Blues Corner - All That We Are
- English (US)
An album made for a road trip. The songs bring with them an electric charge. The gears and the genres shift together, and you know the trip is going to be a memorable one. All That We Are by Blues Corner is exactly that.
Bill Barlow - Out of Obscurity
- English (US)
A long day at work and a bike ride. You ran to places today. The chaos at the office had you ready to jump the gun. Files and fuss. Some days that leave you breathless, gasping for air. After work, you make your way back home. You are cooking, and a call comes through. “Do you want to go out for a bike ride?” “Yes.” You grab your earphones and your jacket and play your comfort album: Out of Obscurity by Bill Barlow.
Mark Winters- Copper Queen
Mark Winters is a barrier breaking musician based out of Texas. He has a mix of pop, rock, techno and blues with his music. Mark's musical repertoire ranges from singing, songwriting, guitar playing and Aeronautical and astronautical engineering. His songs are neither bound by genres or inspiration, he uses his life, poetry and his aeronautical knowledge to write his music. Mark Winters released Boundary Layer- his new album, last year and it is filled with such a wide variety of songs. “Heartbeat”, “Signal” and “It moves in you” being some of them. “Copper Queen” is a song that’s from the album Slipstream. The song doesn’t beat about the bush, it’s very obviously about his love and how he loves everything about her. There are two drum beats and Mark Winters’ voice immediately follows, we hit the ground running with this track. He serenades his lover with his favourite qualities of hers. He sings “Sails running into the wind, my copper queen, she’s all I see”. The song generally has such a laid back atmosphere to it but the beats are very much peppy rock in nature. Even though the beats feel very sharp, his voice adds such a rounded soothing quality to the number. Copper Queen being used in a live action movie could be unlikely. The song already has such a strong narrative of its own, therefore might end up overpowering a scene. However it can fit in extremely well within the universe of an animated film. The vividness of Copper Queen and the elaborateness of say a Pixar film can complement each other greatly. A WALL-E falling for EVE or Carl Fredricksen falling for Ellie Fredricksen (from UP) can be imagined with Copper Queen in the background. Mark Winters could be the face of Rainbow Rock as a genre if there ever was one. He is not only crossing boundaries genre wise but also nation wise as he has listeners across the US, Mexico and the UK. Mark Winters loves interacting with his listeners on all social media platforms and encourages it as they help inspire him.
Terry Blade-Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper
Terry Blade is changing history, one present at a time. The genre hopping, highly decorated musician is back with a new album, and that’s always a pleasant surprise. With a discography that revisits music to making songs that are inspired and aim to inspire, this well-rounded polymath goes down the dusty trail once again. You’ll hear folk and country roots from a contemporary with an edge. This is his latest album, Ethos:Son of a Sharecropper. Let the magic lie in the details. That is the joy and reason, the rhyme and time in country/folk music. Terry Blade opens with an emotional track, Come Home. The poetry is in his baritone, and the lyrics. As the balance is met with the slide guitar, you are transported to another time, another place. This album already seems like home, with this one track. The second is a single that has become Terry Blade’s most popular. From his King like deep voice to that catchy bluesy riff, the tempo is a marching soliloquy. It touches on the sentiment, dwells on it then recedes. Like any brilliantly written song, the depth is in the exploration itself. As you naturally transition into Rigor Mortis, you see the range of styles within a genre that Terry Blade explores. With a much darker and sober lyrical mass, the finger style guitar contrasts it with gutting imagery. You flow into Rainbow Child, the mastery in composition clearly being heard. Though the transitions are common, it’s the timing and originality in bringing his own execution to the table that makes it unique. Terry Blade isn’t your typical country artist. He might be the cornerstone of what is next to come. As the sun sets Talk About It changes the energy, yet places all the gravitas on the lyrics. As the accompanying guitar walks beside, the sun rays are on the protagonist with the voice. It is almost humbling, to hear this kind of music with such poignant lyrics after a long time. Drawing up a unique picture, it braces you for the journey. With an interlude called Fiddle and Banjo, you are given a respite from the emotional words that have been. The banjo and slide converse, with a monologue featuring in between. Wasn’t Mine has the warmth of a Johnny Cash track to it. From the opening guitars to the tempo and flow, it fits like a velvet glove. The harmonics give another level of balance to this track, and Terry Blade continues to add layers and texture to a cross-section that had formed its own template. In Grandma’s Kitchen explores another tale of the South, through melody. With a quicker, snappier tempo, acapella engages you till the banjo brings it. Jimmy James has the sorrow of George Jones with the retro core you’d expect. His vocals really shine through, on a song like this. In My House might close this album, but places a bookmark. As the layers of piano, slide and Terry Blade’s mesmerizing vocals draw you in, it takes a moment to admire the book you read, in a way. This might be autobiographical, but has a raconteur energy I’ve never felt before. It is the fulfilling of a prophecy, and the making of a legacy. You cannot oversell Terry Blade. You can only experience him for the powerful presence he is.
