Lana Lane – Neptune Blue

It has been a decade since the previous release by the queen of prog rock Lana Lane, and to say that the wait was worth it is far from being cliche. Lana’s always robustly stunning vocals have not lost anything as is evident from the first potent but melodic strains of “Far From Home.” Lana displays even more depth to her vocal capabilities, ranging from the intense bluesy croon of “Someone Like You” to the power rocking grit of “Remember Me” and the luscious pop sensibilities of “Under The Big Sky.” The vocal control and searing emotive output on the ballad “Come Lift Me Up” will drive right into your soul. With a greater diversity of styles present here, the fans of Lana’s more rocking side will not be disappointed either. You will definitely want to crank up tracks like “Bring It On Home” and “Miss California”. The lyrics have a knack for riding the fence between simple and intellectual, driving home interesting stories and points without getting overly flowery. The musical backdrop has many ear-opening solo efforts without distracting from Lana’s vocal work, being far more complementary and increasing the fine-tuned intrigue of the songs. As usual, husband and music compatriot Erik Norlander adds his phenomenal keyboard work to the songs. Many of Lana’s and Erik’s previous musical partners add serious flavor to the stew including guitarists Jeff Kollman and Mark McCrite; NS stick player Don Schiff; drummer Greg Ellis; and backing vocalist John Payne. Styles as diverse as prog, blues, pop rock, folk, and grunge fuel the mosaic creating songs that range from deep-track sensibilities to radio-friendly hooks. While Lana has often been hailed as the “prog rock diva”, and although I am sure that is complimentary moniker, it also somewhat pigeon-holes her. Lana Lane’s vocals can stack up to anyone – male or female in prog, classic, metal or any other type of music. Her performance on “Neptune Blue” is one of her finest yet. – MW
https://lanalane.com

John Masino – In For The Night

John Masino – In For The Night
If one good thing is happening in this year of craziness for the music biz, it is that musicians and songwriters are producing music, often times organically and/or on their own. John Masino is well known and respected throughout the Midwest and beyond for his prowess on electric guitar, electric live performances, songwriting chops, and vocal work. The Madison, Wisconsin native has taken to his home studio to produce his latest gift to the music world, “In For The Night.” Performing all the instruments and vocal work on the CD, John showcases the many facets of his musical capabilities, particularly his songwriting talents. With both instrumental and vocal songs, there is a plethora of subtle genre influences here, weaved masterfully together into a signature sound that is both ear-catching and intriguing. John’s always-stunning guitar work invokes names like “Hendrix” and “Satriani,” while retaining a personality that is distinctly his own. His performances with other instruments goes beyond just background work with solid chops adding extra flavor to the songs. Some of the standout tracks include the ethereal yet hooky “Don’t Wake Me,” the mesmerizing prog-tinted instrumental “Space Walk,” the radio ready pop rock powerhouse “Love Lights”, and poignant ballad “It’s Just A Matter of Time.” John’s lyrics are intelligent without being pretentious, enticing the listener to experience the story or ideal he is portraying. This music is highly enjoyable to anyone, and for those still having it rough right now, John Masino has created an excellent repast that will cut through the darkness and brighten your day. – MW

https://www.facebook.com/john.masino

Capsule Reviews by Mark E. Waterbury

The Furious Seasons – Now Residing Abroad

Veteran L.A. singer-songwriter David Steinhart has created another masterpiece with his trio The Furious Seasons. David can stand his own against many famous singer-songwriters of the past, and you can feel a bit of the likes of Cat Stevens, Paul SImon and Jim Croce when you listen to him. He has his own distinct personality though, with a voice that is both emotive and subtly intense with mesmerizing timbre, the perfect conveyance for his thought provoking often topical words. The musical backdrop is thoughtfully complimentary, showcasing a further depth of artful talent. Full of warmth and intelligence, this is truly enjoyable music.

http://thefuriousseasons.com/

Marshall – Carnivals & Other Tragedies

Hey Man! Records

Chicago is, of course, known for blues, but I would hesitate to pigeon hole veteran Chi-Town songsmith Marshall (Hjertstedt) in that category. While there are blues influences, there is so much more depth to his music with heavy doses of folk and subtle doses of Taking Back Sunday-era indie rock. Perhaps why this music is so ear-opening is because he can weave together those various styles and create music with a delectable pulse and captivating vibe. The lyrics are cerebral without being pretentious and there is plenty of musical prowess tastefully laced throughout the tracks. Wonderful music with heart from the Heartland.

http://marshallsongs.com

Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys – My Life

Nevermore Records

Almost as stoic a Milwaukee institution as beer and German food, Reverend Raven and his band celebrate their twentieth anniversary of creating blistering blues from the Cream City. The music treads mostly familiar territory which is not even close to being a bad thing as the Rev knows how to take traditional blues progressions and do special things with them. The CD is brimming with killer vocal work, snarling guitar solos, wicked harmonica chops, and lyrics that tell stories ranging from humorous to heartrending. These guys bust their butts to bring great music to the Midwest and beyond, and we can only hope they will be around another twenty years.

http://reverendraven.com

Hilary Scott – Don’t Call Me Angel

Belltown Records

Not to be confused with the two “L” Hillary Scott from Lady Antebellum, Hilary Scott has carved her own name into today’s Americana scene with a breathlessly intoxicating voice and a knack for creating catchy, emotional, and subtly edgy songs. Slipping in touches of country, blues and indie rock, Hilary’s stunning vocal work and soul bearing words will drive deep into your soul with their honest intensity and delectable musical backdrops also created by Hilary’s multi instrumental talents. Beautiful, lush and haunting, this music draws in the listener and holds their attention as you experience her stories and feelings.

https://www.hilaryscott.com

 

John Lafayette Ramey – Exposition Lines

John Lafayette Ramey – Exposition Lines
L.A.’s John Lafayette Ramey shows further depth to his songwriting capabilities on his third solo release. You can feel this just in the first two songs; the hard-charging, edgy roots rocker “Cheap Rent (Move On)” and the touching ballad “Guadalupe” which displays not only his lyrical prowess, but his stunning emotive vocal control. The depth of his songwriting well runs deep throughout the ten tracks with wafts of Brit-pop, Americana, blues and other stylings weaving their way into the overall mosaic. From the haunting groove of “Amelia” to the catchy pop lilt of “Jenny,” John more than proves that he is unafraid to weave any of his varied influences into his musical creations. The result is both comforting and ear opening. – MW
https://johnlafayetteramey.com

Ben Bostick – Self-titled

Ben Bostick – Self-titled
Simply Fantastic Music
Chris Stapleton and others have helped aim country music back to its roots. South Carolina born and bred Ben Bostick understands this and infuses his own roots and passions into this wonderful first full length CD. Opening the CD by opening his heart with the potent ballad “Independence Day Eve” gives you a great idea of the journey you are in for. “Paid My Dues” cranks up a rollicking rockabilly edge, sounding a bit like something Elvis and Waylon could have collaborated on in their Sun Records era. “After The Rain” is a hooky but edgy foot stomper that is the type of track country radio really needs to spin. “Paper Football” wondrously displays Ben’s fantastic vocal emotion and knack for writing thought provoking but home-spun lyrics. Yep, Ben gets it, if you listen to this CD, you’ll get it. Hopefully more and more, Nashville will get it.  – MW
https://www.benbostick.com

7 Miles To Pittsburgh

7 Miles to Pittsburgh

A67/Bertus/Suburban

Something very potent is brewing in the Netherlands. Elegy bassist Martin Helmantel and Komatsu guitarist Joris Lindner enlisted sonic rock vocalist Andrew Elt, known from his days with Atlantic recording artists Sleeze Beez and indie acts The Moon and Gin On The Rocks, to write some evocative tunes. Collectively called 7 Miles To Pittsburgh, this exciting music will hit you with the force of a nuclear-fueled Saturn V. “Same Size” kicks off the disc with an edgy fire that screams “power trio” in a very fervent fashion. “Earth Dance” has a heady juxtaposition of gritty crunch and melodic flourishes. Even the mellow songs seethe with power – or in the case of “Lost And Found” – will blow away any preconceived notions you have about the term “power ballad.” “Grams” is the mellowest track, but it is intriguingly catchy, soothing, and intense. The music has an overall progressive feel with touches of grunge, blues, and just good old hard rock. Andrew’s voice is in excellent form, still possessing the powerful pyrotechnics from his aforementioned bands, adeptly conveying all lyrics as thought-provoking to topical to home-spun. Joris pulls double-duty on the CD, tearing loose with his prodigious guitar chops (anyone who misses REAL guitar soloing needs to hear this guy) as he joins Martin to drive the tornadic rhythm machine. This is an excellent marriage of songwriting prowess, vocal and musical talent. And there is an obvious unbridled passion to create music that pushes the envelope, yet can still have a comfortingly familiar element to it. Hopefully, we will hear much more from these musicians in the near future. – MW

www.7mtp.nl

 

