ZOHO Records artist: Juan Perea - Lightkeeper - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release Lightkeeper, from Juan Perea and it shows depth including introspective, contemplative and Latin flavored compositions. Opening with Tito Puente's Ove Como Va, of course famously interpreted by rocker Carlos Santa. Featuring Eric Marienthal on alto sax, Gary Haase on bass, Steve Thornton on percussion, and Dean Brown on guitar Juan Perea really does a nice job on piano maintaining the Latin influence and pulling in the rock styling with brilliant guitar riffs by Brown. I really like El Sueno with it's quiet attack and a mix of piano and electric keys by Perea and light and tight bottom by Thornton and Haase. Breaking into full samba Perea really gets it rolling and again Brown lights up the fretboard. Very nice. Remembering You has an introspective melody blending keys and piano over Haase on bass and Tom Brechtlein on drums, and with a smart acoustic guitar solo by Brown. Wrapping the release is title track, Lightkeeper II with a quiet inciteful piano melody. Nice closer for a solid release. 

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Zoho Records artist: Alexis Cole - Sky Blossom - Songs from My Tour Of Duty - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Sky Blossom - Songs From My Tour Of Duty, from Alexis Cole, and it's geared to mainstream listeners with a mature taste. Opening with Clifford Brown's Joy Spring with it's classic "big band" attack featuring John Castleman, Vito Speranza, Josh Economy and Rich Johnson on trumpet, Dan Poerce, Ron Fleischman, Jason Miller and Teddy Arnold on trombone, Mike Reifenberg, Derrick James, David Loy Song, Jay Malone and Xavier Perez on sax, Scott Arcangel on piano, Mark Tonelli on guitar, Brandon Nelson on bass and Scott Drewes on drums. Cole's vocals are light and springy with plenty of scat and a cool solo by Castleman on trumpet makes this a power opener. A solid rendition of Miles Davis' All Blues is a strong addition to the release with a really strong sax solo by Derrick James pushing this one this one beyond it's big band formality. Cole pares the band back on Lennon and McCartney's terrific ballad, Across The Universe. Her vocals are crisp and clear and the band is lush. Classic 50's track, Social Call, is as cool as it gets on this release with Cole singing with the ease of Washington. I really like Bob Sheppard's solo on this track, punched up just right by the horns. Very nice. Wrapping the release is contemporary ballad, American Anthem, showcasing Cole, accompanied by Jaehun Kang on piano. Cole has put together a solid set of vocal tracks and swings end to end. 

  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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