by Jane Lambert

“Wig Glue”: Ray Levier’s Inspiring Ode to Resilience and Groove

Ray Levier, a seasoned drummer and highly sought-after sideman, unveils his most poignant and personal track to date with “Wig Glue.” This jazz funk fusion composition pays tribute to the legendary guitarist Mike Stern, renowned for his work with Miles Davis and other esteemed jazz and fusion acts. “Wig Glue” is a spirited and groove-filled piece that embodies resilience and determination, inspired by Stern’s remarkable journey of overcoming a devastating accident.

The backstory behind the song adds a layer of depth and inspiration. In 2016, Stern suffered a severe accident, breaking both of his humerus bones and causing nerve damage. This left him struggling to hold a guitar pick, threatening his ability to continue performing. In a stroke of fortuitous creativity, Stern discovered a solution in wig glue—a conversation with fellow musician Etienne Stadwijk led him to Ray Levier, who had been using wig glue on his drumsticks after his own accident.

Levier, a highly skilled drummer, generously shared his unconventional method with Stern, resulting in a remarkable breakthrough. By using wig glue, Stern regained his ability to hold the pick and continue playing. Grateful for the solution, Stern highlighted Levier in interviews and expressed deep appreciation for the fortuitous suggestion. Together, they formed a bond and playfully referred to themselves as members of the “wig glue club.”

“Wig Glue” serves as a dedication to the resilience of both Ray Levier and Mike Stern, embodying the idea that even if something is broken, it can be glued back together, allowing the journey to continue. The track itself captures the spirit of funk, infusing it with elements of jazz and fusion to create an infectious and dynamic sound. Levier’s rhythmic prowess takes center stage, driving the groove and delivering captivating musical moments.

Joined by Etienne Stadwijk, Mike Stern, and esteemed bassist Will Lee, known for his exceptional contributions on ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ and collaborations with renowned figures like George Benson and The Brecker Brothers, Ray LeVier and friends embark on a melodic enchantment with “Wig Glue.” This harmonious convergence of musical talent amplifies the impact of the track, elevating it to new heights.

With its infectious rhythms, captivating melodies, and spirited performances, “Wig Glue” captures the essence of overcoming adversity and pushing forward in the face of challenges. It serves as a testament to the power of music to inspire and uplift, and Ray Levier’s tribute to Mike Stern stands as a powerful symbol of the strong bonds and mutual support that exist within the music community.

Listen to “Wig Glue” and embrace its empowering message of resilience:

05.23.23

by Jane Lambert

Graham and the Band Upstairs’ Americana Blues Song “Standstill Blues” will Resonate with Commuters

Graham and The Band Upstairs is an Atlanta based Americana band led by Graham Waldrop. The band creates music in the tradition of Bob Dylan and Neil Young, combining introspective lyrics with diverse melodies that meshes the folk, blues, and rock genres to create a fully realized sonic identity for each song.

Graham and the Band Upstairs’ “Standstill Blues” is a captivating and relatable blues track that encapsulates the frustrations of everyday life, particularly the infamous Atlanta traffic. Written from Graham’s personal experience of enduring lengthy commutes, the song explores the theme of stagnation and frustration but expands it into a collection of short stories that evoke a range of emotions.

Initially conceived with a different musical structure, Graham realized that the traditional blues framework would best suit the lyrics and the intended message of the song. This decision allowed the band to tap into their innate understanding of the genre, bringing a genuine and authentic feel to the music.

The interplay between band members is notable, with Josef and Zach providing a solid rhythmic foundation on bass and drums, respectively. Jeff’s skillful lead guitar licks inject the track with energy and vitality, while Veronica’s vocals shine whenever she takes the spotlight.

“Standstill Blues” resonates with listeners on multiple levels, as it captures the universal frustration and monotony that can often accompany our daily routines. Graham and the Band Upstairs have skillfully translated this feeling into a bluesy masterpiece, utilizing their musical prowess to express emotions that many can relate to. The track’s infectious groove and memorable storytelling make it a standout piece in the band’s repertoire.

With their ability to convey the realities of everyday life through the lens of the blues, Graham and the Band Upstairs continue to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the music scene.

Connect with Graham and the Band Upstairs via:
Website / Instagram / YouTube / Spotify

11.02.22

by Jane Lambert

The Progressive Rock Fusion Band Siren Share Their New Album ‘Beyond the Rainbow’

American band Siren has released their brand new album Beyond the Rainbow.

This is an album that you can truly become immersed in; raw, authentic, contemporary metal rock. The opening track “Lawless Life” starts with a progressive metal guitar riff. The lyrical “High Wire” and “Sympathetic Response” are more laid-back rock songs, written by Mike and Rob Phillips.

Many songs on this album are unexpected, in the sense that musically it is extremely tight and well written, as well as experimenting with different musical concepts. Siren have really gone the extra mile with this new release.

¨When we began writing Beyond the Rainbow, we would write as a group with the exception of ‘High Wire.’ ‘Empty Ocean,’ and ‘Sympathetic Response,’ which Mike and I wrote. Normally Mike and I will bring the songs to the band, and let them work out their parts. A process we have gone back to for our upcoming material, as it seems to work much better for the writing process.” – Rob Phillips

When Phillips had sought to reunite the band back in 2005 with drummer/engineer Mike Cupino, and a new musical direction, the band did release their first Siren album called “Don´t Mind”. It wasn´t until much later, as three new band members joined the group, that the musical sound developed even more.

Today, Siren exists with the same lineup as previous releases, except for the lead guitarist. Todd Grubbs replaces Leo Boland as the lead guitar, and brings a guitar virtuoso which really makes the band stand out with a progressive, fusion style.

