CD Review: Oh, Jeremiah's 'Tall Tales And Tiny Fables'

Oh, Jeremiah
Tall Tales And Tiny Fables
Self-Release

The lyrical wordplay of bluegrass-esque and folksy pop singer, composer, and guitarist, Oh, Jeremiah, dazzles audiences with sheer sincerity and catchy melodies on his new five-track release, Tall Tales And Tiny Fables. Based in Mississippi, Oh, Jeremiah brings carefree vocals to the mix with sweeping guitar tunes, wavering strings, and some percussion. "Better Man" is an uppity tune with a bluegrass or folk presence. "Circles" is an acoustic treasure with vocal similarities to Dave Matthews and Australia's Xavier Rudd. "Happy Now" brings a sort of new age pop presence to the forefront with a light rock beat without electric guitars and the usual angst-ridden characteristics. The choppy beat and punchy string accompaniment makes the song shine with elements of neo-classicism, folk, contemporary pop, and new age. "Mississippi, I'm Yours" opens with a jaunty acoustic guitar, lead and backup vocals, and a void of percussion. This a memorable tune with slow, string accompaniment. There is a good degree of melancholy throughout the album. "The Scariest Thing" contains some percussion and alt-rock ambiance with some strings and folk-pop charm with piano accompaniment. With vocals akin to Dave Matthews, Xavier Rudd, and R.E.M., Oh, Jeremiah promises to astound all who seek good folk music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Justin Ancheta's 'Plant'

Justin Ancheta
Plant
Self-Release

The reggae-funk and jazz concoctions of Justin Ancheta are pronounced on his latest release, Plant. There are some Klezmer, acoustic, and indie-rock-influenced tunes that showcase a good variety. Part of the diverse song styles stem from a diverse instrumental repertoire, which includes djembe, bass, clarinet, sax, trumpet, trombone, violin, clavinet, guitars, and various electronic accompaniment. With a background in Filipino/Spanish/English/Norwegian/American family roots, you know there has to be an ethnic bone in his body. Thankfully, all ethnicities are represented here, but jazz, folk, and funk seem to be at the top of the list. Justin Ancheta is a musician with a knack for creative songwriting that borders somewhere between Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, and Xavier Rudd. Simply outstanding! ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: A Is For Atom's Self-Titled Release

A Is For Atom
A Is For Atom
Self-Release

New York-based, A Is For Atom, was formed earlier this year by a talented musician, Mike Cykoski. The new album, which is a five-track release, borders on alternative, pop structures with plenty of electronic embellishments, bass, guitar, drums, and synth. The languid vocals on "Creation," suggest an almost Soul Coughing-esque song. The throbbing synth sounds transport listeners back to the early 90s. "See You Again" is a more upbeat folk-rock tune with radio-like vocalizations and pop guitar stylings and an uppity, Western feel with guitars, bass, and drums. The vocals and guitar playing resembles Australia's Xavier Rudd. "Light Years" features a little downtempo trumpet and pop melodies that shine with infectious hooks and instrumental displays. "Bird In A Cage" contains a bit of static vocals and Royskopp-like electronic noises. The vocals are quite pop-driven, but relatively reserved. The guitars are cinematic and the melody is very relaxed with limited percussion. "Whiskey" opens with spritely guitar and fingersnaps with a classy vocal setup that resembles something from REM's Up. Overall, A Is For Atom is also 'a' for amazing! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Parker Ainsworth 'Parker Loves You'

Parker Ainsworth

Parker Loves You

Self-Released

The classic folk crooner and SoCal resident, Parker Ainsworth, is a guitarist with a big heart and a big soul. The guitar, percussion, and piano, is more folk-based than blues on this five-song release. From the opening "Awake" to the final "Higher Up," it doesn't take long to draw vocal comparisons to the UK's David Gray and Australia's Xavier Rudd with the instrumental folk sensibilities of the earlier work of Shawn Colvin and the jazz-tinged pop of Sara Bareilles. "We Just Forgot" is an emotive ballad with smart lyrics and a sparkling piano melody with an equally entrancing rhythm. Parker Loves You is poignantly, albeit appropriately titled, because it is an infectious and golden album of intelligent folk tunes without reliance on today's electronic accompaniments, dance beats, or redundant hip hop beats. Furthermore, every song on this album is radio-friendly. Parker knows how to compose memorable songs that might resemble anything by Shawn Colvin, Xavier Rudd, David Gray, and other similar artists. Buy it today. Parker will love you for it! ~ Matthew Forss