Acoustic Sessions is now available for streaming.

Follow the artist: Facebook  Instagram  YouTube 

Steadily growing his listeners and fans with each and every release, things look to be even bigger and better in 2023 for this exciting and talented artist. In addition, Signal looks to start playing live shows and showcasing his live performance skills to a new set of audiences.

“This album is a recreation of my full production tracks I’ve released over the years. I like to be diverse in my writing style and felt an acoustic version of each would bring them all to a common sonic level.” – Signal Omega

A varied and versatile artist, Signal utilizes a number of genres including rap, metal, and alternative. His motivation is to create an abundance of genre offerings in his musical works. Impressively, the artist has a natural ability to take the listener on an emotional rollercoaster. From upbeat house infused drops to more reflective and intimate numbers, his vast and ever expanding catalogue of music offers listeners an array of styles and tones that is rare to see in todays musical landscape.

Signal Omega. Photo: Signal Omega, used with permission.

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New album release: Daniel Kruglov – The Talking Piano

The Talking Piano by Daniel Kruglov is available now for streaming. Photo: Google

In music news today: If you love classical piano music as much as I do, here is some information on a new album release from Daniel Kruglov – The Talking Piano.

Daniel Kruglov is a talented pianist and composer known for his unique style that seamlessly blends classical, jazz, and contemporary music. Based in Israel, he has made a name for himself as one of the most original and innovative musicians of his generation. The celebrated pianist and composer announces the release of his latest album “The Talking Piano.” This latest project showcases Kruglov’s musical versatility and virtuosity, delivering a mix of emotional piano tracks and comic virtuoso pieces that are sure to captivate audiences. In “The Talking Piano,” Kruglov seamlessly blends his classical training with his unique comedic flair, resulting in an album that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. From beautiful ballads to hilarious parodies, the album showcases the full range of Kruglov’s musical talent and is a must-listen for fans of classical and contemporary music alike. (Daniel Kruglov, 2023)

Kruglov began his musical journey at a young age, studying classical piano and composition at some of the most prestigious music schools in Russia. He went on to earn critical acclaim for his performances and soon gained recognition as a virtuoso pianist and composer. In addition to his classical training, Kruglov has a passion for jazz and contemporary music, which he incorporates into his compositions and performances. This musical fusion has resulted in a unique and captivating sound that sets him apart from other musicians. His concerts are always a feast for the senses, as he blends his virtuosity with his wit and humor to create an unforgettable musical experience. He has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls and has been praised by audiences and critics alike for his exceptional talent and musical mastery.

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New album release: Something From Nothing – Chris Williams and Kid Reverie

Something From Nothing is the new album from Chris Williams and Kid Reverie. It will be out March 3, 2023. Photo: Google

Chris Williams’ ability to weave different sounds into a seamless whole comes naturally. He grew up near Greensboro, North Carolina, and his father, Allen Calhoun, was a bluegrass musician who played a little bit of everything. Williams was playing banjo by the time he was ten, and he and his father traveled constantly to bluegrass festivals where his father played. In his 20s and 30s, he played with rock bands and heavy metal bands, honing his instrumental chops and even taking the drums. He moved into jazz under the influence of Steely Dan’s Aja. Though he got away from music for a few years, he started buying recording equipment and eventually set out to make an album. Williams combines lyrical ingenuity with a gift for finding the just-right melodic vibes in which to wrap his words. He and Kid Reverie recently announced their upcoming album Something From Nothing, due out March 3, 2023. (Chris Williams/Kid Reverie, 2023)

Kid Reverie is out of Boulder, CO, featuring the voice and writing of Steve Varney, guitarist/banjoist for Gregory Alan Isakov and former leader of the band, Glowing House. In September 2018, Varney officially introduced Kid Reverie with a rock record both tender and furious. As and artist with several aesthetic interests, Kid Reverie has ebbed and flowed throughout time with a full length self-titled LP, Kid Reverie and many singles releases that cover a broad spectrum of genres. Steve’s body of work speaks for itself; honest, brilliant songwriting and an ever-reaching thirst for all things musical.

