Beware Wolves Vol. 7
You wonder where Beware Wolves is going all the time. Always in flight, on the road, on the run. He’s a stochastic messenger, carrying a word of indeterminate character, at once mystical, earthbound and a little singed from a too-close brush with Hellmouth. Deeply rooted in Americana soil, the guitar is his tether. Meanwhile plaintive melodies ascend to the heavens, reaching their highest heights when he’s most pained. You hear flashes of Loudon Wainwright, Paul Simon, Lindsey Buckingham.
Then you hear Beware Wolves stretching, yearning for some kind of solace, almost finding a refuge in the clouds before crashing back to the ground and setting again, at speed, bearing another message, in search of another self. With New World, Volume 6 opens on a scene of discovery: “They came across the land for it/They came for it across the sea,” he sings before declaring that love is the undiscovered country. Note to Self is a wounded, hopeful life-affirmation, with wistful folk arpeggios holding back darker, lacerating thoughts of tragedies and wasted chances. When the searching falsetto repeats “Every knot comes undone/Just give it patience and time”, we feel the urgency and hope like hell it’s true. The propulsive Rabbit Run meanwhile makes a plea for more living, faster, now: “We must start without delay/See how now the hour is late/No time to hesitate today/Before the future is past.”
Rather be Fishing takes a different route. A polished gem of a toe tapper, it features a rare rhythm accompaniment and lush, gorgeous harmonies that would make the Louvin Brothers proud. A driving answer to Rabbit Run, album closer Round Again is an uptempo tour of a relationship flameout, awash in recrimination and something more enlightened than regret: “You never know what you’ve got ‘til it fades away/and everything comes round and round.”
Brother Steve
BROTHER STEVE is making a powerful entrance onto the music scene with the release of his highly anticipated debut EP Learning to Breathe. Rooted in deep storytelling, heartfelt emotion, and a signature blend of rootsy acoustic textures and searing slide guitar, Learning to Breathe is a soul-stirring journey through love, loss, self-discovery, and redemption.
Inspired by personal struggles and triumphs, Brother Steve—born Steve Snuffer—channels a lifetime of experiences into his music, crafting songs that resonate with raw honesty and undeniable authenticity. Drawing influence from legends like the Allman Brothers and Lowell George of Little Feat, Brother Steve’s sound is a compelling fusion of Southern rock, blues, and Americana. His impassioned vocals—often compared to Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes—carry a depth and grit that bring his lyrics to life, making each song feel like a lived-in story. With standout tracks like “Move On,” “What Say You!?” and the title track “Learning to Breathe,” the debut EP showcases Brother Steve’s knack for crafting infectious melodies and evocative lyrics that linger long after the music fades. “Music has always been a lifeline for me,” says Brother Steve. “This record is about finding hope in the wreckage, struggle in the strength, and learning to embrace who you are, and understanding that every breath is another chance to give yourself some grace and start again.”
Brother Steve’s musical journey began with his grandfather, a quiet West Virginia picker who instilled in him a love for the guitar at an early age. After a winding path that led him from South Boston as a youth to the suburbs of Walpole, Massachusetts, Brother Steve honed his craft by playing alongside older more seasoned musicians, often sneaking into bars as a teenager to perform. With Learning to Breathe, Brother Steve establishes himself as a rising voice in the Americana landscape, bringing a refreshing yet timeless sound to the genre. Steve Snuffer (vocals, guitar, keys), Steve Marchena (guitar), Keith Munslow, Michael O’Shea & Roger Lavallee (keyboards), Robert West & TJ Morris (bass), Russ Stemglass (drums).
Coleman Mellett
Coleman Mellett (1974-2009), was a talented, established jazz guitarist in the Chuck Mangione band. Unknown to most, he was also a passionate songwriter with plans to release an album of his original music. Coleman was killed along with 50 others, when Colgan Flight 3407 crashed 7 miles from the BuffaloNiagara International Airport on February 12th, 2009, while traveling to play with Mr. Mangione, his band and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Left behind, on Coleman’s computer in his modest home studio in East Brunswick, New Jersey, were the preliminary vocal and guitar tracks to eleven original tunes and one never-before-heard solo guitar, instrumental arrangement of James Taylor’s Fire and Rain. Shortly after the accident, Coleman’s wife, jazz singer Jeanie Bryson (Dizzy Gillespie’s daughter), and dear friend and jazz giant Barry Miles began the journey of completing Coleman’s music with his favorite artists and closest friends.
The album, Sing You A Brand New Song, is scheduled to be released on February 14th, 2025. Contributing Artists: Coleman Mellett (vocals), Barry Miles (producer & pianist), Chuck Mangione (flugelhorn), James Scholfield (guitar), Will Lee (electric bass), Cliff Schmitt (acoustic bass), Larry Goldings (organ), Ron DiCesare (percussion), Steve Gadd (drums), Terry Silverlight (drums), James Taylor, Natasha Roth & Jeanie Bryson (vocals).
Coleman Mellett
From his upcoming album Sing You A Brand New Song, COLEMAN MELLETT’s charming & upbeat single “Everymornin’” features Chuck Mangione, Barry Miles, Jeanie Bryson, Steve Gadd, Will Lee and others. Besides the audio album, a documentary film titled Sing You A Brand New Song will also be released. Mellett was known as a talented, established jazz guitarist in the Chuck Mangione band. Unknown to most, he was also a passionate songwriter with plans to release an album of original music. Tragically, Coleman Mellett was killed along with 50 others when Colgan Flight 3407 crashed seven miles from the BuffaloNiagara International Airport on February 12th, 2009. Mellett was on his way to playing with Mr. Mangione, his band, and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Sing You A Brand New Song documentary preview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8KgobGRH_Y&t=17s Left behind on Coleman Mellett’s computer in his home studio in East Brunswick, New Jersey, were the preliminary vocal and guitar tracks to eleven original tunes and one never-before-heard solo guitar, instrumental arrangement of James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain.” Shortly after the accident, Coleman’s wife, jazz singer Jeanie Bryson (Dizzy Gillespie’s daughter), and dear friend and jazz giant Barry Miles began the journey of completing Coleman’s music with his favorite artists and closest friends. The album, Sing You A Brand New Song, is scheduled to be released on February 14th, 2025.