Dirty D (JUNK)- They Call Me Old Man
They Call Me Old Man by JUNK- Dirty D and Dubl A, follows Chromatose, their fresh album. They make it a point to have fun with jazz and Rock ‘n’ Roll masterfully. It is a gritty and cheeky track that captures the spirit of blues. It throws in their rock ‘n’ roll instincts with a tinge of rap. The saxophone and the shaker sets the ambiance right from the top. Then the lead’s voice comes in like a powerhouse spitting lyrics like it's nobody’s business. The guitar work paired with the saxophone exudes this sizzling chemistry that elevates the experience of the listeners. The song addresses people who get called “old man” for varied reasons. This could be because you’re actually old or because you choose to do things your own way. Never the less, the track is here to tell you that you’re dope no matter what because you're still calling your own shots. Don’t let the haters dim your light because you know what you want and you know who you are. It doesn’t matter if you’re old or young. Ramy is a series that deals with the troubles of living in a modern world and having to understand faith. All this while being the son of immigrants. Ramy Hussain must be applauded for his brilliant sense of satire, and dark comedy instincts. “They Call Me Old Man” would fit right in because the treatment of the music is so similar. Each character- old or young have their own strong storyline but each one comes together to form a great story much like a Jazz Band. Overall, They Call Me Old Man and JUNK is an excellent example of modern blues-rock, with a fresh take on a classic soundscape. Dirty D and Dubl A have listeners across the world and It is only growing. Check out their brilliant body of work!
The Reveal-Shadows Dancin
Consider yourself at a drama of life. When you part the curtains, it is an amalgam of the unique and brave. That is what The Reveal sound like. The name, fortunately, is apt as well. From a Southern blues tinge enveloping a funk dipped in country, this invented treasure can’t be replicated, and shouldn’t be. Talk about a fingerprint that changes the constitution. This is their latest single, Shadows Dancin. The country essence is brought to notice with the opening. Kudos to the sound design for making it sound like such an immersive experience. If the band has given it their all, the sound engineers have doubled down to make it sound straight from the golden vaults of dust and grime. The bluegrass touch is the verse section, where you bop your head along to the rhythm. If you were waiting for something to swing to, it comes almost immediately, with some really fun melodic curves. This is the kind of song that can define a scene, not the other way. The kind of stuff that inspires Tarantino to write a scene that is incomplete without this song. There is a joy in knowing the pattern of bluegrass songs, but not knowing the direction The Reveal will take. The rap verses somehow have the gumption to feel like an extension of the song, creating a fusion I wouldn’t have even dreamed of. I instantly imagined moments from The Harder They Fall, with the kind of execution this band has put through. You can never even ballpark the kind of song that is going to be the result of their rabid experimentation. This is one place going rogue is fun. Listen to their other popular tracks like She’s Bad and their latest EP Down South for some unpredictable magic. Like all magic should be.
