Tag Archives: Modern Mystery

04.25.23
by

“It Just Has to Be” is a Soft and Warm Song from Black Olive Jazz

SONY DSC

Black Olive Jazz features the warm singer Kay Kostopoulos and the veteran Noel Jewkes on tenor, alto, soprano and flute. The group performs a wide range of jazz: swing, standards, blues, Latin and originals. Kay and Noel have been featured venues and jazz festivals all around the San Francisco Bay Area, including the Sonoma, Napa, Healdsburg, Vallejo, Sacramento, Palo Alto, and Fillmore Jazz Festivals. Their album, Exotica, a Mediterranean Jazz Journey, received rave reviews, and was honored by the Stanford Humanities celebration. 

Kay is also a Stanford lecturer in Business and Theater, professional actress, singer, dancer and director who has performed in plays and musicals in many regional and Bay Area theaters, including the Magic Theatre, Marin Theatre Company, San Francisco and California Shakespeare Festivals, Stanford Summer Theater and A.C.T. (American Conservatory Theatre). Her theatrical background lends an emotional sensitivity to her lush and sensuous three-octave vocal range. Kay’s bellydancing has roots in an ethnic history rich in tradition, percussive musicality and precise technique.

Their newest song, the soft and lounge music-eque song “It Just Has to Be,” is led my Kay’s sultry vocals that adds an emotional depth to the piece. The lyrics themselves speak of the inevitability of love, and the joy that comes with finding someone who completes you.

The band effortlessly blends traditional jazz elements with modern twists to create a sound that is both fresh and timeless. It does have a Frank Sinatra meets Billy Holiday feeling to it with the deliberate words and slow delicate piano.

The intricate instrumentation and complex rhythms make it clear that this is a band that takes their craft seriously and is not afraid to take risks. “It Just Has to Be” is a fantastic addition to Black Olive Jazz’s already impressive catalog.

Connect with Black Olive Jazz via:

Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Spotify

04.25.23
by

Shannon Wurst Shares a Slice of Americana Nostalgia with “Memories I Hold”

Shannon Wurst’s latest single “Memories I Hold” is a captivating slice of Americana nostalgia that effortlessly tugs at the heartstrings. The track is a deeply personal reflection on the painful task of cleaning out a loved one’s house after their passing, and Shannon’s evocative and emotional songwriting captures the sense of longing and loss perfectly.

 “That one was hard to write. I spent a lot of time at that house growing up and I have so many memories from there,” she details.

The acoustic core of the track is beautifully complemented by sensually expressive vocals and mournful pedal steel playing, which is expertly handled by Ryan Engleman of the Turnpike Troubadours and his bandmate, Gabe Pearson on drums. With lines like “Time takes all the good stuff, ‘cept these Memories I hold,” Shannon paints vivid pictures and snapshotting feelings of longing that resonate deeply with the listener.

Shannon’s music is best described as Ozark Americana and steeped in the outlaw country tradition of courageously confessional songwriting. Her delicately powerful vocals and emotive first-person narratives make for a brave and sage messaging that draws favorable comparisons to the likes of Margo Price and Lucinda Williams.

“Memories I Hold” is a beautiful and poignant tribute to the power of memories and the emotions they evoke. Fans of Americana and country music will undoubtedly find a lot to love in Shannon Wurst’s latest offering.

Connect with Shannon Wurst

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

04.24.23
by

70’s Rock n’ Roll Band Sunflower Fox and the Chicken Leg Share New Energetic Single “Breathe It In”

Sunflower Fox and the Chicken Leg’s new single “Breathe It In” is a classic rock lover’s dream come true. The band hails from Minneapolis and is inspired by the golden age of rock and roll. The song takes listeners on a wild ride back to the 1970s with its groovy vibes and vintage instrumentation.

From the very first guitar riff, it’s clear that this band is dedicated to capturing the spirit of classic rock. Lead singer Kaity Heart’s guttural vocals are reminiscent of Pat Benatar and Joan Jett, and the soaring guitar riffs will have you shredding air like you’re at a stadium concert. The catchy chorus and infectious melody will make your heart race and have you singing along in no time.

“Breathe It In” is a must-listen for anyone who loves classic rock. It’s a perfect blend of old-school rock and roll and modern production techniques that captures the spirit of the 70s. Sunflower Fox and the Chicken Leg is a band to watch out for, and their commitment to bringing back the glory of 1970s rock is truly exciting.

The band’s commitment to bringing back the studio experience is evident in the production quality. Recorded at Studio in the Country in Louisiana, the same studio where Kansas recorded ‘Carry on My Wayward Son,’ the song perfectly balances the raw energy of the guitars with the polished sheen of modern production. Mixed by Ron Nevison, a living legend who has worked on several of the band’s main influences including Heart, Bad Company, and Thin Lizzy, the song captures the vintage sound that made the 70s so iconic.

What sets Sunflower Fox and the Chicken Leg apart is their playful presence and dedication to capturing the studio experience. They are on a mission to visit as many iconic studios in the country as possible to bring back the magic of real studio recordings. Their love of the genre is evident in the unnecessarily complicated bridge of the song, which pays homage to the classic songs that would insert one measure of 5/4 or play some out-of-the-blue overly-complicated breakdown.

