Daily Archives: October 11, 2014

“Bombs Away” by Darrin James
11
Oct

Bluesy singer/songwriter, Darrin James, released the single “Bombs Away” as the first in a new series he plans to offer via his label, Ravine Records.

James was born in Kentucky, raised in Metro-Detroit, and spent a formative decade in New York City, honing his skills as a producer, guitarist and singer-songwriter, before returning to Ann Arbor, Michigan, a unique, liberal college-town with a great history supporting jazz, blues and folk music. Upon his return, James set up a state-of-the-art studio on Main Street. His musical style is as varied as his background as it draws on his love of the blues and folk music of the south, the Motown soul and classic rock n’ roll rawness of Detroit, and the eclecticism and immediacy of Brooklyn.

In New York, James assembled a stellar roster of Brooklyn musicians, and in 2006 he released his debut album, Thrones of Gold, which earned a wealth of positive reviews in the press, as well as radio and television exposure. James’ gravelly vocals and thought-provoking lyrics generated immediate comparisons to Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan. The lyrics of the bluegrass-tinged title track, “Thrones of Gold,” were published in American Songwriter magazine. The beatnik blues “Crazy World” was placed on the Emmy-nominated reality TV sensation, The Deadliest Catch.

Darrin James Band’s second album, The Lovely Ugly Truth, was released in 2009. The album is filled with parables that illustrate moral dilemmas and regret.

A vinyl release is due out in 2014. With a new studio and a roster of great musicians from both Brooklyn and Ann Arbor such as Dave Johnson (Project/Object), Dan Bennett (Nomo), Ross Huff (Macpods), Tim Haldeman, and Dan Piccolo.

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“Bombs Away” by Darrin James

Bombs Away Single Cover

Image and mp3 courtesy of Matt Bacon, Intern at Independent Music Promotions

“Your Favorite Song” by Jason Sees Band
11
Oct

Seattle, Washington-based Jason Sees Band will celebrate the release of their third full-length, A Single Frame Passing Through the Light, nationally on October 28.

Compared to a cross between Austin, Texas troubadour Bob Schneider, Portland, Oregon’s space-rock act Helio Sequence, and a shot of top-shelf tequila, A Single Frame Passing Through the Light is a mixture of upbeat, bouncy pop-rock and melodic, swirling space-pop — the lyrics contradicting the hook-laden pop feel of the songs with sorrow, sadness, and mourning, yet a light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel hopefulness compliments the music nicely.

Danceable, hip-shaking, with a rocking rhythm section, “Your Favorite Song” is a prime example of the dichotomy between lyrics of reminiscing and mourning coupled with a melody that will make you dance and smile.

When all was said and done, Sees was brought to near tears at how good the album turned out, making it a fitting tribute to his late wife.

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“Your Favorite Song” by Jason Sees Band

Jason Sees Band Cover Art

Image and mp3 courtesy of Alex Steininger of In Music We Trust

“Pop Culture (Who Cares)” by Lily Lambert
11
Oct

Born in England, part-Irish, part-Welsh songstress, Lily Lambert, approaches pop music with a breadth of musical history in her blood. Though influences of her motherland and native roots are imbedded in her musical DNA, Lambert has her sights locked on the indie scene stateside. Plus, like other non-conformists such as Bjork and Enya, Lambert is able to put an indelible stamp of originality on her sound.

Her sophomore album So Far sees Lambert departing from the piano pop of her debut, Life of Lily, to pursue a fuller sound that borders on folk-rock and country.

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“Pop Culture (Who Cares)” by Lily Lambert

Lily Lambert So Far resized

Image and mp3 courtesy of Jennifer Thorington & Samuel Markus of Working Brilliantly