Jo-EL Sonnier – The Legacy

Jo-EL Sonnier – The Legacy

Takau Records

To say that music is universal is not cliche. If you have any doubts about that statement, give a listen to “The Legacy” by Jo-EL Sonnier. All the lyrics on this Grammy winning CD are in French, but you do not need to be fluent or parlay any Francois to understand where the legendary “King of Cajun music” is coming from. Sonnier’s talents are immense, as anyone who knows Cajun music can attest to, as will the numerous country and pop performers whose songs have included his mastery of the accordion. You can feel the emotions he puts into each song, whether you speak the language or not.  “Les Blues D’Ennui” translated to “Boredom Blues” will alleviate that affliction if you are experiencing it with its snappy rhythm. “Si J’ai Pas Toi”, (“If I Don’t Have You”) has a subtle pop rock groove with pained vocal works that harken the lamenting of a lost love. “Mama’s Two Step” – the only English titled,  song feels fun and fresh. Sometimes Cajun music can get repetitive and sound to similar to other artists, but Sonnier has a knack for tossing in varied and tasty songwriting morsels in just the right spots and striving to do things just a bit differently while keeping the ethnic vibe intact. So, yes, his music is universal – his language is roots, talent, and passion. If you can’t speak that particular language yourself, you can certainly enjoy this particular interpretation. – MW

http://joelsonnier.com

 

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Steven Casper & Cowboy Angst – Sometimes Jesse James

Steven Casper & Cowboy Angst – Sometimes Jesse James

Silent City Records

When I heard the first notes of “Down”, the lead track on the latest from  So-Cal’s Steven Casper, my first reaction was “Tom Petty lives!” High praise from me, but not hyperbolic and while I do feel the ghost of Mr. Petty wafting around Steven’s music, his own personality shines through and he is by no means a clone. It feels mostly like heartland or Americana, but the tendrils of blues, country, and other styles writhe around the songs subtly, giving them both depth, but also a comforting familiarity. His sharp wit and intelligence shine through in the lyrics – check out the words fueling the twisted folk of “Wrecking Ball” if you need proof. Unafraid to try everything, Steven ends the CD with the Spanish flavored instrumental “Mi Sueno, Mi Dolor” – translation, “My Dream, My Pain.” His pain and dream is the listener’s music delight. The Petty comparison goes a bit beyond his similar sounding voice, for Steven Casper is a pure songwriter. And even though there are only six songs on this CD, you will savor them over and over again. – MW

http://caspermusic.com

 

Bonsai Universe – Moonstreams

Bonsai Universe – Moonstreams

I cannot quite put my finger on what to make of this musical project by journeyman vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Woody Aplanalp…and perhaps that is why his music is so intriguing. I am not going to come up with one of those “cross so and so with so and so” references, although I do hear a subtle Bowie influence. I would include it in the progressive realm, and, no, that does not mean it sounds like Yes or Dream Theater; it is because it is so intoxicatingly different. There are lush, ethereal keyboard landscapes in abundance, but there are also folksy acoustic guitar passages and avant garde, but hooky pop passages. Woody has an undeniably catchy voice and a quirky sense for lyric writing, putting an extra dose of intrigue into even the most generic subject matter. This probably will not be for everyone, but I don’t think he created it for everyone either. Rather, if you respect solid songwriting talents that have zero qualms about creating different but captivating, then strap yourself in for this ride. – MW

https://www.bonsaiuniversemusic.com

 

Capsule Reviews by Mark E. Waterbury

Laura Benitez and The Heartache – With All Its Thorns

While many guys in country are going back to their roots, some of the gals are as well. The third release by Laura Benitez and her band The Heartache exemplifies this as she channels influences of some of the great ladies of country into her own sound. Her voice is undeniably catchy, with a sweetly subtly operatic croon that drives home the from-the-heart lyrics she writes. Musically you are transported back several decades, either clapping along at some smoky Texas honky-tonk, or tapping your toes and smiling in a chair at the Ryman. Both retro and refreshing, this is someone to watch out for.

