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Jazz

In A Dream: Thrilling Shanghai band Hogchoker are at their unique best on ‘Hey! Snow White!’

Posted on 5 September 2021

With a sexy ska wrapper to slide all over our enthralled bodies, Hogchoker slam in hard with a glorious performance in a style that only they can pull off with ‘Hey! Snow White!’, a deafening track that will have you reaching for those dancing shoes again.

Hogchoker is a dirty punk-jazz four-piece band who are based in Shanghai, China. They are a fearless act who are that steamy group that sing like its their last gig, adding a steely determination and ever-evolving creative juice saturating all over your fascinated soul.

”Born from the glowing embers of hard punk Shanghai band XXYY and Scotland’s eclectic indie outfit, Torpedo Buoy, HK, UK, USA band, Hogchoker blend dirty punk, dance, funk, Balkan and South American sounds.” ~ Hogchoker

With a pulsating soundscape that has the crowd in raptures from each second, you feel the sweat building up all over the speakers as they take us on a sensationally-soaked experience, that will have you in absolute awe.

”Flavoured by their Asian, British and North American backgrounds they bring a message of social justice, inclusivity and anarchic humour to their explosion of theatrical, energetic punk.” ~ Hogchoker

‘Hey! Snow White!‘ from the high-tempo Shanghai-based indie punk-jazz outfit Hogchoker, is a thoroughly vibe-filled new single full of intricate guitar skills, passionate vocals and a shining light which takes you on a wild journey you can’t possibly forget. The energy is electric and you can see why they were invited to Glastonbury and have played many festivals all over China and Japan. This is the type of band that leaves you quite excitedly enthralled at the end of proceedings, just the way it should be.

Hear this fine new single on Spotify and check out their FB music page for more.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

The Acme Corporation present their sublime musical take on T. S. Eliot’s He Do the Police in Different Voices.

Posted on 31 August 2021
He Do the Police in Different Voices by Stephen Nunns

‘He Do the Police in Different Voices’ is the stellar album-musical adapted from T. S. Eliot’s The Waste Land by composer, theatre director and co-founder of the Acme Corporation, Stephen Nunns.

For those previously unacquainted with Eliot’s iconic ground-breaking work, He Do the Police in Different voices explores T. S. Eliot’s rocky relationship with his wife, Vivian.

The jazzy noir pop single, A Handful of Dust, brings Eliot’s fiery account of frustrated passion to life with the finesse that you’d expect from an accolade-decorated Broadway director. O’Malley Steuerman’s sultry vocal timbre holds no prisoner while resonating through perfect pitch over the instrumental arrangement where synths, electric sitar, and lap steel notes bring a gritty atmosphere synonymous with the beat generation. Ironically, Nunns emanated the air that Eliot was always considered too grandiose for.

He Do the Police in Different Voices is now available to stream and purchase via Bandcamp.

For more info, visit The Acme Corporation website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mya Luv addresses existential exhaustion in her indie RnB single, Tired of it All.

Posted on 27 August 2021
Mya Luv

Even as life starts resembling something closer to normal, we continue face the endemic of existential exhaustion that falls into the compassionate focus of Mya Luv’s latest single, Tired of it All.

Over gentle guitar melodies, Mya Luv confessionally lists the reasons for our ennui by exploring a myriad of factors that make our society feel like a trap once you can see the expectations you’re under and the constraints you’re held down by.

From fear-evoking fake media to our rejection of authenticity and normalcy through naïve desire to be something bigger than ourselves, Luv creates a gritty vignette of our modern times. The sonic experience ends on a visceral note as a reminder that passively subscribing to mainstream consensus isn’t your only option.

Tired of it All officially released on August 27th; you can check it out for yourselves here.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Set You Free: Christian Prior amazes our ears on spacey new single ‘Why Should I Care?’

Posted on 23 August 2021

With a reflective glance up to see this massive planet in its full glory, Christian Prior wonders about the magnitude of everything around us with this superb music video for his latest track which has recently got some well-deserved BBC Introducing love called ‘Why Should I Care?‘.

Christian Prior is a London, England-based indie jazz solo singer-songwriter, keyboardist, writer and music producer, who was born in a small town in the North. He has a vivid imagination which is always looking at what is possible, as he expresses himself through a wonderful array of dazzling music creations, which are certainly satisfyingly progressive.

”Christian’s music brings together his love for jazz, rock, classical music, electronica, as well as traditional music from across the globe.” ~ Christian Prior

You sense that he is always looking for something new to bring into his music as he strays away from the boring norm, as a blend of contemplative thoughts come crashing into your fragile mind during this exciting new single. Each second feels like it is truly special and the old school video only adds to the nostalgic effect of imagination, which we all have hidden somewhere inside us.

