MUSIC_DIRECTOR for KTEP 88.5 FM
El Paso, Texas, United States
Sam Cassiano is a native Californian who spent his formative years in the Bay Area. An army brat, his family toured Germany and Japan before settling in El Paso in 1973. Initially a Communications Major at UTEP, a radio internship at KPAS-FM 94, the PASS launched his broadcasting career.
Latest Album Reviews
Review of My Time to Shine (feat. paul Nelson)
Album Info: My Time to Shine (feat. paul Nelson)
Jureesa The Duchess McBride Album: My Time to Shine (feat. paul Nelson) Label: Self-Release Genre(s): Classic Blues Posted By: Duane Verh
Nov 27, 2022
Review
Mississippi-bred vocalist Jureesa McBride and crew serve up a satisfying set of old school, deep-dish blues laced with a nice touch of contemporary sheen. Ms. McB’s powerhouse vocals are a pleasing constant on a set that includes a most convincing cover of Koko Taylor’s “I’m A Woman” and a moving original, “Don’t Mind The Rain”. Guitarist Paul Nelson provides tasty work atop a solid small-group backup band.
Yates McKendree Album: Buchanan Lane Label: Qualified Genre(s): Classic BluesBlues Posted By: Duane Verh
Nov 20, 2022
Review
Yates McKendree’s upbringing in father Kevin’s recording studio is likely key to the Nashville-bred singer/guitarist/keyboardist’s casual confidence when taking on period gems and turning out simpatico original fare. Mr. McK is convincing covering early B.B. King- “Ruby Lee” and a Dr. John co-write- “Justified”, matching them in spunk and savvy on collaborations including “Wise” and “No Justice” on which he nearly functions as a rock-solid one-man rhythm section to boot.
Okra Playground Album: Itku Label: Nordic Notes Genre(s): World Posted By: Joe Ross
Nov 20, 2022
Review
When their 2015 debut album Turmio hit the streets, Okra Playground was hailed as “one of the most exciting bands to come out of Finland in recent times." Formed in 2010, the six experienced musicians received high acclaim for their captivating musical energy informed by deep knowledge of and passion for their folk heritage. The sextet followed that up with touring and a showcase appearance at WOMEX. In 2018, their second album Ääneni Yli Vesien was also deliriously fun, with everything sounding old, new, esoteric and relevant at once. As they continue to build their legion of world-wide fans, Okra Playground engages listeners with colorings of kantele (zither), jouhikko (bowed lyre), accordion, electronics, guitars, bass and percussion in a way that naturally complements lyrics, rhythms and folkloric traditions.
As their highly arranged musical tapestry
Electric Vocuhila Album: Kiteky Label: Another Record Genre(s): World Posted By: Joe Ross
Nov 13, 2022
Review
Following their 2020 Palaces album, Kiteky is the fourth release from Electric Vocuhila, a powerful French quartet featuring Maxime Bobo (sax), Arthur Delaleu (electric guitar), François Rosenfeld (bass) and Etienne Ziemniak (drums). During the past decade, Electric Vocuhila has been developing a legion of fans for their dynamic, uplifting songs inspired by contemporary African urban or ceremonial music. Flavored with colorings of rock and jazz, the musicians demonstrate a notable mastery of such styles as Congolese sebene, Zimbabwean sungura, and Malagasy tsapiky. Kiteky is dedicated to the inspiring tsapiky musicians they met during a tour in Madagascar just before recording the album.
While some of their tracks may sound a bit frenetic at times, I appreciate Electric Vocuhila’s musical individuality. I’d be curious to see how they’d sound in a
Johanna Lillvik Album: The Love Hate Syndrome Label: Paraply Genre(s): Pop Rock Posted By: Robert Silverstein
Nov 13, 2022
Review
Sweden’s Paraply Records label returns in 2022 with the full-length debut solo album by Swedish singer-songwriter Johanna Lillvik. The 12-track, 51-minute release of The Love Hate Syndrome heralds the arrival of a major pop talent on the world stage. With her dynamic theatrical flair inspired by Bowie, Kate Bush, the perennially dramatic music of Kurt Weill and others in full flight, Ms. Lillvik certainly lives up to the hype on an album that presents her artistry in the best possible light.
Taken together; Johanna’s production skills, her composing, piano skills and vocals are truly a thing to marvel at. Modern pop fans, as well as progressive rock fans in tune with Bowie and Bush, will dig the sense of sonic urgency in play on The Love Hate Syndrome. While she made inroads appearing on the 2020 album with Blues Escape and her 2017 debut CD ep, The Love Hate
Oct 17, 2022 -
Ukubonga [Gratitude], the new recording from South African singer Lorraine Klaasen and South African guitarist, composer, arranger, musical director... Read Full Article
Oct 11, 2022 -
With his signature world-weary, raspy vocals and a penchant for epic, power-ballad guitar licks, Florida-based singer-songwriter, and... Read Full Article
Jul 26, 2022 -
Oslo-based American-Norwegian trio Buster Sledge released their first studio album Call Home in May 2022, following up on their self-recorded and... Read Full Article
Jul 16, 2022 -
PIONEERING INSTRUMENTAL SYNTH-POP BAND DELAY TACTICS REUNITES FOR 2022 ALBUM “ELEMENTS OF SURPRISE”
FIRST SINGLE “VIOLA’S... Read Full Article
Jul 6, 2022 -
Austin, TX - Of course, Lone Star State honky-tonkers The Western Express are aware of the renewed interest in the eras of country... Read Full Article
Jun 22, 2022 -
With the release of his sophomore album, Noli Me Tángere, saxophonist, composer and educator Matthew Muñeses magnifies the... Read Full Article
Jun 19, 2022 -
George Lernis is a drummer, percussionist and composer whose unique musical influences and upbringing meld to create a sound and vision that... Read Full Article
Jun 19, 2022 -
Drummer and composer Clemens Grassmann’s latest creation, Grass Machine, is a tale of the strength of community and support amidst the... Read Full Article
Jun 19, 2022 -
Elsa Nilsson is a flutist, composer and educator from Gothenburg, Sweden currently residing in Brooklyn, New York where she can often be found... Read Full Article
Jun 10, 2022 -
Trumpeter and composer Kalí Rodríguez-Peña blurs the lines between genres as he pays homage to the 21st-century mindset with... Read Full Article
