It Won't Be Christmas Without You - John Visconti (featuring Jeff Twardzik)

A lot of people know that my dear friend John Visconti and I, have collaborated on some music and videos in the past. For a long time now, I've been wanting to work on a video for him for his Christmas song, "It Won't Be Christmas Without You", featuring the golden voice of Jeff Twardzik, and this last week, I've quietly pieced together this little video to tell a story with this song. :) John, just released his newest mix of the song today, and I asked him to send it over so I could wrap the video I was already working on, around it. He had no idea, till a little while ago, that I was doing this for him. Sometimes I love surprises. So, here it is and I hope that you all enjoy it! It's become one of my favorite Christmas songs. :) 

Jennifer Thomas

Jennifer Thomas - Illumination

Independent Spotlight

In my 30 years of playing piano and listening to beautiful piano music, I have come across many piano players that have dug deep into the inner recesses of my soul and brought me to a peaceful place where I can escape the daily grind.  Okay, so that was a little melodramatic, but the point is that there is nothing like a good piano CD to take you on a journey and away from your cares and woes.  This album tops them all.  Don't get me wrong, David Lanz, Robin Speilberg, Peter Kater, Kostia, Secret Garden, Kevin Kern and Yanni all have their place in my heart, but there is a new brilliant and wonderful player taking place at the top of the list: Jennifer Thomas.  

I don't know how to describe the magic that I heard in every piece of music on the album "Key of Sea".  Its like a journey played through a beautiful phrasing that crosses over classical boundaries into the New Age and World Music genres.  I recently went to Jennifer's Facebook page to see what was going on with her new release.  I listened to samples of her upcoming 2012 release, "Illumination", and was floored.  

I was first introduced to Jennifer back in 2010 when I heard a song that she had posted on OurStage in one of their instrumental competitions.  Immediately I was hooked.  Sadly, it was a time when I was out of work and could not afford CDs or MP3 albums.  I had put her album on a wishlist at that time.  Seeing and hearing the upcoming release reminded me that I had it on a wishlist for almost 2 years now.  So I purchased the album around the April time frame and had wanted to write the review around "Key of Sea" but time gets away from you sometimes when you want to write.  It is now late July and I had just purchased "Illumination" from Amazon.  I downloaded the album from Amazon in the parking lot of my favorite breakfast spot right onto my phone and hooked it up to my car stereo.  When I pressed play and put the car into gear and started driving away from my parking spot, I was transported from the daily grind of an hour car ride to work, into a whole other world.  I literally don't remember the drive into work.  All I remember is this album.  I purchased this on Friday the 27th, and its is all I have listened too since that date.  Both albums are amazing, and I have to give the tracks to "Key of Sea" some light of day at some point, but I just can't stop playing this new release. It's that good.  

Two words to describe this album: Epic passion!

Track Review:

1. Étude for the Dreamer - This song makes me want to put on my running shoes and get back in shape.  Why? Because it motivates me.  It's epic nature makes me want to reach for that goal that I am aspiring to reach.  This is great theme music for life and the pursuit of happiness. Every time I listen to this, it puts me into the right frame of mind.  
2. After the Storm - As I see the clouds parting, the rain ending and the sun shining through again onto someone who is standing atop a cliff looking out over the ocean and pondering life.  Again, another visionary and powerful song.  I feel like I'm transported onto a movie set at the end of a happy moment in time.
3. Illumination - This is the title track.  Very strong and emotive again.  I can nature blooming all around me, everything awakening, life in all of its glory.  This song and this album are a grand re-awakening.  This is one of those experiences that will move you, if you are open to it while listening.  Listen within the music, not to its structure, but its passion and emotion. 
4. Gymnopedie No. 1 -  This is the most beautiful version of Erik Satie's music, that I have ever heard.  
5. New Life - This song starts out so tender and soft.  I love the mix of violins with the piano climbing and the mild percussion in the background.  Its painting another picture of a child being born.  From the moment of anticipation to the birth at the end.  The child pauses and connects with the mother and then takes in the world around them. Brilliant.
6. Beyond the Summit - I feel like I just climbed to the top of the mountain and am now looking out over the grand vistas and the eagles flying through the valley rising up to the sky again.  What a great picture this paints.
7. Into the Forest - I love the female vocals on this song and the didgeridoo that floats in from time to time.  I feel like I'm running through the forest as the rest of the forest runs and plays with me.  
8. Secrets - The first time I heard the opening to this song, I had shivers running down my spine.  Very romantic, very touching and it hits an emotional side of getting in touch with your inner self.  Then it takes you down the rabbit hole and into a whole other world that just bursts with color and sound and all sorts of fantastic creatures playing.  It paints a beautiful storybook world for me. 
9. Toccata and Fugue - Again Jennifer takes me on a journey and turns a grand Bach piece into an epic interpretation. 
10. Rainforest - Birds flying between the branches of the trees, spider monkeys jumping from branch to branch, tribal rhythms showing their love and respect for Mother Earth, rain falling heavy, flowing from creek to stream to river.  Life ebbing and flowing.  Awesome song.  
11. Fire Dance - I'm being transported to Spain, to a flamenco dance being performed by two very talented dancers throwing their hats into the ring and squaring off with each other, till they twirl and dance their way into a passionate embrace.  Very romantic and powerful at the same time.  Taking a breath for only a moment before ending in a fury of fire. 
12. Pachelbel's Canon (a Duet) - an enjoyable and beautiful version of this popular song.  I like the addition of the drum and how the theme builds, and then the change occurs at the two minute mark.  This transports me to the more traditional and builds upon itself.  Around the three minute mark it turns into an epic piece of music.  I've never really been a huge Pachelbel Canon fan, but this takes me to different places within the structure and has actually brought me into liking this piece of music again.  Not since I heard David Lanz do his rendition on "Return to the Heart", have I heard a version of this song that has made me feel "at home" again. 
13. Across the Starlit Sky - The first time I heard this song, it actually made me tear up.  Getting lost in the beauty of our sky at night, out in the middle of nowhere, brings peace to anyone's world.  It makes all the problems of our lives fade away, when we realize just how tiny we are in this existence we are in.  You can feel the wonder and love in this song. This has become my favorite track on the album.
14. Requiem for a Dream - This song has always been a favorite and even more so now.  What a grand version!  I love her interpretation of this theme.  Its so moving and perfect.
15. Sonata Minore - Another very emotional piece of music that is just so pretty and moving.
16. Eventide - while Across the Starlit Sky has become my favorite track, this is right alongside it.  I say these two tie for first.  Again, the peace that this song brings, is indescribable.  Kelley Marie Johnson plays some of the most beautiful violin I have heard in a long time on this song.  This is just a stunningly beautiful song.  Tugs on the heartstrings within the first couple of notes and all the way through the song.  
17. New World Symphony - What a way to end an album.  Jennifer plays an awesome violin solo on this track that takes my breath away.  Just one simple word:  WOW.  Just kick back and listen and take it in.  WOW.  

All the tracks of the album are just heavenly.  I can't say this enough, buy this release, support independent artists like Jennifer Thomas.  Attend their concerts when they are performing and help them bring new music to the masses by turning other people onto their latest releases.  Go to jenniferthomasmusic.com and click on the link to purchase her CDs or MP3s and get lost in the paradise of her compositions.  Oh and make sure you pick up "Key of Sea" as well!

Seasons Come

Seasons Come  This is my latest album.  Its a preview.  Not finished yet, but listen and enjoy. :)

Nils Rurack - Slightly Off Center

Nils Rurack - Slightly Off Center
Independent Spotlight

I was first introduced to Nils when I heard him collaborate with two other friends of mine from Broadjam, Peter Olach (JACK the Blues) and Morgen La Civita.  He struck me as a very talented lead guitarist and composer.  I heard some great blues and hard rocking leads out of Nils that were very powerful, but there was this underlying genre trying to peek out from behind the rock roots.  

Recently, Nils tagged me in a post on Facebook asking me to review his latest effort.  A collection of Jazz and Jazz Fusion instrumentals that he had recorded recently and over the years.  If anyone knows me, I love to review music from people who love to make music.  So I waited for the appropriate time to listen and when I could give full focus to the material.  And while listening to this album, I finally figured out what genre was peeking from his other tracks.  This is where I heard the true beauty of Nils' talent shine through and I can't recommend this collection highly enough.  I know that he is planning to release this album as a release soon, so I will update information on here at the time of that release, as to where you can purchase this CD/MP3 collection when it comes out.

I have been a huge fan of the band Gamalon for years.  Especially their release entitled "Ariel View" which I have written about on this blog.  Another favorite Jazz fusion album from my past is Rob Mullins "One Night In Houston", especially the song "Polka Dot Dress".  What I hear in this album from Nils is both of these fusion powerhouses.  I've listened to plenty of jazz and jazz fusion since the 90s, but nothing has sparked my love of the genre since these two albums, like this album from Nils has.  The skill of playing, the great compositions of the songs, the power behind each track, is just incredible.  Can you tell I loved this?

Below is my track by track review of the album.  

World of Phreaks - What a great feel this track has.  Brilliant fusion.  Very original and driving.  Great opening track.  Strong and vibrant.

Al Dente - I'm digging the clean and sustained lead.  I always love songs that have a composition like they are climbing to a peak of a mountain.  Scaling...pardon the pun.  Great track.  I love how Nils' ends this song.

JC - This song features the excellent saxophonist Dave Frank.  The keys are awesome.  The song is nicely constructed.  I'm definitely hearing flavoring of Rob Mullins in here.  I hear some Steely Dan and Larry Carlton too, and that's a good thing.  I love the heavy lead guitar toward the end.  A kick ass song!

Rhodes Rage - This one flows in an extremely funky way.  I really dig the Rhodes.  Strong snare driving the beat and just another great track.  I love how Nils pieces together the phrasings in his songs.  One section leads to another and each flows in its distinctive Jazz mix.  This takes me back to 70s Jazz/Funk/Fusion.

