CD Review: Dead Rock West's 'It's Everly Time!'

Dead Rock West
It's Everly Time
Angel Flight Recording Co.

The Everly Brothers, once popular in the 1950's and 60's, are resurrected here with the work of Frank Drennen and Cindy Wasserman in Dead Rock West's latest homage to The Brothers with the Grammy-winning producer, Mark Linett, on It's Everly Time. There are fifteen songs by The Everly Brothers remade by Drennen and Wasserman, but the overall sound is highly-reminiscent of the original recordings, which are due to the use of vintage amps and microphones. In addition, the same vocal keys were used to further replicate the original music. "Cathy's Clown" is ripe with great vocals, jangly guitars and percussion, and a rhythm right out of the 1950's and 60's. The swaying ballad, "June Is As Cold As December," contains Drennen and Wasserman's heart-felt vocals backed by a great guitar and percussion base. "Leave My Girl Alone" is a rather upbeat melody that is a bit of a departure from the other songs, but it is still classic Everly Brothers. "[Why Am I] Chained To A Memory" is a slower ballad with twinkling piano keys, light percussion, and guitar-work. The vocals are tender and clear throughout. A classic ode to the now-extinct phone booths, "It Only Costs A Dime," is an upbeat pop ode with light rock effects and of course, great vocals to boot. "[You Got] The Power Of Love" is a bluesy, rock song that sheds the pop-centric qualities of other songs, but the vocals are still clear and rockabilly-like. Fans of The Everly Brothers, song from the 1950's and 60's, and even Fountains of Wayne's work on the That Thing You Do! soundtrack will love it. Highly-lauded! 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Gao Hong and Friends' 'Pipa Potluck'

Gao Hong and Friends
Pipa Potluck
Innova

Pipa, a Chinese plucked lute, is the central component of the new album, Pipa Potluck, by Gao Hong and several guest musicians. This is where Asian folk meets American roots, bluegrass, and classical music. The instrumental album begins with a rousing bluegrass number, "Cluck Old Hen," which features the banjo of Alison Brown, the fiddle by Matt Combs, and bass by Garry West. "Friendship" is more of a contemplative Arabic concoction with oud, percussion, and of course, the pipa. The pipa and guitar complement each other quite nicely on the excellent "Golden Season." Likewise, the slack key guitar by George Kahumoku, Jr. and the pipa create another friendly and enjoyable medley on "Mosquito Song." The bluegrass and folk stylings come back on "Sally Johnson." The serene "Lutes Around The World" finishes the album with poignant strings and delightful melodies. Fans of strings, lutes, Chinese folk, neo-classical, new age, bluegrass, Arabic, folk, Americana, and world music in general will love to sample Pipa Potluck. Remember to leave room on your plate for additional listens! ~ Matthew Forss

Song Reviews: Alpine Camp's ''Regrets of A Cosmic Mountaineer" and "Seven Miles"

The Alpine Camp
Songs: "Regrets of A Cosmic Mountaineer" and "Seven Miles"
Self-Release

The Alpine Camp is a musical duo that comprises the work of Chris Bell and Charles Etienne. Chris is the primary guitarist and vocalist, while Charles is a pianist and vocalist. The duo brings in Jeff Stella on bass, Shad Wilhelm on drums, Bob Hamilton on banjo, and Jamison Hollister on lap steel. "Regrets of a Cosmic Mountaineer" opens with whining lap steel, uppity piano  melodies, rootsy percussion, and old-time folk elements wrapped around a catchy chorus with fast vocals and banjo stylings caught amid a roots and rock vein. The sub-three-minute track ends with a repetitive vocal line and guitar arrangement in a folksy context without any issues. "Seven Miles"  opens with a contemplative banjo tune with down-tempo drums and percussion amid jazz-standard and blues vocals in a classic R&B set-up. This seems to be executed in a very classic manner with a big nod to Americana tunes coming out in the 1960's and 70's. Though, as a completely original song, it stands alone with a complex categorization somewhere between folk, roots, rock, jazz, blues, and pop standard styles. The diverse stylings are still commendable and enjoyable throughout the above-mentioned tracks. 5 stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: April Verch's 'The Newpart'

April Verch
The Newpart
Slab Town Records

The petite and undoubtedly-cute, Canadian fiddler, April Verch, dazzles crowds yet again with another endearing folk album that continues in the old-time and bluegrass traditions. April is known for some fancy footwork on stage and her feet are definitely the star on a few songs. The rootsy and old-time folk music is more akin to Americana influences than Canadian, but there are similarities. The bluesy, gospel-tinged tunes are poignant, quaint, and relatively spacious to allow all the instruments to shine on their own. April's delicate voice is angelic and alive, which is a perfect accompaniment to some of the instruments. Some great instruments are included here, including the fiddle, bass, clawhammer banjo, acoustic guitar, and mandolin. Overall, The Newpart is more reflective, reduced, and a bit timid. However, it is still pure April Verch at her finest. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Quinn DeVeaux & The Blue Beat Review's 'Originals'

Quinn DeVeaux & The Blue Beat Review
Originals
QDV Records

Delta blues, rockabilly, folk, roots, gospel, and early rock & roll influences wrap up the gist of the new album, Originals, by Quinn DeVeaux & The Blue Beat Review. Quinn grew up in Indiana, but found inspiration living in Washington and California later on. Quinn's songs are classic compositions inspired by the music of the early 1900's. There is a bluesy, jazzy, and folksy element with rustic piano, horns, and percussion that are perfectly executed throughout the entire album. Quinn's vocals and guitar work are something that should have been on the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. This is not really country music, or bluegrass music, for that matter. Instead, Quinn brings together a mix of early Americana rock & roll, folk, blues, jazz, and swing music for a contemporary era. If Darius Rucker (ex-Hootie & The Blowfish) would explore the folkier side of Americana, Quinn would be the genre purveyor in that regard. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Dirtwire's 'The Carrier'

Dirtwire
The Carrier
Beats Antique Records

Spearheaded by California's Evan Fraser (of Hamsa Lila and Stellamara fame) and David Satori (of Beats Antique fame), Dirtwire is a seven-track album of distilled Americana tunes that showcase the bluesy and Appalachian side of the musical spectrum. However, the Americana sounds are not to be ignored, as the world fusion and slightly electronica qualities take center stage. There is a light, easy listening feel to the music with intonations of banjo, guitar, saz, melodica, percussion, megaphone, jaw harp, steel guitar, ngoni, calabash, and other instruments. The vocals are sparse, but lead by Evan Fraser, Leah Song, Chloe Smith, and TBird Luv. The entire album is only twenty-five minutes long, which categorizes it as an EP. Still, there is something intriguing and memorable with Dirtwire's latest release. This is one album that astounds -- from the liner art to the last track. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Erin And Her Cello's 'Petits Bisous'

Erin And Her Cello
Petits Bisous
Self-Release

Erin And Her Cello is a quirky, catchy, and classically-trained music group headed by Erin Hall. Erin is joined by others on piano, sax, keyboards, drums, harpsichord, vibraphone, melodica, glockenspiel, and clapping on her latest release translated as "little kisses." The poignant melody of "The Doctor" is something straight out of the 1950's or 60's. The vocals are pop-focused and somewhat reminiscent of the Dala Girls. The content is rather comical and playful at the same time. The music is pop-oriented, but it contains a variety of instruments that give it a worldly-tone that is very endearing. The sweet melodies and vocals are right at home with the New York-based musician's French cafe music style. The metropolitan cellist combines a heady mix of tunes that only last about thirty-six minutes long. At any rate, the music is top notch and very welcoming. Buy it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Hillary Reynolds Band's 'The Miles Before Us'

