Corina Bartra and Her Azu ProjectAfro Peruvian Jazz Celebration-PICK OF THE WEEK-06/28/09

Corina Barta is an accomplished jazz composer, practitioner of Yoga and vocalist that delves into chanting and healing with her music. Afro Peruvian Jazz Celebration is exactly what it advertises to be and Corina’s far reaching understanding of the human emotions and inner triggers for relaxation and meditation allow her to make the music a vehicle for her vocals regardless of the setting or style chosen for each composition. Her vocals are not simply a voice; they serve as bridge to another world musically and spiritually. With the...more...

Astronauts of Antiquity-PICK OF THE WEEK-Rocket Science For Dummies-06/21/09

"Cool" is an underrated concept in modern music, where seemingly every other indie band is lining up to replace the chic with the goofy. Thankfully, some out there are still carrying the dapper torch - the experimentally jazzy Astronauts of Antiquity, for example, whose sophomore release Rocket Science For Dummies is like some lost hybrid collaboration of Hooverphonic, The Bird and the Bee, and Everything but the Girl. As their ironic name might imply, the Astronauts are a heady mix of eclectic urban genres and ultra-cool lounge...more...

The Autonomous Region-PICK OF THE WEEK-Forbidden City-06/14/09

Autonomous is defined as a person's capacity for self-determination in the context of moral choices. In moral and political philosophy, autonomy is often used as the basis for determining moral responsibility for one's actions. But wait, this is a music review right? The Autonomous Region enters the Forbidden City and gives the local residents an earful. That being said, how does this relate to an alt punk rock CD? Everything about the word autonomous applies here and I think the lyrics surrounding their powerful music make a statement, one...more...

Jordan Rudess-PICK OF THE WEEK-Notes On A Dream-6/7/09

The new Jordan Rudess album Notes On A Dream is a like the beacon far off in the distance that will lead us all back from whence we came. In spirit, that light brings him home where he belongs. This correlation also applies to the artist getting back to his roots and giving the nod to the classical underpinnings of his music. The 70s prog-rock influences of such bands as Gentle Giant and Genesis are sited as well. These bands helped to launch a fabulous career and give Dream Theater a partner in making some of the most exciting and...more...

Jason Ricci And New Blood-PICK OF THE WEEK-Done With The Devil-05/31/09

After hearing Rocket Number 9 last year I had to wonder what this young blues rocker Jason Ricci was going to do for an encore. Well after two years in between releases Ricci has the answer and it comes at you like a locomotive running off the tracks on Done With The Devil. Ricci is back with a fire burning in his soul complete with the raspy emotive vocal style to compliment the guitar, harmonica, bass and drums that chug along behind him every step of the way on this CD. To be honest when I saw this CD hit my mailbox I was ...more...

Rock City-PICK OF THE WEEK-Who Can Find The Dreamer?-05/25/2009

It has been a long wait for the next Rock City album. Six years between albums is not your typical time frame however this is not your typical band by any means. Rock City made some extraordinary music and one of those albums that never made it out to the general public was Who Can Find The Dreamer? Was this second coming a complete surprise or just long lost classic just itching for a chance to live again? That question is only answered by those in the know and I do not count amongst those select few ...more...

The Project_Pale-PICK OF THE WEEK-Our Inventions and How They Fail Us-05/17/09

The Project_Pale is an incorporation of guitars, synths and bass performed by two people and a drum machine. The results attained are very inspiring on Our Inventions and How They Fail Us. Jason Selden plays the guitars and synths while providing vocals and Submerged, interesting name, is on bass guitar, synths, sensii*starr and vocals, and of course The Machine is taking care of all the drum sounds. This is not a bunch of thoughtless techno mumbo jumbo disguised as hopeful music; this is good talent using the tools in front of them ...more....