by Jane Lambert

Laura Baron’s “Beauty in the Broken” is a Mesmerizing Meditation on Vulnerability and Hope

In a world where music often feels crafted to fit industry molds, chasing trends or filling a commercial void, Laura Baron’s new album Beauty in the Broken stands out for its authenticity and artistic intuition.

Her songs don’t follow any pre-set formulas or calculated gimmicks but, instead, they flow with a natural grace, shaped by genuine emotion and life’s unpredictability.

Listen in here:

Guided by the rhythms of experience, each track feels like a reflection of a specific moment.

From the uplifting energy of “Walking on Water” to the quiet introspection of the title track, Baron lets the music lead her and allows for an organic exploration of joy, heartbreak, and healing.

It’s this sense of freedom – this refusal to cater to anything but the soul of the song – that makes Beauty in the Broken such a compelling listen. Baron’s warm and dynamic vocals have the ability to glide over the upbeat instrumentation.

In the title track, “Beauty In The Broken”, the song marries delicate acoustic guitar and tender strings, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and expansive. The poeticism in the lyrics conveying a profound sense of healing and acceptance, reminding us of the grace that can emerge from even the most challenging experiences.

Then there’s “Misfits and Renegades,” a celebratory track that pulses with energy and infectious optimism. Blending folk and blues, the song’s vibrant piano lines and vocal harmonies create an empowering narrative about embracing individuality and defying expectations.

Baron also brings a touch of romance and intimacy with “Enchanté,” a lush and atmospheric track that blends folk and jazz in a way that recalls the emotional complexity of early Nick Drake. The song’s soft, tender melodies underscored by rich guitar work and a dreamy vibe that transports you into the world of quiet longing and connection.

Perhaps most surprising is her re-imagining of the 1931 classic “Dream a Little Dream.” With its gentle, stripped-down arrangement, Baron gives the song a new life, elevating it with intricate guitar work and lush vocal harmonies. It’s a beautiful moment on the album, showing an ability to take something familiar and turn it into something completely her own.

Produced with precision by Marco Delmar, the sound is lush and inticate without being over produced.

With the title to guide us, we are swept up in the flow of the album. The great thing about music like this is that the listener can allow the music to conjure our own thoughts, allowing enough space to take its own unique message and arrive at its own conclusions about life.

As an artist, Laura Baron has always been known for her ability to connect deeply with her audience, and Beauty in the Broken is no exception.

A longtime fixture of the DMV music scene, Baron has earned accolades for her work, including multiple Wammie Awards for her previous album, Heart of the Great Unknown.

But wiith Beauty in the Broken, she builds on this legacy even more and delivers a collection of songs that feel timeless in their emotional honesty and artistic integrity.

Keep up to date with Laura Baron here:

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Soundcloud / YouTube Music

11.19.24

by Jane Lambert

Blonde & Grey’s New Album Release “Drifting Through The Universe” – A Journey Across Decades and Emotions

Blonde & Grey’s latest album release “Drifting Through The Universe” is a thoughtful, immersive dive into classic rock-inspired melodies layered with a contemporary edge.

Kathy Olsen and Neil Friend have created something special here – this is a record that feels as though it’s been lovingly pieced together from the past while gazing firmly toward the future.

The lead single, “All The Time,” is the perfect opener, with Olsen’s soulful vocals and Friend’s effortlessly smooth guitar work creating a sound that is comforting and fresh. It’s a song that sticks with you, warm and melodic, like it’s been waiting on your favorite playlist.

Listen in here:

Friend says about the song:

“I started looping a beat and then record 20-30 seconds of some music on top of that and then toss on some lyrics without spending time worrying about what was coming out – just record it! I took 10 of these and asked the Blonde & Grey community which they like best and this one won.

I used the initial lyrics as the chorus – “All the Time Wondering how it’s gonna be…” I later added verses and a bridge.

I suppose the thinking is we are always wondering what’s to happen next, based on what/who we’re following, decisions we make, where we’ve gone. And it’s an endless process.“

The rest of the album unfolds like a story as it moves through tender reflections and lighter, playful moments.

“Since I Got You” has a breezy sweetness, while “Let’s Jangle” lives up to its name, full of charm and bright energy. Olsen’s flute dances through the arrangements, adding a magical, almost whimsical quality to the songs. It’s a touch that sets them apart and reminds you of the days when rock was unafraid to experiment.

This album feels like a leap forward from their previous release, Face the Music. There’s a stronger sense of identity here, as though Blonde & Grey have really leaned into what makes them unique.

Tracks like “Mud Mills Road” and “Gracie’s Grace” from their earlier work hinted at their potential, but Drifting Through The Universe delivers on it, with a sound that is both cohesive and diverse.

Blonde & Grey have always been about connection, and you can feel that here. Not just in the songs, but in the spirit of the album. They’ve built a reputation as incredible live performers, whether that is in small, cozy venues or online streams, and that authenticity translates beautifully into this record.

About Blonde & Grey

Blonde & Grey, the dynamic duo of Neil Friend and Kathy Olsen, are a true example of the enduring power of music to bridge time, generations, and genres.

Based in Danbury, Connecticut, the duo bring together their unique musical backgrounds into a sound that’s as heartfelt as it is versatile.

Neil Friend, singer-songwriter and guitarist, brings decades of experience from playing in New York’s iconic CBGB scene to crafting songs that traverse decades. His partner, Kathy Olsen, adds a touch of elegance with her virtuosic flute playing and radiant harmonies and draws on her classical training and years as a music educator.

Together, they have cultivated a style that is equal parts folk, rock, and modern pop, infused with nostalgia and innovation in equal measure.

If you’re a fan of Fleetwood Mac, The Moody Blues, or just music that feels honest and deeply human, then their new album “Drifting Through The Universe” deserves your time.

Keep up to date with Blonde & Grey on their Website.

Listen to “Drifting Through The Universe” here.

Stream music on Spotify and Soundcloud.

11.15.24

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’s with JASON SINAY

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Jason Sinay is a name that carries weight in the music world, not just for his collaborations with icons like Keith Richards, Neil Young, and Lucinda Williams, but for his long-standing role as a member of Heartbreaker Mike Campbell’s band, the Dirty Knobs.

Now, stepping into the spotlight with his solo career, Sinay is carving a new path defined by raw masterful and original songwriting, and a deep connection to his musical roots.

At the heart of this next chapter is “High Plains Drifter,” the lead single from his upcoming double album, “The Mountain“ due to be released at the beginning of 2025.

Inspired by Clint Eastwood’s iconic Western of the same name, the song blends cosmic country-rock with introspective storytelling, painting a vivid picture of self-reckoning. Its jangly guitars and atmospheric grooves capture the timeless spirit of the Old West while reflecting Sinay’s personal journey of confronting inner demons and embracing the complexity of human nature.

In this exclusive interview, Sinay opens up about the inspiration behind the official music video to “High Plains Drifter”:

1. Tell us the story of this song. Why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?

“High Plains Drifter” centers on an ominous character — “Born to be a liar/ Born to be a liar/ Like me” — who turns out to be the man in the mirror.

The song is about coming to terms with my own sense of good and evil within myself. I never wanted to look at evil in my life. I always was like, That doesn’t exist. That can’t be true. People aren’t that bad.

And then I realized, Well, sometimes, I’m not that bad.

The song is named after Clint Eastwood’s 1973 Western High Plains Drifter — one of my favorite films ever made!

2. What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?

We approached legendary music video director Woody Ford, who brings fun and compelling imagery to his work. We all are fans of the silent Western/Comedy films of the early 1900’s and thought those masterpiece’s could be a great resource to tell the story of the onimous characters of the old West, outlined in the song. I am thrilled with the results.

3. What was the process of making this video?

Woody and his team spent over 40 hours viewing classic silent films, most over 100 years old, that he could repurpose to bring the storyline to life. I was blown away with the wealth of great footage they uncovered.

It was amazing how Woody used the lyrics, throughout the video, and kept the integrity of these classic films by making the video in the style of a silent film. He did use some modern AI technology, to incorporate me as one of the characters in the video … see if you can locate my cameo?

