by Jane Lambert

Shane Heilman’s Latest Release “Psalm 51 (Forgive Me)” Takes the Worship World by Storm – Listen Now!

With over 45,000 YouTube subscribers, and more than 32,000 monthly Spotify streams, singer-songwriter Shane Hellman has a wide reaching and fast growing International audience.

His latest release, “Psalm 51 (Forgive me)” forms part of The Psalms Project; an ambitious project to set all 150 Psalms to music.

Each album release from The Psalms Project shows Heilman’s adeptness at bringing together contemporary melodies with ageless Psalms, captivating audiences worldwide.

Collaborations with renowned musicians and producers coupled with a firm commitment to keeping the essence of the ancient texts within a modern composition, have really solidified this project’s standing in worship music.

“Psalm 51 (Forgive Me)” draws inspiration from King David’s plea of forgiveness. Through introspective lyrics and emotive melodies, this song offers a poignant respite and exploration of human frailty and redemption. And it tackles a difficult and deep topic.

Shane shares:

“As you probably know, it was written by David after committing adultery with Bathsheba and trying to cover it up by having her husband killed in battle.

I was hesitant to even try to write a song that captured all of Psalm 51 with music.

Charles Spurgeon, the famous preacher, even put off writing a commentary on Psalm 51 for weeks because he felt no words could to it justice!

He said, “Such a psalm may be wept over, absorbed into the soul…but commented on – ah! where is he who having attempted it can do other than blush at his defeat?”

Yet, I’m happy to report, I did write, compose, and record a song (with some friends of mine) for all of Psalm 51!

I think it’s one of the best songs we’ve ever done.”

This soothing and beautiful rendition of Psalms 51 set to music is not only inspiring, but really demonstrates the transformative potential of music and faith. The very talented singer, Trot Lifto, provides exquisite vocals, with haunting piano chords and soaring strings.

This song captures a sensitive treatment of what is a complex Psalm and subject matter, with simple melodies and accompaniment to create a very beautiful Psalm rendition.

As the Psalms Projects drums up increasing popularity, Shane’s continues to have a steadfast commitment to translating all 150 Psalms to music, bringing universal themes of hope, forgiveness, and Divine love to the fore.

The Psalms Project is led by singer/songwriter/producer Shane Heilman, and includes the collaboration of more than 70 accomplished musicians, including Grammy nominees Phil Keaggy and Jeff Duo to name just a few.

Psalm 51 features singer Trot Lifto.

Follow The Psalms Project Now Online:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube

02.15.24

by Jane Lambert

Jason Vitelli Transcends Genres with his Mesmerizing “1. Ambient Corridors” Album Release.

Brooklyn-based composer, artist, and instrumentalist Jason Vitelli released his new album “1. Ambient Corridors” earlier this year.

The album serves as an inaugural instrumental collection, a series of projects planned by Vitelli, and highlights a return to his compositional roots. His dedication to exploring nuances of instrumental music comes to the fore here where Vitelli vividly experiments with various music styles and elements.

All 12 tracks on this album show genuine musical skill as well as fine talent in sound design and orchestration, creating an overall impressionistic sound.

Earlier single releases from the album, such as “Exit Love Story” and “Night Falls”, exemplify Vitelli’s ability to craft emotive melodies while experimenting with various musical styles and elements, songs which he coins “vignettes” in that they are short and highly illustrative.

While the ambient genre usually conjures up the idea of a quiet and chilled-out musical backdrop, Vitelli takes the genre and molds it with his unique instrumentation and chamber orchestra, creating a more avant-garde sound that could be likened to 20th-century composer Olivier Messiaen delicately mixed with the experimental rock of Bowie and Kate Bush.

There is a newness, a freshness as well as an ode to the “modern” music style of the past, as Vitelli breathes new life into these pieces.

The piano counterpoint in “Lost and Found” is inspired by Bach, for example, while “The Veil” contains richer textures, deep cello melodies, and rhythmic percussion. “Snazzy Cats” brings together gentle jazz piano and cinematic elements with curious pop-style lines and an overall lounge aesthetic.

All of these tracks on the album captivate the listener with quirky and sometimes surprising sounds, adding to the experience.

“1. Ambient Corridors” is a rich collection of instrumentals that Vitelli has been cultivating for over two decades. These pieces all originated from a variety of multimedia projects, including short films, modern ballet productions, and documentaries. Recognizing the abundance of material he had amassed, Jason decided to categorize them based on mood and release each as a playlist in a series of albums. This is why there is a numerical prefix in the album’s title to signify the plan to reveal more playlists in the future.

Some instrumental vignettes were composed with a plan to match specific video cues, while others were to be transformed into fully developed pieces. While Jason handles most of the recording and sampling himself, additional depth was added with session musicians on viola and cello.

Finally, the mastering expertise of audiophile Barry Diament brings the finishing touches, ensuring a cohesive sound through leveling and subtle EQ adjustments.

Listen to “1. Ambient Corridors” on Spotify.

Stay up to date with Jason Vitelli on his Website and social media Facebook and Instagram.

Stream music on YouTube and Spotify.

01.19.24

by Jane Lambert

Heidi Vincent’s “Dear ADHD”: A Heartfelt Pop-Country Anthem Breaking Barriers and Connecting Hearts

Singer-songwriter Heidi Vincent is making a poignant return to music, armed with newfound clarity about her identity and direction.

After dedicating several years to raising her remarkable daughter, exploring healthy love, and undergoing a phoenix-like self-evolution following a later in life ADHD diagnosis, Heidi steps back into the music scene with a series of singles. The opening track, “Dear ADHD,” reflects her vulnerability and uplifts as she embraces a newfound power.

Heidi is based in Vancouver, BC, and embodies a unique storytelling talent that delves into the depth of emotions, identity and transformative life moments. Her musical aesthetic seamlessly fuses earthiness with elegance, as she eloquently describes herself as “bare feet in the dirt, but can still hang with the judges.”

Blending elements of indie, pop, rock, folk, and country, Heidi’s songs feature personal, playful, and relatable lyrics that resonate with listeners.

In her pop-country anthem, “Dear ADHD,” Heidi fearlessly challenges and dismantles the stigma surrounding life with ADHD. She underscores the profound ability of art, music, and self-expression to unite hearts, describing the song as a genuine expression from her heart to the listener’s:

“The amazing thing about art, music, expression is that it connects our hearts; this song is from my heart to yours!”

Vincent’s life journey has been profoundly influenced by a complex upbringing, raised by “Greatest Generation” patriarchal grandparents and “Silent Generation” matriarchal grandparents. A strained relationship with her mother, who passed away suddenly at 42, adds layers of complexity to her narrative.

Reflecting on her mother’s challenges in understanding her ADHD, Heidi says, “I know my mother fiercely loved me, but I know she had challenges with parts of who I was because she didn’t understand my ADHD.”

Having previously released two full-length albums, Vincent’s active presence in the Canadian and North American music scene includes features on television, terrestrial and satellite radio, and placements in films and TV programs. Her latest single, “Dear ADHD,” has garnered critical acclaim, secured curated playlist spots, and earned airplay on satellite and international terrestrial radio.

Following “Dear ADHD,” Heidi will release two more singles, including the country ballad “What Love Can Do” and the playful “Criminal.”

Keep up to date with Heidi Vincent on her Website, and social media channels Facebook and Instagram.

Stream music on Spotify and YouTube.

01.13.24

by Jane Lambert

Video Voyageur: 3Q’s with Connie Lansberg

Connie Lansberg has created a world where jazz meets storytelling, and energy healing finds its voice through music. She’s the creator of Transformational Entertainment™, a genre that’s as intriguing as it sounds.

An accomplished jazz artist, songwriter, and author, Connie’s work is a harmonious blend of wellness and artistry, wrapped up in songs that resonate on multiple levels. And she is one of the most streamed Jazz artists in her home country – Australia.

With a career that spans multiple albums and even a novel, Connie has become a fixture in the Australian jazz scene. Known for her poetic lyrics and elegantly expressive melodies, Connie Lansberg has a knack for capturing the complexities of human emotion in 4-minute musical soliloquies. Today, we delve into the creative process and inspiration behind her latest video, exploring how it adds yet another layer to her already rich tapestry of work.

1. Tell us the story of “Deep End of Love”; why did you choose to visualize it specifically in this way?

“Deep End of Love” with all its gravitas in the music is a little tongue-in-cheek look at the games we play in the name of love and how refreshing it would be to just take the leap without our baggage, our wounds, and our pain. I have a live video of this song, but it seemed too safe. My music is not safe because it isn’t because it is always its own thing and not readily easy to place in a genre. So I searched and found a great lyric video creator and sent him as many images as I could because, at that time, I didn’t know he could draw and I wanted to suggest a certain darkness.

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

The song asks the question, do you think it’s possible to give your heart to another fully without fear? So the heroine had to represent the question. I wanted to see her grapple with it and then triumph.

3. What was the process of making this video? (and anything else you want to tell us?)

When I choose another creator to work with I always let them show me what they’ve got first, without too much direction after the initial brief. However, when I realised, most jazz-based songs don’t have lyric videos because of all the improv, and “Deep End of Love” has two improv sections, middle and end of the song, I knew I had to jump in a little more than normal. I pushed this guy to his limit! We crafted the two improv sections and I asked him to draw and then animate this woman and I was thrilled with the results. She has such a strong nobble face, not like the prettiness you see in Western world women. I do have a confession in that I did recut the video to get that impact at the end, but I think I got the very best out of this guy. He’s done a few more for me that are really good too. I love the freedom of lyric videos as well as the fact that for me, the lyrics are so important. Lyrics are my true gift and so many people pay no attention to them. For me, if you don’t listen to my lyrics, you’re missing the point.

Whether she’s penning a novel or crafting a jazz tune, Connie’s belief that we create our own reality shines through. Her songs are not just melodic expressions but also vehicles for energy healing and wellness. As we await her next project, one thing is certain: Connie will continue to challenge, inspire, and transform us, one note and one word at a time.