Collaborations
The ensemble behind the project COLLABORATIONS is brought to life by a dedicated family of musicians and vocalists. Ed Daniels lays the foundation with music and the theme for the songs, while cowriters like Anais Preller, Suzanne Kiss, Heather Joseph, Carla Zipay, Sylvia Jones, Sheila Fabrizio, Vita Rose Taytro, Bonnie Lee Panda and Alex Bach bring the theme to life while adding layers of emotion and depth with either their voices or lyrics. The harmonies are further enriched by Kevin Monroe’s direction of the backup vocals and Devotion’s talents, creating a rich and evocative sound. The recording sessions, held at Horizon Music Studios in West Haven, CT, are overseen and produced by Vic Steffens with coproducer by Matt Oestreicher, who also handles the orchestrations. The Collaborations Band, featuring notable award winning musicians such as Bobby Torello, Scott Spray, Al Ferrante, Jon Peckman, Tim DeHuff, Bill Holloman and Dave Eggar on strings brings each piece to life with skill and passion.
Curtis Stigers
The origin of CURTIS STIGERS’ new album Songs From My Kitchen, Volume 1 goes back to early pandemic days when he sheltered at home with his wife and several dogs. As a means of staying in touch with his fans, Stigers performed 50 streamed live concerts c/o his kitchen in Idaho. The weekly series was dubbed Songs From My Kitchen and featured Curtis playing songs, surrounded by his dogs, who didn’t hesitate to whine or wrestle or bark during a performance.
The freedom of playing solo with only his voice and guitar allowed Curtis to rediscover some of his older material, songs from his albums and songs previously unrecorded, all in an unplugged, impromptu setting. It was also a chance for him to hone his acoustic guitar skills, something he’d always used for songwriting, but not performing. Highlights from Stigers’ 11-track album include the upbeat “Good To Know You” about finding a longlost parent, the heartfelt growing up song “I Have Everything” featuring pianist Larry Goldings (John Mayer, Maceo Parker, John Scofield), and the heartbreaking “Until You Were Gone,” in which Stigers realizes too late that he was in love with a friend who has departed.
Curtis Stigers burst onto the recording scene in 1991 with his eponymously-titled debut album, which sold 1.5 million copies and spawned several self-penned hit singles, including “You’re All That Matters To Me,” “Never Saw A Miracle” and the Top 10 hit “I Wonder Why.” The next year the singer/songwriter/saxophonist recorded Nick Lowe’s “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, And Understanding” for The Bodyguard soundtrack. Stigers recorded two more pop-oriented albums in the 1990s and made guest appearances on several albums, including two by his early musical mentor, the legendary pianist Gene Harris.
Curtis Stigers
CURTIS STIGERS’ single “Good To Know You” is from his upcoming new album, Songs From My Kitchen, Volume 1. The uplifting and heartfelt track speaks to the mixed emotions of seeking and finding a long-lost parent. According to Stigers, who didn’t meet his biological father until 2012, “‘Good To Know You’ is my musical reflection about gaining a father at midlife and learning how to navigate that relationship. Spoiler: It has a happy ending.” Official Video for “Good To Know You” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2rt2jNsgD4 The origin of Curtis Stigers’ new album goes back to early pandemic days when he sheltered at home with his wife and several dogs.
As a means of staying in touch with his fans, Stigers performed 50 streamed live concerts c/o his kitchen in Idaho. The weekly series was dubbed Songs From My Kitchen and featured Curtis playing songs, surrounded by his dogs, who didn’t hesitate to whine or wrestle or bark during a performance. The freedom of playing solo with only his voice and guitar allowed Curtis to rediscover some of his older material, songs from his albums and songs previously unrecorded, all in an unplugged, impromptu setting.
It was also a chance for him to hone his acoustic guitar skills, something he’d always used for songwriting, but not performing. Curtis Stigers burst onto the recording scene in 1991 with his eponymously-titled debut album, which sold 1.5 million copies and spawned several self-penned hit singles, including “You’re All That Matters To Me,” “Never Saw A Miracle” and the Top 10 hit “I Wonder Why.” The next year the singer/songwriter/saxophonist recorded Nick Lowe’s “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, And Understanding” for The Bodyguard soundtrack. Stigers recorded two more pop-oriented albums in the 1990s and made guest appearances on several albums, including two by his early musical mentor, the legendary pianist Gene Harris.
David Haerle
“I want to share with you my brand new single ‘To Dance On Sands (Ode To Marta Becket),” says singer / songwriter DAVID HAERLE. “A source of inspiration to me for this song is the late dancer, actor, choreographer and painter Marta Becket.” David’s music blends rock, folk, and Americana with heartfelt storytelling, warm guitar tones and a nostalgic yet modern vibe that feels both personal and expansive.
His previous album releases, 2023’s El Camino Sierra, 2020’s Death Valley and 2018’s Garden of Edendale, have all been well reviewed in many notable music publications, including Billboard, American Songwriter, Goldmine, Under The Radar, Glide, Rock and Roll Globe, Americana Highways, Elmore Magazine and others. Official Video for “To Dance On Sands (Ode To Marta Becket)” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6RaU8EJ7TQ
David Haerle grew up surrounded by music and the music business. His father, Martin, emigrated from Germany to pursue a dream of working in the country music industry and co-founded the independent label CMH Records, setting up shop in the garage and side room of the family home in Los Angeles. David’s maternal grandparents co-owned the first full time country music radio station in Nashville, WENO, with their partner Cal Young.
The King of Country Music himself, Roy Acuff, took David onstage at the Grand Ole’ Opry before a full house when he was 9 years of age. After picking up his first guitar (a Fender Stratocaster) around age 13, David played in rock and alternative new wave bands during the ‘80s, before becoming a music agent at ICM. When his father passed away suddenly, David took over the family business at just 24 years-old. He has served as president of CMH Records, now CMH Label Group, ever since.
MUSICIANS:
David Haerle: lead vocal, electric and acoustic rhythm guitars,
Carson Cohen: bass and backing vocals,
Ken Belcher: electric, acoustic guitars and backing vocals,
Reade Pryor: drums and percussion, Jose Salazar: keyboards.
Gravel Project
“Love The Life” is the first single from The GRAVEL PROJECT’s forthcoming album, Find What You Need, slated to be released on June 13. “The song celebrates the life two people have built together,” says bandleader Andrew Gravel. “It’s a reminder of all the reasons that their relationship is worth fighting for.” The track features lead vocals by Andrew, joined by R & B/Soul artist, Jen Kearney. Official Video for “Love The Life” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWHMkBNFj84 The Gravel Project is a modern roots-rock band based in Boston. The group is the brainchild of singer /guitarist /songwriter Andrew Gravel, and their new album Find What You Need also features Andrew’s brother Jordan Gravel on Hammond organ and keyboards, Dave Fox on drums, Eguie Castrillo on percussion, and Jesse Williams on bass.
Both “Love the Life” and the upcoming album were recorded at Power Station New England (a replica of the legendary New York City Power Station/Avatar Studios) with Grammy-winning producers John Paterno (Gov’t Mule, Bonnie Raitt, Robben Ford) and Greg Ogan (Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Kelly Clarkson). FFO: Tedeschi Trucks, Marcus King, Gary Clark Jr.
