EP Review: Private Island - A Good Look

Private Island’s A Good Look was a gift that I somehow overlooked. The EP released in September of 2014, but I did not discover it until recently. I can sometimes get overwhelmed by all of the music review requests I receive and once in a while a beauty like this slips through the cracks. That is an unfortunate shame. The four songs contained on A Good Look are some of the best songs that I have heard in months. All songs are layered with deep textures and sounds, soulful voices (4 songs, 4 different lead vocals), and rich guitar solos that mix the perfect elements of jazz, blues, and soul into one masterful sound.

Soulful, swooning, and filled with depth, Private Island’s A Good Look EP is a delight to the ears. Private Island brings a sound extremely reminiscent of Alabama Shakes, a good sound to emulate. A Good Look is an EP filled with everything that I’ve come to love about music, blended into a delightful dose of four exquisite songs. Scores of other bands can be heard in Private Island’s music ranging from The Head and The Heart to Dave Matthews Band to Of Monsters And Men. It may also be that I hear all of those musical nuances in these songs, because these songs remind me of some of my favorite music.

Picking a favorite track from this is EP is an exercise in the impossible. Each song is a fabulous masterpiece in its own right. Every time I spin one of the songs more and more layers of wonderful music hit my ears. The beauty of A Good Look is in how detailed the music is. Luscious and layered A Good Look is exponentially magnificent. This is an EP performed by extremely talented musicians who only accepted perfection in the music they released. And perfection is exactly what they achieved.

Check them out for yourselves: 

https://privateisland.bandcamp.com/

Ryo’s Rating: 5 (out of 5)

Track List

MX505bii (Intro)

Bear Hands

Don’t Call Me

Dissolve

Mishka

Hannah Gill - I Feel Awake

Here is an excellent song from Hannah Gill. “I Feel Awake” sounds like a blend of Adele, Nora Jones, and Florence and the Machine. This addictive single is one that you are bound to listen to over and over again.

Hannah Gill…you rock!

For The Record Documentary On Nathan East To Debut On Hulu

Yamaha Entertainment Group will release 'For the Record', the first-ever documentary on one of the world's most recorded bassists Nathan East, on Hulu this December. The film follows East's prolific career from his start as a 16-year old who toured nationally with Barry White and the Love Unlimited Orchestra to playing on over 2,000 different albums and performing at the GRAMMYs with Daft Punk earlier this year.

You can view the trailer: http://shorefi.re/1sz5vRa

Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Phil Collins, Kenny Loggins and Eric Clapton, among many others, share their personal stories of working with East during his 40+ years in the music industry.

Phil Collins describes how Nathan helped him pen the RIAA gold-certified single "Easy Lover" in a whirlwind 20-minute writing session based on one long riff, and Eric Clapton details how catching East's commanding performance at Live Aid with Kenny Loggins, turned into an immediate recruitment and 25-year touring history together.

Yamaha Entertainment Group Founder, Vice President and Director of 'For the Record', Chris Gero said of the film, "This was more than just making a documentary. This was personal for me. I consider it my duty to ensure that the entire world knows exactly who Nathan East is and the impact he has had on the music industry. Nathan is the most famous person you don’t know you already know, and this film will change that."

The documentary also captures the recording process for 'Nathan East', East's self-titled solo debut released in March which hit #1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Albums chart and held #1 for a record-breaking 36 weeks on SmoothJazz.com. Called "a striking debut, blinding brilliance" (Bass Player), the album features musicians who also appeared in "For the Record", including Eric Clapton, Ray Parker Jr., Michael McDonald and Sara Bareilles.

Capping one of the most exciting years in his career, East will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on January 24 at the NAMM TEC Awards, the longest-running awards show recognizing outstanding achievement in audio production innovation and sound production.

Somebody's Darling - Adult Roommates

Wow! If you want to hear some exceptional blues rock fronted by a woman with a fantastically soulful voice, check out the latest from Somebody’s Darling.

Somebody's Darling is spearheaded by lead singer Amber Farris, whose unrefined yet tender vocals belt out blistering songs that command the attention of anyone in earshot. She is oft-likened to great singers such as Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, and Erika Wennerstrom of Heartless Bastards. Rounding out the band is David Ponder (lead guitar), Wade Cofer (bass/ vocals), Michael Talley (keys/vocals), and Nate Wedan (drums).

Somebody's Darling has played relentlessly over the last five years, clocking in over 500 shows through multiple headlining tours, numerous festival stops, and gigs in direct support of great artists such as Shovels & Rope, Deer Tick, Lucero and Divine Fits. The group has gained such a strong reputation across Texas - with their frenetic performances and energetic live show - that they were recently honored by Red Bull Music and invited to become an official Red Bull Sound Select Artist.

You can stream Somebody's Darling latest release, Adult Roommates, on Red Bull, here: http://win.gs/1lWEGcT or purchase the album on iTunes, here: http://bit.ly/SDARiTunes.

Be sure to check them out! Somebody’s Darling rocks!