Born from their initial collaboration, the pair eventually co-wrote the twelve songs that became Something From Nothing. Co-produced by Williams and Varney and mastered by Varney, the two played every instrument on the album—with the exception of Michael McKee who joins in on drums for five songs and Ayda Varney who plays cat toy sounds on a tune.

Chris Williams and Kid Reverie shared the first listen from Something From Nothing, the ebbing and flowing “Half a Mile.” Written a few tunes into Williams’ and Varney’s time writing songs together, “Half a Mile” was a marked point of exploration for the pair, entering a mix of time signatures and tempo changes. “Every writing session we had, I was blown away by Steve’s in-depth knowledge of theory, song structure and catalog of hundreds of songs and examples within each at his fingertips,” remembers Williams. “Very useful when reaching for ideas and inspiration.”

Fans can stream or purchase “Half a Mile” now and pre-order or pre-save Something From Nothing ahead of its March 3 release.

Chris Williams and Kid Reverie hope the songs on Something From Nothing inspire others in their art: “not to be afraid to take chances musically.” Their music illuminates the struggles of the human soul, lighting a path between the shadows and light that leads from despair, fear, and loss to hope, courage, and love.

Something From Nothing track list:
Morning
Fog
Half A Mile
Himalayan Hills
Warning Bell (feat. Kid Reverie)
Asleep
Pretenders
Gambit
Dappled Grey

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Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley announce new album Living In A Song

Living In A Song will be out February 10, 2023. Photo: Google

American roots music has seen its fair share of beloved duos over the years—from The Monroe Brothers and Flatt & Scruggs to modern-day pairs like Milk Carton Kids and The War and Treaty—but few leave audiences as amazed as Grammy Award nominees Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley. Built on the interplay of Ickes’s Dobro and Hensley’s six-string guitar, the only thing outshining the virtuosity of this group’s instrumental performances is their singing and songwriting prowess. On February 10, Ickes and Hensley are set to release a new full-length album via Compass Records, Living In A Song. Featuring ten original tunes plus two timeless covers, and focusing on a classic country sound as heard in contemporaries like Chris Stapleton, Jamey Johnson, Sturgill Simpson, and Jason Isbell, Living In A Song is a love letter to a bygone Nashville and an in-depth look at the wonderful interplay between two masters of their craft. (Rob Ickes/Trey Hensley, 2023)

Ickes and Hensley shared a sneak peek of “Living In A Song,” the album’s title track which grew out of their experiences as touring musicians. According to Hensley, the song practically wrote itself after a long day on the road driving through Ohio. When Hensley digs into the lyrics there is no question that he has lived the story he is telling, lifted up even further when Ickes’ tenor harmony enters the chorus. Fans can check out “Living In A Song” and pre-order or pre-save Living In A Song ahead of its February 10 release.

Their brand new album Living In A Song clearly illustrates the breadth of the musical vision of Grammy Award nominees Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley and their depth as practitioners of their craft. It is no wonder that between them they are two of the most sought-after musicians in Nashville. Ickes co-founded the highly influential bluegrass group Blue Highway and has been an A-team Nashville session player and performing musician for decades, with credits including Vince Gill, Earl Scruggs, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, and Alison Krauss. Hensley, a three-time IBMA Guitar Player of the Year nominee, has been called “Nashville’s hottest young player” by Acoustic Guitar magazine and his soulful baritone vocals have received widespread notice as well. Influenced by repertoires as diverse as The Allman Brothers Band, Ray Charles, Merle Haggard, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Hensley has shared stages with artists such as Johnny Cash, Steve Wariner, Peter Frampton, and Old Crow Medicine Show.

