Brooklyn based CRAIG GREENBERG’s new album, “The Grand Loss & Legacy” is out now. The buzz-worthy singer-songwriter has been hailed as the modern day “Troubadour piano man,” which is showcased on his newest release.The Grand Loss & Legacy, features Greenberg on an array of instruments from piano, keyboards (organ, Fender Rhodes, farfisa, synthesizers), to acoustic and electric guitars, percussion and vocals. The songs the record touches upon includes many themes ranging from freedom, love, obsession, self-doubt, the creative process, the hardships of being in the music industry, parent/child relationships, the hollowness of pop stardom, religious beliefs and more. Dancing the line of roots to soul, and rock to indie, Craig Greenberg is reminiscent of piano songwriter greats such as Ben Folds, Billy Joel, and Leon Russell, with an updated twist. Greenberg manages to create a sound that is both familiar and unique, to create a record that is very alluring to the ears.
The Grand Loss & Legacy features his latest single, “That Girl is Wrong for You,” which has been garnering the praise of fans and critics alike. Among the standout tracks on the record is “I Hope You Understand,” which touches upon Greenberg’s relationship with his dad (wondering if he’d ever get this crazy musician’s life he’s chosen). Another piece that hits close to home is “All the Pretty Things,” which is about the process of mining personal experience, and his psyche in the service of writing songs; how it can be a dark place to try to navigate.

Greenberg recently shared some insight into the inspiration behind the record:

“I lost my mom last year, while I was finishing up the record, and while it’s been a very difficult time, I was fortunate a short while after she passed, in reflecting on her life and looking for the positive, to realize the parts of who she was that are in me (some that may have been more latent than others) and that I now feel obliged to embrace and carry forward with me in my life, hence the “legacy.” I liked having the word “Grand” in there as well for several reasons. First my mom was larger than life in some ways, and I thought the classic use (from the 1920’s) of the word applied to how she lived. Also, I live off of Grand Street in Brooklyn, and made the record very close by.

I wanted this record to be more raw and closer to how my band sounds live, and I also wanted it to have a larger dynamic range than my last record.  I think we captured that live energy, with just a bit of polish added to it.  I was far more of a perfectionist on my last record, and this one just sounds more natural and flows better.  It’s definitely a solid grouping of songs that I think will hold up over time.  To me, it really sounds likes an album, with the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.”

The album was recorded at Galuminum Foil Studios in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with producer/engineer Chris Cubeta. The basic tracks started as a 3 piece – piano (or guitar), bass and drums, with additional overdubbed guitar, vocals, percussion, cello, and keyboards, added in after.  With the help of Chris Kelly on bass, Kirin McElwain on cello, Zach Jones and Scott Tofte on drums, alongside Greenberg, Cubeta, and Patrick Brennan on guitars, The Grand Loss & Legacy was brought to life.

Craig Greenberg “That Girl is Wrong for You”
https://soundcloud.com/craiggreenberg/02-that-girl-is-wrong-for-you

R.I.Y.L.: Ryan Adams, Josh Ritter, Jason Isbell, David Gray Paul Simon

Chicago-based Nick Shaheen is breaking new ground with his latest single, “Flashbulbs,” from his stunning album, Sauvignon, out now. His second full-length release to date, Shaheen brings to the forefront a stunning mixture of modern Americana sound and incredibly strong songwriting. This breathtaking piece is just one of the highlights you will find on Sauvignon.

“I was in the kitchen cooking dinner. I remember I was chopping up potatoes when this violent vision completely overtook me. Everything was so vivid. I had a full-on panic attack right there,” shares Shaheen. Two weeks later the vision still haunted him. “I couldn’t hold a knife for weeks; ‘What the hell was that? How could you even think that? You’re going crazy.’ I read all about it online, like I’m a psychiatrist trying to diagnose myself and find the cure all at once. I found these message boards for intrusive thoughts where people were dealing with stuff like this for years. It made me more nervous, but at the same time gave me hope. After I had some time to reflect, I started to write down the scene as it came to me and a song started to take shape. The idea was to lay it all out and triumph over it.”

A hypnotic yet chaotic rhythm section and the battle of menacing electric guitar versus victorious Dobro are joined by Shaheen’s captivating vocals, which provide a powerful listening experience from start to finish. “Flashbulbs” is just a slight taste of the musical journey that Sauvignon takes listeners on.

Listen: Nick Shaheen “Flashbulbs”
https://soundcloud.com/nickshaheenmusic/flashbulbs

Little Shells is an up-and-coming act that hails from Brooklyn. A lovely take on orchestral indie pop, Little Shells, the moniker of Conchita Campos , draws you in with her latest single, “Ill Remain,” from her new album, 5 Deep Under, out now.

A perfect introduction to the songstress, 5 Deep Under proves that she is not just another run-of-the-mill singer-songwriter.  Her knack for writing songs that are both heartfelt and enticing is quite a talent all on its own. Her third release under the Little Shells name, she calls upon the help of local New York musicians to carry out her vision. Clocking in with 9 songs, each piece on the album is heaven sent and filled with surprises. The first song on the record is “Another Night,” which in vocals reminds me a bit of Jenny Lewis (at her best), and the instrumentation of Sufjan Stevens. Immediately this record has won me over. Every track is somehow more gorgeous than the next. Campo’s voice is lively and sad at the same time, which in my opinion is the perfect combination.

