Good morning, and happy Monday!
We at Wildy's World want to take a moment to congratulate all of the recently announced finalists in the 2012 International Songwriting Competition. The list is long and lengthy, and you can view them all here, but the nominees include Wildy's World alumni such as Gina Sicilia, Carrie Rodriguez, Thomas Calder (The Trouble With Templeton), The Trews, and TAT.
This is one of many contests out there for songwriters, but is among the most prestigious. Anyone who has gotten this far is worthy of attention. You'll also note that the list includes a couple of bigger names, such as Jane Siberry and Missy Higgins.
Judges for this year's competition include Tom Waits, Jeff Beck, Kelly Clarkson, Ozzy Osbourne, Tori Amos, Lucinda Williams, Tegan and Sara, John Mayall and Massive Attack. The music industry is well represented on the panel as well, so this year's winners could be tomorrow's stars.
In sadder news, the music industry said goodbye this weekend to The Monkees' Davy Jones as well as to legendary guitarist Ronnie Montrose. Jones' passing at age 66 of a heart attack came as a suprise, as a recent check-up had shown him to be fit. He leaves behind a wife, four daughters, and a legacy of bright airy songs that will keep his memory alive for generations to come.
Ronnie Montrose, the iconic 1970's rock guitarist played with a list of names that could form their own rock and roll hall of fame (Sammy Hagar, Van Morrison, Edgar Winter Group, Boz Scaggs, Gary Wright, Herbie Hancock, The Neville Brothers, and others. His group Montrose continues to be a favorite spin on classic rock/AOR formatted stations. Montrose is believed to have died from Prostate Cancer.
On a brighter note, former teen idol Jon Bon Jovi recently turned 50. Hard to believe, isn't it?
Showing posts with label Jon Bon Jovi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jon Bon Jovi. Show all posts
Monday, March 5, 2012
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Review: The Council Of Smokers And Drinkers - Grizzled
The Council Of Smokers And Drinkers - Grizzled
2009, The Council Of Smokers And Drinkers
When you are surrounded by a brutal Alaskan Winter you find an outlet for energies or you go insane. For The Council Of Smokers And Drinkers, that outlet is a classic blend of Americana Music: Southern Rock and Blues dressed in dark lyrics and dash of authentic Country Rock Nashville hasn't seen in a few years. Joe Erickson (drums) and Russell Biggs (guitar/vox) got the ball rolling, eventually bringing Elizabeth Dubey (vox, keys), Jonathan Russell (guitar), Mark Kimmins (harmonica) and Mack Rogers (bass) into The Council. The band's debut album, Grizzled, features songwriting they'd be proud of in Texas, R&B based Country they'd be proud of in Mississippi and a commercial touch that Nashville will go ga-ga for.
Grizzled opens with the tasty guitar licks of Tupelo Road, a brand of Texas Country/Rock that sounds vaguely likely Harper Valley P.T.A.. Lyle Lovett and Ernest Tubb’s influences can be heard here in a classic bit sounding tune. The Best That I Could Do hits full on the Rhythm And Blues roots of Rock N Roll with a bit of honky-tonk thrown in for good measure. Try not to dance when this song spins; you can't do it. The rhythm and energy are irrepressible. Chicken In The Pan won't win many members from the Gloria Steinham society for progressive thought, but it's great Rock N Roll. Once again, you won't be able to hold back the urge to dance or at least tap your feet.
The Council Of Smokers And Drinkers are first class musicians, but their charm is amplified by vocalist Russell Biggs. Biggs has enough of that Rock N Roll magnetism in his voice to hook listeners and enough country in there to appeal to the boots and chaps crowd. Leaving Little Rock is a prime example of this, with Biggs coming across as a mix of Jon Bon Jovi and Garth Brooks. The commercial potential here is huge. Pocketfull Of Holes is a classic hard-luck song about picking up the pieces and moving on, even if you have practically nothing left. The song is incredibly catchy and will stick in your noggin; it's perfect radio fodder. Down And Out recalls a one night stand in classic country singer/songwriter style. The trip down memory lane is a sweet reminiscence for the narrator. The Council winds things up with Grass Soup, an interesting and subtle dig at the inequality of wealth in society. Grass Soup is written from the perspective of those on the bottom of the socioeconomic spectrum, accepting their lot and trying to make the best of it. The wit here is deep and cutting.
The Council Of Smokers And Drinkers are en eclectic bunch, mixing Rock, R&B, Country and Blues in an Americana blend that sets them apart from the crowd. Strong songwriting, consummate musicianship and a dynamic front man in Russell Biggs potentially sets the stage for big things for the band. Grizzled is everything you could want in a debut album. Take all of the above and add a commercial touch that Music City has forgotten how to achieve; with the right break, could be one of the biggest country albums of the year. At the very least it deserves a spot on end-of-year lists. Take some time with The Council Of Smokers And Drinkers, and don't mind the cold. It's an essential part of the sound.
2009, The Council Of Smokers And Drinkers
When you are surrounded by a brutal Alaskan Winter you find an outlet for energies or you go insane. For The Council Of Smokers And Drinkers, that outlet is a classic blend of Americana Music: Southern Rock and Blues dressed in dark lyrics and dash of authentic Country Rock Nashville hasn't seen in a few years. Joe Erickson (drums) and Russell Biggs (guitar/vox) got the ball rolling, eventually bringing Elizabeth Dubey (vox, keys), Jonathan Russell (guitar), Mark Kimmins (harmonica) and Mack Rogers (bass) into The Council. The band's debut album, Grizzled, features songwriting they'd be proud of in Texas, R&B based Country they'd be proud of in Mississippi and a commercial touch that Nashville will go ga-ga for.
Grizzled opens with the tasty guitar licks of Tupelo Road, a brand of Texas Country/Rock that sounds vaguely likely Harper Valley P.T.A.. Lyle Lovett and Ernest Tubb’s influences can be heard here in a classic bit sounding tune. The Best That I Could Do hits full on the Rhythm And Blues roots of Rock N Roll with a bit of honky-tonk thrown in for good measure. Try not to dance when this song spins; you can't do it. The rhythm and energy are irrepressible. Chicken In The Pan won't win many members from the Gloria Steinham society for progressive thought, but it's great Rock N Roll. Once again, you won't be able to hold back the urge to dance or at least tap your feet.
The Council Of Smokers And Drinkers are first class musicians, but their charm is amplified by vocalist Russell Biggs. Biggs has enough of that Rock N Roll magnetism in his voice to hook listeners and enough country in there to appeal to the boots and chaps crowd. Leaving Little Rock is a prime example of this, with Biggs coming across as a mix of Jon Bon Jovi and Garth Brooks. The commercial potential here is huge. Pocketfull Of Holes is a classic hard-luck song about picking up the pieces and moving on, even if you have practically nothing left. The song is incredibly catchy and will stick in your noggin; it's perfect radio fodder. Down And Out recalls a one night stand in classic country singer/songwriter style. The trip down memory lane is a sweet reminiscence for the narrator. The Council winds things up with Grass Soup, an interesting and subtle dig at the inequality of wealth in society. Grass Soup is written from the perspective of those on the bottom of the socioeconomic spectrum, accepting their lot and trying to make the best of it. The wit here is deep and cutting.
The Council Of Smokers And Drinkers are en eclectic bunch, mixing Rock, R&B, Country and Blues in an Americana blend that sets them apart from the crowd. Strong songwriting, consummate musicianship and a dynamic front man in Russell Biggs potentially sets the stage for big things for the band. Grizzled is everything you could want in a debut album. Take all of the above and add a commercial touch that Music City has forgotten how to achieve; with the right break, could be one of the biggest country albums of the year. At the very least it deserves a spot on end-of-year lists. Take some time with The Council Of Smokers And Drinkers, and don't mind the cold. It's an essential part of the sound.
Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about The Council Of Smokers And Drinkers at http://www.thecouncil.serifweb.com/. You can purchase a download of Grizzled on iTunes. CD copies will be available on CDBaby.com in the near future.
You can learn more about The Council Of Smokers And Drinkers at http://www.thecouncil.serifweb.com/. You can purchase a download of Grizzled on iTunes. CD copies will be available on CDBaby.com in the near future.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Review: Brandon Swift - Brandon Swift
Brandon Swift - Brandon Swift
2008, Backspace Records
Brandon Swift hit the reset button after a freak accident led to a re-evaluation of priorities. Deciding to embrace the concept of Carpe Diem, Swift focuses on the positive experience of life. This energy and optimism shines through on Brandon Swift, his debut CD. Swift is touring the United States in a converted van with living quarters and a solar panel to play for anyone who will listen and live each day as the gift it is.