Joel Rivendell - Moonshine and Coffee
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6KjxUu02v144x2HvNPq5wF Joel Rivendell's latest single "Moonshine and Coffee" is a groovy and upbeat track that has a Texan bluesy vibe. The song boasts of a catchy guitar line that drives the music forward and pairs perfectly with the beautiful vocal harmonies that feature on the turnarounds. The upbeat rhythm and tempo of "Moonshine and Coffee" make it a perfect campfire song, where one can enjoy the simple pleasures of life with good company, good drinks, and good music. The song's lively and soulful melody has a charm of its own and is sure to get the feet tapping and the head nodding. The production quality of the song is excellent and showcases Joel Rivendell's talent as a music producer and indie artist. The way he blends the bluesy and country elements in his music with elements of gipsy jazz and funk gives the song an appealing and unique sound. The soundtrack has a comic vibe to it with sarcastic elements in the lyrical narrative. How dark do you like your coffee? The song is a great fit for adventure movies based in suburban settings, where the characters are on a journey to self-discovery or discovering the beauty of the world around them. An example of a TV series where "Moonshine and Coffee" would be an ideal background track is Stranger Things. The song's lively melody and upbeat vibe would complement the series' investigative and adventurous themes, creating an immersive and engaging experience for viewers. In conclusion, Joel Rivendell's "Moonshine and Coffee" is an exceptional single that showcases his skill as a music producer and indie artist. The song's groovy and funky melody, catchy guitar line, and beautiful vocal harmonies make it a must-listen for fans of bluesy and country music. It's a perfect track to listen to while camping or travelling, and its funky vibe is sure to lift the spirits and make any day brighter. With a few releases like Agile, Dandelion, and Melbourne, Joel Rivendell is sure to make a few heads turn in the coming future.
Red and the Revelers-Shattered Lives
Blues rock galore with Red and the Revelers. Just the plain approach would have been acceptable, but they have that certain spice. Like that addiction to cinnamon in your coffee. Their music brings as much joy and life to the party as any pill. There’s no post party guilt after this. This is their latest single, Shattered Lives. This song has become incredibly popular, in quite a short period of time. With a blues riff that sounds familiar but has that bright spot-we are underway. The brass comes in with a stylish attack that you wouldn’t expect, bringing forward joy and plenty of merriment. If the vocals aren’t something to covet and award, I don’t know what to tell a music fan like you. The riff rings out in the background, the chorus having a powerful wave. The harmonics and calculated brass flourishes bring in quite a lot of that spicy flavour you would be addicted to. The breakdown is a catchy, funky and groovy section-feeding a bridge which the sax dominates. If you aren’t singing the chorus the second time around, you need therapy. Red and the Revelers have pitch perfect execution. This truly is serene swamp soul from the South. A Spotify bio never lies, only builds up the artist exactly like they’d want. Don’t cover yourself up with this track just yet. With their 2019 album The Wizard and the Witch, Red and the Revelers show that they dominate this kind of sound. Get on Up (2014) featured a great performance by the late great Chadwick Boseman. This song would be the soul and life of the movie, without a doubt. Listen to their single and follow them for more like this!
Tara MacLean- Sparrow
Tara Maclean released her latest album Sparrow and it is a testament to the healing power of music. Her Memoir “Song of the Sparrow” sheds light on her personal struggles that inspired the album. Her storytelling through words and music is deeply interlinked with each other at its very core. Every song on this album is proof of her excellent craft. Her childhood was filled with hunger, uncertainty and danger. Despite that, her solace was in music and writing, it gave her the strength to create a future for herself. That's Me- Sparrow Version Her single Sparrow is where it all starts. Largely, her first half is soft and mellow, leaning more towards R&B. It starts with abandonment. Sparrow speaks of being left when you need someone the most. While all this is true, she also speaks of themes of resistance in this one. Sparrow could also be termed as a restart rather than a start and boy is it strong and empowering! As the album progresses, it moves towards jazz and blues, having a fuller and sharper soundscape. But before we get to That’s Me- Sparrow Version is where it stops. And we hear the songs transition into different genres slowly. She puts a stop to her soft rounded-off notes and makes space for the Jazz. Divided- Sparrow Version She introduces a different texture of sounds in Divided- Sparrow version. We suddenly hear the percussion creating a baseline for the song to bounce off of and we’re here for it. The change in texture adds so much value to the storytelling with regard to the mood she has created. The character arch from this section is tremendous to the album. She somehow still maintains her heartfelt R&B soul through this section. A special mention to the orchestra in the last three tracks. It adds such an atmosphere of euphoria to the album. The production by Daniel Ledwell is outstanding, bringing together a phenomenal set of sounds and polishing it to perfection. The album evokes such moving images of resistance and overcoming hurdles and hardship. A film that showcases this and adds a little bit of spice to its story with the theme of revenge is Colombiana. The film is an action-packed powerhouse, Tara’s Sparrow would work wonderfully in any part, specifically the end. Where we could use Divided in the last fight scene which by the way did Sansa’s revenge with Ramsey Bolton way before her. Overall, "Sparrow" and "Song of the Sparrow" are both extraordinary works. It showcases incredible talent and strength by Tara MacLean. Her music and writing have touched the hearts of readers and listeners around the world. Her story is an inspiration to anyone who has faced adversity in their life. We can only hope that she continues to create and share her gifts with the world for years to come. You can find the links to socials underneath and don’t forget to give her powerful memoir a read.
