SOUND MIND and MUSIC WEEK in REVIEW .8

This week was another intense one.., but instead of talking about that.., I'll just say THANK YOU to the universe for taking me through these changes 'cause it's had me truly 'listening' beyond my normal intake to artists that are decidedly unique and special and especially gifted. At some point this is becoming a little redundant to say that each week is equal or better than the week before.., but there seems to be a never ending progression of truly talented souls out here in cyber space that I'm blessed enough to stumble across, now, on a regular basis. Some are friends of each other's and others just find me, somehow.., but in the end, we all end up here, in this latest edition of SOUND MIND and MUSIC WEEK in REVIEW, together. And, that's a good thing.



Brother EDEN Douglas

New York, New York

justLISTEN

1. OVER MY HEAD

CHRISTOPHER Dallman - North Hollywood, California

Christopher is on tour this summer. I know 'cause it's so prominently displayed on his page. This might seem like another artist who's just marketing himself ad nauseum, but in this case, we would do well to pay attention. This artist truly has 'something to say' and is quite proficient with a lyric. OVER MY HEAD sneaks up on you and when you realize that he's actually making 'good sense', you're already hooked by the tone of his voice and the arrangement so much so that when you finally do receive the message of the lyric, it's not only welcomed, but a truly life-sustaining breathe of pure spirit! This tune begins this week of wonderful message songs that taught me a thing or two about myself and my struggles to find my sense of 'home'. Enjoy.

2. FLOW

PLURAL Z - Nashville, Tennessee

I'm beginning to wonder if we have done a disservice to Nashville in that when we think of this city, we automatically think 'country'. An awful lot of intesting artists and music that's certainly not country seems to be based in Nashville these days. This dynamic duo is certainly leading the pack with their infectious beats and groove music. This tune has a lot to offer from the timely and meaningful lyrics (a rarity in dance music) to the debut of this stunning vocalist, RUBY Amanfu, who I will be talking more about later. TOM Gingerich and AARON Shannon both have some pretty impressive list of credits as producers and engineers for a literal 'who's who' on the music scene in Nashville. So it's all that more impressive that they wouldn't just rest on their laurels but would continue to 'create' for themselves, first (I'm sure) and for others, this truly wonderful music. Kudos for the gift of FLOW at 2:30a, it was just what my soul needed to 'remember' to hold on. Now go have Tao Good Time...

3. MORE

SAM & RUBY - Nashville, Tennessee

This is a coupling made in heaven. Now, don't take my word for it.., just listen with your heart and prepare to be dazzled and humbled in the same instance. These artists are so gifted as individual vocalists that their union almost seems too much to bear. You're equally interested in them as they take solos, wanting in the first instance to hear more.., only to find the sum of the parts is even better. They have a few behind the scene type videos floating out here in cyberspace (on Sam's personal main site) that will reveal their process (recorded live at a cabin in the hills 'in the elements.. for the natural sound...) they're really a special addition and treat to my musical vocabulary, now. SAM Brooker, multi-instrumentalist, engineer and vocals and RUBY Amanfu on vocals... all a part of the ARTIST Revolution that's also their label, but so much MORE.

4. OUTSIDE

DANIELA Bove - United Kingdom

Another incredible find this week is DANIELA Bove who sings from a depth that few ever touch, let along are able to be so literate having been there. This tune introduced me also to the wonderful production and artistry of Stephan Altman, who's heard here on cello and several other instuments. Their musical sense of timing, placement, backing vocals in atypical arrangements allows Daniela to really shine in a way that's just pure genius. I know in her bio she sees herself as being a 'bit confused' about things in her formative years.., but from an OUTSIDE perspective, I believe she's well on her way to full clarity of thought .., and heart. Open your eyes, now to this unique experience.

