Jack Browning Prepares to Mesmerize with Debut Album Red Eye Radio – A Modern Fusion of Folk, Blues, Rock ‘n Roll, and Alt-Country

Jack Browning, the 25-year-old folk-maestro from London, who wouldn’t be out of place in Nashville, makes his gentle mark on the world’s music scene with his debut album, Red Eye Radio, set to release this September. It’s an album promising to captivate listeners and get under their skin with its modern blend of traditional folk, dirty blues, rock n roll, and alt-country influences, showcasing Browning’s heartfelt lyrical prowess and distinctive storytelling.
Browning’s musical journey has taken him far and wide, across the UK and Europe and on to the United States, all thanks to his early band life, touring and playing with the likes of Jeff Beck, Joss Stone, and Gregory Porter during his late teens. With that musicianship experience money can’t buy and drawing inspiration from iconic alt-country musicians like Neil Young, Tom Petty, Tom Waits, Calexico, and Bruce Springsteen, as well as folk legends like Townes Van Zandt and John Prine, his commitment to preserving the tradition of great songwriting while infusing it with his unique perspective has garnered him a devoted following.
Red Eye Radio, recorded between October 2022 and January 2023 and mastered by the acclaimed Charlie Francis, is a remarkable collection of original handpicked songs. These songs delve into the themes of life on the road, laboring as a construction worker, grappling with mental health, and the innate human desire to explore and wander. The album serves as a personal introspection to Browning, weaving together a rich tapestry of warm emotions and life experiences.

Browning collaborated closely with renowned producer Dan Lucas and a pool of talented musicians, including Rick Kent, Patrick Lyons, Wiza Kaluba, Brant Tilds, Wes Brooks, and Crosby Coford. The result is a cohesive record with a narrative thread running through each track. All thanks to Browning’s leadership and talented songwriting ear.
The album’s fourth single, “Blue Eyed Son,” has already garnered significant attention and acclaim. With its hauntingly beautiful melody and Browning’s soulful vocals, the song perfectly introduces the emotional depth and musical talent that define “Red Eye Radio.” Lyrically, this first single nods to Browning’s outlook on the world, with the trials and tribulations of a working singer-songwriter.

‘Why did you see my blue eyed son?
Your hard work is nearly done.
Them cold nights are pulling on in,
This whole world reeking of sin.’

“Dog Tired” beats along gently, like a night train through the mid-west. Along the journey, Browning’s vocals entwine seamlessly with the pedal steel and harmonica to create an intimate back-and-forth dance with lyrics portraying the artist’s life as a construction worker. The song’s lyrics will resonate with anyone listening who has felt the exhaustion of trying to pursue their passion after a hard day’s work.

“Kerosene” starts as a quiet, introspective composition, cloaking itself in a larger soundscape that hits like a whole alt-country swag, with a full-band production. The pedal steel comes into its own and again takes center stage with a rapturous, haunting solo. The song’s dynamic shifts leave the lyrics wide open for interpretation.

“The Family Guns” is a two-part masterpiece that draws inspiration from composers like Ennio Morricone, Western-style film, and modern mariachi soundscape veterans Calexico. Even hinting at Joey Burns-style vocals. When the second half hits, the song transforms into a captivating murder ballad, complete with mariachi trumpet and Pat Lyons’ lyrical steel guitar.
“Red Eye Radio” is not just an album; it’s a journey through the heart and soul of an artist who has found his voice. Browning’s ability to craft songs that resonate with authenticity and emotion promises to leave a lasting impact on the music landscape.

With a promise to loved ones that spanned years before Browning decided to take the plunge, “So, on a train home, covered in drywall dust and with my dreams having never felt further away, I phoned them, and we booked in two days recording.”

At the beginning of Browning’s journey, he explains, “It became infinitely clear in that first two-day session that with finished songs and the ideas I had still to flesh out, I might have an album with me.”

Continuing, Browning discusses the recording process, “Most of the lyrics were jumbled and unwritten, and the structures of the majority of the songs were hashed out right there with drummer Rick, bassist Wiza, and Dan at the desk in the studio mornings, with a lot of work to be done in the afternoons into the evenings.”

The album recording went far and wide, with Browning recruiting musicians from all over, “The final piece of the actual dirty work was working with several musicians from around the UK and the US who would add their expertise, ideas, and skill to record remotely. Working with Wes Brook on keys, Brant Tilds on trumpet for the song which became The Family Guns, and Brian Eade on harmonica added all sorts of possibilities for the mixing part of the record.”
As the release date for Red Eye Radio approaches, fans and music enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the entire album, ready to immerse themselves in Browning’s alt-country musical world. With the success of the first single, “Blue Eyed Son,” the debut album is poised to be a milestone in his burgeoning career.

Blues Virtuoso Brandon Isaak Unleashes Musical Magic: ‘One Step Closer’ Album Out Now

With a lineup of songs that span the blues genre, Brandon Isaak is set to stun audiences once again with the release of his new album, One Step Closer, out now.

Throughout the album, Isaak explores classic iterations of the blues with the occasional modern twist. The record flirts with a vintage, New Orleans sound and incorporates an array of old-time instruments, from fiddle and banjo to washboard and lap steel. Through his collaborations with masterful veteran musicians like David Vest, Al Pease, Darryl Havers, and others, Isaak creates a rich, timeless culmination of sounds, styles, and themes with the power to transport the listener to the French Quarter and beyond.

“It was such an honour to work with these veteran master musicians and I could not be more happy with the final outcome of the recording,” Isaak said.

The first single from the album, “House Bound Blues,” will also release on September 22. The single highlights Isaak’s skillful songwriting and intentionally crafted lyrics:

Take it easy, we’ll see this through
Everybody talkin’ bout the dyin’ flu
Don’t you worry, we’ll be fine
Dim the lights, and open up the wine
The album’s themes and lyrics range from lost love and positive thinking to spirituals and “down and out” subject matter.
“I always try to write from the heart, no matter if I’m writing about hard times, funny situations or singing about the spirit,” said Isaak.

One Step Closer spotlights the best of Isaak: the Yukon-born artist is known for his preeminent songwriting skills and his mastery of multiple instruments, from guitar to banjo to harmonica and more. The new record pulls these elements together into an authentic, emotional journey bolstered by raw musical talent and an expert command of the blues.

David Deacon returns with his latest album

David Deacon returns with his latest album Good Day Good Night and new single “Soldiers of the Universe.”

Celebrated blues singer-songwriter David Deacon, following the success of his early 2023 album Four, is back with a remarkable new collection of recordings on Good Day Good Night. This album is a rich exploration of a wide range of emotions, delivering Deacon’s signature bluesy, gutsy guitar-driven sound that his fans have come to adore.

Leading the way with the album’s poignant first single, “Soldiers of the Universe,” Deacon sets a tone that is as introspective as it is transcendent. The track starts with a probing question and gradually evolves into a self-contained answer. Its message is punctuated with a chorus that is both meditational and existential, conveying the powerful sentiment, “choose not to feel harmed and you cannot be harmed.”

“Soldiers of the Universe” showcases Deacon’s exceptional song writing and his band’s musical prowess. With Andy Ryan’s opening guitar work, the song begins with a hint of Caribbean rhythms before delving into a chorus that resonates on a deeply spiritual level. The supporting vocalists tastefully enhance the song, and the guitar solo is nothing short of sublime. The track’s transformation from questioning to answering is a journey through cool, soothing sounds.

The album’s focus track, “And They All Sang Along,” is a mesmerizing journey from nostalgia to a heartwarming and whimsical recollection. The composition features subtly blended sounds of hand claps and background harmonies, creating a vivid image of friends standing together, singing, and harmonizing. Deacon’s music has always held the power to take listeners on a reflective, thought-provoking journey, and Good Day Good Night is no exception.

This release follows Deacon’s impressive career that has spanned decades and traversed various creative endeavors. Deacon is a towering figure in the world of music, standing at 6’5″, and his voice is a force of nature. His style is a blend of bluesy, old-school rock and heartfelt ballads that delve deep into the human psyche, exploring the experiences of a seasoned traveler and the people who have crossed his path.

Deacon’s life is a testament to his multifaceted talents. He has explored poetry, song writing, painting, pen and ink drawings, and more, all while maintaining a passion for adventure and taking calculated risks. His journey led him from leaving university to pursue art studies in Paris to becoming a successful race car driver, businessman, and advertising executive. David Deacon’s life is a story of constant evolution and unwavering pursuit of his passions.
In the ’90s, David recorded and released three albums, becoming a fixture at The Rex in Toronto with nearly a seven-year residency. He also performed regularly in cities like Toronto, Buffalo, Rochester, Ottawa, Peterborough, and Kingston. Beyond his artistic endeavors, David’s deep interest in motorcycle and car racing led to remarkable achievements, including winning the Canadian endurance racing championship in a Porsche RSR and racing for the BMW factory team at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Today, Deacon is back with a new musical chapter with the release of two albums in one year with Good Day Good Night being a follow-up to his earlier success with his album Four. This album features ten diverse and emotionally resonant tracks, covering a wide spectrum of experiences.

“The songs ‘Poetry’ and ‘Hard Time’ are bookends to the same relationship. Probably no more needs to be said that isn’t said in the songs themselves,” reflects Deacon.

The album’s first single, “Arc of Life,” released on March 24th, is a moving, non-secular composition suitable for memorial services. It emphasizes the belief that one’s actions define who they are and that what we do is the most accurate reflection of our true selves.
“California Has No Winter” is another standout track, celebrating the beauty that emerges with age, much like a stunning sunset. Deacon’s perspective is clear — there is profound value in people and things with history and experience, a message that is sometimes overlooked in a world obsessed with youth and superficial beauty.

Four was released on May 12th, 2023, through Slammin Media and distributed by Believe Distribution. In a world that often disregards the beauty of age and experience, Deacon’s new album challenges the status quo and encourages listeners to appreciate the depth of character and artistry that emerges over time.

Good Day Good Night caps off an ambitious multi-album year. One distinctive feature of Deacon’s song writing is his propensity to take unconventional paths. He weaves his narratives through subtle and profound layers that provoke introspection and Good Day Good Night continues this tradition.

The Blues Music Awards

The Blues Music Awards brings together Blues performers, industry representatives, and fans from all over the world to celebrate the best in Blues recordings and performances from the previous year.
 
The BMAs are generally recognized as the highest honor given to blues musicians and are awarded by vote of Blues Foundation members.
 
The Renasant Convention Center was packed with blues musicians, fans, and music-world luminaries on May 9th, anxious to see who would be the winners at the 45th Annual Blues Music Awards. Besides awarding honors in 25 categories, the BMAs, as is its tradition, featured performances from many nominees, with the gala ending in a jubilant all-star jam.
 
Congratulations to Sue Foley, who won in the Traditional Female Artist (Koko Taylor Award) category and Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne, who won in the Pinetop Perkins Piano Player category. Both these artists are on the Stony Plain Records label and continue to enthrall audiences with their exceptional talent and dedication to the blues genre. Their wins at the Blues Music Awards further solidify their status as esteemed figures within the blues community and serve as a testament to their ongoing contributions to the rich tapestry of blues music.

Donita Large Returns with the Blues in ‘Too Much of Anything’: Anticipated Single Follows #1 Single on Indigenous Music Countdown

There’s no such thing as too much of singer/songwriter Donita Large, and thankfully, she is back with her highly anticipated blues single, “Too Much of Anything.” After reaching the #1 spot on the Indigenous Music Countdown with her debut single, “Going To Walk That Line,” fans have been wanting more.

Donita Large brought her bluesy charm when she emerged on the music scene in the summer of 2021. She quickly became a sought-after artist, performing at local festivals and shows, including the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, RavenWood Music Festival, K-Days Indigenous Experience, and a ‘Songs of Reconciliation’ concert at Leduc’s MacLab Centre for Performing Arts. During her early days on the scene, Donita collaborated with lead and bass guitarist Anthony King, which led to the formation of ‘Donita Large & The Small Band,’ alongside bandmates Alan Tymofichuk and Barry Martin.

The idea for “Too Much of Anything” came to life one evening when Donita and Anthony decided to make music during a break from rehearsal. Donita wanted to write a new blues song, and Anthony, who loves the blues, started playing a bluesy 12-bar tune. This inspired Donita to begin writing the lyrics for “Too Much of Anything.”

The song’s message is simple, but the feelings are complicated: it’s about the idea that “too much of anything is bad for you.” It’s like when you have too much of something, and it causes problems. Donita’s song captures the mixed emotions of overdoing something and dealing with the results. That’s why she sings the blues, to connect with those emotions and share them with others.

As the song’s producer, Anthony King sought the best musicians in Edmonton for a live-off-the-floor recording. This effort led to a lineup that included Rooster Davis on the keys, Jamie Cooper on drums, Harry Gregg on bass, and Anthony himself on lead guitar. The recording process was a celebratory experience, resulting in a track that captures the spirit of the blues.
Donita Large will release this new single at Edmonton’s Blues on Whyte – Commercial Hotel as a guest of Secondhand Dreamcar, where Harry, Rooster, and Jamie are all band members, and Anthony will join as a guest guitarist.

Get ready to hit replay and immerse yourself in the emotional storytelling power of the blues with Donita’s ‘Too Much of Anything’ as it debuts on the airwaves now.

Dive into the Eclectic Soundscape of Toronto’s XOCÔ’s ‘Capoeira Blues’ Celebrating Brazil’s North East Rich Heritage

Experience the innovative Fusion of Psychedelic Rock, Blues, and Funk with Traditional Percussion and MPB Música Popular Brasileira of “Capoeira Blues,” the second single from the self-titled album by the internationally acclaimed artist Mestre Sérgio Xocolate, also known as XOCÔ, out now on Lulaworld Records, This musical odyssey transcends boundaries, weaving together the rich heritage of the Brazilian people.

From Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, XOCÔ embarks on a mission with the XOCÔ project to bridge cultural and musical gaps. Initiated in South America and on the shores of Turtle Island South and flourishing in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, “XOCÔ” is not just an album but a cultural exchange, a musical journey, and an homage to XOCÔ’s Afro Indigenous heritage.

As a master teacher of Traditional Capoeira, XOCÔ invites listeners on a transformative experience, urging respect for Indigenous cultures, honouring Black heritage, preserving Mother Earth, and fostering unity. “Capoeira Blues” promises an auditory adventure that merges Afro Indigenous Brazilian rhythms with soulful and electric arrangements.

Known for crafting his compositions on the streetcars of Toronto, XOCÔ injects his original pieces with a unique blend of poetry, politics, and spirituality. In “Capoeira Blues,” he channels new life into powerful inherited rhythms, offering an expressive and electric testament to his inventiveness.

The roots of “Capoeira Blues” lie in the Ladainha-style song, penned when just 18, inspired by the crashing waves atop a coração de nego tree. This dynamic composition, sung in Capoeira Rodas worldwide, now undergoes a remarkable rebirth, enriched by a haunting Berimbau paying homage to Afro Indigenous ancestors.

Internationally recognized for his music, culture, and education contributions, XOCÔ embodies the spirit of preserving Afro Indigenous Brazilian heritage while forging new musical frontiers. The accompanying music video for “Capoeira Blues” pays tribute to XOCÔ’s mother, “Lulua,” with the added generational connection of featuring XOCÔ’s first child.

Immerse yourself in the blend of traditional and contemporary sounds, celebrating “Capoeira Blues” as an enthralling chapter within the “XOCÔ” album.

Michael Nero

 

Michael Nero is a South Texas singer-songwriter who writes and performs from a life that’s been “rode hard and put up wet”... the trade-off being years of songwriting material.

Since he is comfortable in multiple American roots genres, his music has been described as being somewhere East of Memphis and West of Nashville. So, he guesses that he is technically an Americana artist. But Blues, both acoustic and electric, has played such a major role in his musical development, he does not suppose he could ever completely erase it’s fingerprint off any thing he does.

More info at...

https://michaelnero.com

The Dobermans

"American Marionette" is the first single from the The Dobermans' forthcoming, fourth full length album "Penniless Philanthropist".

Like Tame Impala, LCD Soundsystem, Bon Iver and others, The Dobermans comes completely from the mind of Archduke Chris Doberman (Chris Beck). Chris has amassed tens of thousands of listens over multiple social media outlets. His music has also been played on over the air radio in North America, Europe and Africa.

The Dobermans were recently featured on Reverbnation's Monthly Mix playlist and garnered interest from London's The Animal Farm record label. The Dobermans offer a unique mix of energy, songwriting, storytelling and heart that is at once quirky, funky and sincere.

Caroline Cotto's First Full Album Bayou Sun is a Bluesy, Soulful Tapestry of Self-Discovery

Fiery blues, rock and soul songstress Caroline Cotto’s first full album is a musical tribute to her quest for her own individual truth. Before landing permanently in her now home of New Orleans, she spent years soaking up experiences while living in New York, Paris and London, walking the same inspirational paths of her artistic influences, writing her own music and poetry, and playing in downtown bars and clubs. Her album Bayou Sun, out now, is Cotto’s own stunning autobiography, with each track divulging crucial weaves that have formed her life tapestry of faith, love, and self-understanding.

Cotto’s track “Young Girl in the City” takes us to the start of her journey which began in New York City, a city Cotto refers to as the first love of her life. “I wanted to capture the rhythm of New York in my song,” she explains. “I see myself vividly walking up and down the avenue with desire in my soul to make a name for myself in the world. I feel the grit of the sidewalk and footsteps of my heroes. I see the young girl with a guitar performing in cafes rambling through the night with love and passion.”

Her success in musically seizing the sound of New York in “Young Girl in the City” is delightfully enchanting, as pounding heart drum beats from Country Hall of Fame drummer Eddie Bayers seem to thrust our senses directly into the routine of Manhattan’s bustling streets and sidewalks. Ronnie Eades’ – the co-founder of the Muscle Shoals Horns Section - saxophone then provides the illusion of scurrying taxi cabs, as Nelson Blanchard’s piano suggests varying conversations and crowded movements. Cotto’s guitar and soulful voice soon lure us in further with the lyrics “Paint my pain into a starry night/I know, the stars ain’t a dime/But dreams are better in moonlight,” reassuring us that any painful learning experiences here have only made her dreams grow clearer and stronger. As she continues on singing “Radio blasts, I’m free at last/All my tears slip through the sidewalk cracks,” we are made confident that music is the outlet that makes her pain disappear, before she leaves us with the hopeful lines “But I’ll find my way/I’ll find my way/I’ll find my way.”

Cotto is also quick to mention that both “Young Girl in the City’s co-producer, David Hyde plays bass on the song, and “Mystery Ride,” another track from her album, were inspired by Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run album. “His adventures of rock ‘n’ roll and romance in New Jersey captured my heart” she explains. “I love how Springsteen captures the magic of one night in his music.” Much like “Young Girl in the City”, “Mystery Ride” bursts musically with the excitement of endless possibility and wonder, though this time we are jolted into a shared adventure with someone we love and adore, while Cotto’s lyrics rouse “I see love written on the wind tonight/As we go down and down and down this/Mystery Ride.”
Cotto states that she has a curiosity not only for the capacity of love in the human soul, but also that of suffering. As we head toward the end of the album we hear Caroline Cotto’s solid musical versatility stretched and showcased even further in her track “Awake to Love”, a song that integrates bouncy reggae undertones and saxophone with deeply powerful and provocative lyrics such as “God bless the innocent/They learn from lies/Man throws bombs/In a child’s eyes/Hate grows when one’s asleep/Awake to love on the city streets.” Cotto addresses the heartbreak that innocent people often end up adjusting themselves due to evil, and that those who close their eyes to violence contribute to a growth of hatred. “‘Awake to Love’ is my song for the world,” she explains. “I remember myself in Audubon Park in New Orleans with my pen and paper looking at my reflection in the water and reflecting on the state of the world. ‘Awake to Love’ is my message to the global consciousness that Love is always the answer in any situation, especially in the face of war and destruction.”

Cotto insists that she has learned from her years of travel and through making this album that faith, daydreaming, and love are her greatest powers. “I daydreamed how I wanted my life to be every day until it was. I still have flashes of that young girl with a guitar and suitcase in hand going into the depths of the unknown riding the path into the Bayou Sun.”

Phil Marinucci

Former Niagara Falls artist Phil Marinucci didn’t have far to go while searching for that ’80s sound. Turns out he had a song from the ’80s he has been sitting on for nearly 40 years. His new single “FLY” could be a montage song from any ’80s action movie, but it took a bit of finessing. 

The 54-year-old multimedia/marketing developer gave it some big production and harmony vocals to nail that throwback sound. 

He produced it over two years during the pandemic and added a more “positive message to help those who needed it.” Marinucci, who currently lives in Kawartha Lakes, dabbled in short films 20 years ago but found his footing in multimedia and marketing. He took some time for a Q&A to discuss his nostalgic-sounding rocker.

Keep reading the interview here

Two-Time Grammy-Nominated Blues Legend Eric Bibb’s “Ridin’” Out Featuring Taj Mahal, Jontavious Willis, Russell Malone and Habib Koité

Eric Bibb’s album, Ridin’ was released on March 24, 2023 through Stony Plain Records, the follow-up to his multiple award-winning, critically-acclaimed 2021 album, Dear America, Ridin’ is a continuation of the vision that informs Bibb’s artistry as a modern-day Blues troubadour. Grounded in the folk and blues tradition with contemporary sensibilities, Bibb’s music continues to reflect his thoughts on current world events and his own lived experiences, whilst remaining entertaining, uplifting, inspirational and relevant.
 
“As a songwriter, studying African American history has always been a deep well of inspiration. The true stories of my ancestors and their communities are at the heart of many of the songs on my new album - Ridin’. Together with co-writer/producer Glen Scott, we’ve created a concept album focusing on the ongoing task of understanding systemic racism and purging it from our world. For all its seriousness, Ridin’ is a funky, groovy, hopeful collection of songs that feature stellar guest appearances by Taj Mahal, Jontavious Willis, Russell Malone and Habib Koité. At a time when popular political movements are attempting to delete truth from the historical record, I feel called upon to sing songs that contribute to greater understanding and much-needed unity. The making of Ridin’ has been a labor of love. We hope you’ll enjoy the journey.” – Eric Bibb
 
The ethos for Ridin’ was hugely inspired by the oil painting by Eastman Johnson, “A Ride for Liberty (1862),” that depicts an African American family fleeing enslavement in the southern USA during the American Civil War. In Eric’s own words: “Johnson’s painting embodies all the hope, determination and courage that is at the core of the African American experience and needed now throughout the world.” 
 
Ridin' was produced by Glen Scott and features Habib Koité, Taj Mahal, Steve Jordan, Tommy Sims, Harrison Kennedy, Russell Malone and Jontavious Willis, as well as a host of brilliant session musicians and singers from around the globe.
 
A two-time Grammy Award nominee with multiple Blues Foundation awards, Eric Bibb is known and revered globally for having carved his own musical destiny with honesty and power. Eric’s father, the late Leon Bibb, was an activist, actor, and folk singer who marched at Selma with Dr. Martin Luther King. Eric’s youth was spent immersed in the Greenwich Village folk scene. Names like Dylan, Baez, and Seeger were visitors to his home. He was deeply influenced by Odetta, Richie Havens, and Taj Mahal – who guests on Ridin’ - and he has synthesized all of that into his very own style.