Gerry Gibbs Thrasher People Family Whaling City Sound Just to set your expectations, drummer, keyboardist, and composer Gerry Gibbs is the son of the esteemed composer Terry Gibbs, who issued The Terry Gibbs Songbook at age 96, one that we covered here. In 2021 Gerry issued a trio recording, with his Thrasher Trio(s), the Grammy […]
Jimmy Bennett Sunday Morning Sessions Junkyard Dog Productions Sunday Morning Sessions, the new album from Jimmy Bennett (Bennett Brothers, Alexis P. Suiter, John Ginty, Bruce Katz) stole my heart from the first listen. Bennett, an original member of Levon Helm’s Midnight Rambles in Woodstock, New York, began writing this record on Easter Sunday 2020 as a response to the beginning days of the Coronavirus outbreak. […]
Micke Bjorklof and Blue Strip Colors of Jealousy Hokahey! Music Productions I’ve been writing about the music of Micke Bjorklof since 2014 with the After the Flood release. I love the way his crafted lyrics and musical arrangements are brought to life with Blue Strip. Their latest album Colors of Jealousy has again captivated me with every listen. Bjorklof has a unique way to […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Hudspeth and Taylor Guitarist, singer, teacher, and songwriter Brandon Hudspeth was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He began taking guitar lessons at an early age after hearing Johnny Cash on Sesame Street. In high school, heavily influenced by the Blues, he started playing weekend gigs around the […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Sarah Menefee of King Bee & The Stingers King Bee & The Stingers is a six-piece blues, soul and funk band from Bloomington, Indiana. The group works with Indie Ink Management and publicist Marlene Palumbo. Several KBS singles have been distributed by Sony Orchard and are […]
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway City of Gold Nonesuch Play the last song of this dazzling bluegrass adventure first. Throughout “The First Time I Fell in Love,” a lilting “Mr. Bojangles”-like melody carries Molly Tuttle’s soul baring recollections of being a teenager. Tuttle was diagnosed with Alopecia as a three-year-old, and it quickly advanced to […]
Alan Ferber Nonet Up High, Down Low Sunnyside Although readers of these pages have seen trombonist Alan Ferber as a sideman on several projects that we’ve covered, this is your introduction to Ferber as a bandleader and composer, leading his nonet, as he’s done for over twenty years. The members are leading voices on their […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Ben Noble Ben Noble released his 3rd album ‘Bitter Work’ on May 26, 2023. Bitter Work is a journey through the constructs of his religious roots and the ways that he has tried to learn outside the confines of dualism – right and wrong aren’t as certain as we […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene presents an Interview with Aaron Smith Aaron Smith’s songs explore the mystery of human experience, searching for the meaning of love, family, heritage, kindness, doubt, and grace. In vignettes infused with an infectious sense of hope and humor, the unlikely heroes of his songs — grandmothers and grandfathers, street preachers […]
Mehmet Ali Sanlikol & What’s Next Turkish Hipster – Tales from Swing to Psychedelic DÜNYA Often this writer has heard musicians stating that each album should be different in some way from the previous. Few take this to heart more than composer and multi-instrumentalist and cultural scholar Mehmet Ali Sanlikol. Across his seven albums he […]
Matt Von Roderick Celestial Heart BFD Trumpeter/vocalist/composer Matt Von Roderick continues to push the envelope. Case in point in his own words – “Half of CELESTIAL HEART is composed of unique arrangements of standards from the American Songbook, while the other half of the album is comprised of completely free, creative improvisation and spontaneous composition. The mixture […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Sean Michael Howe of The Geanies Geanies, an electrifying, blues-influenced alt-rock band, release the debut EP, Can’t See The Sun, July 14th via Mule Kick Records. The Venice, California band is fronted by lead singer/composer Sean Michael Howe. Howe has the colossal sound and technical delivery of a […]
Angie Wells Truth Be Told Café Pacific Truth Be Told is the second album from Philly native and Los Angeles based vocalist and songwriter Angie Wells. Combining spiritual, socially conscious, and ‘feel good” material, the multi-talented Wells describes it this way, “My sophomore project is a collection of originals and cover tunes that I chose […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Eric Johanson In the midst of creating The Deep and the Dirty, Eric Johanson’s previous album cracked the Top 10 on the Billboard blues chart. It was his fourth time reaching the Top 10. And for a Louisiana native who’d grown up idolizing bluesmen like Freddie […]
The Nick Moss Band featuring Dennis Gruenling Get Your Back Into It! Alligator Get Your Back Into It! is the third album (and third on Alligator) for 2020 BMA Winners Chicago veteran guitarist/vocalist Nick Moss and harmonicist Dennis Gruenling, who return after their widely acclaimed, three-time BMA winner Lucky Guy! We often throw around terms […]
Jan James Time Bomb Blue Palace Records It has been over thirty years since Jan James released her first album Last Train. That record gained her a rather large fanbase in Europe. With creative partner guitarist Craig Calvert by her side, her latest and twelfth release Time Bomb is drenched with feeling and soul. James’ musical-wheelhouse is centered in American roots, and embraces each petal: […]
Leo Genovese, Demian Cabaud & Marcos Cavaleiro Estrellero Sunnyside Argentinean pianist Leo Genovese (Esperanza Spalding, Leni Stern) met his fellow countryman, bassist Demian Cabaud, while they both attended Berklee in Boston. Their twenty-year friendship has never diminished, even as Cabaud settled in Porto, Portugal. It was in Portugal, that the duo met drummer Marcos Cavaleiro, […]
KAREN LEIPZIGER/KL PRODUCTIONS Making a Scene Brings you an Interview with a Pro – Karen Leipziger of Nashville’s KL Productions KBA Award winning publicist (2007) and Grammy (“Before This Song Is Over” Eddy Clearwater with Los Straitjackets Rock ’n’ Roll City) and BMA-nominated songwriter (“Winds Of Change” Eddy Clearwater Reservation Blues), Karen Leipziger/KL Productions has been […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Brings you Gerry Casey’s Interview with Gene Bannon Gene Bannon from Cootehill ireland he was the saxophone player in The Times Showband. They recorded an album in Abbey Road studios and used the same engineer as the Beatles. Gene also played in Dusty Springfield’s band in the late sixties. These […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Mitch Hayes Americana/Folk Artist of the Year” (2016 and 2018 Queen City Music Awards), Mitch Hayes is an award-winning singer/songwriter, recording and national touring artist from Charlotte, North Carolina who now calls Oklahoma home. His music is as eclectic as the creative influences that have helped […]
Sofia Goodman Secrets of the Shore Joyous Secrets of the Shore may seem like an odd title for the Nashville based composer-drummer Sofia Goodman and her eponymous Group. This is their second album, and they move away from the funk-fusion that marked their debut, 2018’s Myriad of Flowers, into a mostly introspective post-bop mode. As […]
Greg Joseph Drop the Rock Sunnyside In what at times seems like our never-ending quest to bring you every possible variation of the classic jazz organ trio, we now present the trio of drummer/composer Greg Joseph, organist Larry Goldings, and guitarist Steve Cardenas in Joseph’s debut role as bandleader for Drop the Rock. The hand-picked […]
Alan Paul Brothers and Sisters: The Allman Brothers Band and the Story of the Album that Defined the ‘70s St. Martin’s Press Acclaimed music columnist and author Alan Paul has covered The Allman Brothers Band and its offshoots for much of his career. He previously wrote the New York Times bestseller, One Way Out: The […]
Melvin Smith Perseverance MISMAWO Music Perseverance is the seventh album by the saxophonist and composer Melvin Smith. The album is split evenly between an acoustic saxophone led quartet and a saxophone led organ trio. The tracks alternate as such with Smith doubling on soprano and tenor. With his gospel background, he merges spiritual material with […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Pistol Pete Wearn Pistol Pete Wearn is a solo acoustic blues artist who performs raucous and upbeat material accompanied by slide guitar and a stomping foot. His music has been played on BBC 6 Music, described as “as true as it gets” by Blues Blast […]
Sammy Figueroa Busco tu Recuerdo (Searching For a Memory) Ashé Records Searching For A Memory (Busco Tu Recuerdo) is a project that took massive amounts of courage for GRAMMY-nominated percussionist Sammy Figueroa to even consider, let alone complete. Figueroa’s first album in nearly a decade is dedicated to the memory and music of his father, the […]
Leonard “Lowdown” Brown Blues is Calling Me Music Maker Foundation Born in Arkansas and raised in Indiana, Leonard “Lowdown” Brown has been surrounded by music most of his life. In 1980 he moved to Houston, Texas for his work with General Electric and became in involved in the local music scene. In 1988, he acquired […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Michelle Malone A mainstay of American roots music for more than 30 years, Michelle Malone has built an award-winning career as a singer, songwriter, and road warrior. Her music is ingrained in the soundtrack of the American South, mixing the rebellious stomp of roadhouse rock & […]
Greg Joseph Drop the Rock Sunnyside In what at times seems like our never-ending quest to bring you every possible variation of the classic jazz organ trio, we now present the trio of drummer/composer Greg Joseph, organist Larry Goldings, and guitarist Steve Cardenas in Joseph’s debut role as bandleader for Drop the Rock. The hand-picked […]
Guy Bélanger Voyages & Other Stories Bros Quebec’s Guy Bélanger is a multiple Maple Blues Award winner for Harmonica Player of the Year and is otherwise well recognized as both an instrumentalist and singer-songwriter in his nearly fifty-year career. Voyages & Other Stories is his seventh solo album, a mix of originals and covers, featuring […]
Russ Lossing Alternate Side Parking Music Aqua Piazza Alternate Side Parking Music marks the debut of pianist/composer/improviser Russ Lossing’s new quartet, King Vulture with reedist Adam Kolker, bassist Matt Pavolta, and drummer Dayeon Seok. Even more importantly, this is a brilliant album that will have you smiling and probably even laughing as Lossing’s compositions often […]
Nicole Zuraitis How Love Begins Outside in Music Jazz singer-songwriter and vocal/instrumentalist, the Grammy-nominated Nicole Zuraitis, teams with bassist and co-producer Christian McBride on How Love Begins, a seldomly expressed and at times irreverent but realistic dissertation on the ebbs and flows of modern love. Besides the multi-talented Zuraitis and McBride, the supporting cast includes Gilad Hekselman on guitar, Maya Kronfeld on […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey’s Interview with Laurence Jones Laurence Jones, the multi-award-winning guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter born in Liverpool, releases his seventh studio album via Marshall Records on August 25th, showcasing his new power trio. The British Blues Rock guitar sensation has shared stages with Sir Van Morrison, Sir Ringo Starr, […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Mike Guldin Mike Guldin first picked up the guitar at age 15 and since then has honed his craft playing in roadhouses, clubs and bars, and Festivals and Theaters for over 45 years. Influenced by blues legends Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon, Albert Collins, The […]
Duane Betts Wild & Precious Life Royal Potato Family “My mother she married a ramblin’ man,” Duane Betts sings in “Taking Time,” the snappy little tune that kicks off his 2018 debut EP, Sketches of American Music. The heritage that pours out of Betts in reference to his father, Dickey Betts of the original Allman […]
Douyé The Golden Sèkèrè Rhombus Nigerian-born, L.A.-based jazz vocalist Douyé puts a completely refreshing spin on the Great American Songbook on The Golden Sèkèrè, her fifth album named after the beaded Nigerian percussion instrument. Blending her African heritage with these well-known songs introduces a unique soundscape that in essence makes these familiar songs sound new. Having sourced a bounty of songs from […]
Wayne Smith Jr. Be Still Blue Collar Drummer, composer, and educator Wayne Smith Jr. is a vital member of the Sun Ra Arkestra, stepping out here as a leader for one of the more calming albums we’ve heard recently. Leading a quintet that includes trombonist Brent White, alto saxophonist Matthew Clayton, guitarist Ian Macaulay, and […]