Derek Lee Goodreid- Lost & Alone Again
You can feel the clouds of despair along with the winds of heartache gather ominously as you listen to Lost & Alone Again by Derek Lee Goodreid. He has you in the palm of his hands with nothing but his voice and a guitar. His songs generally fall under either blues or rock, genre wise. This one though, can literally be set apart as it has a sombre country touch to it. The song opens with just a guitar and Derek says “Take me to the well” and you already know you forgot your tissues. Goodreid’s vulnerable delivery draws the listeners only to have us marvelling at his velvety bass voice. The fact that there’s just a guitar and Derek’s voice builds an intimate atmosphere and reduces the distance between him and us. You can hear him spill himself with an incredibly painful sense of honesty onto the page. He also says “Take me down to the river and deliver me from my many sins.” this adds an almost gothic church-like touch to the number. He also says “Take me down to the river so I can wash these blood-soaked hands.”. It immediately reminds you of the infamous blood scene with Leonardo De Caprio in Django Unchained. The Bluesy Country touch within the song would make it a great addition to Django Unchained's playlist. It also has a Tarantinoesque imagery. Speaking of, Lost & Alone Again has such vivid descriptions of pain, loss and missing. The number is a stunning piece of music crafted by Derek Lee Goodreid. It has a way of seeping between the cracks of the walls around your heart and breaking it down. You must give a listen to this masterpiece and more of his work in the links attached below.
Clay Joule-Drifters
Clay Joule can transport you to a stage for a live show any time. With his use of instruments and catchy rock elements in his music, it is surprising people don’t label him as the blues defibrillator. In his own way, he keeps that art alive with his music, which touches all genres based on the theme. This is his latest single, Drifters. This song gives ethereal Clapton Crossroad energy. From the guitar tone to how Clay Joule sounds, this is blues deluxe for sure. Elisa Mammoliti brings the edge for this blues track, echoing the seconds with precision. The lyrics draw you to a whole new story, creating a fabric of blues concerts which music fans adore. Together, Elisa and Clay Joule create an ingredient of rock and blues that has become unanimous with a world that constantly pretends like they’re innovating. The theme of the drifter fits perfectly as well, attempting to move along just like the blues do. Entertaining and engaging, this is the kind of song that entire movie soundtracks can be built on. The solo sections and creative shuffles make it as unique as ink on a book. His most popular track remains O’dream, a crafted number that sounds like a surreal collection of symphonies. The movie Crossroads (1986) would host this song perfectly. This is 3 decades and more ago, that is the kind of tone and structure Clay embodies. Listen to his single with us, remember to follow him for more music like this!
Blue Shirt Charlie-Misty
Blue Shirt Charlie bring Americana shaped to perfection. They never limit themselves to the genre, there are always melodies and styles bleeding in. Whatever this hybrid of sound they have created, has become their trademark sound-wherever you hear it. You might have heard of at least one of their singles on an indie playlist on account of how special their composition style is. This is their latest single, Misty. I am usually averse to any love song directed to a person. It is something that has been overdone, yet here comes a band to change my entire opinion on things. In this day and age. With their simple two chord change for the verse section-glimmer and glitter changes the dimensions in which you hear the song. It reminds me of Costello’s Allison, though there are miles of difference. The creativity is in infatuating with a truth for this person, someone who takes up a chunk of your thoughts and dreams. The chorus will bring you goosebumps, like God was beaming you up with a bright light. Magicians with instruments is what Blue Shirt Charlie are. Surrounding the song, there are energies that will bring a smile to your face. Though a movie surrounding Misty would be ideal, I felt this song would be great in a movie like Runaway Bride (1999) as well. The slow Americana concoction is something this band loves to really dwell and steep their music through. Listen to their other singles Crazy Woman and Shelter as well, and be sure to follow them for more brilliant music!