http://laurabenitezandtheheartache.com

Rich Krueger – Life Ain’t That Long

Rockink Music – RKM002

Long time member of the band The Dysfunctionells, Rich Krueger has released another excellent solo CD featuring his sharp lyrical wit melded with varied musical sensibilities. With a subtly powerful vote that feels a cross between Van Morrison and Cat Stevens, Rich takes you on a story telling journey that feels just like that…like he is sitting at some campfire sharing a half pint with you and regaling you with life stories and perspectives. Enhancing the stories further with unique music backdrops reaching many roots of folk, rock, country and blues, this is one tasty stew for even the most finicky of songwriting aficionados.

http://www.reverbnation.com/richkrueger

 

Gerry Spehar – Anger Management

Gerry Spehar – Anger Management

In his 1997 song “Christmas in Washington,” troubadour Steve Earle implored “Comeback Woody Guthrie.” Gerry Spehar may have produced that comeback in spirit with his latest release. The Colorado singer/songwriter pulls no punches with his current political statements on this CD, leaning a bit more on the country side of folk than Woody but still infusing a bare–bone hominess that catches the ear and exemplifies the words. The sardonically humorous “Thank You Donald” kicks off the festivities with a bluegrass lilt. The moody, somber folk of “A Soldier’s Spiritual” is a soul-stirring plea about veteran’s difficulties. “Carnival” is like a twisted tent revival preaching a unique perspective on the legacy of LBJ. Gerry tackles multiple timely issues including racism, war, and immigration with music ranging from bizarrely delectable to musically potent. There are many talented players involved with this CD, but Gerry’s voice showcasing a wonderful diversity in both tonal qualities and emotive output is the real star here. He definitely has a lot to say and whether you believe or agree with him or not, the way he conveys his opinions and messages will no doubt get you to at least listen, and maybe think a bit as well.  – MW

https://www.gerryspehar.com

 

Dukes of the Orient – Dukes of the Orient

Dukes of the Orient – Dukes of the Orient

Frontiers Records – FR CD 845

Bassist/vocalist extraordinaire John Payne and keyboard maestro Erik Norlander have once again joined forces, and the result is mesmerizing. A few years removed from the Asia featuring John Payne era, John and Erik have unleashed both their musical and songwriting talents creating a CD that wonderfully melds the intricacies of prog with the pop sensibilities that Asia was known for during the Payne era. This is obvious straight out of the gate as the rollicking “Brothers In Arms” appears both radio ready with enough musical prowess to please the most ardent prog rock fans. While vestiges of Asia are obvious, the envelope is stretched further – very evident in the driving power of “ A Sorrows’s Crown” and the ear-opening opus “Give Another Reason.”  Songs like “Time Waits For No One” and “Seasons Will Change” are strong with their comforting hooks; the musicianship being tempered a bit, but still amazing in a subtle way. It does feel even more like a reunion when you see the guest musicians include guitarists who were members of the John-Payne-era Asia (Jeff Kollman, Moni Scaria, Bruce Bouillet, and Guthrie Govan) along with Asia featuring John Payne drummer Jay Schellen. This is mostly John’s and Erik’s work, combining influences of their past collaborations with other facets of their songwriting souls to create some brilliant music. – MW

http://dukesoftheorient.com

 

Capsule Reviews by Mark Waterbury

Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps – Here In Babylon

Jesi-Lu Records

L.A.’s veteran songstress Teresa James has strong roots growing into several branches of blues. The result is a sultry, sometimes bawdy but undoubtably catchy group of songs that smacks of barrel houses where you have to squint through the smoke to glimpse the band. Her delectable twinkling of the 88 keys is backed by a robust crew of talented players, kicking life into songs whether mellow or rocking. Teresa’s powerful voice from the Bonnie Raitt school rips loose the songs in potently soulful fashion. Some highly enjoyable tunes here.

http://www.teresajames.com

Tim Woods – Human Race

The lead track of Pittsburgh singer/songwriter/guitarist Tim Wood’s second CD is called “Can You Feel It?” and, believe me, you can. You can feel old wooden floors shaking, tube amps vibrating, bandaids hastily wrapped around bleeding fingers. Yeah ,you can call it blues, you can call it rock, but Tim puts a unique enough spin on the songs that you can’t really pigeon hole it. His voice is pleasantly haunted by the ghost of Jim Morrison, his guitar work is often stunning, and the music gives the impression of a headlong free for all that works just right. A great example of someone who lets it all loose when he writes and plays music.