Joe Marcinek Band
Joe Marcinek Band’s The Groove Session is the newest funky, jazzy, rock album from one of America’s most dynamic live acts. The Groove Session sees Marcinek recording for the first time with jazz piano great Jesus Molina along with long-time collaborators Ronnie and Manny Sanchez, whose band Groovesession inspired the album’s name. Marcinek is also host of the Dead Funk Summit concert series featuring the likes of George Porter Jr. (The Meters) and Melvin Seals (Jerry Garcia Band). Marcinek is also a member of Seals’ band Terrapin Flyer.
Marcinek has also collaborated with Bernie Worrell (ParliamentFunkadelic, Talking Heads), Kris Myers (Umphrey’s McGee), Shaun Martin (Snarky Puppy), and Jim Loughlin (moe.), among many others. The Groove Session sees Joe Marcinek Band at the top of their game, expertly translating live concert energy into a studio project filled to the brim with deep and danceable tracks. Ronnie Sanchez’s funky bass licks complement Molina’s virtuosic piano playing on “Funky G Sus (Slow)”; its sister track, album opener “Funky G Sus (Fast)” is a brow-furrowing, head-bopping toe-tapper. “Broad Strokes” is a chilled out groovy number with a tight rhythm provided by drummer Manny Sanchez. The Groove Session is a can’t-miss release for fans of genre-bending jammy music. Joe Marcinek: Guitar, Jesus Molina: Piano, Manny Sanchez: Drums, Ronnie Sanchez: Bass, Greg Spero: Keyboards, Howard Levy: Harmonica, Tracy Silverman: Electric Violin.
Jennifer Hill
“Jennifer Hill dials in a bluesy torch sensibility on Love Bomb.” –Eric Danton, Freak Scene JENNIFER HILL’s new album Love Bomb is about withstanding and becoming stronger from adversity—gun violence, abuse, bullying—and using it as a Phoenix from the ashes to fulfill one’s dreams and destiny. The album also displays Hill’s versatile musical abilities; her songs and performances will sometimes remind you of Tori Amos, Amy Winehouse, or Fiona Apple, but the sound is distinctly Jennifer’s own. A 10-track collection of hard-won wisdom accrued over the years, Love Bomb sounds like Hill has the right to be angry or vengeful, but instead, she tilts toward a spirit of defiance and resilience.
Joining Jennifer Hill on Love Bomb are an impressive array of seasoned performers, including horn player Bill Holloman (Chic, Gatlin Bros., Bruce Springsteen), guitarist Tim Palmieri (Lotus, Kung Fu, Karl Denson), guitarist June Millington (Fanny, Wild Honey, The Svelts), multi-instrumentalist Bob Schwecherl (Few Cents Short, Grandpa’s Grass), bassist Bobo Lavorgna (Aztec Two-Step, Batu), cellist Jeffrey Chen (Cargo Cult Revival, Ernest Hem ‘n’ Haw), and backing vocalist Stout (Alicia Keys, Santana, John Mayer). The album’s sonic brilliance is directed by legendary producer Vic Steffens, who has worked with artists like Rolling Stones, Harry Connick, Jr., and Bobby Brown.
Jennifer Hill has a dramatic streak that manifests in her strong, bright voice around musical arrangements based on piano and steeped in horns and guitar. Her vocals ring through the rafters on “Made of Candy” over guttural, burlesque-show trumpet and a rolling piano vamp. On “Erased,” one of a handful of slower jams, restrained piano accompaniment contrasts with wringing emotion in her voice as she recounts a destabilizing relationship. Besides focusing on her own music, Jennifer Hill in 2008 founded SWAN Day CT, an annual music & arts event to Support Women Artists Now. More than 1,000 musical acts & artists have participated in SWAN Day CT, which is part of the international SWAN Day observances.
Jerry Burton - Great American Soul Book, Reimagined Vol.1
On Great American Soul Book, Reimagined Vol. 1, JERRY BURTON takes a fresh look at the great American Soul songs and infuses them with a contemporary and new sonic approach. The result is a one-ofa-kind creative effort. Using the stable of longtime session musicians that make up his band, Jerry has utilized their singular skills and taken the old tunes into a new dimension. Burton is a veteran entertainer, producer, composer, and arranger, whose latest effort encapsulates a lifetime of work from the American Soul Book. His long career has taken him from the chitlin circuit of his native Alabama, where he started out at 12 years old, to the bright lights of major world stages as a performer and conductor.
Burton’s forty year producing career has brought us artists as diverse as Ernesta Dunbar, Justine Keyes, Ivory, Amielle, and Barbara Walker (featured on “Compared To What”). Burton’s rendition of “Try A Little Tenderness” features vocal harmonies sure to delight fans of Otis Redding’s recording of the song. Jerry’s charismatic vocals continue on “My Girl,” and the composition Burton contributes to the collection himself, “Sha La Girl,” is a breezy number that fits in nicely with the classics. Great American Soul Book, Reimagined Vol. 1 is a collection of masterful performances of old classics well-suited for soul fans young and old.
Musicians: Bass: Lee Smith, Drums: Eric Johnson, Keyboards: Tom Lawton, Aaron Graves, John Avarese, John Conohan, Guitars: Twig Smith, Kevin Joella, Richard Tucker, Trumpets: Henry McMillian, Saxophones: Jay Davidson (solos), Louis Taylor, Trombones: Jared Antonacci, Background Vocals: Barbara Walker, Tamara Brody, Terri Bagwell, Yvette Rudd, Haven Merritt
www.JerryBurton.com
Jerry Burton - Compared to What
JERRY BURTON’s “Compared To What” is the second single from his upcoming album, Great American Soul Book Reimagined Vol. 1. Burton is a veteran entertainer, producer, composer, and arranger, whose latest effort encapsulates a lifetime of work from the American Soul Book. His long career has taken him from the chitlin circuit of his native Alabama, where he started out at 12 years old, to the bright lights of major world stages as a performer and conductor.
His producing career has brought us artists as diverse as Ernesta Dunbar, Barbara Walker, Justine Keyes, Ivory, and Amielle, over the past forty years. According to Burton, “’Compared To What’ features the dynamic vocals of Barbara Walker and the track itself has a driving bass line, dynamic horn section, and a great hook. The song was originally written as a protest song, but is probably most well-known for the 1969 recording by Les McCann.” With his forthcoming album, Jerry Burton takes a fresh look at the great soul songs of his youth and infuses them with a contemporary and new sonic approach. The result is a one-of-a-kind creative effort. Using the stable of longtime session musicians that make up his band, Jerry has used their singular skills and taken the old tunes to an entirely new level. www.JerryBurton.com
Jerry Burton
I chose to record Soul Man because it is the ultimate American soul song and thus the flagship of my album, Great American Soul Book, Reimagined. Vol l. It’s staying power is singular. This release marks its third incarnation since originally performed by Sam and Dave in the sixties ( whom I saw perform it live). Secondly , it was performed by the Blues Brothers of Saturday Night Live fame, who even used the original backing musicians of Steve Cropper( guitar) and Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn( bassist), on their recording and live dates. And now, of course, my take on it. It is everything that I like about authentic soul music, a great hook, great singers and a great band with screaming horns. Soul Man lent itself to reinterpretation like few other songs did. There were many great soul songs out there to chose from to be the flagship of my new album, but in choosing Soul Man, I chose what is arguably one of the greatest soul songs ever written. www.JerryBurton.com
Journos
“Journos has that rare ability to make a statement while remaining entertaining and musically engaging.” — Malcolm Burn, DJ @ WKNY & Grammy-winning producer Less than one year after the surprise sell-out of their debut album, JOURNOS drops the single “Nowhere To Hyde” from their upcoming sophomore release, The Burning Question. Journos’ 2023 album, In The Key Of WTF!, garnered critical acclaim and indie radio airplay. Songs like “Dirty Money,” “Oh Tyranny!,” “Don’t Wake The Trouble,” and “Something Worth Feeling Again” directly took on the challenges facing the USA and world. On The Burning Question, Journos (Bryan Russo & Ryan Abbott) re-introduce us to the characters who got us here and tells us how to get started fixing things. Already working the new material out on the road, the early reviews of the brilliant songs on The Burning Question are making waves in the Indie Americana, Blues-Rock underground!
Major Spark
MAJOR SPARK is the duo of songwriter Mark Goodman and producer Brian Charles, two Bostonbased longtime friends and musical partners in crime. Mark has a rich history in the fabled indie/underground music scene, forming the band Magnet in 1995, and collaborating with Moe Tucker of The Velvet Underground and also David Lowery of Camper Van Beethoven. Mark penned more than 500 songs and released 10 albums over the past few years. Brian brings unique talent as a highly sought-after producer, engineer, and songwriter with an impressive list of clients, including Dispatch, Don Was, Marina & the Diamonds, Charlie Musselwhite, Weakened Friends, and Jesse Ahern. “The Other Side” is the first single from Major Spark’s forthcoming album Walk Among The Poppies. This strident indie-rock earworm kicks off with a harmonica solo by Brian Charles, and then offers words of encouragement to someone facing life’s dark struggles.
According to Goodman, “it’s a message encouraging a young friend to exit a dark place and join others in embracing life and adventure to destinations unknown.” “The Other Side” is propelled by a drum loop of Moe Tucker (The Velvet Underground) culled from the Magnet song “Julie.” Walk Among the Poppies will be out in September, marking Major Spark’s first release since the 2021 debut album Beautiful Noise. Although Major Spark explored a variety of genres from dance-pop to high energy surf rock on their debut album, Walk Among the Poppies finds them flourishing in a new artistic chapter, pushing sonic boundaries while delivering a cohesive rock experience. Musicians Vocals: Mark Goodman. Backing Vocals: Marissa Nadler, Bass, Guitar, Keys, Harmonica, Percussion: Brian Charles, Drums: Moe Tucker
moe.
Circle of Giants is moe.’s 14th studio release, marking a monumental moment as they celebrate 35 years as a band and launch a National Tour! A testament to their resilience, evolution, and boundless creativity, the album arrives alongside an exclusive studio performance of their lead single, “Ups and Downs,” capturing the band’s raw energy and musicianship in a live setting. “It feels good to celebrate after the amount of shit we’ve been through,” says bassist/vocalist Rob Derhak with a good-natured laugh. Guitarist/vocalist Al Schnier adds: “We have always found our way forward because we have each other.”
Chuck Garvey, guitarist/vocalist and co-founder, concludes: “It’s this brotherhood and our extended moe. family that always gets us through.” Blending blues-infused rock, ethereal psychedelia, and expansive improvisation, Circle of Giants channels personal loss into songs filled with grace, humor, and hard-fought wisdom. With the addition of keyboardist Nate Wilson, who officially joined the band in 2023, the album marks a new chapter for moe., capturing their most collaborative and dynamic sound yet. Glide Magazinepraised the album, writing, “Circle of Giants captures moe. in their most collaborative state with plenty of creative energy left in the tank.” Official Video for “Ups and Downs”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fcHM3QN0kc Circle of Giants is a reflection of perseverance in the face of adversity.
As the band prepared for their 30th-anniversary celebration, bassist/vocalist Rob Derhak triumphed over cancer, only for the pandemic to bring everything to a standstill. Just as they regained momentum, co-founder Chuck Garvey suffered a life-altering stroke. Against the odds, Garvey made a remarkable recovery and returned to the stage, only for Derhak to face another devastating personal loss with the passing of his son Eddie, to whom Circle Of Giants is dedicated: “For my son and friend who never did anything small.
His hugs were massive and reaffirming. He remains a giant to all who knew him.” As a creative catharsis, moe. reconvened at Derhak’s barn studio in Vermont after the initial sessions to record more material, including Wilson’s song “Giants.” Additional recording for the album occurred at The Bear’s Den in Freeport, Maine.
In support of Circle of Giants, moe. is embarking on an extensive U.S. tour, bringing their high-energy performances to fans across the country. Stops include The Fillmore in San Francisco, Brooklyn Bowl in Philadelphia, and The Eastern in Atlanta. Later in the year, they’ll headline major festivals including Mountain Jam and Northlands, sharing the stage with acts like Goose, Khruangbin, and The String Cheese Incident.
Monallo (Ft. G. Love)
Extended Flow is the upcoming studio album from NEYBAS (pronounced “nay-bahz”), a Trad Rock-Alt-AmericanaJamband from Connecticut. The album features 16 hook-laden original songs spanning multiple genres. Extended Flow’s tracks date back to recording sessions from 2019 at Connecticut’s Massiphonic Studios with producer John Bolduc engineering, producing, and mastering. The band had set out to record 19 original songs written by singer/songwriter/guitarist Russ Waesche, but with studio deadlines looming, the band had to pick the 12 songs that were ready to go.
Those 12 songs were included on the Neybas’ 2019 album Flow, released locally to fans just before the pandemic. Of the 7 songs that were unfinished from those 2019 sessions, three were re-worked and included on 2022’s Sunshine Hotel. The positive response to those three songs, and the Hotel album in general, spurred the band to revisit the remaining four tracks. In 2023, the band returned to Massiphonic Studios with producer Bolduc and finished those four tracks, which they included with the 12 original Flow tracks and release as Extended Flow. A regional favorite in the northeast for decades, Neybas music is organic, energetic, and danceable, with good-vibes and echos of the late 60s and early 70s. The band has played with such talent as the Georgia Satellites, Joan Osborne, NRBQ, Great White, Felix Cavaliere, Todd Snider, and Rick Derringer.
Their most recent album, Sunshine Hotel, released in June 2022, received strong reviews and received enough airplay across the country that it was on the Relix/Jambands.com Radio Chart and the AMA Americana Radio Chart for four months. Neybas: Russ Waesche: lead vox, acoustic & electric guitars, pedal steel guitar, percussion; Kevin “English” Bornstein: vox, bass; Nicholas “Toad” Eckert: vox, acoustic & electric guitars; Emmet Hale: Drums, vox; Greg Marshall: keys. Guest musicians: John Bolduc: vox, percussion; Kate Hubbard: vox; Peter O’Connell: harmonica; Mike Ryan: percussion.
Nuke The Soup
Baltimore-based rock singer-songwriter Mark Davison is the principal creative for NUKE THE SOUP. From the forthcoming album Dancing On The Edge, their new single “Biggest Storm” was produced by Grammy-winner Kevin Killen (U2, Peter Gabriel, Elvis Costello) and Gerry “Spooky Ghost” Leonard (David Bowie). The track features a lively ensemble of standout musicians, including keyboardist Brian Simms, guitarist Gerry Leonard, bassist Mike Mennell, and drummers Chester Thompson and John Thomakos. Together, this fiercely independent band crafts delicious rock-and-roll, blending introspective and socially conscious lyrics with infectiously catchy melodies and an effortless natural spirit. Creatives like Davison draw from real-life experiences to craft music that feels honest and fresh. For Mark, an avid skier, being sidelined by back issues presented an immense challenge. The thought of missing out on powdery, freshly fallen snow taunted him—so much that he could no longer bear it. With the difficult choice between physical recovery and soulful rejuvenation, Mark decided to follow his heart, heeding the call of the mountains.
With its catchy hooks and bouncy melody, “Biggest Storm” mirrors the pure, free-spirited joy of gliding down those snowy peaks. Nuke The Soup’s previous albums, Make Waves Not War (2009) and Deeper (2018), boldly tackled “big picture” topics such as politics, climate change, and the complexities of personal relationships. Now, with their highly anticipated upcoming album, Dancing On The Edge (out April 4), NTS continues to push boundaries, delivering a collection of energetic, ear wormy songs that explore life’s deeper questions while keeping listeners hooked with their signature sound.
Home
Nuke The Soup-Album
NUKE THE SOUP’s new album Dancing On The Edge was produced by Grammy-winner Kevin Killen (U2, Peter Gabriel, Elvis Costello) and Gerry “Spooky Ghost” Leonard (David Bowie). The album features a lively ensemble of standout musicians, including bandleader Mark Davison, keyboardist Brian Simms, guitarist Gerry Leonard, bassist Mike Mennell, and drummers Chester Thompson and John Thomakos. Together, this fiercely independent band crafts delicious rock-and-roll, blending introspective and socially conscious lyrics with infectiously catchy melodies and an effortless natural spirit. The 11 songs on Dancing On The Edge were written and recorded within two years, during a time when bandleader Mark Davison lost both parents. Davison states, “Although the song ‘I Ride Alone’ is about facing mortality & new challenges, the overall album is as a celebration of my parents and the full lives they lived.
I’m celebrating by skiing, surfing & creating music!” We certainly see Mark’s good time attitude toward life in the album’s summery single, “Big Dave Wave.” Nuke The Soup’s previous albums, Make Waves Not War (2009) and Deeper (2018), boldly tackled “big picture” topics such as politics, climate change, and the complexities of personal relationships. Now, with their highly anticipated album, Dancing On The Edge, NTS continues to push boundaries, delivering a collection of energetic, ear wormy songs that explore life’s deeper questions while keeping listeners hooked with their signature sound.
Pam Linton
Songs Of The Carter Family is a brand new “old” album born of PAM LINTON’s respect and admiration for what the Carter Family has meant to bluegrass and country music. Recorded in North Carolina with some of the genre’s finest musicians, including Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Jeremy Stephens, and David Johnson, Linton has crafted a truly remarkable album that honors history and brings a fresh treatment to these classic songs. Pam Linton has been described as “Hollywood down home.” She has the style of a celebrity superstar and the friendly qualities of the girl next door. Growing up in St. Stephen, Minnesota, Linton began her musical journey singing and playing guitar with her sister in church, for local events, and eventually local television. In time they caught the attention of legendary Midwest entertainer Sherwin Linton. With his show, Pam gained recognition from Nashville to Las Vegas. After Pam and Sherwin were married, she began managing his career and developing her own musical identity. Audiences are captivated by the “Big Voice” of this petite lady and her diverse repertoire of Traditional Country, Folk, Gospel, Rockabilly and Rock-N-Roll. Pam was humbled to receive a 2002 induction into the National Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame recognizing her dedication to the preservation of Music Americana.
Professor Louie and the Crowmatix - ALBUM
Grammy-nominated all-star band Professor Louie & The Crowmatix from Woodstock, NY have been expanding the borders of the Americana, Roots & Blues genres. The group began as the studio ensemble for Aaron Hurwitz’s musical productions for The Band. Rick Danko, bass player and singer of The Band, christened him “Professor Louie” due to his work with The Band and its individual members. Hurwitz coproduced and performed on The Band’s last three albums. Crowin’ Around the new album by Professor Louie & The Crowmatix on Woodstock Records are seven biographical, creative original songs written by Professor Louie & Miss Marie and three songs with new interpretations by artists Professor Louie produced: The Band, Commander Cody, Graham Parker and one instrumental interpretation by the genius composer Moon Dog.
Besides being recording artists, Professor Louie & The Crowmatix also perform 150 shows a year in the US and abroad. They’ve been inducted into the New York State Blues Hall of Fame and hold a permanent place in the Canada South Blues Museum. Professor Louie is also the recipient of the Robert H. Chambers Award for Excellence in the Traditional Arts from Common Ground On The Hill in Maryland. ~ The Crowmatix ~ Professor Louie (keys-accordion,vocals), Miss Marie (vocals-percussionist-keys), Frank Campbell (bass-vocals), Todd Mihan (guitar-vocals), Dan Hickey (drums), Woodstock Horns
Ray Barnard
“Ray Barnard’s new album sounds like Donald Fagen fronting the Black Pumas, riffing on Blue Dream and Red Stripe. There’s also a punchy Roots-Rock strain running thru it. Ray sings with a sardonic grin – the world keeps thrusting humility upon him, so he keeps ducking & swinging.”– SJW Record Review Twin Cities-native RAY BARNARD wrote, arranged and produced his fifth solo album, And The Horse You Rode In On. On his new release we hear Barnard’s continued fascination with fusing Soul, R&B, Reggae, and Roots-Rock while incorporating live rhythm tracks. It’s a fascination Barnard has been pursuing for over three decades.
The grooves on And The Horse You Rod In On travel to different places—reggae, world-beat, tex-mex—like a low-profile Paul Simon. And the splendid rhythm section – Jeremy Johnson, Blair Krivanek, Nick Salisbury, and Greg Schutte – play the changes like a well-oiled machine. An overall theme on And The Horse You Road In On is feeling like a stranger in one’s own hometown. The track “Scufflin’” is about discovering that self-preservation is not a solo pursuit. “Closer To God” is a gospel tune about natural temples and experiencing spirituality on one’s own. “Greenlight” is a straight up love letter that, according to Barnard, is about “the girl who gave me the key to the highway.”
Before Ray Barnard began his solo career, he led the roots-rock group The Copperheads for twelve years. The group released three albums and was known for mixing Country and R&B. The Copperheads also played high profile shows with Junior Brown, Chris Scruggs, Rosie Flores, the Iguanas, Randy Weeks, Charlie Robison, Shooter Jennings, Ty Herndon, Jack Ingram, the Oak Ridge Boys. Barnard also played sideman for Frederick Thomas & Natural Selection, along with Minneapolis-Saint Paul acts such as In2ition, Bill Geezy, Molly Maher, Paul Bergen, the Dan Lowinger 4, Becky Kapell & the Fat Six, and Erik Koskinen.
“Minnesota’s best kept secret for 15 years running.” – Frogtown Blogosphere
R. Shayne Floyd
R. SHAYNE FLOYD’s musical journey reaches a new milestone with his forthcoming third album, Heights of the Land, a bold departure from the traditional bluegrass sound that defined his earlier work with the band River Boy. While Floyd’s previous albums celebrated the rich traditions of bluegrass, this latest project showcases the diverse musical influences that have shaped Shayne’s artistry over the years. In Floyds songs, listeners will find echoes of Tim O’Brien’s storytelling, the nuanced melodies of Watchhouse, and the genre-blurring styles of Tyler Childers, Lyle Lovett, Gordon Lightfoot, and Sierra Ferrell. The harmonious voices of Alexa Rose and Clare Elich add richness to the album and provide an extra layer of depth and emotion.
Shayne’s collaboration with ultra-talented musician and producer Ryan Stigmon has brought these songs to life with a fresh, dynamic sound that reflects his broadening musical horizons. R. Shayne Floyd: Lead Vocal, Ryan Stigmon: Acoustic Guitar, piano, Hammond Organ, pedal steel, dobro, banjo, Norbert McGettigan: Bass, Chris Gelb: Drums & percussion, James Schlender: fiddle, Matt Menefee: banjo, Alexa Rose, Clare Elich & Thomas Aufdemberge: backing vocals.
R. Shayne Floyd
R. SHAYNE FLOYD’s musical journey reaches a new milestone with his forthcoming third album, Heights of the Land, a bold departure from the traditional bluegrass sound that defined his earlier work with the band River Boy. While Floyd’s previous albums celebrated the rich traditions of bluegrass, this latest project showcases the diverse musical influences that have shaped Shayne’s artistry over the years. The new single from Floyd’s album is called “I’m Alive Today,” which finds a way to put a positive spin on unrequited love. R. Shayne Floyd explains: “I think ‘I’m Alive Today’ is sort of unique for a heartbreak song because it’s upbeat and encouraging. I was friends with this woman and and wanted it to be more (i.e. romantic), but it just wasn’t happening. Instead of being down in the dumps about it, I thought – ‘hey, my life is great! I want you, but I don’t need you. And I’ll get over you, given a little time’.” In Floyds songs, listeners will find echoes of Tim O’Brien’s storytelling, the nuanced melodies of Watchhouse, and the genre-blurring styles of Tyler Childers, Lyle Lovett, Gordon Lightfoot, and Sierra Ferrell.
The harmonious voices of Alexa Rose and Clare Elich add richness to the album and provide an extra layer of depth and emotion. Shayne’s collaboration with ultra-talented musician and producer Ryan Stigmon has brought these songs to life with a fresh, dynamic sound that reflects his broadening musical horizons. Musicians R. Shayne Floyd: Lead Vocal, Ryan Stigmon: Acoustic Guitar and Hammond Organ, Norbert McGettigan: Bass, Chris Gelb: Drums, James Schlender: Violin.
Robert Sarazin Blake
Let The Longing Run Wild & Free is the 13th album by ROBERT SARAZIN BLAKE. The album is an investigation into and celebration of the human condition. It evokes nostalgia and longing, a sense of remembering where one has been, where one might have gone and the relentless onward thrust. Robert has a gift for expressing complex emotions and ideas in simple terms, quickly drawing listeners in with his evocative storytelling and poetic lyrics. Throughout the album, Robert’s rich baritone shifts from the haunting vibrato of Edith Piaf to the gravelly intensity of Chris Cornell. At times, his tender delivery echoes the quiet depth of early Leonard Cohen while in other moments he finds the resonant power of a young Johnny Cash. One of the highlights of Let The Longing Run Wild & Free is the inspired, first-hand account of the song “New York City/Brooklyn Bridge.” According to Blake, “I wrote the song while sitting in East River Park late morning to sunset. As humanity buzzed around I took notes. I generally require privacy to write and rehearse, but noises of the city allowed me to blend with the texture. Attitudes shift immediately in a New York City park. The guard goes down, the view opens up. It’s a common space, it’s a backyard, it’s a picnic.” Let the Longing Run Wild & Free features Robert’s longtime collaborators Lee Falco, Brandon Morrison, Will Bryant, and Connor Kennedy, along with Cindy Cashdollar (featured on Bob Dylan’s Time Out of Mind).
Their textured contributions give the songs depth and dimension. A careful listener may hear echoes of Joni Mitchell’s Hejira, Lou Reed’s New York, and Lucinda Williams’ Car Wheels On A Gravel Road woven throughout. Robert Sarazin Blake has been a fixture of the Pacific Northwest roots scene since 1996. He’s also toured extensively around the U.S. and beyond. He became well-known on the East Coast from 2001 to 2003 and continues visiting regularly. Annual tours through the midwest and south brought Robert fans and friends, and he was welcomed in Milwaukee, St. Louis and Austin. Blake also regularly toured Ireland, culminating in an album collaboration with piper John McSherry. Blake has also toured Germany, Norway, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
Sam Kuslan - Album
SAM KUSLAN’s solo debut album, Runaway Love, is the refreshing new upbeat sound of American pop, inspired by Sam’s musical heroes, Jamie Cullum, Sammy Davis Jr. and John Mayer, with generous helpings of New Orleans tradition and vintage Americana, soul and jazz. Sam wrote and arranged the nine tracks on the album, and sings and plays piano and guitar on them all – from the rock ‘n’ roll feel of the title track, “Runaway Love,” to the lush love ballad, “Without Your Love,” to new country pop like “(I Wanna Call Love An) Old Thing.” Recorded at Studio in The Country in Bogalusa, LA, the album features a brilliant cast. Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph (Galactic, Tank and the Bangas), Kayla Jasmine (GRiZ, Ha Sizzle) and Sasha Masakowski (Nicholas Payton, Jason Lindner) lend their voices throughout the album as well as appearances from the Naughty Professor horns (“I Wanna Call Love an Old Thing”) as well as Brad Walker (Sturgill Simpson), Scott Frock (Nathaniel Rateliff) and Mark Mullins (Bonerama). The rhythm section throughout the album is held down by Kevin Nolan (Lainey Wilson, Rude Music) and Max Bronstein (Slugger) both on slide and electric guitar, Calvin Morin-Martin (Noggin) on bass and Shawn Myers (Leyla McCalla).
Sam tours extensively in the USA and Europe, either as a featured artist with jazz-funk Naughty Professor, as a sideman with Nashville Country/American-folk artist Sean McConnell, rock’n’roller David Shaw, or as musical director and leader of the National Park Service Centennial Band. He’s highly sought after as an arranger, artist and performer for his musical versatility. having shared the stage with Anders Osborne, Marcus King, Chali 2na, Shaun Martin, Isaiah Sharkey, Leroy Jones, and many more. Sam writes and records with Alex Ebert (Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes) and tours with Naughty Professor.
Sam Kuslan
“Runaway Love” is the first single from New Orleans artist SAM KUSLAN’s upcoming album by the same name. Drawing inspiration from country, R&B, boogie woogie, and Stevie Wonder, “Runaway Love” is about the kind of love that you want, but that can be hard to get ahold of. According to Kuslan, “this song flowed out of me like water, in about an hour. Like water, love can easily slip out of your hands.”
Runaway Love is the first solo album Sam Kuslan has released. It features 9 original songs written and arranged by Kuslan and calls upon elements on jazz and pop music; likened to his musical heroes, Jamie Cullum, Sammy Davis Jr. and John Mayer. Sam sings and plays piano and guitar on all tracks – moving from the raucous rock ‘n’ roll of the title track to lovey lush ballads like “Without Your Love,” to country pop tunes like “(I Wanna Call Love An) Old Thing.” Recorded at Studio In The Country in Bogalusa, LA, the album features a brilliant cast.
Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph (Galactic, Tank and the Bangas), Kayla Jasmine (GRiZ, Ha Sizzle) and Sasha Masakowski (Nicholas Payton, Jason Lindner) lend their voices throughout the album as well as appearances from the Naughty Professor Horns, as well as Brad Walker, Scott Frock and Mark Mullins. The rhythm section throughout the album is held down by Kevin Nolan (Lainey Wilson, Rude Music) and Max Bronstein (Slugger) both on slide and electric guitar, Calvin Morin-Martin (Noggin) on bass and Shawn Myers (Leyla McCalla).
Steve Gregory
Guitarist Steve Gregory’s debut album Frolic is a collection of instrumental tracks rooted in soulful jazz and flavored with a good dose of earthy rock, blues and funk. Although this may be Gregory’s first release as a solo artist, he’s a vastly experienced musician who has toured as guitarist for Ray Charles, Frankie Valli, Anjani, Alphonse Mouzon, and Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. Besides his full-on touring stints, Steve Gregory has also performed with Macy Gray, Michael Buble, Patti Austin and many others, and has recorded music for numerous television shows.
Joining Gregory is an all-star ensemble that includes Jimmy Kimmel Live keyboardist Jeff Babko (James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Steve Martin), bassist Eric Sittner (Patti Austin, Josh Nelson), and drummer / Grammy-nominee Ray Brinker (Tierney Sutton, Joe Cocker, Pat Benatar, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band). Highlights of Frolic include the upbeat earworm “Tell Me What You Feel,” the laid back “Hey, Marvin,” and the cool-jazz vibe of “After School.”
Tobin Mueller
Celebrate spring with TOBIN MUELLER’s thrilling new arrangement of Herbie Hancock’s first hit, “Watermelon Man.” Featuring Grammy-winning guitarist Paul Nelson, NYC’s Birdland Band director David Dejesus (flute/saxes), Netherland’s Ruben de Ruiter (congas, bongos), rising drummer Isaiah Schmidt, and visionary musician Tobin Mueller (arrangement/keys/bass). Official Video for Tobin Mueller’s “Watermelon Man” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_coDH-hJTsQ More psychedelic and fuller than the original, utilizing a larger band, Mueller’s “Watermelon Man” illustrates through fusion jazz the growing throng of morning street vendors, adding players and rhythms until it becomes an urban cacophony, then it slowly recedes into dusky blues as day turns into night. David Dejesus’ opening and closing flute solos are a true highlight.
Tobin Mueller’s use of two fretless bass lines drives the arrangement. Paul Nelson’s guitar work weaves in and out in unpredictable ways, adding constant spice, blending rock and jazz. The combination of Ruben de Ruiter’s conga and Isaiah Schmidt’s drumming gives the tightly arranged piece a sense of evanescent improvisation. “Watermelon Man” is originally from Herbie Hancock’s 1962 hard bop album, Takin’ Off. Released when he was 22 years old, the track is imbued with elements of bebop, R&B and blues. Hancock also recorded a more contemporary version of the track in 1973 that appeared on his album Head Hunters. And now Tobin Mueller has created his own arrangement and interpretation of Hancock’s fusion jazz classic for 21st century audiences. Tobin Mueller’s next featured album release will be Fragments (Deluxe Edition), coming out at the end of May and featuring Kenny Cash, Woody Mankowski, and others!
Tristan Israel
Snake Hollow by the Tristan Israel Band marks the fourth album from the unique songwriter and vocalist who has been performing and recording for almost 60 years. The album showcases the band’s virtuosity and his unique songwriting abilities. From Monarch butterflies to the Astrolabe, an ancient seafarer’s navigational tool, Tristan’s songs take the listener to a variety of moods and places. The lyrics are poetical and well thought out. Tristan’s music varies in style but is always consistent in its surprising deliveries.
\Tristan says that although this may well be his best album, he will continue to create new music at his home in Snake Hollow on Martha’s Vineyard, MA. In the Tristan Israel Band, Tristan sings vocals, plays acoustic guitar, and also harmonica on “Water Over the Dam.” Paul Thurlow plays bass, piano, keys, electric guitar, percussion and backing vocals. Nancy Jephcote fiddles and adds a piano track on the song “Galicia.”
Nancy and Paul are consummate musicians and together with Tristan’s vocals and his varied guitar stylings, they create their own distinct musical experience. Paul, a talented artist in his own right, recorded Snake Hollow on Martha’s Vineyard in the town of West Tisbury. Mike Israel, Tristan’s younger brother and a well-known percussionist on the west coast, plays drums on “Snake Hollow,” “House Always Wins,” and “When I Die.” Phil Spillane’s bluesy notes on harmonica enhance “When I Die,” “No Steal,” and “On Our Way.”
Tristan grew up near New York City influenced by many musicians and genres of music. Musicals on Broadway, the Village folk scene, jazz at the Vanguard, and early rock and roll at the Brooklyn Fox all helped to shape his own music. His mother also instilled in him a love for poetry that still guides the way he crafts his lyrics. His songs are poems that create unique paintings of the world as he sees it.
Tristan Israel
“A magical track about home” “Massachusetts” is the new single from the forthcoming album Snake Hollow by the TRISTAN ISRAEL BAND. Although the song is about a specific place, everyone can relate to Israel longing for his New England family and home, no matter how far he roams. Snake Hollow (coming Feb. 28) will be the fourth album from Tristan Israel, a unique songwriter and vocalist who’s been performing and recording for almost 60 years. The new album showcases the band’s virtuosity and Tristan’s insightful and gripping songwriting abilities. From Monarch butterflies to the Astrolabe, an ancient seafarer’s navigational tool, Tristan’s songs take the listener to a variety of moods and places.
The lyrics are poetic and well thought out. Tristan’s music varies in style but is always consistent in its surprising deliveries. He says that although this may well be his best album, he will continue to create new music at his home in Snake Hollow on Martha’s Vineyard, MA. Although Israel has called Martha’s Vineyard home for many years, he grew up near New York City, influenced by many musicians and genres of music. Musicals on Broadway, the Village folk scene, jazz at the Vanguard, and early rock and roll at the Brooklyn Fox all helped to shape his own music. His mother also instilled in him a love for poetry that still guides the way he crafts his lyrics. His songs are poems that create unique paintings of the world as he sees it. Musicians: Tristan Israel – vocals & guitar, Paul Thurlow – bass, guitar, keys, Nancy Jephcote – violin, Mike Israel – drums.
Tristan Israel
“House Always Wins” is the new single from the forthcoming album Snake Hollow by the Tristan Israel Band. This will be the fourth album from a unique songwriter and vocalist who’s been performing and recording for almost 60 years. Snake Hollow showcases the band’s virtuosity and Tristan’s unique songwriting abilities. From Monarch butterflies to the Astrolabe, an ancient seafarer’s navigational tool, Tristan’s songs take the listener to a variety of moods and places. The lyrics are poetical and well thought out. Tristan’s music varies in style but is always consistent in its surprising deliveries. He says that although this may well be his best album, he will continue to create new music at his home in Snake Hollow on Martha’s Vineyard, MA.
Although he’s called Martha’s Vineyard home for many years now, Tristan Israel grew up near New York City, influenced by many musicians and genres of music. Musicals on Broadway, the Village folk scene, jazz at the Vanguard, and early rock and roll at the Brooklyn Fox all helped to shape his own music. His mother also instilled in him a love for poetry that still guides the way he crafts his lyrics. His songs are poems that create unique paintings of the world as he sees it. Musicians: Tristan Israel – vocals & guitar, Paul Thurlow – bass, guitar, keys, Nancy Jephcote – violin, Mike Israel – drums.
TT - Album
Introducing TT, an L.A.-based singer, songwriter who crosses genres of country, rock, pop and americana and whose debut album, Man On The Corner is regaling listeners with hard-won wisdom and stories of personal resilience delivered through a fervent vocal performance. Says Andrew Frolish of Americana UK, “The highlight is simply TT’s vocal performance: the energy and passion with which he sings is inspiring.”
Man On The Corner is filled to the brim with songs of personal meaning, from “Little One, Little Man,” a loving tribute to children, to “My Confession,” a soul-rending track about feelings of romantic inadequacy. This is no happenstance, as Man On The Corner is an album born of struggle, a period of TT’s life marked by physical ailments and loss, difficulties that galvanized the songwriter’s artistic fecundity. That creativity resulted in ballads like the wistful “A Moment Ago,” and the larger than life (and award winning) “Heal My Mind” as well as rockers like the speedy and hooky “Let Us Breathe” and “Ghost In Your Shoes,” and more country-inflected numbers such as “Old Glory” and “You’ve Got to Earn Me.” TT is a new voice in music that cannot be missed. Give a listen to the album that Rotated Magazine called, “a poignant and deeply personal work that blends alt/Americana with heartfelt storytelling.”
Musicians
TT: vocals, guitar, production & arrangements, Terry Watkin: drums, percussion & engineering, Holger
Fath: guitar, Mick Mahan: bass, David Kelly: piano & keyboard, Rocio Marron: violin & viola, Lacy
Watkin, Kara Britz Burnell & Justin Richard: backing vocals
Ute Lemper
Over the past decade, San Luis Obispo’s ZEN MOUNTAIN POETS have developed a unique sound that is reminiscent of classic psychedelic / progressive rock, folk, jazz, blues, and jambands, while still being distinctly their own. Robyn Saxer, Billy Clayton & Anthony Roselli are the core singer/songwriters of ZMP, but they have also collaborated with many artists, including the Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart on this newly recorded version of the Dead’s “Fire On The Mountain.” Mickey’s wife Caryl Hart was chair of the California Coastal Commission, and in 2023 she asked Zen Mountain Poets to write a song honoring the outgoing chair.
Billy suggested recording a version of “Fire On The Mountain” with altered lyrics to honor the former CCC chair. ZMP brought in a couple of local musician friends and together they recorded the rhythm tracks, then sent them to Mickey Hart, who had offered to play on the song. He added the congas and the result was a huge success with the commission. Then ZMP decided to go back into the studio and re-record the vocal parts, using Robert Hunter’s original lyrics.
The result is a wondrous all-new recording of “Fire On The Mountain” with Mickey Hart playing congas and percussion while handing drumming duties over to ZMP’s Anthony Roselli. This is a new musical role for Mickey Hart on the track, which originally featured him playing drums on the Grateful Dead classic. Musicians: Mickey Hart – congas/Percussion, Robyn Saxer – Keyboard/Vocals, Billy Clayton – Guitar/Vocals, Toan Chau – lead guitar, Taj Williams – guitar, Travis Harms – Bass, Anthony Roselli – drums/Vocals “Zen Mountain Poets are a triptastic shamanic music ensemble.” –New Times Magazine-SLO