Connect with Sunflower Fox and the Chicken Leg

Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Spotify / Soundcloud

04.21.23
by

Jennifer Harper Shares “Beautiful Earth” for Earth Day

Jennifer Harper’s “Beautiful Earth” is a remarkable acoustic folk song that captures the essence of a healing world. Her voice is calming, and the piano-based melody is hauntingly beautiful. The song carries a sense of hope for the future and a message of love and respect for Mother Earth.

Jennifer’s dedication to environmental protection and her desire to make music that could bring social change is evident in this track. Her influences, including Joni Mitchell and Tracy Chapman, are apparent in the raw intimacy of her voice and lyrics. The incantation is reminiscent of Enya, Lauren Daigle, and Ayla Nereo, which delivers a cinematic sound and ethereal breath.

“I’ve been involved in environmental protection in one way or another for as long as I can remember. I’ve raised my children with awareness as I am very conscious about what I buy and what I eat. I am always asking myself what more can we do to make an impact?” shares Jennifer.

“Beautiful Earth” is an inspiring track that reminds us of our responsibility to heal the planet. Jennifer’s passion for environmental protection shines through in the song’s lyrics, which urge us to be conscious of what we buy and what we eat. Her call to action is powerful, and it makes us realize that we are all responsible for the health of the planet.

Connect with Jennifer Harper via:
Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Spotify / Soundcloud

04.17.23
by

Todd Mosby’s “Moonrise Samba” is a Mesmerizing Latin Jazz Fusion Masterpiece

Todd Mosby’s “Moonrise Samba” is a contemporary Latin jazz fusion single that showcases his strong lead melody writing and intriguing Steely Dan-esque chord sequences. With imaginative arrangement skills, he includes a samba-flavored bridge, beautiful vocal pads, dynamic soloing, and memorable melodies that will leave you wanting more.

Completed in a 1960’s vintage Air Stream under a starlit New Mexico night, this tune’s unique architecture is derived from Latin Soul, samba, and Sergio Mendes influences. Todd’s ability to master western composition, jazz improvisation, and Indian raga music forms sets him apart from other musicians in America.

Todd’s compositions feature strong melodies, sometimes sung by female vocalists recalling the aesthetic of Brazilian musician Sérgio Mendes, virtuosic but lyrical instrumental prowess, deep-pocket grooves informed by a variety of jazz, world, and rock-based traditions, and a deep sense of spiritual intent. His impressive musical resume includes six albums and one single, and he has earned recognition from several notable musicians, including Windham Hill Records founder Will Ackerman, ZZAJ’s Dick Metcalf, India’s Music Ambassador Ustadt Imrat Khan, 17-time Grammy nominee and jazz guitar legend Mike Stern, and Berklee College of Music President, 7-time Grammy Award winner, and jazz legend Gary Burton.

Todd’s dedication to his craft and attention to detail in the creation of “Moonrise Samba” is evident, and it is a true testament to his musical abilities. If you are a fan of contemporary Latin jazz fusion, “Moonrise Samba” is a must-listen track. It is an impressive piece of music that will leave you wanting more from this talented musician.

Connect with Todd Mosby

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

04.12.23
by

Musique Noire Connects with The Younger Musical Generation in their Album ‘intergenerational’

Musique Noire is the Detroit based all female jazz fusion group. Members Michelle May (violinist and flutist), Leslie Deshazor (violist), JoVia Armstrong (percussionist), and Leah Lucas (violist and violinist), are all accomplished musicians who have performed with high-profile artists such as Stevie Wonder, KEM, and Aretha Franklin. The group’s name reflects their interest in jazz and world music, and their music is informed by the culture of Black people.

Musique Noire’s latest album, intergenerational, showcases the band’s signature jazz and world music fusion sound with a unique twist. The album is a collaboration with three talented up-and-coming musicians, who were asked to write based on their experiences as women or from a woman they admired. The result is an eclectic mix of tracks, each with its own story to tell.

Intergenerational opens with Leslie’s arrangement of the traditional spiritual “Motherless Child,” which incorporates African-style rhythms. Leah’s original composition, “Kaleidoscope,” is a beautifully crafted jazz tune, written by her husband John, who is a pianist, drummer, and composer. JoVia’s contribution, “Nirvana – Feast or Famine,” features lyricist Mahogany Jones and explores themes of Afro-futurism. Michelle’s “Cuban Sunset (Arterdercer Cubano)” is an entirely improvised tune that showcases her violin and flute playing skills.

The impressive collection of tracks reveals the unique talents of Musique Noire and their collaborators. The band believes in leaving a legacy and wanted to have a unique way to reach out to a younger generation.

The album’s sophisticated sound and unique arrangements of world, jazz, soul, and R&B traditions make it a must-listen. With a nomination for a 2023 Detroit Music Award for Outstanding World Recording, Musique Noire continues to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Connect with Musique Noire via:

Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Spotify / Soundcloud