Brian Landrus, renowned for his mastery of low woodwinds, collaborates with Dave Stryker, Jay Anderson, and Billy Hart to celebrate Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s compositions. Featuring diverse instruments, Landrus infuses these classics with rich, unique textures. This project includes standout tracks like “A Flower is a Lovesome Thing” and “Daydream.”
Derrick Dove & the Peacekeepers, known for extensive touring, released their acclaimed debut album in 2018, reaching #5 on the iTunes blues charts. After enduring personal and global challenges, including COVID and Derrick’s father’s death, they released “Rough Time” in October 2023, which topped blues charts and gained 4 million streams.
The “Patrick Wolff Quintet” album “Bay Blue” showcases Wolff’s skill on alto and tenor saxophones and features original compositions like “Cool Stones” and “Some of Frank’s Things.” The quintet boasts dynamic performances from Keith Saunders, Eric Markowitz, Evan Hughes, and Mike Olmos. Wolff, an experienced jazz musician and educator, delivers a spirited, bebop-inspired production.
Anthony Branker’s album “Songs My Mom Liked” is a heartfelt tribute to his mother, incorporating selections she reacted to during car rides. Featuring a stellar ensemble, the music blends spirituality with groove-oriented pieces, and includes three new tracks. The album celebrates life with accessibility and an emotional connection, marked by recurrent themes of faith and remembrance.
Dun-Dun Band’s debut vinyl release, “Pita Parka Pt. 1: Xam Egdub,” is a collection of three experimental tracks. Their sound blends American minimalism, jazz, and electronics, characterized by repetitive loops and improvisations. While creative, some might find the repetitiveness tedious. Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil.
Making a Scene Presents the PODCAST of LIVE from the Midnight Circus Indie Blues Double Shot Show features Indie Blues artists who honor the past while embracing innovation. The show celebrates the diversity and power of blues music, showcasing musicians who create new original music that reflects their reality and deeply connects with listeners.
“Mariah Parker & The Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble’s album ‘Windows Through Time’ features seven easy-listening jazz compositions. Highlights include the title track with beautiful soprano vocals and saxophone solos, ‘Sol de Barcelona’ with a Middle Eastern flair, and ‘Espiritu Samba’ incorporating Afro-Cuban rhythms. The ensemble blurs Latin and Smooth Jazz styles.”
Jazz vocalist Lisa Rich returns with “Long As You’re Living,” her fourth album after a long hiatus due to illness. Co-produced by Jay Clayton, it features Marc Copland, Drew Gress, and Dave Ballou, focusing on standards and original pieces. The album highlights Rich’s adventurous scatting and intimate vocal delivery, dedicated to Clayton’s memory.
“Thankful” by Jack Pearson features spiritually rooted and inspiring songs showcasing Pearson’s exceptional musical talent. Known for his roles in The Allman Brothers Band and as a session guitarist, Pearson recorded all instruments and vocals on the album. Songs like “Sign of the Times” and “It’s All About You” display his diverse style and virtuosic string skills.
Chris Bergson, a guitarist influenced by jazz and blues, started his musical journey in Boston, later moving to New York City. Over the years, he has released several albums, blending blues, jazz, country, folk, and soul. His latest album, “Comforts of Home,” features his emotive vocals, intricate guitar work, and contributions from notable musicians.
Ping Rose, a Memphis singer and guitarist, blends blues with rock influences to create a unique musical style in “Conjure Man,” his follow-up to “Sketchbook.” The album features a mix of energetic instrumentals, funky tunes, and soulful lyrics, highlighting Rose’s exceptional guitar work and collaborations with various artists.
Spotify for Artists provides musicians with control over their profiles and access to detailed analytics about their audience. It offers demographic insights, marketing tools like playlist pitching, and allows artists to tailor strategies based on listener data. Utilizing these insights can aid in creating targeted marketing and connecting more meaningfully with fans.
“Live from the Midnight Circus” spotlights Jennifer Lyn and the Groove Revival, promoting Indie Blues artists who honor tradition while creating innovative and emotionally resonant new music. The podcast celebrates this diverse genre by featuring current touring musicians influenced by their blues roots and dedicated to advancing the art form.
The post features a curated playlist from “Turn it Up with Gerry Casey,” showcasing a diverse range of artists including The 100 Watt Vipers, Thin Lizzy, Rory Gallagher, and many others. It highlights multiple genres and songs such as blues, rock, and soul, creating an eclectic musical journey for listeners.
Shelton Powe’s album “Same Train” captures the essence of Piedmont blues with a blend of gospel, fingerpicking instrumentals, and traditional folk influences. Featuring collaborations with artists like Johnny Ray Daniels and Tim Duffy, the album offers an intimate portrayal of music deeply rooted in family and community traditions.
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Brings you an Interview with Jennifer Lyn and the Groove Revival The North Dakota based vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, engineer, and producer showcases the fiery soul of a woman immersed in the baptismal waters of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Her band, Jennifer Lyn and The Groove Revival, launched their first official album […]
“Making a Scene presents the podcast ‘Live from the Midnight Circus’ featuring Bart Bryant. The show celebrates indie blues artists who innovate while honoring their roots. The episode includes music from artists like SAM JOYNER, Tom Craig, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and more, showcasing the diversity and emotional depth of contemporary blues.”
THE STEVE LUCIANO QUARTET UNDER THE COVERS Independent Release Steve Luciano, guitar; Mike Avila, piano; Charlie Siva, bass; Walt Hubbard, drums; Dan Jordan, Saxophone/flute. The Steve Luciano Quartet opens with the very familiar Duke Pearson tune, “Chant.” There’s a note on the CD cover that says this tune was inspired by a performance of the […]
Oliver Wood’s second solo album, “Fat Cat Silhouette,” follows his debut “Always Smilin’” with a more experimental approach, featuring unconventional instruments and spontaneous recording. Produced by bandmate Jano Rix, the album retains Wood’s infectious groove and distinctive voice. Contributions from various artists enhance tracks with unique textures and sounds, underpinned by high energy and emotion.
Drummer and composer Matt Wilson forms a new quintet, Good Trouble, inspired by John Lewis’s legacy and his 60th birthday. The album, dedicated to notable figures like Carla Bley and Geri Allen, features a diverse mix of compositions and covers, emphasizing both traditional and avant-garde jazz. Notable tracks include the “Good Trouble Suite,” honoring Lewis and Ginsburg, and covers of Coleman and Denver. The quintet, marked by Wilson’s versatile style, delivers an uplifting, joyful album.
Kenny Reichert’s album “Switch” features intricate melodies and creative compositions performed by a talented ensemble, including Ethan Philion, Devin Drobka, Lenard Simpson, Geof Bradfield, and Alyssa Allgood. Known for his inventive guitar style, Reichert collaborates with Allgood on poetic songs and lifts arrangements with his solos, spotlighting each musician’s artistry.
Phil Haynes 4 Horns & What? The Complete American Recordings (3 CDs) Corner Store Jazz Having read with much fascination Phil Haynes memoir, Chasing the Masters: First Takes of a Modern Drumming Artist, a forthcoming issuance of recordings from his band 4 Horns & What? seemed inevitable. For anyone who wants a better understanding of […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Brings you an Interview with Lou Black Lou Black is a Peruvian born, Washington DC based singer/songwriter/producer/video artist/statistician. His 2004 debut album (“City of No Winters”) has been described by the press as “sophisticated global pop” and “one of the best in the singer songwriter genre,” but Lou Black describes […]
Tom Collier’s “Boomer Vibes – Vol 2” showcases his extensive musical talents, playing multiple instruments, often as a one-man band, with occasional guest musicians. The album features covers of classic songs from the ’60s and ’70s, but sometimes lacks the spontaneity of live performances. A nod to composers like Jagger, McCartney, and Webb.
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Brings you an Interview with Bart Bryant How does a Connecticut transplant from Baltimore grow to pull off Austin-style hard drivin’ heavy Blues & Rock and Roll? While from Baltimore, his fluid vocals and Blues-Rock guitar style have entertained audiences in Connecticut and Austin, Texas since his teens. His solo […]
ARGENTINA DURAN RAPSODIA MEXICANA Bravo Music Argentina Durán, solo piano. The opening song of the Cuatro Danzas Mexicanas Suite by Manuel M. Ponce sounds like a spontaneous jazz improvisation. However, Argentina Duran is a respected classical pianist, and this is her second album release. She is praised as a talented, young, female, virtuoso musician. This […]
Something Else! Soul Jazz Featuring Vincent Herring Smoke Sessions Having witnessed a live performance by the collective Something Else! a little over a year ago at Exit Zero Jazz Festival, this album comes with anticipation. That’s because the soul jazz genre is not often heard much these days. It’s like traditional blues; we grew up […]
Etienne Charles’ “Creole Orchestra Featuring René Marie” fuses Caribbean influences with big band jazz, reflecting his Trinidadian heritage and memories of American music played on Trinidadian radio. The album features diverse tracks including originals, covers, and collaborations, showcasing Charles’ skill as a composer and arranger on an 80-minute, multi-artist journey.
Matthew Whitaker On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute MOCAT If you’ve ever attended a Matthew Whitaker show, you know that the young pianist/organist/drummer Matthew Whitaker has a more than engaging rapport with his audience. They are often on their feet dancing from his first few notes. Whitaker is still only 23 years old and has […]
“Struck Down,” the 16th album by The Fabulous Thunderbirds, marks their 50th anniversary with nine new tracks and a cover of Memphis Minnie’s “Nothing in Rambling.” Kim Wilson’s harmonica prowess and collaboration with guitarist Steve Strongman shine, alongside guest contributions from Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt, and ZZ Top’s Billy F. Gibbons.
Making a Scene Presents the PODCAST of LIVE from the Midnight Circus Indie Blues Double Shot Show features Indie Blues artists who honor the past while embracing innovation. The show celebrates the diversity and power of blues music, showcasing musicians who create new original music that reflects their reality and deeply connects with listeners.
Olivia Foschi’s album “A Window Within” delivers unique, captivating jazz with her original compositions and expressive vocals. Notable tracks include “Caught Me by Surprise,” “Pieces of Central Park,” and “Live With It.” Foschi’s versatile voice and the talented band create a contemporary, refreshing sound with Brazilian influences. Each song invites listeners into her emotional journey.
Kid and Lisa “Little Baby” Andersen Spirits and Soul Little Village Foundation This two-CD set includes “Spirits” Kid Andersen’s first solo studio recording while his wife provides harmony to his vocal leads. On the second CD they trade places and Lisa “Little Baby” Anderson becomes the leader. Kid first came to national attention as the […]
YUKO ITO SEDUZIR Funny Baby Face Records New York Yuko Ito, vocals; Helio Alves, piano; Edward Perez, bass; Alexandre Kautz, drums/percussion; Willie Ruiz, percussions/vocals; Romero Lubambo, guitar; Steve Wilson, alto saxophone; Vanessa Falabella, vocals. Yuko Ito is a Tokyo-born vocalist who has a deep appreciation for Brazilian music and jazz. She is fluent in Portuguese […]
Making a Scene Presents the PODCAST of LIVE from the Midnight Circus Featuring Kirk Nelson This is the Voice of Indie Blues, the future of the blues. Artists who embrace the diversity of the blues that always has and still is being created from it’s roots. These artists understand the blues is a living […]
Black Cat Bones Troublemaker Codacopina Music Formed in 2004 Black Cat Bones is a five-piece rockin’ Blues band with original compositions. “Troublemaker” is the band’s fifth studio album and first since 2019’s “Tattered And Torn”. Their name is derived from Muddy Water’s “I Got My Mojo Working” and the phrase “I got a black cat […]
Making a Scene Presents Goal-Oriented Music Marketing: Strategies for Success In today’s competitive music industry, artists and bands must approach marketing with clear, defined goals. A goal-oriented strategy not only helps musicians stay focused but also maximizes their potential for success. Here’s how to effectively market your music from a goal-oriented perspective. 1. Define Your […]
John Escreet the epicenter of your dreams Blue Room Music John Escreet’s 2022 trio album Seismic Shift (covered here) was so bold and impactful that it likely made it difficult to return with the trio and produce a similarly startling result. Pianist and composer Escreet was wise enough to recognize this and although returning with […]
RADAM SCHWARTZ SAXOPHONE QUARTET MUSIC Arabesque Records Radam Schwartz, composer/arranger; Marcus G. Miller, soprano saxophone; Irwin Hall, alto saxophone; Anthony Ware, tenor saxophone; Max Schweiger, baritone saxophone. GUEST ARTISTS: Micha Josephs, guitar; Carrie Jackson, vocals; Andrew Atkinson, percussion. Radam Schwartz is well-known in the jazz world as a jazz organist. His recordings as a bandleader […]