Brandon Swift appears to have thoroughly absorbed the mid-1990's North Carolina scene that included artists such as Hootie & The Blowfish and Edwin McCain and added in a bit of Black Crowes southern blues flavoring. Shine sums up these influences in one wonderfully eclectic and instantly commercial tune that should be licensed from here to Nashville and back. Lonely touches on a sort of unrequited love in sharply melodic terms and serves as an appropriate lead-into Surrounded. Surrounded is one of those pop tunes that are instantly recognizable the first time you hear it. Swift shows the same sort of Pop/Rock songwriting flair as Rob Thomas on a song that's as well-written lyrically as it is musically.
Stay With You is a classic Rock N Roll love song, perfect for mix tapes, marriage proposals or dedications to that special someone. Swift accomplishes all of this without sounding like a walking cliché, which is an accomplishment in itself. This is a great tune. Walkin' is another winner, taking on a Blues/Americana/Country mix that's irresistible. You'll want to dance and sing along. Satellite has a great melody that will stick with you and leads into another classic Rock love song, Wandered All Around. Swift has a knack for quirky love songs that don't fit perfectly in the mold without sounding of the mold. Swift closes out with Start With Yourself, a song pull of positive thinking and a killer melody. The message, "If you want to change the world then start with yourself" follows one of the great paradigms of Gandhi's teachings (Be the change you wish to see in the world). It's a great tune; once again mixing truth and a positive attitude without falling into cliche.
Brandon Swift has the voice of a Rock N Roll front man, sounding just a tad like a cross between Edwin McCain and a young Jon Bon Jovi. His songwriting is outstanding; intelligent, tuneful and with a singular voice as a composer that will speak to people. Brandon Swift is a spectacular introduction to the man as an artist and he artist as a man. A positive future icon in the world of Rock N Roll has emerged.
Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Brandon Swift at www.myspace.com/brandonswift. You can purchase a copy of Brandon Swift at Backspace Records.
2008, Backspace Records
Brandon Swift hit the reset button after a freak accident led to a re-evaluation of priorities. Deciding to embrace the concept of Carpe Diem, Swift focuses on the positive experience of life. This energy and optimism shines through on Brandon Swift, his debut CD. Swift is touring the United States in a converted van with living quarters and a solar panel to play for anyone who will listen and live each day as the gift it is.
Brandon Swift appears to have thoroughly absorbed the mid-1990's North Carolina scene that included artists such as Hootie & The Blowfish and Edwin McCain and added in a bit of Black Crowes southern blues flavoring. Shine sums up these influences in one wonderfully eclectic and instantly commercial tune that should be licensed from here to Nashville and back. Lonely touches on a sort of unrequited love in sharply melodic terms and serves as an appropriate lead-into Surrounded. Surrounded is one of those pop tunes that are instantly recognizable the first time you hear it. Swift shows the same sort of Pop/Rock songwriting flair as Rob Thomas on a song that's as well-written lyrically as it is musically.
Stay With You is a classic Rock N Roll love song, perfect for mix tapes, marriage proposals or dedications to that special someone. Swift accomplishes all of this without sounding like a walking cliché, which is an accomplishment in itself. This is a great tune. Walkin' is another winner, taking on a Blues/Americana/Country mix that's irresistible. You'll want to dance and sing along. Satellite has a great melody that will stick with you and leads into another classic Rock love song, Wandered All Around. Swift has a knack for quirky love songs that don't fit perfectly in the mold without sounding of the mold. Swift closes out with Start With Yourself, a song pull of positive thinking and a killer melody. The message, "If you want to change the world then start with yourself" follows one of the great paradigms of Gandhi's teachings (Be the change you wish to see in the world). It's a great tune; once again mixing truth and a positive attitude without falling into cliche.
Brandon Swift has the voice of a Rock N Roll front man, sounding just a tad like a cross between Edwin McCain and a young Jon Bon Jovi. His songwriting is outstanding; intelligent, tuneful and with a singular voice as a composer that will speak to people. Brandon Swift is a spectacular introduction to the man as an artist and he artist as a man. A positive future icon in the world of Rock N Roll has emerged.
Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Brandon Swift at www.myspace.com/brandonswift. You can purchase a copy of Brandon Swift at Backspace Records.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Review: Cupéro - Cupéro
Cupéro - Cupéro
2009, Cupéro
Wow.
Warwick, NY native Clarissa Cupéro just bowled me over. Cupéro's self-titled 6-song EP is the sort of introduction that knocks a listener off their feet. Whether it's the distinctly mature tone of 19-year-old Cupéro's songwriting, the no-holds-barred emotional strength of her songs or the absolutely amazing instrument that is her voice, Cupéro is a purely unexpected and welcome surprise on the musical scene. The Siena College student has influences all over the music map, from KT Tunstall to various classic rock artists to Columbian rocker Juanes (17 Latin Grammys). Juanes has inspired Cupéro to be a bilingual artist, writing and singing in both English and Spanish. The EP, Cupéro, was produced by Patrick Ermlich and E-Shy Gazit, who brought Cupéro's songs to life in ways even she didn't suspect when she contacted them as a high school senior. Now, Cupéro is a college student trying to build her fan base in the Albany, NY and New York City markets who has her eyes on bigger stages down the road.
Those bigger stages shouldn't be a problem at all. Not since Marian Call came along with Vanilla have I been so utterly stilled by a debut album. Cupéro makes you want to just drop everything and listen, and she handles active rock tunes and ballads with equal aplomb. With a voice that falls somewhere on a line between Sarah McLachlan and Bonnie Tyler, Cupéro makes fans every time she opens her mouth to sing. Cupéro opens with I've Got Your Number, a song she wrote for a high school talent show that has become her signature song. I've Got Your Number could have been a hit anytime in the last 25 years, and with the right breaks would vie for radio spins even in today's fractured market. La Sombra is a Spanish language song, and while I can't comment on the lyrics (no habla), the song has a powerful, sensuous feel that borders on overwhelming. Cupéro rips the roof on this vibrant rocker.
I Thought I Knew Love is a commanding love song that's chart ready as you read this. It's a bit off the beaten love song track but ideal mix-tape material and the sort of song that lights up request/dedication lines. Life Is A Moment is a song about striving for dreams and never giving up. It's a powerful message delivered in a powerful vocal performance. The arrangement opens with Cupéro and piano, adding in cello and other instrumentation as the song progresses. There's a Paula Cole "I Don't Want To Wait" feel to this song that's unmistakable. Don't be surprised if Life Is A Moment ends up licensed, movies or even gets covered by big name artists down the road (by then Cupéro may be one herself). Quiero Tu Amor is the other Spanish language song on the EP, a gorgeous ballad that would sell a million copies in an English version. I have to say though that the Spanish language brings out a certain sensuality in Cupéro's voice that's more reserved in English, increasing her marketability in an increasingly multi-ethnic culture a hundred fold. Cupéro closes out with You'll Never Be There, an urgent acoustic rocker with Americana leanings that just about proves that she can do, play or sing almost anything.
Clarissa Cupéro has everything but the breaks. Talent and composure well beyond her nineteen years and a killer voice make it very possible that down the road the name Cupéro will be as familiar as names like Prince, Madonna and Beyonce. Yes, it's a grand statement, and practically everything in Cupéro's life and career would have to go just right for that to happen. But based on what I've heard on Cupéro, it's not out of the realm of imagination. Yes, she's that good. Find out for yourself. Cupéro is a Wildy's World Certified Desert Island Disc. Don't wait, get it now.
Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Cupéro at http://www.myspace.com/cupero or http://www.cuperomusic.com/. You can download a copy of Cupéro through iTunes or through Amazon MP3. I don’t have any word on CD distribution at the time of publication, but will update with links when/if they become available.
2009, Cupéro
Wow.
Warwick, NY native Clarissa Cupéro just bowled me over. Cupéro's self-titled 6-song EP is the sort of introduction that knocks a listener off their feet. Whether it's the distinctly mature tone of 19-year-old Cupéro's songwriting, the no-holds-barred emotional strength of her songs or the absolutely amazing instrument that is her voice, Cupéro is a purely unexpected and welcome surprise on the musical scene. The Siena College student has influences all over the music map, from KT Tunstall to various classic rock artists to Columbian rocker Juanes (17 Latin Grammys). Juanes has inspired Cupéro to be a bilingual artist, writing and singing in both English and Spanish. The EP, Cupéro, was produced by Patrick Ermlich and E-Shy Gazit, who brought Cupéro's songs to life in ways even she didn't suspect when she contacted them as a high school senior. Now, Cupéro is a college student trying to build her fan base in the Albany, NY and New York City markets who has her eyes on bigger stages down the road.