Keep up to date with Jason Sinay on his Website.

Stream music on Spotify and YouTube.

10.29.24

by Jane Lambert

Stephen Jaymes’s New Single “The Evidence Against Her” Speaks to the Psyche of Today

Stephen Jaymes continues to impress with his mysterious new single, “The Evidence Against Her“, a thought provoking exploration of inner turmoil and spiritual conflict.

In this brand new single, Jaymes goes deep into the murky and mysterious waters of Jungian psychology, exploring the relationship between a man and his anima – the feminine aspect of his psyche who seems to have turned against him.

The track has an eerie ambience with its stormy instrumentals which build tension, and the inclusion of a chorus without words adds to this overall atmosphere. The listener is drawn into the depths of both dread, impending doom, and beauty.

Listen in here:

While Jaymes is building a name for himself with his unique blend of punk and new wave, you also find some folk influences all of which work together to create something entirely unique.

The other thing about Jaymes’s songs is that the lyrics actually mean something. Something beyond the usual theme of the day, something that goes deeper and speaks to the psyche of the modern day. The uncertainty, the turmoil, the darker side of things if you like.

“The Evidence Against Her” takes a long and hard look at the importance of maintaining a sense of harmony with one’s spiritual muse, or could you say “higher self”, in the midst of so much adversity. These factors combine to make his music something memorable.

“The evidence against her, laps at the window and doors, Every day there’s more of it, It’s pooling up through the floors, And suddenly I’m drifting, On a sea so vast, No wind and no sail, No way to make love last. But I refuse to dive in. Though it says it will save my soul. I know the evidence against her. Hides a deadly undertow. Is it better to be rescued. Or to drown in sight of land. When to see you captured. Is the fate that she had planned?”

The accompanying music video takes these themes further, portraying Jaymes as a figure adrift at sea who is grappling with his internal struggles. A striking visual presence, complete with curly mohawk, reinforces the song’s message.

The Evidence Against Her not only marks a significant addition to Jaymes’s growing discography but also serves as a sort of thematic companion to his earlier single “Chief Inspector“. Both songs delve into Jungian concepts, reflecting on the battles between the self and the unconscious.

But this song is also an eerie reminder that, whether we are aware of it or not, we are all able to explore how we have reached this new world we are in.

Listen to “The Evidence Against Her” on Spotify now!

Keep up to date with Stephen Jaymes:

Website // Facebook // Instagram // Spotify // Soundcloud // Apple Music // YouTube Music

10.24.24

by Jane Lambert

Eyes of the Stars Debuts Gary Pickus’s Vibrant Call for Unity with “The World Will Unite”

In a time when the world seems more divided than ever, Gary Pickus’s project, Eyes of the Stars, debuts a radiant anthem of hope and unity with his latest single “The World Will Unite.”

The track is an infectious blend of reggae, pop, and R&B, and it carries with it a unified message – to remind listeners that, despite all of our differences, music has the power to bring us together.

“The World Will Unite” has a bright, optimistic energy and a toe-tapping rhythm. Pickus’s long-held belief that joy and music are the antidotes to division is shown well here. It’s a melody that sticks in your head and a message that sticks in your heart.

Listen here:

Pickus’s vocals are smooth and passionate with the call for global togetherness. The chorus – soaring and anthemic – paints a picture of a future where differences can be celebrated, and where humanity can find common ground in love, joy, and faith.

“The World Will Unite” also shines in its production. Pickus incorporates reggae’s laid-back rhythms, pop’s bright melodies, and the smooth, soulful textures of R&B. It’s the kind of song that transcends borders, much like the message it conveys.

“The inability to walk in another person’s shoes is a disability,” Pickus declares, challenging listeners to step into someone else’s world.

What sets “The World Will Unite” apart though is its balance between being a fun, energetic track and something deeply meaningful. It’s music that feels good, but is also inspiring.

And in a time when the world feels so fractured, that’s exactly the kind of song we all need.

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Gary Pickus stands out as a versatile and seasoned music professional with a career spanning multiple decades, marked by notable achievements across composing, arranging, producing, musical directing, and performing.