SERGIO PEREIRA BOSSA + Tiger Turn, LLC Sergio Pereira, voice/guitars/violão/percussion/composer/arranger/producer; Luis Guerra, piano/keyboards; Ariel Ramirez, electric bass; Mauricio Zottarelli, drums/percussion/arranger/co-producer; Chipi Chacon, trumpet/flugelhorn. SPECIAL GUESTS on “One for Pat”: Romero Lumbambo, violão; Ivan ‘Melon’ Lewis, piano; Ivan Ruiz Machado, bass; Jose San Martin, drums. Still smiling from his 2024 win of the World Entertainment Award […]
Christopher Wyze & The Tellers Stuck In The Mud Big Radio Records Christopher Wyze was awarded a “One To Watch” songwriter award by the Nashville Songwriters Association Intl.; this is his debut recording. Eight of the songs were co-written by Chris and his producer Ralph Carter. Two more were written by Chris (a.k.a.Chris Wirthwein) and […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Jill Burkes of Morning Bird MorningBird is an acoustic trio featuring Rob Wheeler (guitar, mandolin, harmonica, stomp box), Jill Burkes (violin, guitar), and Josh Palmi (upright bass, guitar). The trio offer haunting harmonies and eclectic mix of traditional tunes and original music along with powerful string […]
Billy Price Person Of Interest Little Village Foundation This new Billy Price studio album was produced by the Grammy winning Tony Braunagel, of the Phantom Blues Band, and recorded, engineered, and mixed by his band mate Johnny Lee Schell. Billy Price was born William Pollak, in 1949, in Fair Lawn, N.J. In the seventies he […]
THE BRUCE LOFGREN GROUP INSTRUMENTAL ADVENTURES: EARTHLY AND COSMIC TALES Night Bird Records Bruce Lofgren, acoustic & electric guitars/composer; Billy Hulting, hand percussion instruments; Craig Fundiga, vibraphone; Randy Landas, acoustic, electric & fretless basses; Hope Easton, cello; Geoff Nudell, B flat clarinet. This production reminds me of the Pan Pipe projects. It reflects the original […]
Steve Dawson Ghosts Pravda Well over a decade ago, closer to two, at SXSW I witnessed an impressive performance by Steve Dawson, fronting his Chicago-based band, Dolly Varden. Yes, that Steve Dawson, not to be confused with roots, blues, and folk-rocker, Canadian and Nashville-based Steve Dawson. The former has released several solo albums too and […]
ALLEGRA LEVY OUT OF THE QUESTION SteepleChase Records Allegra levy, vocals/lyricist/composer; Carmen Staaf, piano/Fender Rhodes; Mimi Jones, bass; Allison Miller, drums/shaker; Roxy Coss, tenor & soprano saxophones; Andrew Baird, guitar/ukulele; Aubrey Johnson, background vocals. “Are You Real?” is a tune by Benny Golson with lyrics by Allegra Levy. This song opens Levy’s album with power […]
Oded Tzur My Prophet ECM It’s long been said that some of the greatest saxophonists such as Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Coleman Hawkins are easily identifiable in just the first few notes they play. While we’re not yet putting the Israeli-born and raised New York City based saxophonist Oded Tzur in that ‘all-time […]
Damon Fowler Barnyard Smile Landslide Barnyard Smile is the renowned slide guitarist and singer-songwriter Damon Fowler’s ninth release and third for Landslide Records. Fowler offers a handful of soul driven originals, plus innovative Bo Diddley and Jerry Reed covers and a touch of Americana roots rock. Those not familiar with Fowler’s solo work may recall […]
MAC GOLLEHON & THE HISPANIC MECHANICS BITE OF THE STREET Nefarious Industries Mac Gollehon, trumpet/scat vocals/keyboards/composer; Eric Klaastad, bass; Jeanne Carne, drums; Ismael Sanchez, percussion; Adam Perez, keyboards; Ariel Lawler, background vocals; David Brenner, sound effects. The trumpet of composer, Mac Gollehon, bounces boldly atop the percussion of The Hispanic Mechanics featuring Jeanne Carne on […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Brings you an Interview with Nolen Sellwood Nolen is young artist with an old soul. His Beautifully crafted singing and songwriting skills are captured on his sophomore album, Cadence to the Flame. Considering that it’s my first time ever recording any kind of music or going to any kind of […]