5. RIDE

MERCIES May - Gothenburg, Sweden

MERICIES May is my friend. And 'tho we've never met, we're connected in such a way that makes reveiwing him a little difficult. I previously blogged about his project, "Anatomy of Dying Star" as brokenword, so if you're a consistent reader, you know that I adore his lyrical prowess and his ability to contribute to the bed of beats that accompany his musings. This new tune is yet another in a long list of great songs that he has every right to be proud of. Part dance, part funk, with a touch of Roger Troutman ( ZAP Band) thrown in, but all soulful. The music was written by Mercies and Alex Goya, with the sterling extra drum production provided by the magnificent Effraim Kent....hand drums are played by Mikael Sarabi, Guitar by Gustav "munkey" Moberg, and Bass Synth by Håkan Wirenstrand. This song has so much to say.., so do listen closely as Mercies weaves and rhymes throughout this intricate arrangement to literally take us on the RIDE of our week. From the forthcoming, Crooked Valentine, Broken Heart EP destined to drop, soon. This is the party break... okay??!

6. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME

LEON - Vienna, Austria

Keeping the party going for another tune or two.., is LEON, my new friend (and first) from Austria. Not sure if this is band or concept name, but he's got a uniquely spiritual vibe to his creations, with DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME, leading the way. The message is straight forward and one you've heard before, but not in six different languages, I bet!! He's a wanderer and philosopher and a talented writer, rapper, producer and visionary and he's surrounded himself with an equally adept group of supporters. Be introduced to the happenings in Vienna, now...

7. YOU MAKE ME FEEL

MILOSH - Toronto, Canada

I suppose if a tune gets over 28,000 hits one might want to give a listen to it, to see what everyone is listening to. MILOSH has a few that are in that range, which makes him all that more remarkable and obviously a fan favorite. Although classically trained, his grooves are laid back and YOU MAKE ME FEEL is a nice cool down, now, to this last group of tunes.. and he's basically just singing about the joy of being in love, when it's new... I honor him here for having missed him on so many other opportunities to make known his gift to the world.., simply put, it's just pure joy. You hear Milosh, you smile....

8. MAYBES

ZACH Williams & The Ramparts -West Palm Beach, Florida

I'm a little at a lost to describe adequately all that ZACH Williams and The Ramparts represent. But just know that they're so deserving of every accolade that will eventually be bestowed upon them. They're a solid band with a truly gifted lead vocalist, but there's a load of talent in the remaining members, as well, and they write tunes that matter and address issues of the heart, life and faith with honesty and a knowingness. I'm a fan of songs that question the 'why' we do whatever we do, especially when we do those things in the name of love. MAYBES will become a classic.., just wait and see if I write the truth. Zach, you're a patient man, and deserved to have been mentioned when I first listened, but I wanted to savour you guys just a little before I 'released' you back to the universe.

Be Blessed, now, as you discover just a great tune.., from a great band.

9. HALF of ME

JEREMY Lister - Nashville, Tennessee

JEREMY Lister dropped a new release this week. SHOOTING STAR. I got an email about it from CD Baby and admittedly I had been waiting for this momentous event for a little while now, thus the email notice. But I can't wait to review it..., cause seeing his name in my email box this week, reminded me of a tune of his that I absolutely love and if you don't know HALF of ME, you're about to have a new favorite tune. It's so good, I literally tear up just listening to it 'cause it's heartbreakingly beautiful and sad and joyous in a very spritual way.., especially when you remember a love you lost but in the end, you knew you just had to go on, anyway.., although 'half of you' was gone. Go get a good cry on and be sure to pick up this artist's music.., you won't be disappointed by the depth of his skill as a musician, writer and certainly as a vocalist. He's got good genes, too, but you'll just have to read about him to find them out!! The music stands as his greatest asset.

Hey Jeremy.., sorry for being so tardy with the review.

10. THANK YOU

RYAN HUSTON - Santa Rosa, California

I sorta end, like I began. Taking about the marketing of music and sometimes there's so much attention to the banners and emails and merchandising, the really good music can be buried by the sheer weight of the deluge. For a moment RYAN Huston was lost to my ears and my sensibility and this week we became reintroduced to one another and without compromise, he's quite good, very palpable and certainly able to translate to a large audience. I give him credit now, where credit is due, with a simple song, sang well from a deeply knowing source of inspiration. That's all that's required to be a part of the next WEEK in REVIEW.

So if you're out there listening and reading and you think I've missed an artist or two.., just let me know.

Until the next time...

justBELIEVE