Channeling John, Paul, Ringo and George, the Research Turtles bring back simple pop-rock melodies and lyrics that only take a minute to learn on their nostalgic, self-titled debut. The opening song on the album makes a statement about what to expect from the type of music they play: “Let’s Get Carried Away.” It opens with [...]
With a look and a sound that is far beyond her years, Kristin Diable tells her story in the purest of folk tradition on Extended Play. Each song showcases her contralto voice that sounds as though it’s been tainted by cigarette smoke and experience, a sound that suits her. You’ve definitely heard this type of [...]
Don’t be fooled by Mia Borders’ shy and soft singing style. On “Don’t Say Forever” the soul-jazz singer attacks the words of the song with the fierceness of Fefe Dobson’s hate driven “Unforgiven.” She sings of a lover who abused her trust in this pop-rock anthem of breaking up and rebuilding. Kyle Sclafani’s lead guitar [...]
Straight out of Oxford, Mississippi, Herbert Wiley and his Mates insist that they are not an “appraisal of music that came out some 40 years ago,” but if you hear southern soul that recalls the glory days of soul, you’re not alone. Wiley’s voice reveals the wisdom that comes with age when he speaks about [...]
Shreveport drummer Brian Blade sets out to blend smooth Christian soft-rock with melodic blues vibes that attempts to carry listeners on a journey within their spirits for them to see the light and know the Lord, but sadly his message falls short.
Mama Rosa starts out with Blade’s soft ethereal voice telling me to “sleep my [...]
Nineteen year-old Conun Pappas began playing piano out of sheer curiosity. Now, as part of the Bridge Trio, he’ll back up Donald Harrison when Harrison plays the Jazz Tent.
At an early age he realized he could pick out the piano parts in songs while listening to his grandmother’s old records. He was also fascinated by [...]
The holiday gift-giving season may be over for the general population, but for Donald Harrison and Cherice Harrison-Nelson, the gift of a good education comes year-round.
At the 2009 Best of the Beat Awards, both Harrison siblings will be honored for their educational efforts in the fields of music and indigenous culture.
Harrison, known for his legendary [...]
The liner notes explain, “With curves shaped by waters that provide and threaten, she cuddles you in the warmth of her bosom…. She dances with you in the streets… [and] she defines you with history and culture.
Her name is New Orleans.”
Influenced by the love and loss suffered in the city by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, [...]
A little piece of Nashville is moving to New Orleans. On the weekend of December 5 and 6, the Songfest Foundation, Inc. and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will sponsor the first New Orleans Songwriters Festival. The event is designed to promote original New Orleans compositions that may help to advance [...]
