Douglas L. Hill - Jesuguru
Mekko Records
Douglas L. Hill's impassioned way of conveying the message of Christianity succeeds without having to mention God, Jesus or quote scripture in his lyrics. His words are truly uplifting and tilted towards living a spiritual life, from the no fear themes of "Explode" and "Faith Is" to the thankful "Kept an Eye." Douglas' voice has a sweet but emotive quality bearing a slight resemblance to Lionel Ritchie. He weaves his vocals with a variance of pop styles including hip-hop, soul and R&B, creating an accessible and enjoyable vehicle for his inspired messages. URL: http://www.pre-destineemusic.com
Little Buster & the Soul Brothers - Live! Volume One
Little Buster Records
A blues treasure that has been sadly overlooked for much of his career, this collection culled from concerts in Japan in the mid 90's will hopefully wake more of the world up to the talents of Little Buster Forehand. B.B. King once said that Buster was the only one that could fill his shoes. From the stellar displays of his gruff, soulful vocals in the peppy shuffle of "What Can I Do" and the sultry "I've Been Watching You" to the blistering guitar antics in "Just Let Me Burn," the music here lends serious credibility to B.B.'s statement. URL: http://www.little-buster-records.com
Crystal Brandt - Bessie's Last Stand
Mungler Winslowe Records - MW03
New York singer/songwriter Crystal Brandt infuses various subtle personalities into her lovely emotive voice. Mirrored by the musical backdrop that meanders pleasantly through a variance of Americana, folk and light rock paths, the songs have a sort of quiet strength. Crystal does not over sing but still conveys power and passion, especially in songs like "Way Past" and "No It Doesn't." Brilliant lyric writing is the crowning touch to this wonderful effort.URL: http://www.crystalbrandt.com E-mail: crystal@crystalbrandt.com
Skywave - Synthstatic
Blisscent Records - bsst 003
Innovative debut from this Rhode Island trio weaves various retro and modern styles into a wild ride. Prog rock of the Moody Blues or Hawkwind vein meets Ministry fueled industrial metal on tracks like "Tsunami" and "Don't Say Slow." "Here She Comes" is cyberpunk laced with American Graffiti era rock while "Fire" takes a U2 backdrop to a Euro-psychedelic extreme. A unique and intense past meets future stew. URL: http://www.blisscentrecords.com E-mail: br@blisscentrecords.com
Seismic - Man From Space
Fusebox Records - FBRD301
"Last Act Of A Friend" kick starts the debut from this New York band with radio ready rock featuring solid hooks, killer vocals and a surprising guitar solo on the fade out. This continues to be the mantra throughout the eleven tracks, pretty straightforward alt rock with just the right touch of edginess and songwriting idiosyncrasies to make it their own. Definitely in the vein of Matchbox 20 and maybe a bit of Good Charlotte, it is really cool and really well done music. URL: http://www.seismiconline.com E-mail: info@seismiconline.com
NYC Reggae Collective - AlieNation
Benchwarrent Records
It's hard sometimes to create reggae without the inevitable comparisons to Bob Marley or Peter Tosh, and yes, you can tell this act respects those roots. There is something in the music though that is more, well, New York than let's say Kingston. It seems to have an almost cosmopolitan flair, while still retaining the lively island vibe. Unique vocal work with hip hop and soul subtleties and interesting instrumental embellishments kick in some extra seasoning. URL: http://www.nyc-reggae.com E-mail: alienation@nyc-reggae.com
8-Eyes - Postmodern Boogie
Neon Pie Records - NPR04042
Five song taste from this Chapel Hill, NC trio shows solid potential and leaves you wanting more. Upbeat alt rock tunes with a tempered but still potent guitar attack and wicked vocals are a great conveyance for the sardonic lyrics. These guys can turn out catchy rockers like "Anarchist" and "Total Norway," and then come back with the alt blues groove of "White Boyz With Guitars." A lot of fun with something a little extra that makes you take notice. URL:http://www.neonpie.com E-mail: jnewell1@nc.rr.com
Michael Riddle - Put Yourself Out There
Michael Riddle is a singer/songwriter from suburban Twin Cities who pens homespun, feel good lyrics and envelopes them with solid and slightly quirky songwriting. Michael's smooth storyteller's voice is complemented by his wonderful guitar work that ranges in influences from Andy Sommers to Jim Croce and Ry Cooder. Songs like the country tinged "Dusty Southern Road," the snappy title track and the haunting ballad "Broken Promises" are real gems. URL: http://www.riddle-me-music.com E-mail: riddlememusic@aol.com
Grayson Wray - Picasso's Dream
Impressive Music - IMP 203200
Picasso had inventive ideas that he transferred to canvas, and L.A.'s Grayson Wray follows that philosophy with the music on the CD that bears the painter's name. Whiffs of both the Beatles and Stones and maybe a touch of Zappa, twisted with modern technopop weirdness. Wry lyrics and intelligent songwriting fuel songs like the frisky "She's The One," the vaguely punkish "Universal Girl" and the frenetic "Pure Delight." This is enjoyably strange music. URL: http://www.impressivemusic.com E-mail: mail@impressivemusic.com
DVD REVIEW
Dominic Gaudious - Live at the Variety Playhouse
Atlanta based instrumental guitarist Dominic Gaudious is a road warrior, but even so, there are probably a number of people who have heard his wonderful music on any of his four CD releases who have not had a chance to witness him in concert. They can now bring his concert to their TV screens with this excellent DVD of a recent show at Atlanta's Variety Playhouse. Dominic exudes a quiet intensity in his performance, which draws you to his skillful fingers as they dance effortlessly across the strings and fretboards of his custom double neck guitar. Long time fan favorites like "Naked Arabians," "Bareback" and "The Frozen Tundra" are interspersed with songs from his latest CD "All Hopped Up." While the live interpretations for the most part stay true to the CD versions, Dominic does improvise in just the right doses. He is also joined on stage by several talented musicians who add extra zest with percussion, electric guitar and the Australian didjeridoo, which has become a sort of a signature instrumental compliment to Dominic's music. Added bonus feature is another set of concerts at the Variety Playhouse from the late nineties, and some home video shot of Dominic's Iron Maiden inspired heavy rock band Saboteur from 1987 through 1989. The later has murky pictures and poor sound quality but is entertaining to see Dominic as a metal head shredding his guitar like a disciple of Adrian Smith instead of Adrian Legg. Overall, the DVD is well produced both on the audio and visual spectrums, giving the viewer a true front row seat to the superlative show that Dominic is highly regarded for always providing. URL: http://www.dominicgaudious.com
TM© September 2004
Mountain - Eruption