His work has reached global audiences through his gold record, contributions to 20 albums, as well as the creation of 2 network TV themes.

He has also developed a 4-CD children’s educational series and performed thousands of live shows on keyboards, with hundreds of his compositions placed in various media.

Pickus’ extensive career has taken him through key musical hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville, and his international projects reflect a deep understanding of world music influences. His commitment to creating music that serves a higher purpose is encapsulated in his mantra, “There is nothing more entertaining than saving lives,” which emphasizes the power of music to bring about positive change.

Throughout his career, he has worked alongside legendary figures like Alan and Robin Thicke, Dionne Warwick, Diane Warren, and Dasha, collaborating with many other industry creatives who have gained recognition supporting major stars.

Connect with Gary Pickus and Eyes of the Stars on the Website

Listen to “The World Will Unite” on Spotify!

10.24.24

by Jane Lambert

Faint Halos Shines Bright in New Album Release “I can see a million lights”

Faint Halos latest offering, “I can see a million lights“, marks a transformative chapter for singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Paul Hashemi.

This album is a striking blend of folk, rock, and experimental sounds, which also maintains a deeply personal narrative throughout all of its ten tracks.

Opening with “The Miracle Comes,” listeners are greeted with an uplifting vibe straight away. Hashemi’s voice shine against a backdrop of rhythmic drumming and bright instrumentation, setting a hopeful tone that carries through the album.

In contrast, “Last Scenes of the Resistance” explores darker themes of sacrifice and the weight of leaving loved ones behind for a cause. Hashemi narrates the story of a resistance fighter, reminding us of the personal stakes involved in the fight for freedom. The lyrical depth here manages to show how Hashemi brings intricate, poignant stories into his music.

One of the standout tracks, “Something To Lose,” re-imagines a previous rock hit as a delicate acoustic piece.

Stripped away of its original electric energy, the song allows the raw vulnerability to take center stage, particularly in the tender harmonies with Paul Hashemi’s daughter, Cate. Their collaboration adds an intimate layer, transforming it into an exploration of familial bonds and shared experiences.

The use of unconventional instruments, like a re-purposed sofa as a kick drum, shows Hashemi’s creativity and ability to find artistry in the everyday.

“Skyline Hill” is another highlight that captures the essence of nostalgia with its minimalist guitar work and evocative lyrics. Hashemi paints a vivid picture of Philadelphia. The delicate eBow guitar lines create an atmosphere that evokes a warm summer night, while the sparse arrangement allows the listener to immerse themselves in the emotional landscape. Here, Hashemi explores themes of belonging and the transient nature of life, emphasizing how our sense of home is shaped by both the familiar as well as more fleeting moments.

The energy shifts dramatically with “Disaster,” where gentle guitar arpeggios gradually build into an emotional crescendo. This track reflects internal conflict, with Hashemi’s unfiltered delivery bringing raw honesty to lines like, “I’m losing grip, it’s getting hard to stay intact.”

The juxtaposition of softness and intensity shows his remarkable ability to convey the complexities of human emotion.

Another reflective moment arrives in “Wasted on Youth,” a ballad that poignantly captures the bittersweet passage of time. The soaring chorus intertwines themes of regret with hope, embodying the struggle of reconciling youthful choices with the wisdom gained over the years. This theme of looking back while moving forward threads throughout the album.

Paul says about the album:

“I can see a million lights” (encapsulates one of its) major themes – reflection on choices made, promises kept, and promises broken in life. For Gen Xers like me, one of the most important values has always been authenticity. Our society today makes it harder than ever to stay authentic, and I think for anybody, as you get older you look back and see things you could have done differently, things that might have been.”

“I can see a million lights” is a beautifully crafted album that feels both intimate and expansive. Hashemi’s innovative approach to instrumentation, combined with emotive lyrics and storytelling, makes it a rewarding listen.

And with more than 100,000 Spotify streams of the singles combined from this album, “I can see a million lights” is sure to be a standout release of 2024 in music.

Keep up to date with Faint Halos:

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Soundcloud / YouTube Music