http://www.timwoodsmusic.com

 

Andrew Sheppard – Steady Your Aim

Andrew Sheppard – Steady Your Aim

The outlaw country revival drives on and Idaho singer-songwriter Andrew Sheppard is one of the newer voices taking the wheel. His sophomore effort is brimming with thought-provoking lyrics along with musical landscapes featuring vistas of old school country, blues and alt edginess, highlighted by Andrew’s Willie-meets-Dylan vocal prowess. From the traditional folk feeling “Take A Walk With Me” to the gritty blues-tinged roots of “Lies As Cheap As Whiskey”, and the rollicking groove of “Here At The Bottom”, Andrew proves highly adept at creating tuneful mosaics that burrow deep into your soul with the honesty of the rods while delighting your musical appreciation receptors with the vibrancy of the song structures. This is another one of the many breaths of fresh air into today’s country scene – an ear opening effort that could lead to bigger things for this talented artist and storyteller.   – MW

https://andrewsheppardmusic.com

 

Capsule Review by Mark E. Waterbury

Kings & Associates – Tales of a Rich Girl

There are artists in other countries that understand American blues. Australia’s Kings & Associates not only understand it; they live, breathe, and play it very well. They take some unique twists and turns into R&B and very rootsy retro feelings, and have both a male and female vocalist who seethe pure emotion whether crooning the ballads or letting loose with the more rocking tracks. We know folks down under can rock. They can really rock the blues as well if this band is any indication.

http://kingsandassociatesmusic.com

 

Capsule Reviews by Mark Waterbury

Tim Bennett – The View From Here

Sandy Beach Records

With Chris Stapleton leading the blues-influenced country rebirth, there are also those who are going retro in the honky-tonk direction. Tim Bennett’s second CD proves that he is giving serious credence to that direction with a great collection of toe-tappers and heart-breakers. With a subtly robust vocal croon, Tim’s surprisingly topical lyrics are fueled by buoyant hooks and solid musicianship. The songwriting is interesting and entertaining, keeping the retro vibe fresh as well. This SoCal native knows how to do it the way the Nashville crowd used to do it “back in the day.”

https://www.tbennettmusic.com

Joshua Jacobson – Good Little Thing

Fatmouth Records – FRCD 1001

Joshua Jacobson delves deep into the roots of blues and country to create this wonderful debut. Like a roadmap from Memphis to New Orleans via east Texas, Joshua’s ditties ooze a heady flavor cheap whiskey at smoky juke joints, with a dose of fun. Yes…FUN in the blues, because his lyrics tend to be tongue-in-cheek and whip-smart with even the typical blues themes seeming a bit darkly humorous. If you want to go retro, the path Joshua has blazed is a good one to follow.

http://joshuajacobson.net

Sam Marine – Big Dark City

The third CD by this L.A.-by -way-of-New York and Florida songwriter packs an incredible amount of intensity into its five tracks. Maybe his music could be called “Powercana”, because it has an Americana vibe that just seethes with furious power – sometimes tempered in subtle doses, other times unleashed with fervent potency. Sounds like something that say Steve Earle and Billlie Joe Armstrong could write together hanging out in Austin. If people have not been awakened to Sam’s presence yet, then this CD is a sonic alarm clock.

https://sammarinemusic.com

Johnny Oskam – In My Shadow

It is actually quite challenging to write original blues these days. Johnny Oskam proves with his second CD that he is adept at rising to that challenge. His blues tends to the hard rock fueled side, but also forays into bits of country, Americana, and funk. While this stew has been cooked before, his recipe features his own unique spices, flavored liberally with incendiary guitar work and powerful vocal calisthenics. Too edgy and intense to even think about ignoring.

http://www.johnnyoskam.com

Andrea Stray – Into Blue

AS20-02

San Francisco singer-songwriter Andrea Stray has a delectable knack of taking lush, subtly orchestrated musical beds and making them homey and simple, a great conveyance for her thought provoking words. Think Pink Floyd meets Bonnie Raitt musically, with vocal emotions that will grasp your soul as they flow through various moods with intoxicating fervency. This five song EP is a wonderful glimpse at a pool of talent that I assume runs very deep.

http://www.andreastray.com