Black Hen Music artist: Maya Rae - Can You See Me? - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the debut release, Can You See Me?, from Maya Rae who demonstrates strong vocal skills and a fine hand for melody to match her lyrical skills. Opening with title track, Can You See Me?, Maya Rae who has a clear, pop style voice, with traces of Joni, Fiona and other successful folk style vocalists backed by guitar whiz Steve Dawson, Jamie Dick on drums, Jon Estes on bass, Kai Welch on keys and uke, and backing vocals by Allison Russell and JT Nero. Very nice opener. With just a dash of country styling, The Sun Will Come Out Again is another strong composition with a solid melody, and includes vibes by Charlie McCoy, Kristin Weber on violin, and Larissa Maestro on cello. I really like the delicate vocal treatment and musical contrast by Rae on Picture Frame and the vocal harmony work on Storm Leaf really makes for a nice pair of tracks. Bluesy, Freedom Fighter, is one of my favorites on the release with Welch on Wurlitzer, Dawson on slide and adding Sam Howard on vocal. Moon Girl has one of those paces that just captivates you and the vocal backing by Russell and Nero beautifully compliment Rae's own lush lead. Wrapping the release is Goodnight River, a simple ballad with only the minimal of backing by Dawson, Dick, Howard and Welch. This is a very nice closer for a solid release. 

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Mark Telesca - Higher Vibrations - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Higher Vibrations, from Mark Telesca and it's a cool acoustic showcase. Opening with original track, 99 Years, Telesca demonstrates an articulate and interesting guitar style while accompanying his solid vocals on this bluesy folk track. Cool opener. Another original track, Turn On A Dime, leans more heavily on Telesca's story telling and his ability to create a cool ambiance with his vocals and guitar. Very nice. Fred McDowell's Louise  gets a nice dose of acoustic slide guitar, further enhancing Telesca's rework of this blues classic. I also like his cover of Robert Johnson's Come On In My Kitchen with clean acoustic guitar work, slide and his own contemporary vocal blues styling. With a cool finger picked style, Papa's On The House Top, has a certain brightness that really makes Telesca shine. Al Green's, I'm A Ram, is toned down substantially but maintains the writers forcefulness in it's own way with  understated guitar work and solid vocal phrasing. Wrapping the release is original shuffle (boogie), Something Just Ain't Right with it's driving rhythm and smooth guitar turn arounds. I really like Telesca's delivery on this one making it a cool closer for a fun release. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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