John Myers has had a long and very colorful history in Radio, Television, Photography and Advertising. Originally from the Midwest, John started his radio career at age 13 at KCRG in Cedar Rapids, IA. He graduated from Drake University with a Degree in Communications and he hasn’t stopped since. He and his wife Joan were married here in Sonoma and have traveled here there and everywhere since then. John’s passions, aside from Radio and Sonoma Valley History, are... Read More
Latest Album Reviews
Review of Behind the Veil
Album Info: Behind the Veil
Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind Album: Behind the Veil Label: Gulf Coast Genre(s): Contemporary Blues Posted By: Duane Verh
Oct 1, 2023
Review
Smartly crafted solos, a lively tune stack and some eclectic side-stepping are the primary markings on harmonica ace Jason Ricci’s current offering. The curiously haunting leadoff track, “Casco Bay”, gives way to a lively shuffle, the Ruth Brown-popularized “5-10-15”, the first of multiple pleasing appearances by Ricci’s spouse, vocalist Kaitilin Dibble. The instrumental “Baked Potato” showcases Ricci’s skill with masterful solo construction, building lyrically to its conclusion. Ms. Dibble’s own “Wrong Kind of Easy”, coupled with a duet run-through with Ricci of the Little Walter hit “Nobody But You” stands out here as does another duet outing, “Why Don’t We Sleep On It”.
Danny Burns Album: Promised Land Label: Bonfire Genre(s): Americana CountryContemporary Bluegrass Posted By: Joe Ross
Sep 29, 2023
Review
When Danny Burns released his 2019 debut album North Country, the Ireland-born folksinger had already built a reputation on both sides of the Atlantic for his robust vocals and keen storytelling. On his six-song EP Hurricane, Burns’ 2021 sophomore project continued his successful approach of incorporating elements of country, rock and bluegrass into his resolute, durable Americana blend with a cadre of masterful guest artists. Much like his 2021 project, his 2023 release Promised Land has a wonderfully varied mix of rocking lyrical delivery, hot instrumental riffs, contemplative as well as edgy musical moods.
Featuring guests like Tim O’Brien, Sam Bush, Bryan Simpson, Áine Burns, Tim Crouch, Billy Conteras, Josh Methany, Matt Menefree and many others, the track on Promised Land hold many musical surprises. Opening with “Someone Like You,” a spin
Lane Steinberg Album: Headspace Label: Cheft Genre(s): Pop/Rock Posted By: Robert Silverstein
Sep 28, 2023
Review
Listeners of music from local New York City area musicians may very well have heard the name Lane Steinberg before. Lane was a member of the band Tan Sleeve as well as the force behind Cracked Latin. An unexpected treat by the Queens, NYC native, the 12-track CD release of Headspace reestablished Lane’s propensity for revisiting minor pop-rock masterpieces in the spirit of McCartney, Emitt Rhodes and early Todd Rundgren.
Sure the influences are always lurking in the background but the songs hold up and, performed entirely by Lane, they offer a homey kind of pop ambience, one minute Todd influenced and then in another, Brian Wilson smiles down on Lane. A low-fi pop masterpiece, Headspace is a most welcome return from NYC’s underrated pop-composer, singer and guitarist / multi-instrumentalist Lane Steinberg.
Tom Hambridge Album: Blu Ja Vu Label: Quarto Valley Genre(s): Blues Rock, BluesContemporary Blues Posted By: Duane Verh
Sep 17, 2023
Review
Typically enhancing the work of others, accomplished producer/drummer Tom Hambridge serves up a set of his own, jam-packed with solid originals and co-writes delivered with serious punch and top-notch play. Following killer vocal pair-ups with the likes of Buddy Guy- “Ain’t It Just Like Love”, then Joe Bonamassa- “That’s My Home”- and soon thereafter Christone “Kingfish” Ingram- “Blues Don’t Care”, the four-time Grammy winning Mr. Hambridge deals out further excitement with an instant ear-grabber- “Automatic”- and an engaging harmonica feature for none other than departed icon James Cotton- “Brother John Boogie”. A “Best Of Year” candidate.
Lee Oskar Album: She Said Mahalo Label: Dreams We Share Genre(s): Contemporary BluesBlues Posted By: Duane Verh
Sep 12, 2023
Review
It’s too bad Lee Oskar’s new offering didn’t drop ‘til this month, as the laid-back, breezy and ever-tuneful nature of this tune stack would’ve provided most suitable atmospherics for the weeks of summer. The inventive harmonica player- and designer – serves up a string of ear-catching themes, light to the touch and warm-hearted in character. Standouts include “Be Happy”, “Memories” and “Funky Rhetoric”. Nice work.
Oct 2, 2023 -
In 2020, New Age composer Chuck Wild/Liquid Mind® released the highly successful album Liquid Mind XIII: Mindfulness. Released at the start of... Read Full Article
Aug 2, 2023 -
The title track of Carrie Newcomer’s newest album, A Great Wild Mercy, opens with a scene of a woman, holding a blue umbrella above her head.... Read Full Article
May 10, 2023 -
Acoustic World 5 is the new 5-song album coming out in The Putumayo Discovery digital series. The fifth installation of the Acoustic... Read Full Article
Apr 12, 2023 -
We all have those slightly disturbing recurring dreams. But how many of us face them head-on upon awakening?
The Lady in the Long Dark... Read Full Article
Apr 10, 2023 -
Putumayo World Music, the internationally recognized record label that showcases music and cultures of the world, is pleased to announce the... Read Full Article
Apr 1, 2023 -
Sarah Bernadette NEW EP - “Sad Poems On My Phone”
Sarah Bernadette (vocals) Piano - George Behrakis Bass - Samantha Reiss... Read Full Article
Mar 16, 2023 -
With her first album since 2015’s Looking Up At The Sky, Yumi Kurosawa takes the iconic Japanese koto with her trio in bold... Read Full Article
Feb 22, 2023 -
Unite is Ogun Afrobeat’s new album, where the band keeps on expanding its musical horizons without losing touch with the roots of Afrobeat... Read Full Article
Feb 22, 2023 -
THESE PRECIOUS DAYS is the latest album by New York-based jazz vocalist and radio host MARY FOSTER CONKLIN. The project features mostly women... Read Full Article