Those bigger stages shouldn't be a problem at all. Not since Marian Call came along with Vanilla have I been so utterly stilled by a debut album. Cupéro makes you want to just drop everything and listen, and she handles active rock tunes and ballads with equal aplomb. With a voice that falls somewhere on a line between Sarah McLachlan and Bonnie Tyler, Cupéro makes fans every time she opens her mouth to sing. Cupéro opens with I've Got Your Number, a song she wrote for a high school talent show that has become her signature song. I've Got Your Number could have been a hit anytime in the last 25 years, and with the right breaks would vie for radio spins even in today's fractured market. La Sombra is a Spanish language song, and while I can't comment on the lyrics (no habla), the song has a powerful, sensuous feel that borders on overwhelming. Cupéro rips the roof on this vibrant rocker.
I Thought I Knew Love is a commanding love song that's chart ready as you read this. It's a bit off the beaten love song track but ideal mix-tape material and the sort of song that lights up request/dedication lines. Life Is A Moment is a song about striving for dreams and never giving up. It's a powerful message delivered in a powerful vocal performance. The arrangement opens with Cupéro and piano, adding in cello and other instrumentation as the song progresses. There's a Paula Cole "I Don't Want To Wait" feel to this song that's unmistakable. Don't be surprised if Life Is A Moment ends up licensed, movies or even gets covered by big name artists down the road (by then Cupéro may be one herself). Quiero Tu Amor is the other Spanish language song on the EP, a gorgeous ballad that would sell a million copies in an English version. I have to say though that the Spanish language brings out a certain sensuality in Cupéro's voice that's more reserved in English, increasing her marketability in an increasingly multi-ethnic culture a hundred fold. Cupéro closes out with You'll Never Be There, an urgent acoustic rocker with Americana leanings that just about proves that she can do, play or sing almost anything.
Clarissa Cupéro has everything but the breaks. Talent and composure well beyond her nineteen years and a killer voice make it very possible that down the road the name Cupéro will be as familiar as names like Prince, Madonna and Beyonce. Yes, it's a grand statement, and practically everything in Cupéro's life and career would have to go just right for that to happen. But based on what I've heard on Cupéro, it's not out of the realm of imagination. Yes, she's that good. Find out for yourself. Cupéro is a Wildy's World Certified Desert Island Disc. Don't wait, get it now.
Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Cupéro at http://www.myspace.com/cupero or http://www.cuperomusic.com/. You can download a copy of Cupéro through iTunes or through Amazon MP3. I don’t have any word on CD distribution at the time of publication, but will update with links when/if they become available.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Review: Almost One - Almost One (Demo)
Almost One - Almost One (Demo)
2008, Almost One
New York power trio Almost One is led by the songwriting inspiration of Steve Carrea. Carrea and a movable supporting cast create melodic power pop tunes reminiscent of 1980’s radio rock. Almost One sent in their 4-song demo for review.
Almost One opens with This Night Could Be True, a martial love song befitting a big rock act from the 1980's. The Line is a catchy tune that you'll be humming for a few days after hearing it. Lead vocalist Chandler Mogel sounds a bit like a cross between Billy Joel and Jon Bon Jovi, and Almost One has a big rock feel to them that is belied by their stripped down instrumentation. Outside The Box is a tame pop rocker that's pleasant but doesn't really stand out. Standing Still is the sort of song that can garner major attention for an unknown band. Give the right producer a couple of days with Almost One and add in the right push from a label and this song is a big hit.
Almost One has a strong pop/rock sound with real commercial potential. There are some rough edges here, but the songwriting is better than average and the arrangements are exposure friendly. This is a good first step for Almost One.
Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Almost One at www.myspace.com/almostonemusic or http://www.almostone.com/.
2008, Almost One
New York power trio Almost One is led by the songwriting inspiration of Steve Carrea. Carrea and a movable supporting cast create melodic power pop tunes reminiscent of 1980’s radio rock. Almost One sent in their 4-song demo for review.
Almost One opens with This Night Could Be True, a martial love song befitting a big rock act from the 1980's. The Line is a catchy tune that you'll be humming for a few days after hearing it. Lead vocalist Chandler Mogel sounds a bit like a cross between Billy Joel and Jon Bon Jovi, and Almost One has a big rock feel to them that is belied by their stripped down instrumentation. Outside The Box is a tame pop rocker that's pleasant but doesn't really stand out. Standing Still is the sort of song that can garner major attention for an unknown band. Give the right producer a couple of days with Almost One and add in the right push from a label and this song is a big hit.
Almost One has a strong pop/rock sound with real commercial potential. There are some rough edges here, but the songwriting is better than average and the arrangements are exposure friendly. This is a good first step for Almost One.
Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Almost One at www.myspace.com/almostonemusic or http://www.almostone.com/.
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