Veteran Toronto singer-songwriter and 4x JUNO nomineeJulian Taylor has an upbeat and bluesy new slice of his upcoming album, Pathways (out September 27th), to share.
“Running Away” juxtaposes the weary Americana of lead single “Weighing Down” with a driving piece of blues rock which tries to outrun hurt and pain instead of facing it head on.
“All my life I’ve been a huge rural blues fan,” explains Julian. “My grandfather used to spin old blues records like Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee when I was a kid so that kind of rockabilly country blues groove lives inside me. I would say that [this] song is inspired by the blues music that came out of plantation fields.”
This song was produced by Colin Linden and the version you hear today is the first take recorded live off of the floor, capturing the electrifying spark of a rollicking and soulful full band groove.
Award-winning new wave Canadian band The Pukka Orchestra was formed in 1979 by lead vocalist/guitarist/main songwriter Graeme Williamson and vocalists/guitarists/co-songwriters Neil Chapman and Tony Duggan-Smith. Based in Toronto in the ‘80s and ‘90s, they became an important and revered contributor to the Queen Street music scene of that era.
After a two decade hiatus, The Pukka Orchestra completed a new album – Chaos Is Come Again (Pacemaker/Cadence Records, March 2024) – of updated, reworked, remixed tracks, remastered posthumously after the death of Williamson. The original tracks were made available only to friends and local fans and now, Chaos Is Come Again is widely available. Stream hereand purchasehere.
“If we don’t care about our world and those in it, then chaos has come again” is the album’s resonant theme. “Weekend (Come Alive!)”ushers it in with an intense dance groove and reckless guitar solo, combating injustice in life with positivity.
“Graeme’s words were inspired by his experience working in the sub-basement of a government building in Toronto and eagerly anticipating the upcoming weekend to have a real life for a couple of days before returning to the mundane grind. While shooting the music video, a helicopter pilot friend of ours took us up to shoot some scenes in his chopper. Thinking it would be a cool thing to do, he gave the controls over to Graeme who, not realizing how delicate the joystick was, sent it into a near death spin that Robert had to recover from. Hearts were pounding!” –Neil Chapman, The Pukka Orchestra’s vocalist and guitarist
Luella is the musical project of 20 year old Kingston/Montreal-based artist Liv Whitfield. Her soulful dream-pop sound is most notable for its catchy baselines, crisp vocals, and honest lyrics. 2022 brought the release of her debut album, Luna, produced in collaboration with her father, Zane Whitfield, at North of Princess Studio (Glorious Sons, Kathleen Edwards, Blue Stones). Luella’s sophomore album, Summer Bummer, is a testament to her final years of girlhood; bolder with a newfound confidence all while staying true to her trademark vulnerability. A fusion of earnest lyrics and warm melodies, Luella captures the bittersweet essence of fleeting summers and the complexities of first love and inevitable heartbreak.
In her new single, “Peach Ginger Tea,” Luella is comparing her past relationship to an ice cold glass of peach ginger tea. The idea always sounds lovely on a scorching hot summer afternoon, but after a couple of sips, you realize it’s never been all that sweet and this hot summer weather isn’t going to last forever.
“The lyrics draw back to a time I was dating ‘the perfect guy,” says Luella. “He was incredibly attractive, with a genuine kindness that stood out from others and yet I couldn’t shake the fact we lacked a deeper connection. It seemed as though we only loved the idea of each other. I felt terrible for admitting it, and spent a summer distracting myself with the newfound freedoms of my late teens, trying to find ways to romanticize the relationship I was unhappy in.”
New Jersey’s Marla Lewis is currently captivating listeners worldwide with her latest single, “Te Quiero a Ti.”
This mesmerizing new track, offered in both Spanish and English, showcases Marla’s exquisite bossa nova-inspired vocals, which are perfectly complemented by a rich and sophisticated arrangement.
The song features a lush ensemble of flute, piano, acoustic bass, electric guitar, drums, and backing vocals. The result is an evocative experience that captures the soul of romance, some vulnerability, and the carefree spirit of a holiday with its warm melodious embrace.
Marla has a very diverse set of influences in her music, including Ella Fitzgerald and The Beatles, and she has carved a unique path for herself bringing elements of big band, global folk music and smooth jazz together. A 25 year old tenure as an elementary school teacher ignited her passion for creating fun, educational and engaging songs for children, leading to accolades like featuring on the Grammy award winning album “All About Bullies … Big and Small” with her song “Leap of Faith.”
Transitioning into smooth jazz and American standards, Marla’s recent releases have captivated a global audience, including her latest hit “Te Quiero a Ti,” which has soared with much acclaim on indie music charts.
We caught up with Marla to discuss the music video to accompany her new single release, “Te Quiero A Ti.” The video was created by the talented Melissa Sanley.
Watch and share the Official “Te Quiero a Ti” music video:
1.Tell us the story of this song. Why did you choose to visualize it specifically in this way?
This is the story about how you feel when pure love appears in your life, when you find someone who loves you the way you are, and makes you feel as one with every step you take. One look into each other’s eyes and you can see how you have met your match.
I visualized the video with this beautiful feeling in mind, to empower this marvelous song.
2. What inspired this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?
This video shows different couples from all cultures having the same experience of deep love.
I aimed to awaken this feeling in all who watch it.
3. What was the process of making this video?
Like with any song, you need absorb yourself in it, choosing the exact image for every phrase, taking the all the time you need, and putting in all your love for the best result.
The first draft of the video had too many people of the same race and culture; it wasn’t until a friend commented on this that I revised it and made it for all the world.
“I Love LOVE” is a soulful and funky track celebrating love in all its glorious forms. A delicious collaboration with jazz-soul legend Charlie Hunter, trumpeter Cyrus Naibipoor, and drummer Reinhardt Wolfgang Melz, Rudolph delivers a song that is delighting music lovers across all genres.
“I Love LOVE” began as a poem and evolved into a glorious song in its own right when Rudolph brought it to life with her vocals. It is a vibrant mix of jazz, soul, funk, and blues, proving these genres remain.
This track builds an interesting jazz-pop identity, highlighted by a contagious rhythm. Undoubtedly, the magic of this song lies in the lyrics and the warm and sensual vocal performance, which guides us through the song. All of this is achieved without losing a playful, fun, accessible, and catchy identity, making it perfect for capturing the attention of diverse audiences.
“I Love LOVE” began as a poem, like many of my songs, but when I approached the microphone, I started to sing! Thus, a song was born. Lyrically, it is playful and sweet, but the message is profound: love, in any flavor, in any combination, should be savored and celebrated.”
Hunter’s soulful guitar adds depth, Naibipoor’s New Orleans-influenced trumpet brings unique flair, and Melz’s dynamic drumming propels the rhythm, elevating “I Love LOVE” to new heights.
Shelly Rudolph has been a beloved figure in Portland’s music scene for more than two decades now, and she is known for her dynamic live performances. Her music spans genres like jazz, soul, blues, R&B, reggae, and pop.
Her latest album, “The Way We Love,” diverges from traditional jazz, embracing a drum-less, chamber jazz style with “maverick” cellist David Darling.
Rudolph’s genre-blending style and poetic lyricism have earned her a devoted following and critical acclaim, sharing the stage with renowned artists like Tom Grant and Phil Baker of Pink Martini and has made her mark as a solo artist. Her international influence includes placements on Spotify, Pandora, and jazz radio stations across Europe, Japan, Indonesia, and the Middle East.
Deeply rooted in her community, Rudolph has received accolades such as the Professional Development Grant from RACC and has been featured in Mayor Adams’ Listen Local program.
Ray Levier, the drumming maestro known for his genre-hopping abilities has recently released his new single “Uncharted Destiny.”
This track is a masterclass in rhythmic complexity and melodic emotion and perfectly demonstrates Ray’s unparalleled versatility and skill.
“Uncharted Destiny” takes listeners on a vivid musical journey, with dynamic chord shifts and compelling rhythmic progressions, this track shows a deep understanding of various musical styles. Ray’s precision in bashing out rock beats with panache, finessing jazz fusion grooves, swinging with a jazz combo, and laying down rugged hip hop beats is all evident in this single.
Ray describes “Uncharted Destiny” as a voyage of self-discovery amidst the vastness of the universe, finding strength in adversity as well as forging new paths:
“This song is about embracing the unknown, discovering our true selves, and finding strength in adversity. I poured my heart into this track, and I hope it inspires and resonates with you as much as it has with me.”
This theme resonates deeply with his own life story. Born into a family of musicians, Ray discovered his passion for drumming early on. However, it was a devastating fire accident at age 12 that left him with severe burns and the loss of most of his fingers. Despite this, his determination and ingenuity led him to devise unique ways to drum, first using duct tape, then a special martial arts glove, and eventually a surgery that granted him the use of his thumb. His journey from overcoming personal challenges to reaching professional heights is nothing short of inspiring.
Ray’s extensive career spans everything from live performances and teaching to composing for top TV networks like TLC, Discovery, and FOX Sports. Operating out of his cutting-edge studio near Manhattan, Ray’s influence in the music industry is undeniable. He has composed music for major networks, conducted live drum sessions, and collaborated with jazz fusion legends such as Mike Stern and John Abercrombie. His versatility is also highlighted by his long-standing role as the reliable sideman to urban folk and jazz artist KJ Denhert.
In addition to his performance career, Ray has also made significant contributions as a teacher and clinician. His rigorous study combined with insights from his personal experiences allows him to connect deeply with his students. He uses technology to reach students worldwide and conducts clinics for the manufacturers whose products he endorses, such as Yamaha, Paiste, Vater, and Evans.
His 2009 album “Ray’s Way” brought together jazz fusion greats, offering a satisfying collection of jazz fusion with telepathic musical synergy. His 2018 release “Lost and Found” highlighted his soulful vocals and poignant lyrics within a pop-rock context, drawing influences from classic rock, 1980s new wave, and alternative rock.
“Uncharted Destiny” is something of a bold statement of Ray’s enduring passion and relentless innovation in music, serving as a powerful reminder of the possibilities which exist from dedication and hard work.
Modern Mystery 
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