Amana Melomé closes out the year on a bright, soul lifting note with “Con C.ALMA,” a track that feels like both a celebration and a gentle exhale.
It’s the kind of song that fits perfectly into that reflective space between years. It’s upbeat without being frantic, warm without trying too hard and grounded in a sense of gratitude.
Listen here:
After several years away from releasing music, Melomé returns with a sound that’s joyful, relaxed and quietly confident. The groove carries an easy bounce, while her vocals glide with a calm assurance that suggests she’s exactly where she needs to be. Rather than pushing for attention, she lets the song’s energy speak for itself.
The title translates from Spanish as “with calm,” hints at the song’s deeper intention. By highlighting alma, the soul, Melomé frames the song as a reminder to move through life at your own pace, especially as the year winds down and reflection sets in. It’s an upbeat message delivered with softness – stay present, trust the timing and don’t let the noise rush you.
Jazz pianist Deron Johnson adds an elegant sparkle to the track, his playing light and responsive, giving the song lift without overwhelming its relaxed mood. The collaboration between Melomé and Johnson feels effortless, even more impressive knowing it was recorded across continents. Together they create a sound that is open, sun-touched and quietly celebratory.
“Con C.ALMA” works beautifully as a year end release. It’s a track that invites dancing and introspection in equal measure. It’s hopeful without being naive, joyful without being loud. As the first single from Melomé’s upcoming album Recalibration to be released in the new year, it sets the tone for what feels like a new chapter rooted in balance, ease and intention.
Lil’ Red & The Rooster slow the pace and turn up the elegance on “Melancholy Mood,” the fourth single from their forthcoming album 7.
With a tip of the hat to blues greats T-Bone Walker and Dinah Washington, this track is a smoky and slow burning gem dripping with class, control and emotional finesse.
Jennifer “Lil’ Red” Milligan delivers the vocals with a velvet gloved hand, allowing every word linger in the air like perfume in a dimly lit club. There’s pain here for sure, but it’s the kind of pain worn like a tailored dress – graceful, knowing and timeless. Her phrasing moves with the same unhurried confidence as a singer who understands what it means to have restrain.
Pascal Fouquet’s guitar work is pure vintage cool. His tone is warm and articulate, never showy. It’s just the right bends, the right space and the kind of touch that makes the blues feel intimate and eternal.
Bobby Floyd’s B3 organ swells beneath the track with a soulful subtlety, while Jean Marc Despeignes (bass) and Pascal Mucci (drums) keep things locked in with a hushed, heartbeat rhythm section that lets the emotion breathe.
As part of 7, “Melancholy Mood” feels a lot like a candlelit centerpiece. A moment of reflection that invites listeners to lean in closer. It’s not just a love letter to classic blues, but a confident entry in that lineage, re-imagined with the Rooster’s signature “retro modern” touch.
In a world that often moves too fast, “Melancholy Mood” is a reminder that sometimes the deepest feeling comes in the quietest swing.
Lil’ Red & The Rooster’s upcoming album 7 is a rich blend of gospel, blues, retro soul, and pop jazz rooted in a distinctly 1960’s vibe. Featuring seven original tracks, including an instrumental and a gospel blues opener, the album explores themes of freedom and soulful transformation. With Grammy-nominated Bobby Floyd on B3 and piano, 7 is both elegant and gritty, nostalgic and fresh.
The full album drops August 22, 2025, with singles released every three weeks along the way!
Find out all about Lil’ Red & The Rooster on their Website
Nicki Richards’s latest single, “You Become More Beautiful” is a transcendent ode to love, gratitude and the quiet moments that leave a lasting impression on the heart.
Released just before the holiday season at the end of last year, the track is a really lush R&B ballad that wraps listeners in a warm embrace.
The origin of the song is as poignant as the track itself. While driving through the sunny streets of Florida with her mother, Nicki found herself enveloped in a moment of pure contentment and connection.
Inspired by the soft glow of sunlight and the blessings of life, the phrase “You Become More Beautiful Each Day” came to her, drawn from the spirit of Joe Sample’s Carmel album. That single lyric became the heart of a song that celebrates the profound beauty of relationships that continues to grow richer over time.
Musically, the single blends elements of classic R&B, jazz, and subtle Latin influences to create a sound that is both expansive and deeply grounded.
The rhythm section is driven by jazz-fusion legend Lenny White on drums and the iconic Marcus Miller on bass whose grooves provide a flawless foundation. Cyrus Chestnut’s piano work adds elegance, while percussionist Bashiri Johnson brings a gentle vibrancy to the arrangement. Acoustic guitarist Marcus Machado injects a soothing groove, layering the track with definite texture and heart.
Backing vocals from Catherine Russell, Carolyn Leonhart, and Everett Bradley create a choral warmth that complements Nicki’s voice, as she glides effortlessly between tenderness and power.
Her vocal delivery is nothing short of mesmerizing, balancing technical precision with true vulnerability. Every note feels deliberate, every lyric like a gift carefully unwrapped for the listener.
While “You Become More Beautiful” is infused with the festive spirit of the holiday season, its themes transcend the moment. It’s a song about cherishing the people who matter most, about finding beauty in life’s fleeting yet profound moments. This emotional resonance is what makes the song feel so deeply personal while still managing to speak to listeners on a broader scale.
About Nicki Richards
Nicki Richards’s has a talent for creating meaningful music, something that has ensured longevity in her music career.
From her early breakout on Star Search to her collaborations with legends like Madonna, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston, Nicki has consistently proven herself to be a creative force. Yet what really makes her music endure is the way she imbues it with her own experiences and insights, creating songs that are unique while also relatable.
“You Become More Beautiful” from Nicki Richards is a gift that will keep giving, long after the holiday season has passed.
“Hell’s Kitchen at Christmas Time” is a vivid and vibrant musical journey that celebrates the spirit of a New York neighborhood steeped in history and transformation.
Co-written by Sarah Pillow and Marc Wagnon, the track marries Pillow’s evocative, rich and genre defying vocals with Wagnon’s rhythms and textures, creating a holiday song that perfectly captures the magic of Hell’s Kitchen during this busy season.
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Sarah Pillow’s voice is the star of the song here. She offers a stunning blend of jazz sophistication, classical finesse and rich warmth. Her vocal delivery feels more like a conversation and draws the listener into her world that she paints with her words.
Pillow’s decades long connection to Hell’s Kitchen, where she has lived for nearly 30 years, imbues this song with an authentic edge. Her nuanced performance speaks of a deep love for the neighbourhood with each lyric having a personal touch.
Marc Wagnon’s arrangement brings this love letter to life with a rich, layered instrumental palette: the vibraphone glistens like freshly fallen snow, while his percussion adds a dynamic pulse that reflects the neighborhood’s ever-moving rhythm.
The brass section featuring Summer Camargo (trumpet), Coby Petricone-Berg (alto sax), and Cole Palensky (tenor sax) really infuses the song with warmth and vibrancy, echoing the bustling energy of Manhattan’s streets.
Eliane Amherd’s guitar provides a melodic anchor and balances the richness of the brass with a steady, grounding groove, while Jonathan Price’s bass ties it all together with depth.
The song’s lyrics are as much about Hell’s Kitchen as they are about the essence of the holidays. They capture the duality of the neighborhood: the electric buzz of midtown Manhattan softened by the quieter charm of brownstones adorned with festive lights and local cafes humming with life. It’s a place where the pulse of New York City merges with the heart of a close-knit community.
Lines like “in it all, but off to the side” speak to the unique identity of Hell’s Kitchen – a neighborhood that is part of the city’s relentless energy that retains its own quiet magic.
But where “Hell’s Kitchen at Christmas Time” transcends the typical holiday song is by offering a deeper narrative. It’s not just about twinkling lights or festive cheer – it’s about the people, the stories, and the ambience that make a neighborhood feel like home. The song reflects on the enduring spirit of Hell’s Kitchen, a place that has weathered decades of change while holding onto its identity.
You can almost see the snow-dusted streets, hear the muffled conversations in cozy cafés, and feel the unique warmth of a neighborhood that welcomes everyone.
“Hell’s Kitchen at Christmas Time” is a celebration of place, and a reminder of what makes the holidays special: community, tradition, and the ability to find wonder even in the most familiar corners.
About Sarah Pillow
Sarah Pillow is a vocalist celebrated for her extraordinary versatility, blending jazz, classical, and early music influences into a style uniquely her own.
A graduate of Oberlin College’s prestigious music program, Sarah began her career as a jazz singer and quickly expanded her repertoire, performing as a solo artist and collaborating with renowned ensembles across the United States and Canada. Her projects include a jazz quartet, the crossover ensemble Nuove Musiche, and the early music group Galileo’s Daughters.
Her distinctive voice – rich and vivid, praised by The Washington Post as “genuinely genre-busting” – has graced the stages of legendary venues like the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Whether delivering an operatic aria or interpreting a jazz standard, she captivates audiences with her emotional depth and technical brilliance.
For nearly 30 years, Sarah has called Hell’s Kitchen home. This iconic New York City neighborhood is steeped in history and creativity and has been a profound source of inspiration for her work. From its roots as a gritty, working-class enclave to its evolution into a vibrant cultural hub, Hell’s Kitchen embodies the energy that Sarah channels into her music.
Sarah Pillow continues to redefine what it means to be an artist. Her work is a celebration of connection – between past and present, tradition and innovation, and the universal language of music.
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.
Behind the Scenes with Bud E. Luv’s Re-imagining of “Music to Watch Girls By”
For over 35 years, Bud E. Luv has been a captivating presence in San Francisco’s music and nightlife scene.
The charismatic alter ego of singer and showman Bobby Vickers, Bud E. Luv is known for blending humor, nostalgia, and sophistication in his performances. And with a career spanning prestigious venues like The Fillmore, Bimbo’s, and Paradise Lounge, and appearances across the U.S., he has become a fixture of timeless entertainment. His versatility allows him to effortlessly explore various musical genres, from jazz to pop, while maintaining an engaging, larger-than-life persona.
Recently, Bud E. Luv has turned his attention to reimagining the 1960s classic “Music to Watch Girls By.”
Known for its catchy melody and lighthearted vibe, the song has been revisited by various artists over the years but Bud’s new rendition brings a fresh and thoughtful perspective. In collaboration with director Tom Donald of hiTrecords, Bud E. Luv has produced a visually stunning black-and-white music video that reflects the complexities of modern society while paying homage to the song’s timeless appeal.
We got the chance to sit down with Bud E. Luv as he shares the story behind his decision to re-imagine the song, the inspirations behind the video, and the thoughtful message he hopes to convey.
1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?
“Music To Watch Girls By” was written some 60 years ago, and today it’s regarded in some circles as inflammatory. We disagree.
To us, it’s a beautifully-written ode to the joys of humanity, in all its forms. Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.
2. What was the inspiration behind this new video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?
We chose Mr. Tipple’s, perhaps the classiest nightclub in San Francisco, for its noir lighting and background. It’s the kind of place where Bud E. Luv performs, but also where the young woman might venture for a night out.
As we stage the meeting between the two characters, this iconic location was perfect. In like manner, black and white photography seemed the right choice.
3. What was the process of making the video?
Our message is one of inclusion; we want to suggest that all of humanity, regardless of age or gender, is beautiful.
And as such, the simple act of beholding one another is as natural an act as we can undertake.
Speaking about the music video, Bud E. Luv shares, “Our goal was to send a message of inclusion and shared humanity. It’s not about objectifying – it’s about appreciating people for who they are, in all their forms.”
The combination of Luv’s timeless persona with Tom Donald’s thoughtful direction elevates this project into a reflection on human interaction, perception, and the beauty of fleeting moments.
Through thoughtful storytelling and elegant visuals, this new version invites audiences to appreciate the beauty and complexity of human connection. This project shows an enduring creativity and charm and that Bud E. Luv’s legacy will continue to captivate audiences for many years to come.
Modern Mystery 