Every week our staff of CD Reviewers bring you the best in Independent CD releases. Making a Scene is considered the number 1 resource for the independent musician and the fans that love them.
Francesco Amenta Midtown Walk Amenta Music International This is the second release and U.S. debut for saxophonist, pianist, and composer Francesco Amenta. The Italian-born, now New York City based Amenta enlists some premiere players or this effort including co-producer John Lee (best known as Dizzy Gillespie’s bassist and producer for Larry Coryell, Roy Hargrove, Antonio […]
Paul Colombo Group Rio Crystal Vectordisc The Paul Colombo Group is a quartet of players residing in the Philadelphia area, that expanded the original trio of guitarist Paul Colombo, bassist Andy Alonso, and drummer Chris Loser with the addition of renowned pianist/composer Ron Thomas who had played with Pat Martino on 1972’s Pat Martino/Live. As […]
Berta Moreno Afro-Jazz Soul Project Tumaini Tiger Turn Berta Moreno is a Madrid-born, New York -based saxophonist and composer who leads a sextet dubbed the Afro-Jazz Soul Project through the music of Kenya. Morena volunteered, working with children at the Little Ray of Hope School in the Kawangware region of that country several years ago […]
Bob Corritore & Friends Spider In My Stew Vizztone Label Group/SWMAF Records Bob Corritore was born in Chicago and as an adolescent got hooked on blues harmonica. He studied and received playing tips from some of the cities finest, including Carey Bell, Big Walter Horton, and Junior Wells. Corritore moved to Pheonix when he was […]
John Daversa Jazz Orchestra (featuring Justin Morell) All Without Words: Variations Inspired by Loren Tiger Turn Multiple Grammy winner, trumpet master, bandleader, composer and arranger John Daversa continues his string of poignant, imaginative, and vastly different projects with this captivating work – All Without Words -Variations Inspired by Loren. And yet, he does not compose, […]
Dumpstaphunk Where Do We Go From Here Mascot Label Group/The Funk Garage Art “Poppa Funk” Neville formed the New Orleans Funk band, Neville Sounds, in the early 1960’s and later changed their name to the Meters. With his brothers Cyril, Aaron and Charles, he also formed the Neville Brothers; and The Funky Meters with a […]
Eddie 9V Little Black Flies Atlanta blues man Eddie 9V is set to release Little Black Flies on Ruf Records May 28. While this is not Eddie ‘s first record, it is his first for an established record label. It was produced at Atlanta’s Echo Deco Studios Eddie’s brother, Lane Kelly. Even though he is […]
Dan Farrell “Stories” Dan Farrell is a London based singer / songwriter with a great love for the music of The Beatles, Tom Petty, Rolling Stones and Genesis, to name just a few. His music is melodic rock that gets you hooked very quickly. The main focus is his guitar and he plays it left […]
Ben Cosgrove The Trouble with Wilderness Self-released Ben Cosgrove is a traveling composer, pianist, and multi-instrumentalist from New England. He travels constantly all over the country, performing a unique variety of original instrumental music that explores themes of landscape, geography, and environment while straddling a line between folk and classical music. He has delivered several […]
Spike Wilner Trio Aliens & Wizards Cellar Music Group Animated pianist, bandleader and club manager Spike Wilner has enjoyed a long tenure on the New York City and global jazz scenes, performing with the likes of The Artie Shaw Big Band, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Maynard Ferguson & Lennie Cuje while remaining highly active as a […]
Joanna Connor 4801 South Indiana Avenue Keeping The Blues Alive Records Joanna Connor is a Chicago based singer & songwriter who was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was magnetically drawn to the blues of The Windy City. She has shared the stage with James Cotton, Junior Wells and Buddy Guy. Connor released her first recording […]
Randy McAllister Paperbag Salvation Reaction East Texas-born, South Dakota-based Randy McAllister is an acclaimed blues/roots artist, known principally for his soulful vocals and inventive songs both topically and structurally in a genre that often is far too predictable. McAllister didn’t arrive on the scene overnight. From Texas to Massachusetts to Alaska and then back to […]
Abigail Dowd Beautiful Day Self-released Last year folk singer-songwriter Abigail Dowd issued one of the year’s more provocative albums, her search for identity in Not What I Seem. She now returns with A Beautiful Day, another self-reflective effort, also filled with some haunting songs and a prevailing melancholy that in enough places emerges to find […]
Evan Arntzen Countermelody Dot Time Countermelody is the third album from multi-reedist, vocalist and bandleader Evan Arntzen. This is a throw-back record to the vintage sounds of New Orleans and Chicago in the early days of Black American music in the first half of the twentieth century, signaled in part by the premiere vocalist in the […]
Steve Cropper Fire It Up Provogue Records/Mascot Music Steve Cropper is the Memphis born guitarist, songwriter and record producer who began as a member of the Stax Records house band, Booker T. & the M. G.’s. Besides backing artists Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Rufus Thomas and Johnnie Taylor; he played on the Mar-Key’s hit […]
Melody Gardot Sunset in Blue (Deluxe Edition) Decca Singer Melody Gardot is the definition of sultry, dusky romanticism. Her highly acclaimed 2020 Sunset in Blue, is reissued here less than a year later to include five intimate bonus tracks, that leave out the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra that backed the original album, providing soft cushions for […]
Marques Carroll The Ancestors’ Call JMarq This is the debut of trumpeter Marques Carroll leading his quintet, but Carroll is no stranger to Chicago audiences as a member of the Chicago Soul Jazz Collective and the Count Basie Orchestra. This project, The Ancestors’ Call, pays homage to his ancestors and heritage. Joining Carroll is his […]
Arturo O’Farrill The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra Virtual Birdland Zoho Last year we were fortunate to bring you the Grammy-winning effort from Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra –Four Questions. So, it is only fitting that we bring you the follow-up, Virtual Birdland. By now you’ve seen the opening sequence to the Grammys, and you […]
Will Porter Tick Tock Tick Gramofono Sound This is a re-issue of Will Porter’s “Tick Tock Tick” one of the most critically acclaimed soul drenched roots albums. Unfortunately, at the time it was a limited release. Will Porter was born in West Virginia in 1959 where as a youngster he sang gospel. He worked with […]
Matt Panayides Field Theory Pacific Coast Jazz Guitarist and composer Matt Panayides tries something new and different for him on his third release, Field Theory. While his first wo albums were acoustic, this one blends that sound with electric by using various guitar pedals and jamming often with Matt Vashlishan, a multi-woodwind instrumentalist who plays […]
Jimmie Bratcher I’m Hungry Independent Kansas City’s Jimmie Bratcher was first influenced by 1960 guitarist Eric Clapton. Other guitar influences included Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, and B.B. King. He played in several bands but his substance abuse caused them to fail. He divorced but later reunited with his wife, abandoned music, and put his faith […]
The Pink Stones …Introducing. Normaltown/New West There’s a tendency to use the term ‘country’ albeit sparingly with the more famous Athens, GA-based bands, The Drive-by Truckers (DBTs), and to some extent Bloodkin, yet The Pink Stones are by far the most country of the three. They fall into the camp of Cosmic American Music, whose […]
Chris Cain Raisin’ Cain Alligator Records Now sixty-seven, Chris Cain was born in San Jose, California to a Greek mother and African-American father. As a teenager he began playing guitar and went on to study music at San Jose City College. Along the way he also mastered piano, bass, clarinet, and saxophone. Cain released his […]
Kane Mathis Geminus Nyaato As we’ve commented before, the kora is one of the most beautiful sounding instruments of any, string or otherwise. It’s not often that we find an accomplished player of the instrument that didn’t grow up in Africa where the instrument is passed on through generations and it’s a testament to the […]
Zoe FitzGerald Carter Waterlines Self-released Author-turned-songwriter Zoe FitzGerald Carter releases her debut solo full-length, Waterlines, featuring ten original songs backed by some of the Bay Area’s best. Her background as a journalist, essayists, and author (Imperfect Endings) gives the album an autobiographical feel, partly implied by the album title, serving as a metaphor for searching clues from […]
Tomislav Goluban Express Connection Blue Heart Records Tomislav Goluban was inspired by harp masters Little Walter, Paul Butterfield and Gary Primich. The Croatian musician, whose surname translates to Pigeon, formed Little Pigeon’s Forhill Blues Band in 1997. His debut recording “Pigeon’s Flight” was released in 2005. Goluban traveled to Memphis to compete in the International […]
Steve Hunt Connections Spicerack The dizzying array of names emblazoned on the CD cover, Billy Cobham, John Patitucci, Vinnie Coliauta, and Eric Marienthal, prominent among the 32, speaks to the album title, Connections for keyboardist Steve Hunt’s second album as a leader. Those prominent names suggest a fusion outing which is what keyboardist Hunt delivers […]
Jack Brandfield I’ll Never Be the Same Gut String New York City Native tenor saxophonist Jack Brandfield, like many musicians, has an affinity for the Great American Songbook. Brandfield holds a B.M in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University and is currently a scholarship recipient from The Frost School of Music at The University of […]
Various Artists Johnny’s Blues: A Tribute to Johnny Cash This is a 2003 compilation by American and Canadian blues musicians. I don’t know how I missed it back then. Like most compilations some songs work better than others But overall it is a worthwhile celebration of a beloved man and musician. The album begins with […]
Lorne Lofsky This Song Is New Modica Music Canadian jazz guitarist Lorne Lofsky delivers his first album in more than two decades with This Song is New. A master guitarist known for his pianistic voicings and virtuosic skill, Lofsky is considered one of Canada’s great musical treasures. Joining Lofsky is his tight-knit quartet made up of his […]
Daniele Germani Congregation of Folks GleAM As his debut received an enthusiastic endorsement from saxophone great Joe Lovano, that might be all the encouragement that the budding newcomer Daniele Germani needs. Indeed, A Congregation of Folks introduces a riveting and spirited voice on the alto saxophone, and an intriguing, unique composer. Ten modern jazz compositions, […]
The Golden Mantis Yesterday News Today I would like to introduce to the new album of The Golden Mantis The Band: The Golden Mantis are Silvia Subosco and Roger Münzenmayer from Mannheim in Germany. As early as the mid-80s, both played in the band The Valentines, one of the most innovative local bands of the time. […]
Vinnie Riccitelli Octet For the Record Self-released The music is one thing. And then there’s the story. Sometimes there are both and such is the case with Vinnie Riccitelli as we are looking at likely the longest gap between recording projects in history – 65 years to be exact. Yes, you read that correctly; Riccitelli […]
Damon Fowler Alafia Moon Landslide Records Damon Fowler was born and raised a few miles east of Tampa. He first picked up the guitar when he was twelve; and has also mastered both the Dobro and lap steel. Fowler released his debut recording “Riverview Drive”, produced by Rick Derringer, in 1999. Two more independently released […]
John Smith The Fray Commoner/Thirty Tigers UK Singer-songwriter John Smith, with one of the most common names around, is not your run-of-the-mill singer-songwriter-guitarist. Those types cannot attract a cast like Smith does here for his highly emotive The Fray. Smith co-produced with long-time friend and producer Sam Lakeman at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studio, assembling pianist […]
Brigitte DeMeyer Seeker Spinach Pitts Music Seeker is the latest album from the inspiring and poetic songwriter Brigitte DeMeyer, and releases on March 26, 2021. Her melodies are a deep fusion of jazz and blues. Vocally, Brigitte has a range that effortlessly flows from soulfully sweet with just a hint of sugar to thick and […]
Various Artists Cumbia 1 & 2 World Circuit World Circuit Records is re-issuing from their celebrated catalog the music and dance associated with Colombia, that’s been with us since the 17th century – Cumbia 1 & 2 performed by a variety of artists and compiled by the label’s world music expert Nick Gold. They will […]
Jihye Lee Orchestra Daring Mind Motema The possibilities for large jazz ensembles are wide ranging- from boring, to traditionally solid, to utterly fascinating. The latter is relatively rare, but when it occurs, it can be a stunning, awe-inspiring listen. One can go long stretches without having such an experience but that has changed in the […]
Jazz WORMS Squirmin’ Capri Sometimes it’s difficult to leave a good thing alone, even if it takes thirty years to get back to the moment. That’s the case for the Denver-based jazz quintet Jazz WORMS who reunite after (can we call it) a 30-year hiatus. All five original members come together with pianist Andy Weyl, saxophonist Keith […]
Diego Baliardo and The Gypsy Evolution Este Ritmo Moondo Music Okay, the name may be unfamiliar at first, but Diego Baliardo is one of the founders of the world-famous Gipsy Kings, the highest selling musical group to come out of France, with over 20 million albums sold over their 35-year run. Baliardo is carrying on […]
Rick Holmstrom See That Light LuEllie Records Rick Holmstrom was born in Fairbanks but later relocated to Southern California. While attending college he joined a local blues band and sat in with Smokey Wilson and Junior Watson. Holmstrom was the guitarist in The William Clarke Band from 1985 to 1988. He joined up with another […]
Michael Wolff Live at Vitellos Sunnyside Admittedly, not sure why this album, Live at Vitellos, recorded in 2011, is just coming out now but we certainly welcome it. Award-winning pianist Michael Wolff, known for an impressive and eclectic career that has spanned five decades, and stints with Cannonball Adderley and Cal Tjader early in his career, brings […]
David Olney and Anana Kaye Wispers and Sighs Schoolkids Records Whispers And Sighs is the latest album by David Olney and Anana Kaye and makes a much-anticipated debut on March 19, 2021. Just before the last day of winter. Just before David’s birthday. Just at the right moment. It is an album that had a […]
Ian Charleton Big Band A Fresh Perspective Self-released Ian Charleton, composer/conductor arranger, is a Senior Chief Musician, who was the Head of Academics at the Naval School of Music, where he taught arranging. Also, a graduate of the University of North Texas, he burst on the scene with his 2013 debut CD, Brain Chatter. This […]
Claire Kelly Scenic Route Self-released Midwest born and raised, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Claire Kelly does plenty of justice to her Irish roots on her first full-length album Scenic Route. It comes after releasing four EPs. The album features her soaring soprano vocals, all but one original track, and spare arrangements that feature multi-instrumentalist Nick Stone doing […]
Steve Hill Desert Trip No Label Records After listening to Canadian guitarist Steve Hill’s Desert Trip a few times it’s been somewhat challenging trying to pinpoint just what film his amazingly cinematic music evokes. Now this writer is landing on the desolate landscapes of No Country for Old Men (on second thought, that’s true for […]
Brian Charette Power From the Air Steeplechase Power From the Air is the third album for organist Brian Charette with his primarily woodwind sextet, the most albums he has ever made with one group. Consider however that this lineup has three new players from the previous The Question That Drives Us although the configuration remains […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Jonathon Reid of Beauwater! Like the infamous North Atlantic fog from which the group was born, Beauwater exists in the grey. Not quite one thing, but no more the other, their brand of Blues laden Rock walks the boundaries between both genres, tip-toeing between themes and […]
Blues Society of Central, Pa. Backyard Blues Blue Heart Records The Blues Society of Central Pa. has been hosting a weekly Thursday night jam for more than twenty-years. The 2020 pandemic forced the cancellation of the weekly event. The society switched gears to broadcast the sessions on their facebook page and to keep the blues […]
New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers Volume 2 Stony Plain Records Luther Dickinson explains how this 2007 recording session came to be. “The New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers …was conceived in the back of a tour bus…Alvin Youngblood Hart, Jimbo Mathis, and Charlie Musselwhite had hit the road together with the North Mississippi Allstars […]