Mon, 01/28/2013 - 5:30 pm

Sean Johnson is a singer/songwriter who hails from Kentucky. He has been making quite a name for himself regionally and nationally. He has received critical acclaim from many music critics thus far in his musical career and has developed a strong reputation for his impressive songwriting touch.“Fairy Tales for Fools” is his latest release and the result though far from a self-indulgent ego trip, rather a moving and elegiac artistic statement from start to finish. This is not your overly predictable Ramon Noodle Folk-Pop-Rock ale artist, in fact Johnson goes much deeper than that. In-fact Johnson could even be classed as a 4 genera artist: Alternative Folk, Pop, Americana and even contemporary Singer/Songwriter. Johnson clearly has way too much precision and clarity to live in the shadows of overly-predictable Pop Rock. Indeed this is clearly evident in songs like “Live to Love You”, “Wake Me” and Jamie” which methodically ups the ante to a very respectable level of catchy musical expression and craftsmanship that transcends typical pigeonholing. The music is also commercially viable with a fresh sound and an entertaining vibe that makes a real connection with the listener. All pieces within this album hold the attentions span of the listener perfectly. In a nutshell this is Bruce Springsteen meets a fresher, more modern day Bob Dylan. However there is an unmistaken southern Americana feel to this record as well. The 11 song line-up comes fully loaded and appeals to many listeners with a wide variety of musical styles.I would imagine in time we will hear more from this amazing artists in the near future. No doubt Johnson has carved a marketable niche for himself thus far setting himself  up for more marketable success down the road. But for now I can honestly say this is one artist that clearly gives you a musical snapshot that is highly original, uplifting and dare I say brilliantly catchy in scope.Final Rating: 5 Star Rating average. This CD gets 4.0 Stars

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 1:06 pm

Passing Through is one unique release that certainly doesn’t disappoint. This is one artist that brings to the table effective songwriting via a highly subjective musical delivery. This meshed with a one in a million Modern Jazz sound and effective visuals and vocals makes for a very effective combination. Sarah Kervin is just a breath away from Smooth Jazz or even Pop Jazz but he skillfully manages to never cross the line into either realm. She’s really a Singer/Songwriter personality with a Broadway type persona very much like Bette Midler. This makes for a very unique sound that is mystifying end extremely diverse. All songs are wonderfully simple but masterful in their overall arrangements. Music reminded me of a cross between Diana Krall and Katie Lemua. This CD is quite entertaining overall with an enthusiastic vocal feel from Kervin. She’s a musical triple threat in my mind.  She is a world class songwriter and has what I would describe as an amazing amount of savant-esqe creativity and an appealing voice. She has a young and likeable appeal (visually and vocally). Her lyrical content is pretty straight forward and offers a very compelling and soul searcher perspective and spirit. No doubt many will like Kervin and her uptown swagger. All songs on this 10 track catalogue do exactly what they are meant to do via well-crafted movements and top tiered musicianship. The overall production value is superb with a crystal clear sound quality. Top Tracks: Borrowin’ Trouble, Passing Through, and Let Him Fly.I wish Kervin took more vocal risks and raw emotion throughout her performances to be honest. She demonstrates an impressive soprano with extreme potential yet somehow plays it relatively safe throughout the musical landscape of each piece. Typically the real magic occurs when one steps outside this comfort zone. Perhaps a shot of whiskey in the studio would pour gasoline on some of her emotional fire.Sarah Kervin has proven herself with this latest release. She is clearly an up and coming talent around New York and all band members backing her up are clearly capable musicians. I must admit “Passing Through” sucked me in like a powerful drug and refused to let go long after the CD was over. This usually indicates he is something special about the artist or band in question. Thus deserving praise, recognition and musical fame at the international level. Need I say more.

Wed, 03/13/2013 - 8:48 am

“The Hearts Cry” is the latest release from Hennricksson and the result though far from a self-indulgent ego trip, rather a moving and elegiac artistic statement from start to finish. This is not your overly predictable Ramon Noodle Ambient Pop Artist. Instead Henricksson could be classed as a 4 genera artist: Ambient, Chill, Classical and vintage Celtic. Hennricksson has way too much precision and clarity to live in the shadows of overly-predictable Ambient/Pop. Indeed this is clearly evident in masterpiece songs like “Perfect Time”, “I Know You By Heart” and the title track which methodically ups the ante to a very respectable level of catchy musical expression and craftsmanship that transcends pigeonholing. The music is also commercially viable with a fresh sound and an entertaining vibe that holds the attentions span of the listener perfectly. Fans of vintage Celtic music must have this CD in their hands. In a nutshell this is “Clannad” meets “Moya Brennan.” The 14 song line-up comes fully loaded and appeals to many listeners with a wide variety of musical styles.I would imagine in time we will hear more from this artist via Movies and TV productions. No doubt Deborah Henricksson has carved a marketable niche for herself thus far setting herself up for increased marketable success her in the states over the years to come via her amazing finesse and vocal touch. I would not be surprised to hear her music featured one day on the Discovery Channel.  But for now I can honestly say this is one artist that clearly gives is a musical snapshot that is highly original, unique and dare I say brilliant in its vocal delivery.