Another standout song to me on the record is “Lola’s Song,” which is so beautiful in every way possible. It also reminds me a little bit of Cat Power. Her piano playing is stunning and intricate, and works hand in hand with her echoing and prominent voice. “When They’re Gone,” another glowing piece on the album, is beyond charming. The sadness is Campo’s  vocals, which I assume is intentional, really works for her. I literally have chills down my spine as I listen to these songs; laced with strings, horns and subtle elements that mean a lot. If Little Shells doesn’t become a household name by the end of 2015, I would be extremely surprised. From start to finish 5 Deep Under is utterly, and truly the definition of perfection.

“Ill Remain” via Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/littleshells/ill-remain

Kevin Jenkins kicks off our Wednesday with a charming release of ‘Til the Story’s Told, a nice collection of Americana and Blues infused tracks, which is officially out on June 9^th (True Groove Records). Jenkins is no stranger to the musical world, has been a seasoned musician for going on 40 years. He’s played everywhere from Tokyo’s Budokan, to London’s Albert Hall, to New York’s Madison Square Garden. A professional bassist, he has shared the bill with the best from The Police, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, BB King and Joe Cocker. An impressive resume to say the least!

‘Til the Story’s Told is the second official solo release by Kevin Jenkins, and it delves deeper into his psyche. The tales of the loss of a parent, new beginnings, and new life, are perceived throughout the record, making listeners not only take notice of his musical performance, but of his lyrical abilities as well.

The first single from the record, “Janie’s Silver Lining,” is a fantastic piece that is a brilliant introduction to the record, and Jenkins himself for new listeners. 9-tracks are displayed throughout the album, and cover a wide range of grounds and genres. From the blissful cover of Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit of the Sky,” which does the classic song justice and then some, Jenkins showcases his talent throughout the entire record. His voice has a vibrant consistency which flows flawlessly on the album.

Another song that caught my attention is “King of Everything,” which is one of the smoothest songs I have heard in quite a while. Jenkin’s voice is stellar on this track in particular, and it really is a nice addition to the album. “Country Line” is also another song that stands out to me, as I found it to be extremely captivating.  Kevin Jenkin’s ‘Til the Story’s Told, is a phenomenal record that will stand the test of time. Open your ears and listen…

Kevin Jenkin’s”Janie’s Silver Lining” at Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jenkzy56/03-janies-silver-lining-1

Watch: Buffalo Rodeo’s New Video for “Blue Sky”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhx6sIW8WOc

Bowling Green, Kentucky’s Buffalo Rodeo, have just released their trippy new video for the buzzworthy single, “Blue Sky,” via The Vinyl District. The colorful and vibrant video captures the very essence of the song. With the band performing throughout the piece, the footage proves to be captivating and enticing, just like the very song it represents.

Buffalo Rodeo, who are currently on a lengthy tour of the U.S., will be releasing the vinyl edition of their new EP, 123 Water, via Jeffery Drag Records, later this month. The album is currently out digitally. 123 Water dances a line between classical ethereal sounds reminiscent of 70’s bands like Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mac, and modern psychedelic variations like Mac DeMarco and Tame Impala. The band’s second release, the EP shows a considerable maturation from their 2013 debut, Home Videos. Buffalo Rodeo strives to combine tight rhythms and ambient melodies with expressive vocal harmonies on their newest release.

Buffalo Rodeo has worked tirelessly as an independent band securing shows at festivals such as The Big To-Do Festival, Starry Nights Music & Arts Festival, and Riot Fest, as well as booking tours in around 25 states in 2013 alone.Buffalo Rodeo is comprised of Nate Davis (guitar), Zach Preston (vocals), Ryan Gilbert (drums), Jordan Reynolds (keys, vocals), Patrick Duncan (bass) and Kevin Creambus (van).

TOUR DATES

5/5 – Rupert’s – Kalamazoo, MI

5/6 – Mac’s Bar – Lansing, MI

5/7 – PJ’s Lager House – Detroit, MI

5/8 – The Abbey – Chicago, IL

5/9 – Virginia Avenue Folk Fest – Indianapolis, IN

5/14 – Vinyl Release Show! at Spencer’s – Bowling Green, KY

5/15 – Lowertown Arts and Music Festival – Paducah, KY

5/16 – Rocky’s Graduation Celebration – Bowling Green, KY

5/19 – Georgia Theatre Rooftop – Athens, GA

6/4 – The New Vintage – Louisville KY

6/5- Best Friend Bar – Lexington, KY

6/7 -Tiball’s – Bowling Green, KY

Straight out of Brooklyn, New York, meet The Leeway. Fronted by Portugal-born musician, Pedro Barquinha, the group takes us on a picturesque musical ride with the new video for “If Only.” Featuring Pedro on vocals and piano, he takes the spotlight to perform solo for the group’s first installment of “The Bunker Sessions.” Filmed at Bunker Studio in Brooklyn, Barquinha takes the performance to a whole new level, adding an intimate and intricate touch on the piece. His lustful vocals speak volumes in the very touching version of the song. With inspirations ranging from Simon and Garfunkel to Punch Brothers to Sufjan Stevens, Barquinha helps create a beautiful blend of folk-infused rock, that tends to offer up instruments from banjo to mandolin, guitar and beyond.

The Leeway’s self-titled debut is out now. Watch “If Only” HERE.