Franck L. Goldwasser Who Needs this Mess!!? Crosscut Veteran blues fans recall “Paris Slim’s” sets with the Mannish Boys and perhaps some of his other collaborations with West Coast blues artists. Now the French-born guitarist/vocalist, using his given name Franck L. Goldwasser, returns with a solo album, Who Needs this Mess!!?, on which the title […]
Making a Scene Presents an interview with Mike Bourne From the House of Blues to the International Jazz and Blues Festival in Manila and countless points in between, Mike Bourne has been entertaining audiences around the globe with his unique style of jump blues, blues, and roots music since 1998. Inspired by Louis Jordan, T-bone […]
Eric Johanson The Deep and the Dirty Ruf Records Louisiana blues-rocker Eric Johanson has a ridiculously cool album with his latest release The Deep and the Dirty. Enlisting Jesse Dayton (Rob Zombie, X, Samantha Fish) surely accounts for the badassery which abundantly flows out of the dozen original tracks contained on this record. With Eric Johanson on guitar and vocals, the band is […]
Kaisa Maensivu & Kaisa’s Machine Taking Shape Greenleaf Music The Finnish, now New York-based bassist and composer, Kaisa Maensivu, leads a high-profile unit that she calls Kaisha’s Machine. While her name may be unfamiliar, her New York debut, Taking Shape, her second album overall, comes courtesy of Dave Douglas’ Greenleaf Music, bringing instant credibility to […]
Making a Scene Brings you an Interview with a Pro – Gerry Roszak of Kondler and Associates Royalty Audit Team Introduction In the music industry, the traditional revenue streams for musicians and songwriters have undergone a significant transformation. With the rise of digital music platforms and streaming services, the way in which artists earn […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Lady Adrena Vocalist, and Songwriter, and Adrienne Palmer aka ” LADY ADRENA” was born May 24, 1980 in Jackson Mississippi. Her singing career began at age five in County Line Baptist Church and has continued to flourish. In April, 2008, ADRENA completed her first single, “WHAT’S […]
Sunnyside While it might be a bit unusual reviewing two albums in the same space, we have two solo piano efforts from two different artists that are on the same label, both essentially interpreting standards. Understand this is not an effort to compare the two or necessarily draw distinctions between the two but their different […]
Brian Kalinec The Beauty of It All Berkalin Texas singer-songwriter Brian Kalinec writes about common, everyday subjects but has a special gift for infectious hooks and memorable rhymes. He grabs us right away with his opening autobiographical title track, welcoming us into an album brimming with comforting folk songs. Acclaimed producer Merel Bregante at Cribworks […]
Patrick Cornelius Book of Secrets Posi-Tone Multi-reedist and composer Patrick Cornelius didn’t intend to originally make Book of Secrets using his arsenal of alto and soprano saxophones, alto flute, and clarinet, thinking that he’d just play the soprano saxophone. Producer Marc Free suggested the variety and the results have yielded arguably the most well-thought out […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Brings you Gerry Casey’s Interview with Zac Shulze Gang In the distant future of 2092, a group of time bandits were hell-bent on bringing hard-hitting blues rock with fusions of every genre ever conceived to the generations of the past. The time bandits flew back through the late 90s and […]
Terry Gibbs Legacy Band The Terry Gibbs Songbook Whaling City Sound The vibraphonist and composer Terry Gibbs thought he was done with music at age 92 but the muse struck, and he gathered several lyric writers (Steve Allen, Michael Dees, Jerry Gladstone, Arthur Hamilton, and Bobby Troup. and a dream band to play 15 of […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Kyle Culkin Kyle Culkin is an American songwriter, guitarist and roots music recording artist. He has worked over the past two decades as a multi-instrumentalist musician and the guitarist for nationally touring acts such as The Jeff Jensen Band. Culkin opened for the great B.B. King […]
Bruce Katz Connections Dancing Rooster Keyboardist Bruce Katz has a new trio that he’s unveiling on his latest, Connections, which was recorded at the famed Capricorn Studios in Macon, GA, familiar turf to Katz from his tenures with Gregg Allman’s Band, Butch Trucks’ Les Brers, and Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band. While an integral member of those […]
You must be logged in to post a comment.