Hillary Reynolds Band
The Miles Before Us
Self-Release

The Boston-based, folk quintet, brings us a magnificent album of roots, folk, blues, rock, and pop music with a hearty, Americana vein on The Miles Before Us. The fourteen-track album is full of happy moments, as well as contemplative moods revolving around relationships, family, and personal sacrifices. The vocals are much in-line with some of the top European folk performers, including Heidi Talbot and Karine Polwart. "How" is a rather spacious, folk tune with heartfelt vocals and slow melody. "Looking For A Way Back" begins with a rock guitar opening that merges into an alt-pop and folk vocal medley. This is somewhat like a folksy Evanescence; but better. "Braver Than We Think" starts with a female vocal line that incorporates some swishy percussion and sparkling strings in a folksy arrangement. "Crossing The Line" adds a bluesy edge to the mix, as the folk influence shines through with vocals, strings, and drums. "I Surrender" is an engaging, heady mix of bluesy, folk music that is upbeat and slightly Appalachian in origin. At any rate, the Hillary Reynolds Band knows how to make great songs that do not suffer from any faults or inconsistencies. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss    

CD Review: War Poets' 'American Police State'

War Poets
American Police State
Self-Release

Minnneapolis, MN-based and socially-aware, War Poets take the world by storm with creative, roots-rock-inspired tunes on their latest five-track release. Members include Jenny Case, Rex Haberman, Maureen Koenig McFarlane, Jonny James, Whelan Q Keenan, and Park Evans. Influenced vocally by Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and Jakob Dylan, War Poets bring together a great set of songs that are all different and represent different topics, too. "Closing In" is a perfect roots-rock song with great vocals throughout. "8:05 On A Saturday" is a laidback, folk song with a slight country twang to the instrumental accompaniment. This is a nice example of American roots at its best. "Where Has Love Gone" begins with an upbeat, rock beat somewhat indicative of American music during the early 1990's. "Red Lake" is a similar tune with a grungy guitar set-up, but the track is reminiscent of something R.E.M. would probably produce. Even though the cover art suggests a more sinister recording, American Police State is rather tame from melodic point-of-view. Overall, War Poets receives high marks for lyrical content and melodic flow without any missteps. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Bria Skonberg's 'Into Your Own'

Bria Skonberg
Into Your Own
Random Act Records

Bria Skonberg is a trumpeter, singer, and composer with a knack for finding a happy medium between traditional and contemporary world jazz. The earthy vocals, punchy piano, light bass, soft sax, and flugelhorn all play a necessary role in Bria's music. The vocal stylings are a mix of lounge club and session jams. At any rate, a dozen songs round out the album with heartfelt vocals, soft horns, and sweet melodies that are classy and creative. Some of the songs a bit folksy with a funky, bluesy tone and pop standard vocals. However, the jazz vein is the strongest influence. Into Your Own is an aptly-titled album that showcases Bria's comfort and satisfaction with the new album. Fans of world jazz, pop standards, theatrical songs, and Americana will need to acquire this one asap. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Dmitry Novokolsky and Yury Krivoshein's 'That Job Is Over'

Dmitry Novokolsky and Yury Krivoshein
That Job Is Over
Sketis Music

Lead singer, guitarist, harmonica player, and percussionist, Dmitry Novokolsky, joins Yury Krivoshein--another talented guitarist with bass, keyboard, and programming skills. The Russian duo perform English-lyric songs with an Americana, bluegrass, country, and folk edge. The thirteen songs feel more like an American experiment than a truly Russian compilation. At any rate, the swinging, bluesy, and folksy tunes are catchy, classy, and creative. Some of the songs include "Cotton Joe From New Orleans," "Still A Rambler," "Gimme Some Gumbo," "This Blues Is Real," and "That Job Is Over." It is easy to see why fans of classic Americana music will love it. Hopefully, others will love it, too. This is the way country music should sound. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Escaping Pavement's 'Uprooted'

Escaping Pavement
Uprooted
Self-Release

Escaping Pavement is a Michigan-based band that explores classic Americana blues, rock, roots, soul, and country with anti-pavement tunes with an Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, and Stevie Nicks' sound. Lead female vocalist, Emily Burns, sets the tone with a classy voice that centers around folk, pop, and Americana. The crystal clear vocals and instrumental arrangements contain a heavy 1970s feel that is nothing to laugh at. "Daydream's Haze" opens with a jingly guitar intro and throbbing B3 organ with upbeat drums and a classic vocal lead. The song is folk-tinged and country-cured without any deficiencies. "Part Of Goodbye" contains a folk-centered, rock-tune with vocals akin to Heart throughout. The song is rather punchy, grungy, and infectious. "Winter Homecoming" contains a jaunty guitar, mandolin, and banjo-tuned folk song with both male and female vocals. The Americana song is classic with scintillating strings and varied vocals that do not stray too far from the country roots. Anyone with an interest in Americana folk and rock with a country vein will love Escaping Pavement's latest tunes on Uprooted. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Arlon Bennett's 'World Of Possibility'

Arlon Bennett
World Of Possibility
Self-Release

New York-native, Arlon Bennett is a songwriter, singer, and guitarist with a knack for classic Americana songs steeped in nostalgic settings and contemplative memories about life. Folk music is the primary genre showcased here. The vocals are a bit of James Taylor and the classic Americana songs of Fountains Of Wayne. The slight Paul Simon references are not too far from the truth throughout. "I America" is a harmonica-tinged and guitar-focused song with uppity choruses and harmonic backup vocals. Basically, it is America's soundtrack. "A Friend Of You" contains crisp guitar strums and punchy percussion. "Everything He Says" is an upbeat folk music anthem with catchy melodies and twangy resonances. There is a hint of country music driven by a folk music background. The music is also similar to the so-called 'country music' of contemporary Inuit music performers. Though, Arlon sings songs in English and about events, life, and family in America. Anyone with an interest in clear vocals, folk melodies, and a pop presence should find Arlon Bennett at the top of any listening list. Imagine the possibilities with Arlon Bennett. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Jamie Block's 'Whitecaps On The Hudson'

Jamie Block
Whitecaps On The Hudson
Self-Release

The anti-folk and alternative musical creations of New York's Jamie Block are anything but ordinary here. Jamie's voice is somewhere between Cake and Wilco. The poetic and historic vocal delivery of "Whitecaps On The Hudson" create an almost Native American-like folk beat indicative of John Trudell. However, the song is purely an invention of Jamie Block with an achingly beautiful instrumental display near the end of the song. "Kate" is a quiet little ditty with light percussion and scintillating acoustic guitar. The folksy stylings include some guitar drones that pierce the melody with poignant charm. "Show You Mine" opens with a rumbling guitar and percussion set and Jamie's vocals with a slight nostalgic presence--even if it is only the 1990's. "Sam Patch" is another poetic masterpiece with an almost spoken delivery throughout that includes a heady drum beat, squeaky and grungy guitars, and other industrial, steampunk noises. "Black Eyed Susan" opens with a sauntering, acoustic folk beat and carefree vocals that drift into a dreamy sequence of alt-folk brilliance. There are thirteen songs in all. Anyone with an interest in anti-folk, alternative folk, or even Americana will love Jamie Block's new release. Five stars all the way! ~ Matthew Forss    

CD Review: Midtown Men's 'Sixties Hits'

Midtown Men
Sixties Hits
Self-Release

The original cast of Jersey Boys are now Midtown Men on this album of nostaglic ear-candy. The Midtown Men resurrect American pop songs from the 1960s on the aptly-titled Sixties Hits. Eleven songs represent a wide array of pop hits, including "Dawn," "Time Of The Season," "Ain't That Peculiar," "Candy Girl," "Up On The Roof," "Can't Buy Me Love," "California Dreamin'," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Bye Bye Baby,'' plus several others. The execution of the songs is generally well-developed and fairly close in sound to the original hits with full instrumentation. The upbeat songs are well-suited for the vocal ranges of the Midtown Men. The flamboyant theatrical and Broadway-inspired antics are appropriately-suited for the songs on this album. The party-type song styles and feel-good music is highly-recommended for fans of pop hits from Americans golden era of music. Fans of the original artists will be pleasantly-surprised throughout. Give it a listen today. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Jesse Terry's 'Empty Seat On A Plane'

Jesse Terry
Empty Seat On A Plane
Self-Release

Jesse Terry's latest release of contemporary American folk-pop, Empty Seat On A Plane, traverses nostalgic folk styles of Ryan Adams and James Taylor, while forging his own path of light, roots-inspired folk-pop. There are also blues-tinged elements on some of the tracks. The bluesy, gospel-tinged "Bitterroot Valley," sets the standard for folk-blues with reverberating B3, grungy, sauntering electric guitars, strings, and soulful vocals. The folk-pop styles and vocals reflect a perfect male equivalent of Shawn Colvin's music. The scintillating "Scared Of Nothing," contains superb folk guitar leanings and alternative percussion that is dreamy and compelling. "Grace On A Train" contains tapping percussion, crystalline acoustic guitar strumming, and a few cymbal clangs near the end of the song. The entire song is rather reserved and slow in tempo. Nevertheless, the twelve songs represent a solid mix of acoustic folk-pop and Americana music in the vein of Shawn Colvin, Ryan Adams, Venice, and James Taylor. There would not be an empty seat anywhere Jesse Terry performs. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Lac La Belle's 'Bring On The Light'

Lac La Belle
Bring On The Light
Double Lot

The music of Appalachia is not particularly well-known in the state of Michigan, but Lac La Belle is set to change all that. Jennie Knaggs is the primary vocalist, but she also plays the accordion, ghost fiddle (spooky!), guitar, mandolin, and ukulele. Nick Schillace is also a vocalist, but plays the 12-string guitar, 5 and 6-string banjo, and resonator guitar. The thirteen songs represent heartfelt, lyrical displays of good'ol folk music with splendid picking, plucking, and strumming. Jennie's vocals are sweet, smooth, and crystal clear throughout. Jennie's vocals are reminiscent of Shawn Colvin's earlier days. The mostly instrumental "New Memories of Oklahoma" contains a good dose of plucking splendor that shines with Appalachian nostalgia and Jennie's folksy vocals. The guitar-driven "Housebreaker" contains Nick's vocals, alongside the banjo. The rousing blues and rock-tinged "I Am A Hammer" is littered with folk leanings and Appalachian charm with Nick's old timey voice. Fans of Appalachian folk music, Americana, and old time music will love the music of Lac La Belle. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: April Verch's 'That's How We Run'

April Verch

That’s How We Run
Slab Town Records

Already known amongst Canadians, April Verch is Ottawa Valley’s shining star on the fiddle. Now, a regular fixture on the U.S. touring circuit, April has made a name for her fiddling away and proclaiming the historical and original tunes of Canada for most of her life. The last few recordings touched on U.S. folk tunes and traditions, which are relatively connected with their northern kin of Canada. Nevertheless, April presents us with seventeen delicious tracks of original and traditional tunes. Some are completely instrumental, incorporating the fiddle, banjo, bass, guitar, accordion, and pedal steel, while others possess April’s sweet and tender vocal abilities. Though, Riley Baugus adds vocals to “Lazy John.” Each track is upbeat and spritely. Anyone with an interest in fiddle tunes, bluegrass, Americana, and folk music should add April Verch to their collection. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Nation Beat's 'Growing Stone'

Nation Beat

Growing Stone

Barbes

The Brooklyn-based Nation Beat is a party-driven musical experience with roots in Americana and South Americana...Brazil, to be exact. The folksy rhythms are infused with the essence of Louisiana zydeco, jazz, funky, country, blues, Appalachian music, and the hot sounds of Brazil's maracatu drumming, forro, and funk. The lively rhythms are equally matched with joyous vocals and lyrics. The funk-driven 'Hook and Sling' is a rousing number with very good percussion. The country song, 'Whispering Moon', is a perfect medley for slow-dancing on Saturday nights. The Brazilian influences are not incongruent with the Americana sounds of country, jazz, and blues. At any rate, Growing Stone is an energetic album with tons of musical creativity, extended rock instrumentals, and several styles to go around. This is the first album I can recall hearing Appalachian music right alongside Brazilian music. Fans of both types of music should find Growing Stone growing on them quite nicely. ~ Matthew Forss