”Christian grew up in a tiny, remote village on the beautifully bleak moors of the North of England. Without much to do and nowhere to go, music became his companion and escape. His days became filled with it: writing songs, playing piano, singing, and listening to as much music as he could.” ~ Christian Prior

‘Why Should I Care?‘ by the London-based indie jazz artist Christian Prior, is a stunning track that has you thinking about everything around us. Made with a deep look up to our whole world which in turn has your mind alive with the power and possibilities we have in our fingertips, this is a song to feel inspired by. With vocals that has you feeling that you can indeed achieve something special if you put your mind in the right process, you might feel a different perspective after viewing this music video experience.

See this planet gazing new music video on YouTube and see more on his IG channel.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

I Want More: Kohzee patiently awaits that sensual signal to love again on ‘Like Sunshine On My Skin’

Posted on 23 August 2021

As they quickly brush off the romantic feelings into the cold breeze but miss how warm and loving it felt almost immediately, Kohzee vividly daydream about that special someone who is all they really want in a partner, but know that getting attached will only cause more heartbreak on ‘Like Sunshine On My Skin‘.

Kohzee is a fresh London/Brighton-based hip-hop trio and music producer team who combine elements of jazzy treats into their wonderfully catchy creations, via their cozy hidden home studio attic.

Rapped compellingly with a groovy vibe that easily gets the absorbed speakers uptempo and certainly alive, you sense their electric-blanket style which keeps you warm and thinking about if you will ever see your cute crush again. With intriguing vocals and a catchy beat, this is a really soothing track which is relevant during these lonely days and has you feeling that extra introspective about your own love life.

‘Like Sunshine On My Skin‘ from the emerging London/Brighton hip-hop/jazz trio Kohzee, is that quick recall of the sparked-filled feeling which is the moment you wouldn’t mind coming back. You try and tell yourself that its not a big deal but it actually is – as you definitely desire that tender touch again – and can’t get it out of your mind. Those cold nights only make it worse, as you wonder if they will ever come back into your life.

Hear this new track on Spotify and see more news via the IG music channel.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Paul Bidault – Who Do You Think You Are?: Dark Swinging Murder-Folk

Posted on 20 August 2021

If you cranked That Handsome Devil’s sex appeal up to 11, you’d be left with Paul Bidault’s latest swampy, swinging, dark-jazz folk track, Who Do You Think You Are? Which experiments with a more maleficent side of the sound that Tom Waits made iconic.

With swing band percussion rattling around trombones and consistently evolving guitars in the richly dark and eerie soundscape, Bidault’s whiskey-soaked murder-folk vocals that wouldn’t be out of place in the Psychobilly scene have the perfect atmosphere to fall into.

The Paris-born, Mexico-city based artist is one to watch for anyone that gets their kicks from stumbling into tracks that carry familiar themes while completely reinventing them through the artist’s vision.

Who Do You Think You Are? was officially released on August 20th; you can check it out for yourselves by heading over to Spotify or the artist’s official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Kayla Lynn & the Change deliver a blissful jazz-funk fusion in ‘More Than Friends’

Posted on 19 August 2021
Kayla Lynn & the Change

Bassist, singer-songwriter and empowerment speaker Kayla Lynn has released her latest jazzy funk single, More Than Friends, with her band The Change; the rich harmonic tones paired with the fresh take on funk is an aural experience that you are unlikely to forget.

She has been making major waves in Asheville, NC’s funk scene with her blissfully textured sound and endlessly dynamic vocals that practically write success into the artist’s future. It is almost a paradox how More Than Friends simultaneously sends you back to the roots of soul and has the potential to definite the future of neo-soul. It’s a stellar release from a refreshingly exceptional artist.

Check out More Than Friends on apple music.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

True Peace: Indianapolis multi-instrumentalist Daniel Walzer is quite brilliant on ‘Stand Up’

Posted on 16 August 2021
Essence of Now by Daniel Walzer

With a consistently groovy delivery which makes you feel like you are on a well-deserved holiday, Daniel Walzer skillfully has our heads moving and our bodies grooving all over the lounge with the nosy neighbors next door watching on in absolute astonishment with ‘Stand Up‘.

Daniel Walzer is an Indianapolis-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and audio engineer, who is also the Assistant Professor of Music and Arts Technology at IUPUI.

Featuring a stellar range of skilled artists who have helped Daniel create this wonderful track, this is a real gem that is clearly made with much love and scintillating skill. It feels like he is asking us to get motivated again after a long slumber with many excuses – as we now get up and reach those lofty goals – which have our hungry hearts beating quickly, with passionate excitement.

”Originally trained as a percussionist, Walzer’s recording discography includes more than two dozen albums as a session musician, engineer, and producer. Essence of Now is Walzer’s sixth album as a bandleader and showcases his production versatility on piano, drums, mallets, percussion, and audio engineer. The title commemorates the 20th anniversary of Essence of Now Records, a Midwest-based record label that Walzer started in 2001.” ~ Daniel Walzer

‘Stand Up‘ from the Indianapolis-based indie multi-instrumentalist and audio engineer Daniel Walzer, shows us a terrifically-made single that is from the eleven-track album ‘Essence of Now‘. This is a cinematic moment to treasure from a truly skilled and underrated music wizard – who seem to effortlessly sizzle with pride on each instrument he summons – with a world class display that might leave you quite breathless in admiration.

Hear this finely tuned new single on Bandcamp.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Is it real, this fascination: Dr. Daylight’s Jazz Company wonder if this is indeed heaven on their Fats Waller cover of ‘Louisiana Fairy Tale’ (feat. Rob Pate)

Posted on 14 August 2021

Taken off their latest ‘Potluck‘ album due for 14th August and which is their second release so far, Dr. Daylight’s Jazz Company bring us back to a classic time on the nostalgic ‘Louisiana Fairy Tale‘ (feat. Rob Pate).

Dr. Daylight’s Jazz Company is a highly entertaining Lafayette, Louisiana-based indie-jazz band created by bandleader Jake Spinella.

Since forming in 2018, they have delighted crowds all over with an assortment of classics and bring with a variety of incredible musicians, who bring that classic-feel back while also keeping things fresh and modern.

”Pull up a chair and transport yourself to New Orleans in the 1920s. Dr. Daylight’s Jazz Co. breathes new life into traditional jazz favorites and transforms “pop” songs into jazz standards.” ~ Dr. Daylight’s Jazz Company

You feel the sincere nature of these classy artists who have formed to help our cold ears warm up again, as you wrap yourself into this tremendous track. This is an experience that has you reflecting on when music was treasured, and not so watered down like today’s charts.

”Their newest project ‘Potluck ‘showcases an evolved sound; rich with brass, rhythm, and special arrangements crafted for the guest vocalists.” ~ Dr. Daylight’s Jazz Company

‘Louisiana Fairy Tale‘ (feat. Rob Pate) from the wonderfully exciting Lafayette, Louisiana-based indie jazz group Dr. Daylight’s Jazz Company, is a fine song that brings you back to the good old days, Sung with so much grace as you feel the amazing band who have celebrated this fine Fats Waller sung classic from 1935, into their own. A monumental feat which needs to be admired, as they continue to bless us with real gems.

Hear this fantastic new single on Soundcloud and hear more via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

That Peaceful Place: Poland’s Ludwik Konopko puts our stressed-out minds at ease on ‘Zoa’ (Raia Version)

Posted on 9 August 2021

Taken skillfully from his recent ten-track album named ‘Raia‘, Ludwik Konopko carefully transmits so much heartfelt peace and rare care from his trusty guitar for us to bathe in restfully, on his latest single called ‘Zoa’ (Raia Version).

Ludwik Konopko is an accomplished and multi-talented indie-jazz and bluesy world-fusion musician, guitarist and composer who is based in Katowice, Poland. The ZOA Band leader, he is a highly experienced musician who has been playing at home and overseas since the late 80’s.

”His guitar music incorporates elements of blues, jazz, flamenco, and world music.” ~ Ludwik Konopko

You feel so safe and warmly comforted by a true great who has an incredible skill – which has been trained up from all those years putting in the hard work – as you carefully close your worried eyes, so you can feel a sense of calm restoring into your blurry eyes.

”He had his first public appearance as a guitarist at the age of 19, when he performed in an orchestra conducted by the composer Virko Baley at the Lviv National Philharmonic.” ~ Ludwik Konopko

‘Zoa’ (Raia Version) from the worldwide acclaimed Polish indie-jazz/blues/world artist, composer and guitarist Ludwik Konopko, is that true graceful effort which has your feet tapping delightfully. There are no vocals here to cloud our minds, only a fantastic beat and world class guitar playing, that has your weary head feeling so much more thoughtful than before. This is the type of track to put on when your whole body is racing off the tracks from too much stimulation, as you take a break and free up your consciousness, so that you may return confidently to former glories.

Stream this new single on Spotify and see more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen