Tea Leaf Confessions By Ynana Rose

Ynana Rose is an accomplished vocalist, and an acoustic guitarist; But above all she is a talented poet, which forms the basis for her original compositions.

Whether it be the philosophy of aging, “Stardust Firefly,” a tribute to her grandmother, “Lillian,” or odes to love, “Impossible” and “The Gift Of A Song;” the words are incisive and the melodies simple.

Her approach is simple. She provides a foundation with her voice and guitar and then fills in the gaps and expands the sound with her band.

Ynana Rose has created her own musical universe for her thoughts and words. Tea Leaf Confessions is an album for the ear and mind.

When I Rise By Cary Morin

Cary Morin is an artist who helps define the musical style Americana. He includes elements of folk, blues, and jazz into his approach, and it all coalesces into a distinct American sound.

His new album, When I Rise, consists of 10 original compositions and two cover songs. Drawing on his own experiences and the world around him, both real and imaginary, he is able to create stories rich in imagery.

Morin has a distinctive guitar sound. He is a precise picker who is able to layer his own sound so it appears he is playing both the lead and rhythm parts.

In addition to his own material, he tackles the Jerry Garcia/Robert Hunter “Dire Wolf,” but it is his take on Duane Allman’s “Little Martha” that really shines.

Cary Morin has carved out a niche for himself. When I Rise adds nicely to his expanding legacy.

VHS BY Dr. Chrispy

Very few musicians have taken a more unusual or circuitous journey to issuing their first album than Chris Boshuizen, professionally known as Dr. Chrispy.

Boshuizen holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Sydney, and for nearly two decades was employed by NASA. Now working for his own company Planet Labs, he has helped design over 200 satellites.

In his spare time he began creating music on his computer. His hobby has now come to fruition in the release of his debut album VHS.

As one might expect from his former profession, this is an album of electronica that travels on the outer edge of structured music. There is a nostalgic quality contained in the music but it is synthetic and technological and will only appeal to a niche audience that is willing to listen to music outside the mainstream.

There is a theme and a personal sense to the project. The songs were written in and inspired by cities that he experienced in his travels. Their inspiration inspired his creative thoughts and process and are reflected in the titles.

Dr. Chrispy is now travelingg a different journey of exploration. If you are inclined to take a trip outside the norm, then you might want to give VHS a try.

Complicated Mess By Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones

Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones have issued a new album titled Complicated Mess. Despite the title, the album is neither complicated nor a mess. It is an album of solid modern day blues.

Deming takes the simple approach fronting the bassist Andrew Gohman and drummer Marty Dodson, with gust appearances by Kim Wilson, Little Charlie Baty, Sax Gordon, and Bob Welch, who bring their harp, piano, and guitar talents to various tracks. The added musicians bring additional energy and depth to the basic trio.

Through the ten original tunes and three cover songs, Deming remains true to original blues traditions. As an artist, guitarist, and vocalist; he understands the blues and its heritage. “Sweet Poison,” “Need My Baby,” “Cookin’ At The Kitchen,” “Rat Killin,’” and the title track all pay tribute to the past, while maintaining enough modern elements to make them relevant and entertaining.

Two cover songs stand out. Sam Thread’s “You Rascal You” and Fats Domino’s I’m Walkin’” both undergo a modern metamorphosis.

Doug Deming is now two decades into his career. He has carved out a nice niche for himself as he continues to produce an excellent fusion of new and old blues. Complicated Mess is another fine step on his blues journey.

Blue By Dale Bundy

Dale Bundy is a veteran of the contemporary blues scene with close to 40 years experience. He has just released his debut solo album titled Blue comprised of five original songs and four covers.

Guitarist/singer Bundy is a blues everyman as he explores everything from comtemporary to the traditional blues of the Southern Delta. He plays and sings with a ligher touch than what one would expect and sets him apart from many of the other blues artists working today.

His lyrics fit the blues as they deal with life’s ebbs and flows. Add in such blues staples as “Big Legged Woman,” “The Thrill Is Gone,” and “Trouble In Mind” and you have an auspicious debut album.

Dale Bundy is one of those musicians who has spent decades perfecting his craft and has finally brought that experience into the studio. Blue is a solid first album.

U.K. Singles Volume One: 1972-1978 By The Electric Light Orchestra

The Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) was formed in 1970 by Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood as a creative and innovative band that fused elements of rock and classical music into an inventive mix. When Wood left, Jeff Lynne assumed the leadership and for the next 15 years produced some of the best pure pop/rock music of the era.

While ELO sold tens-of-millions of albums; The UK Singles Volume One: 1972-1978 is a chronicle of their single releases in their home country, 20 of which reached the charts.

Vinyl has been making a comeback and this box set capitalizes on that fact. Their 15 singles are reissued as 45 rpm records with many original picture sleeves. The 16th disc is their four song EP “The ELO EP.” It is a unique release that will appeal to fans of the band and collectors of those old 7 inch 45’s.

The A sides are instantly recognizable for fans of 1970’s pop. “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head,” “Turn To Stone,” “Strange Magic,” and “Livin’ Thing” have stood the test of time and helped propel the band into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. While they have been reissued a number of times; now they are returned to their original format.

The B sides of the 45’s are an eclectic mix and delve deeper into the ELO catalogue. Many times 45 “flip sides” were songs deemed not strong enough to be hits or drive album sales. Still, songs such as “Illusions In G Major,” “Poker,” “Queen Of The Hours,” and live tracks “10538 Overture,” “Daybreaker” and “Showdown” give a different picture of the band and show their more experimental, if not commercial, side.

The sound is superior is you have a good stereo system. The crackle and pop of those old 45’s is missing. The technology of the present day allows vinyl to provide a sound as good as most CD’s.

The UK Singles Volume One: 1972-1978 is in many ways a niche release due to its format. The box set is old school and it takes patience to play 45’s and listen to music in three minute increments. Still, it is a nice ride through the music of the Electric Light Orchestra if you are so inclined.

Every Soul’s A Star By Dave Keller

For music aficionado’s in the know, a new album by Dave Keller is a cause for celebration. Every Soul’s A Star is the veterans first release for Catfood Records, which brings a bonus, the labels house band The Rays.

Keller has produced ten new songs for the album and added the Aretha Franklin cover “Baby I Love You.”

While Keller may move in R&B and rock directions at times; he is at heart a blues musician. His lyrics chronicle life but from a mellow perspective. His guitar work is fiery and the Rays fill in the blanks and add layers to his music.

Whether smoldering or high energy; songs such as “Don, Let The Take Your Joy,” “You Bring The Sunshine,” “This Is Gonna Hurt,” and “Kiss Me Like You Miss Me” are now part of Keller’s body of work.

Keller has learned his craft well. Every Soul’s A Star is another fine release and is well worth a listen.