WATCH “Deep End of Love” here –

Stay current with Connie on her Website and social media channels Facebook and Instagram.

Stream music on Spotify and YouTube.

12.12.23

by Jane Lambert

George Collins’ “My Wish For You”: A Timeless Musical Wish for Every Parent.

George Collins takes listeners on a poignant and personal journey with his soul-stirring song, “My Wish For You.” Born out of a profound life moment, this heartfelt composition tells a narrative that transcends the boundaries of time and emotion.

The origin of the song dates back to a hot August day in 2012 when Collins, a late-blooming father at 50, was walking home from the hospital after witnessing the birth of his daughter. Overwhelmed by the emotions of that transformative experience, Collins received what he describes as a “download.”

The chorus of “My Wish For You” arrived almost fully formed, compelling him to capture the moment in a notebook, tears streaming down his face.

A decade later, Collins revisits those heartfelt lines as he writes songs for the “Songs for Grown-ups” EP. Inspired by the scenario of a father cuddling his newborn daughter and expressing hopes for her life, the song takes shape as a timeless piece of musical storytelling.

The chorus, with its recurring “May you…” and the resonant hook, “That is my wish for you,” becomes the emotional anchor of the song. Drawing inspiration from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wisdom in “Letter to His Daughter,” Collins crafts a poetic list of wishes, distilling it down to the ten that find a home in the final lyrics:

“I pulled out my notebook and jotted down the lines – I still have that paper to this day (but then again, I never throw away anything – much to my wife’s annoyance!). I was sitting on a stone wall around the corner from the hospital, tears streaming down my face as I scribbled as fast as I could – attracting numerous stares from passers-by, but I didn’t care.”

Collins’s meticulous attention to emotional impact, rhythm, and singability results in a composition that tugs at the heartstrings. The connection between the lyrics and personal moments, such as Collins cuddling his newborn daughter and singing Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely,” adds a layer of authenticity and relatability.

“My Wish For You” transcends a conventional song; it becomes a vessel for the universal hopes and dreams of a parent for their child. Collins’s journey from a finance career to becoming a full-time dad and embracing creative pursuits is mirrored in the song’s narrative, making it a tribute to the enduring power of life experiences and artistic inspiration.

As the lyrics unfold, listeners are invited into a world where wishes are crafted with care, where the profound and the mundane converge, and where a father’s love becomes an everlasting melody. “My Wish For You” is more than a song; it’s a heartfelt wish encapsulated in music, resonating with anyone who has felt the depth of a parent’s love and the boundless hope for a child’s future.

George Collins has crafted not just a piece of music but a timeless expression of love and aspiration that lingers in the soul.

Listen to “My Wish for You” on Spotify.

Keep up to date with George Collins Band on his website, and social media channels Facebook and Instagram.

08.28.23

by Jane Lambert

NYC’s Eri Blossom Shares Latest Hip Hop Blend in “Breakthrough”

Eri Blossom’s latest offering, “Breakthrough,” is a captivating fusion of cultural influences, R&B and hip hop sensibilities, and poignant lyricism that culminate in a track of remarkable depth and resonance.

Inspired by the Academy Awards incident involving Will Smith, Eri Blossom navigates the complex waters of cultural expectations and gender roles, specifically within the backdrop of Japanese society. The track’s introductory notes unveil a soundscape that seamlessly melds traditional R&B grooves, contemporary hip-hop elements, and traditional Japanese instrumentation. The result is a sonic tapestry that defies boundaries, reflecting Eri’s duality as an artist shaped by both her Japanese heritage and American upbringing. As the song unfolds, her bilingual delivery further enriches the narrative, allowing listeners to traverse between languages as she eloquently articulates her message.

Eri Blossom’s ability to encapsulate profound emotions in her music is undeniable. “Breakthrough” delves into the struggle against deeply rooted traditions, particularly those that undermine the agency and potential of women. With heartfelt honesty, Eri unveils the stark contrasts between outdated societal norms and the modern aspirations of women, a theme that resonates far beyond cultural confines.

Her background steeped in both Japanese and American culture is a driving force behind the track’s authenticity. Drawing on influences ranging from R&B legends like Chaka Khan to contemporary hip-hop icons, Eri effortlessly weaves together an intricate musical fabric that transcends genres. Her journey from Japan to New York City and subsequent exploration of jazz and other genres add layers of complexity to her artistry, evident in the multifaceted layers of “Breakthrough.”

“Breakthrough” not only marks a personal triumph for Eri Blossom but also stands as a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural barriers. By blending languages, genres, and perspectives, she creates a musical experience that speaks to the universal struggle for empowerment and self-expression. As the world continues to evolve, artists like Eri Blossom play a vital role in reshaping narratives and fostering a global dialogue. Through “Breakthrough,” she not only delivers a mesmerizing track but also ignites a conversation that reaches far beyond the notes and rhythms.

Connect with Eri Blossom via:
Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Spotify