The first track on the album, “Lawless Life” was released earlier this year as a single to much critical acclaim, together with a music video produced by Nathan Mowery. With influences such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Foo Fighters, it is hard not to enjoy this eclectic blend of progressive rock.

Stay current on Siren´s Website and social media channels Instagram and Facebook. Stream music on YouTube , Spotify and Soundcloud

05.17.22

by Jane Lambert

“Give Some, Get Some” is the Rock Jam Tune of from Mitch Melodia

Mitch Melodia is the artist and mastermind behind the jam “band” Alpha Pegasi whose sound is rock and some pop mentality with a lot of chilled out Led Zeppelin as an influence. “Alpha Pegasi has a Tame Impala-ish approach in the studio and a Phish-ish mentality for live shows,” says Mitch. “Improvisation extending songs is a staple of every show but when recording, I keep it concise. It’s fun for me to play and arrange every instrument on record, but I’m also stoked for future collaborations with other musicians in the studio.”

His recently released alternative rock single “Give Some, Get Some” has a Red Hot Chili Peppers vibe with bluesy undertones. The melody is precise and method, giving the hook a permanent place in your head. Mitch started writing it in 2013 and has been tweaking and working the song ever since to finally be what it is today, a funky, danceable, and groove-filled jam song.

“With groovy and funky verses, a more rock-heavy and catchy chorus, and a couple of firey guitar solos, ‘Give Some, Get Some’ is one of my favorites on the first EP,” shares Mitch. He has musical solos, funky versus, rock chorus’s and was made for a live setting.

Listen here:

A main financial focus for Alpha Pegasi is to donate 5% of all profits to environmental and health-orientated organizations like San Diego EarthWorks. Mitch aspires to use his music and art as a vehicle to support environmental and health-improving causes, including mental-health practices.

Connect with Mitch Melodia via:
Website // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // Spotify // Soundcloud

05.10.22

by Jane Lambert

Natalie Fideler and Her Trio Release the Bluesy Rock Single “Three Man Army”

Natalie Fideler is the front-person of her self-titled power trio currently based in Minneapolis, MN. Having performed in several different ensembles over the years, the release of her debut album “Steak & Eggs” marks the beginning of her solo career. Her band consists of herself as the songwriter on guitar, keyboards, and lead vocals, Hailey Jacobsen on bass, and Leigh Underwood on drums.

The trio just released their newest single, “Three Man Army,” the title track of their next album of the same name. While their previous single, “Judas,” had more of an alternative rock sound and contemplated the Christian Religion and what that means to Natalie, “Three Man Army” is more fun. The song has a funk and blues element to it and is carried by Natalie’s vocals which are beautiful and passionate, giving off a softer Demi Lovato or a Hayley Williams vibe.

“Three Man Army” utilizes the trumpet, giving the melody a catchy sound that makes you want to get up and dance. The song is the first one Natalie had ever written, way back when she was 14 years old. It’s Natalie speaking to a dear friend she had just had a falling out with (and herself in a symbolic way) trying to figure out who she is and who she wants to be. She sings “There’s plenty of people out there just like me/messed up, broken, incomplete,” giving a sense of empowerment and inner conflict.

“I eventually retired the song when I was in college thinking it ‘sounded too young’ and I was sick of it,” shares Natalie. “But one day many years later, I was doing a pandemic livestream concert from my living room and my fiance/drummer Leigh heard me play the song for the first time. Once I had finished the tune she said to me (verbatim because the stream is archived), ‘Question. Is there a reason that we’re not playing that one full band?! What’s wrong with you?! It’s a great song, it’s funky. Why aren’t we doing it full band?!’ I thankfully decided to bring the song back.”

Listen here:

Connect with Natalie Fideler via:

Website // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // Spotify // Soundcloud

04.28.22

by Jane Lambert

Angela Perry’s New Album is Beyond Beautiful

Angela Perry’s music shares the strength, heartache and joys of living life. Her melodies are invigorated with energy and honesty and her lyrics are beautifully crafted and meticulously written to be as open as possible. Her soulful voice takes her music to a higher lever as you can not only hear her passion for her craft, but for the meaning behind each song as well. Her songwriting gives a new perspective to the typical themes of nature and matters of the heart that we all know and love.

Angela newest folk and country rock album, 21 Dayz, boasts 9 stunning songs that showcase her Shania Twain and Bonnie Rait-esque vocals and her Joni Mitchell and James Taylor-like songwriting. She meticulously wrote each song to be as open and no-nonsense as possible. She doesn’t sugar-coat through any topics. For example, her song “Sister Cry” is about the disturbing amount of women who are murdered and go missing just for being their authentic selves. In fact, indigenous women are 10x more likely to get murdered or go missing. The lyrics of this song is juxtaposed with the more upbeat melody, implying our blind eye towards this. “’Sister Cry’ was written from the victim’s perspective as a plea to all of us ‘who look the other way.’ The word WHY in the song asks a question that can not seem to be answered not only by the victims but by us. They are crying for all who too blinded to see,” shares Angela.

Her song “Sunflower Child,” by far one of her best, is about strength, hope, and positivity. The sunflower is a resilient and adaptable flower as it can grow in any environment. She recently released the video for this song and dedicated it to the Ukrainian refugees. The song is about perseverance and standing tall against adversity, like a sunflower.

“Fallen” is another song that stands out. It’s more acoustic than the rest and represents everyone who has fallen from grace due to a decision they made. It hurts now, but time heals all wounds. The melody is both haunting and a little melancholic, though you can hear the hope in her voice as the song progresses. “The song was written underneath 150 year old cottonwood trees where the idea of time is so different from what we as humans feel,” shares Angela. “In the scheme of time, we are nothing more than just a speck and sometimes when we fail to see how things we view as significant are not. This song…reminds all of us that we are human and have human frailties and frustrations.”

Listen to the full album here: