Monthly Archives: April 2021

American Music for Guitar & Piano

Modern works for guitar by Joplin, Nazareth, Gershwin and others. Varied, jazzy and classical. Play!

Yann Tiersen–La Plage

Transcriptions for guitar of beautiful, minimal works. Play!

Don Walker–A Mixed Bag

Modern works for winds/brass and/or orchestra–varied, one baroque style.

Against Method

Works by younger composers, varied and abstract for winds, strings and/or guitar. Play!

Cotatcha Orchestra–Bigbandova Elektrnika

A collection from various composers of classical/jazz or solely jazz electronics, varied rhythmically

Robert Moran–points of departure

Neo-classical mix of styles, voice and instruments, viola, symphony orchestra.

Scott Lee–Through the Mangrove Tunnels

Mixing jazz, avant/classical, contemporary works inspired by the swamps in Florida. Nice!

Der Makabere Zirkus

Contemporary tangos with electric guitar, ukele and bandondeon.

Betty R. Wishart–Moods

A mix of originals and transcriptions of pieces, abstract or jazzy, the preludes are lovely.

Contemporary Colours–New Music by Maltese Composers

Shortish orchestral works, abstract and varied.

Kari Ikonen–Impressions, Improvisations & Compositions

Pure improvisations or some compositions inspired by art, blues and Japanese music. Play!

Robert Honstein–SOUL HOUSE

Lovely, flute-based pieces inspired by his NJ childhood home. Play!

Music from SEAMUS vol. 29

Society of Electro-acoustic music composers–a variety of sounds, from bird like to weird electronics.

Surfaces & Essences

All compositions written for the Prism Quartet, young composers, varied.

American Violin Sonatas

Two American composers, Goldmark & Reinagle, from Classical to Romantic.

QUIET CANYONS – QUIET CANYONS [TRASH CASUAL]

I began listening to this album as the snow came back for a visit this April and as much as I was angry at yet another false spring, these tracks fit the mood perfectly. Quiet Canyons’ debut album envelops the listener with the softest of vocals and sweetest guitar on a collection of dreamy, foggy […]

Giovanina Bucci – Go Easy (Self-released) [LOCAL]

Burlington blues artist Giovanina Bucci’s latest single, from her upcoming album “Storytellers,” is a romantic number featuring a rustic instrumental – upright bass, dusty drums and excellent piano – over which Bucci’s sharp guitar leads and vocals nestle nicely. This is a subtly masterful performance, played with passion but not overblown. FCC: Clean RIYL: Susan […]

Black Fly – 01 (Samedi Records) [LOCAL]

Enigmatic one-man VT indie project Black Fly’s debut album alternates between dark yet danceable synthpop and slower, more piano-and-string driven numbers. The brilliantly produced sonic landscapes evoke a subtly sinister mood, and the artist’s talent for hooks is undeniable. Track Picks: 2, 5, 6, 8 FCC: 3, 7 RIYL: Bleachers, Reptaliens, Bon Iver, Radiohead, Madaila

Jade Relics – Island (Self-released) [LOCAL]

VT hip-hop trio Jade Relics’ latest funky single has two movements – an uptempo dance-pop intro and a slower, smoother second half, both infused with wonderful live instrumentation. Lyrically, the song reflects the isolation brought on by the pandemic, as well as by physical and social barriers between classes and nations. Be sure to only […]

The Ghost Inside – The Ghost Inside

Release date: June 5, 2020Label: Epitaph A Ghost Inside released a self-titled album last year, their first since a tragic 2015 bus accident that took the life of both drivers, their drummer’s leg and resulted in extensive physical and mental injuries for each band member. Over the past six years, the band has slowly been forging […]

SPORTS – GET A GOOD LOOK PT. 1 (EP) [NAKED/ONERPM)

Funky indie rock bass lines abound in this short and sweet EP from Sports, complimented with bubbling dream pop riffs and fuzzy vocals. Play! FCC: Clean TRY: 2, 3, 6 RIYL: Portugal The Man, The Drums, Passion Pit, Tame Impala

SMITH & BURROWS – ONLY SMITH & BURROWS IS GOOD ENOUGH [PIAS]

Super layered tracks with a variety of sounds from pop folk to indie rock. Lots of quirky lyrics and some social commentary. These melodies are so catchy they’ll be floating around in your head for weeks! Play! FCC: 1 uses “d*mn” and “b*tch,” both technically allowable but up to you! TRY: 1, 4, 10 RIYL: […]

Aneken River – Aneken River (Self-released) [LOCAL]

On their debut EP, folk singer-songwriter Aneken River displays a distinct blend of current and retro sounds. Rootsy instrumentals lay a backdrop for River’s inward-looking indie-folk songwriting and their achingly tender, gorgeous vocals. Features contributions from Eric George, Kat Wright and Meg Rice! Track Picks: 2, 4 FCC: Clean RIYL: Adrianne Lenker, Phoebe Bridgers, Julien […]

RONNIE MCNEIR – UNDERSTANDING (SINGLE) [BLUE RIVER RECORDS]

A groovy soul track with cameos from dancehall and calypso sounds, all overlaid with smooth-as-butter vocals. Play, play, play! FCC: Clean RIYL: Prince Phillip Mitchell, Lamont Dozier, The Natural Four

BOOGIE BEASTS – BRING IT ON (SINGLE) [NAKED RECORDS]

Fresh electric delta blues all the way from Belgium! Sexy slide guitar, wailing harmonica, and more await you on this track. Play! FCC: Clean RIYL: The Dynamite Blues Band, The Goon Mat, The Damned and Dirty