Review Capsules by Mark Waterbury

Michael Packer – “I Am The Blues” My Story Vol. 3

IMG Records

A bright light in the blues chandelier burned out in May when Michael Packer lost his tenacious fight with cancer. He left behind an incredible musical legacy, punctuated by this excellent final collection. Introducing each track with a verbal story of what inspired the track, Michael’s perspectives translate wonderfully into songs with influential ranges from bare bones blues to hip-hop, country to jazz. This final gift is a wonderful reminder of how talented Michael is and how much his activism-fueled blues will be missed.

https://www.facebook.com/michael.packer.90

Gerry Spehar – I Hold Gravity

Before going into a non-music profession, Gerry Spehar opened for the likes of Merle Haggard, Townes Van Zandt, and Boz Scaggs. Now, once again, turning his passion to music, it is obvious that Gerry has drawn influences from those legends while still pouring his own heart and soul into his writing. Twisting in a subtle portion of blues along with a road-map of Americana vibes, this is a delectable, ear-opening journey of music that is rootsy, gritty, powerful yet soothing. With the rebirth of more roots-oriented country, Gerry has picked the perfect time to make a comeback – and his love for music obviously never left him.

https://www.gerryspehar.com/music

Jackie Brown Band – Life’s A Party

Milwaukee’s Jackie Brown is honing her talents and it is very obvious with her new release. The six new tracks and remixed versions of her debut EP display some seriously entertaining music, toeing the country/rock line, but with much more depth. The title track is a hard-punching rocker melded with touches of reggae and hip-hop, definitely backing up the song’s title. “Crae Crae” has a nice folksy groove with a subtle potency, and “Time Wasted” cuts loose with a funky, country-blues grit. Jackie can handle ballads with emotive grace, as she does in the powerful “With Out You.” I previously stated that Jackie’s robust, bluesy voice reminds me somewhat of Bonnie Raitt, and while I still feel that way, she has so many vocal pyrotechnics with stunning control that are undeniably in her own style. The songwriting is sharp both lyrically and musically, and the veteran Cream City players in the band are top notch. Jackie is still young, and if her early works are any indication, she is definitely going to be a force to be reckoned with. – MW

http://www.jackiebrownandtheboys.com

 

Sara Petite – Road Less Traveled

Many male purveyors of country music are getting back to their roots lately, and if the latest release by San Diego’s Sara Petite is any indication, the women in country music have something to say about their roots, too. The fun and sassy title track gets the party started and it doesn’t end throughout the twelve tracks. Sara is like an encyclopedia of classic country styles, as she flows effortlessly from the haunting west Texas groove of “Blackbird” and the hooky pop edged “It Was Just A Kiss” to the emotive ballad “Getting Over You.” “Monkey On My Back” starts off with a traditional swing style before kicking into a high-octane honky-tonk foot-stomper. Sara has no problems letting the talented players on this CD showcase their capabilities, particularly in the over-nine-minute jam fueled “Sweet Pea Patch” – yes, you heard that right, a NINE MINUTE country song, but it really kicks throughout! Not lost at all is Sara’s knack for great storytelling that is both homey and thought-provoking. Check out tunes like “Patchwork Quilt” and “Good 2 B Me” if you want to really experience her talents in this regard. Sara is a Plains tornado of fresh air in the country scene and  lovers of any era of country really need to check her out.  – MW

https://www.sarapetite.com

 

Mark McKinney – World In Between

Mark McKinney – World In Between

Mark McKinney has been slugging it out in the Texas country music scene for years. With this his fifth recording, he proves he can duke it out with anything Nashville has to offer. He shows his meddle by staying away from the typified sound, and obviously putting his heart and soul into his music. He is a storyteller first and foremost, following the trails blazed years ago by Waylon, Willie, and Johnny, eventually resurrected by Chris Stapleton and others. His music does have a certain catchiness, but is also a bit edgy and walks that Americana/country barbed-wire tight rope with musical poise. Songs like the snappy “Bacon & Eggs,” potent ballad “Yours,” and heartland grooving “Monday” showcase the various subtle edges of of his songwriting envelope, pushed adeptly to present his heart-felt, intelligent stories. McKinney exhibits excellent vocal pitch and control throughout, not trying to do anything that may detract from the words, but still catching your ear with the emotive timbres. A track like “Rainy Day Monday” is a good showcase of his vocal capabilities. Mark McKinney could be another of those (yes, I know it sounds cliche), but another of those storytellers that offers Nashville an opportunity to travel back to the good old days when the music had more of a raw feel to it, before everything became so glossy and corporatized. – MW

https://www.markmckinney.com