Friday's Rockin' Roundup - Natural Disaster Edition

This past Tuesday around 2:30 PM, the unthinkable happened. I actually experienced an Earthquake. Having lived in Northern New Jersey for most of my entire life, I’ve never felt an earthquake before. When my entire office building shook, I knew something was wrong, and an earthquake was my first thought. Then I laughed at myself for how silly that sounded. Turns out, it wasn’t so silly after all.

Although it originated in Virginia, the effects of the quake were felt as far north as Massachusetts. It was a scary feeling for a few moments, as no one around me was sure of what had happened. We quickly evacuated the building, but minutes later got the all clear to head back inside. Feeling the building shake (albeit mildly) made me wonder what people who have lived through large Earthquakes feel like. The one I experienced was a 5.9. I would never want to witness an 8.0.

And now there’s news of a huge hurricane heading our way. At least this is a natural disaster that I am used to…

Here’s what rocked this week:

The Great Kat - The World’s Fastest Guitarist?
Here’s an interesting piece. This article is on Long Island Native Katherine Thomas, known as the Great Kat. Her current CD, Beethoven Shreds, is available now. So, is the Great Kat the world’s fastest guitarist? I guess we’ll have to check out the CD to find out. In the meantime, read over this great article that will fill you in on all the details.

Say It Loud: The Genius of James Brown
Debuting at the Grammy Museum this September is an exhibit to none other than the Godfather of soul. The exhibit will focus on James Brown as the “Godfather of Soul” – blazing a trail in American music by blending gospel, pop and soul- as well as show Brown’s role as a trendsetter in both fashion and dance. The exhibit will also illustrate how Brown used his music and celebrity to positively impact the Civil Rights Movement and race relations of the 1960’s. The exhibit will open to the public on September 17, 2011.

Want To Go To An Indie Music Campout?
Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven will be rolling into the Joshua Tree region of California next month to co-host their 7th annual CAMPOUT music festival. CAMPOUT will take place September 15th, 16th and 17th at Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace in the High Desert of Southern California. The locale of this fest ties in perfectly with Cracker’s own history as their signature album Kerosene Hat was recorded there back in 1993 in the now-closed movie soundstage next to the Palace. This year’s edition of CAMPOUT looks to be one of the best ever. Tickets are available now.

Dave Matthews Band Caravan Postponed
The DMB Caravan was supposed to take over New York City this weekend. However, due to the impending hurricane, the governor of New York has declared a state of emergency for Saturday and Sunday. Therefore, the only festivities that will take place are on Friday night. The rescheduled dates of Saturday and Sunday will be announced in the near future. If you have tickets to these two nights, hang onto them. Single day ticket holders have also been invited to use their ticket for Friday night’s show.

Every Album Challenge Update
Albums Listened To: 267
Albums Remaining: 1,786

For more news, reviews, rants, raves, updates, and shout outs, you should follow me on twitter. www.twitter.com/ryovie

Friday's Rockin' Roundup - Under The Dome Edition

This week, I finished reading the 1,074 page behemoth novel by Stephen King, his latest work, Under The Dome. This was definitely some of his best work in a while. Perhaps it’s due to the fact that the idea was hatched in the 70s and then the manuscript was put away until a couple of years ago.

Under The Dome tells the tale of a small town trapped under an impenetrable dome that instantly appears and can’t be removed at all. Even the US Military’s hardest nukes don’t put a dent in it. That’s quite a structure. And while it’s fascinating to learn about the dome, this invisible, indestructible barrier separating a small town from the rest of the world, the real charm in this book is the people within. King’s tale of what happens to the townsfolk during their period of lock in is what makes the book so good. Although there are several main characters in the novel, you don’t get lost as you read along. Following them and keeping up with story is simple, even though the plot is somewhat complex. And even though it’s over 1,000 pages long, it’s a fast read, due to the speed of the plot.

I highly recommend this gem. If you like King, you’ll love Under The Dome. If you haven’t read him in a while, this is a great book to reintroduce yourself to his writings with. A fast paced thriller that wrenches emotional responses, Under The Dome is a spectacular read.

Here’s what rocked this week:

The Passing of Teddy Pendergrass
Starting off on a sad note, soul singer Teddy Pendergrass passed away this week. In the 70s and 80s, Pendergrass was huge, played on almost every radio station and known by everyone. He will be missed.

Blackwood Creek
Kip Winger’s side band (original band?) released their self titled debut album this week. Blackwood Creek is an incredible bar band album and an amazingly different style from Winger. Read my review currently at Hard Rock Hideout.

Opening Night for Guns N Roses
It actually happened. Guns N Roses played their first North American Chinese Democracy gig more than a year after the release of that CD. Now, will they come to the States? Will this tour make it that long? And will they ever start a concert on time? Hmmm…..

HIM Is Coming to North America
HIM has lined up some North American tour dates for this spring. I’ve never seen this band live, but I’ve always been intrigued by their music. It’s not fantastic, it’s definitely not horrible, it has a strange sweetness to it. It’s kind of like Big Elf.

A Jack White Solo Album?
Now that would be pretty awesome! While I would love a new White Stripes, I’d settle for Jack White solo.

Happy Friday everyone! Enjoy the day, enjoy some music!