Living In A Song track list:
Living In A Song
Deeper Than A Dirt Road
Backstreets Off Broadway
Way Downtown
I’ve Given All That I Can Take
Moonshine Run
Just Because
I’m Working On A Building
Is The World Still Turning
Louisiana Woman
I Thought I Saw A Carpenter
Thanks

Catch Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley on tour (more dates to be announced soon):
February 10 – Johnson City, TN – The Down Home
February 16 – Knoxville, TN – Barley’s
February 17 – Cartersville, GA – The Booth Museum’s Boots & Saddles Pre-Gala Party
February 18 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic
February 22 – Washington, DC – City Winery
February 23 – Philadelphia, PA – City Winery
February 26 – Portsmouth, NH – The Music Hall Lounge
February2 7 – New York, NY – City Winery
March 24 – Raleigh, NC – Private Event
March 31 – Phoenix, AZ – MIM: Musical Instrument Museum
April 1 – Tucson, AZ – Tucson Folk Festival
May 11 – Athens, AL – Fiddlers Concert Series
October 14 – Williamsburg, KY – River Stomp Bluegrass Festival

New music single: Silent Thunder – Omer B

Silent Thunder is the new instrumental single by Omer B. Photo: Google

Omer B is an independent musician, guitarist, and amateur race driver. He frequently works together with other musicians and singers and always welcomes new collaborators. His music varies between rock, pop, blues, gospel, funk, and jazz. His new instrumental single is Silent Thunder. (Omer B, 2023)

Silent Thunder is dedicated to all those around us who are silent, but on the other hand, the most talented and influential. Omer B perfectly proves this statement through the use of graceful vocals accompanied by an impressive guitar solo. He has always been passionate about music since a young age and has gained many friends and idols who have inspired him such as Cory Wong and Yossi Fine, who has worked with David Bowie and others. 

Silent Thunder is available on Spotify and Apple Music.

Guitar and theramini – Omer B
Vox and Synt – Sofia Grosclaude
Piano – YJL 林呱
Flute – Adi B
Drums – Glenn Welman
Bass: Yossi Fine

Connect with the artist: YouTube, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Music. 

Silent Thunder single. Photo: Google

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New album release: Masqued Emotions – Masque

Masqued Emotions is the debut album by Masque. Photo: Google

Masque is a gay singer/songwriter who began making songs in 2020. A student of classical piano since a young age, he has long written original compositions for the keyboard. Once he took the plunge into singing, he began writing songs as well, with several dozen songs currently under his belt. He typically performs in a signature ‘masque,’ using a variety of hats and wigs in his ensemble, and uses these outfits when vocally promoting lgbt+ rights on social media. (Masque, 2023)

‘Masqued Emotions’ is the debut album by Masque – an exploration of hope and struggles in the modern world through the use of rock, pop and alternative sounds.

Follow the artist: TikTok, iTunes, Spotify, Instagram

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New album release: Teddy Bear Stories 2 by Prince Casanova

Teddy Bear Stories 2 will be out February 14, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

If you are a fan of R&B and hip hop then do I have big news for you. Prince Casanova is an artist from Long Beach, California. He is also a singer, rapper, talented music producer, recording and mixing engineer, and writer in the genres of hip hop, rap, pop, country, rock, and R&B. He has a new album coming up next month: Teddy Bear Stories 2, an extended project from Teddy Bear Stories 1. (Prince Casanova, 2023)

Prince Casanova was once a part of a label called Upncomingrecords. He was a producer at the time while attending a Los Angeles film school later graduating and obtaining his Associates of Science Degree in Recording Arts; he was one of the top students in his class. He later started composing his own music and now has released 6 albums and 11 singles. His new album titled Teddy Bear Stories 2 will be released February 14, 2023.

Artist Name : JstLszn (Just-Listen) aka Prince Casanova
Teddy Bear Stories 2
9 tracks

Follow the artist on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music for updates.

After an advanced screening of the new album I can say that overall the new music has a sharp, crisp, and grooving feel that will please fans of the genre. The artist’s hard work and dedication comes through in each song and I commended him for sharing his craft with music fans. If you enjoy hip hop and R&B, this album should be on your to buy list. It should be noted that it contains adult themes and language.

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