Eleven - This kicks some major ass all the way through.  Pure and simple.  One of my favorite songs on this album.  No other words here, except, just listen and enjoy.

Fishies - I love this track. Very smooth intro with the drums kicking a nice groove.  This one definitely takes me some place outdoors, cruising along a beach highway, convertible top down, sun setting in the distance... yeah, I need a glass of wine with this one.  The mix is perfect and the tonal quality of the guitars is excellent.

Funky Farm - Again, Dave Frank is kicking my ass with that sax.  Nice runs together with the guitar.  This song kicks ass! :)  There are some seriously powerful moments in this song.  Another favorite track on this album.  

Wok - Nice drive back to a groove.  I love the way this goes back and forth between driving guitar and softer jazz guitar.  This also has become a favorite track.  I had to listen to this 4 times before I moved on to the next one. 

October Day - This is a great title for this track.  It takes me to an October day.  Fall colors, leaves falling, winds picking up, temperatures changing, darker days, it captures it nicely.  I love where this goes.

It's All Wrong - No, its all right. This guitar sings, no, really, it does.  Nice breaks between the sections, and nice tie-backs with the drum breaks. Loving the wah/tremelo on the backing guitar.  The lead not only sings, it walks and talks.

247365 - I like this song.  Strong opening.  I love the switch-up and then to the bass break.  Great chicken strut (Jagger style) at the halfway point.   

I think this is some of the best Jazz I've heard in years and I've listened to a lot of stuff in the last 20 years.  

Update 2-23-2014: 
The album is now available for purchase and download from CDBaby:  Here is the link to this great album. Please go and buy this, and support independent artists who work very hard at releasing their material, like Nils has.  You can also purchase his latest release "Thrillseeker" at CDBaby as well.  Another stellar album that deserves a review from me soon.

 "Slightly Off Center" (CDBaby)

"Thrillseeker" (CDBaby)
 

Shy - Shy

As I sit here and listen to this masterpiece of melodic metal, I can't help to think what a tragedy befell this band in October of 2011. The guitarist extraordinaire, Steve Harris (not to be confused with the bassist from Iron Maiden), died from a brain tumor. He leaves behind a 13 album discography that spans almost 30 years. I loved this band in the 80s and still do.  When I heard this latest offering last year, I was floored. The songwriting on this album is well crafted. Great lyrics with excellent guitar playing and the powerful voice of Lee Small.

Some of the greatest highlights from this album are, "Save Me", "Sanctuary" and "Blood On the Line". The latter being one of my favorite tracks. This song just rocks from beginning to end. The riff at the end of the song is just killer as well as the chord structure in the last few minutes. You'll find yourself banging your head up and down with the horns up in the air as they come out of that last solo. "Sanctuary" is an epic song, from beginning to end. The bluesy lead guitar work through the whole song and the fist pumping power after the intro, just remind me of standing in front of a stage at a concert and screaming songs like this at the top of my lungs, banging my head to the band.

All of the songs on this release are great and the hooks in each track are reminiscent of the glory days of the late 80s, when this style of music ruled the airwaves and it took us away from our everyday worries and cares.

If the band or the family ever reach this little review, I hope they know how much this album means to one of its fans. Steve will be sorely missed, but his legacy lives on in a masterpiece that I will listen to quite a bit over the rest of my years. I just love this album! RIP Steve Harris, thank you for rocking us all!

Please support Shy by purchasing their music from Amazon or iTunes

Visit their official website.

Blood On the Line

Sanctuary

Seventh Wonder - The Great Escape

Seventh Wonder - The Great Escape

This is one of my favorite progressive rock releases for 2011. Hands down, some greatest songwriting, storytelling, singing, arranging and musicianship I have heard in years. I have listened to this album a countless times this year. There are some moments of grandeur here that just shine an immense brightness on this band. "Alley Cat" is one of those tracks that has a catchy progressive rock hook that I have not heard in a chorus in a very long time. 


The talent in this band is very technique oriented with a strong sense of emotion.  This is something that is lacking in some progressive rock bands who chase the "angry chipmunk" with their flashy chops.  Not with this band. The bass player, Andreas Blomqvist, is a monster on the six-string bass and Tommy Karevik has one of those voices that just pierces the veil when he sings. I don't know how else to describe his vocal style, except that he is one of the purest tenors I've ever heard sing outside of Jon Anderson of Yes.

"The Great Escape" is an epic prog-tale of 30 minutes which is an ode to a dying Earth. The song starts with our Earth Mother singing her song of sorrow to us as we leave her behind to die. Just that piece of the song alone has a power in its lyrics that bring a tear to your eye. I kid you not. I loved the melody line so much when I first heard this piece, that I had to look up the lyrics. When I read the story behind the album and this song, it brought a tears to my eyes. A very profound statement on how we are destroying our planet and for what.

I can honestly say that there is not a bad track on this album. The harmonies are excellent as well as the music itself. I look forward to listening to this album many more times in the future and cannot wait for new music to come from these gentlemen. Please support bands like this and purchase their music.

Official Site: Seventh Wonder

Buy this album at Amazon.com or iTunes

The Great Escape:

Alley Cat: