Indie Artist Radio

The Guitar Man (Johnny Bodley)

April 2, 2013 in Music Reviews by Michele Wilson-Morris

I like hearing a performer who sings and narrates the way that Johnny Bodley does, with a rich baritone voice. This CD is Urban Gospel with rock solid music to match. The styles range from classic soul (“I Owe You”) to hip hop (“Praise Him”), so there’s something for everyone.
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The first cut is “Mr. Guitar Man”. Over a mid tempo ballad, Johnny conveys the story of a man who is out there on the street playing his guitar, and the troubled people who approach him in need of help. In need of prayer. Johnny talks, and then sings as the man witnessing the need for prayer. He’s joined by a full complement of female background singers and musicians who perform their duties well.

I was very impressed with “End Times”. It’s filled with huge harmonized vocals, and the lyrics acknowledge the difficulties of where the world is headed today. Johnny sounds like a one man version of the Temptations. This song has a definite dance vibe, thanks to superb musical production. I know this song would get a great response on the radio.

“The Guitar Man’ features 12 selections. This was my first time hearing Johnny Bodley’s music, but I can proudly admit that I’m a new fan. His music is a blessing and true to the purpose of spreading the good news of the Gospel. Great CD!

Tags: CD Baby, Facebook, Guitar Man, Indie Artist Radio, Johnny Bodley, LinkedIn, Music, Oklahoma, The Temptations
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by TMC

Jae Featured Artist

March 14, 2013 in Featured Artist, POP by TMC

| MySpace | YouTube |

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Jordan Adelberger,

also known as “Jae” has been a gifted performer practically since she was born. Her soulful, sultry voice and beautifully unique look reminds one of a much older experienced Performer!

Jordan’s passion for dance first blossomed at the age of two when her parents enrolled her in dance classes. It was apparent from the audience reaction that she stood out in school recitals and competitions. By the age of 9, she began vocal training and soon gained popularity in her hometown performing in local talent competitions. In support of their daughter’s budding entertainment career, Jordan’s parents took her out to New York when she was 13 so she could further her training and perform in showcases within the city. Once again the audience accolades proved that Jae has what it takes to entertain an audience.

By 16, Jae co-wrote and co-produced her first demo along with producer, Terence Dover, who has worked with artists such as; Celine Dion and Avril Lavigne. Two years later, she decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams and attend college.

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Jae graduated this summer from Loyola Marymount University where she received her BA degree in Dance. Since moving to L.A., her career is growing rapidly. Jae has shown off her developed talents consistently Dancing at events like the prestigious “Emmy’s as well as many other local venues as an Artist.

Now advancing to the next level in her career, Jae recently has been working with Bindelari Music, headed by an experienced all star production team including Binky
Womack, and Troy (Cash) Wimbley who have worked with an array or artist including Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Baby Bash, Usher, Chaka Khan just to name a few also nephew of R & B legend Bobby Womack, and Womack & Womack . Bindelari Music has partnered with The Zoo Entertainment , a multi-media production company, run by multimedia creator, Roy Beasley who handles Jae’s marketing, and multimedia also involved is 360 Transmedia who handles Jae’s Media outreach and Public Relations.

Tags: artist, Avril Lavigne, Binky Womack, Bobby Womack, Celine Dion, Emmy, Indie Artist Radio, Jae, Jordan Adelberger, L.A., Loyola Marymount University, New York, Philadelphia, Roy Beasley, Snoop Dogg, Terence Dover, The Zoo Entertainment, Troy (Cash) Wimbley, Usher
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by Michele Wilson-Morris

Music @ The Speed Of Life (Mint Condition)

January 9, 2013 in News by Michele Wilson-Morris

The group Mint Condition has always had a unique and identifiable sound. As a band, they gel together so well that you can instantly identify their music, which is a pleasure because it’s that authentic and original. Their recent release, “Music At The Speed Of Life” follows in the footsteps of their past productions, which have all been a hit in this reviewer’s eyes.

There’s some serious crooning from these cats as soon as the needle drops, which is exactly what fans have come to expect. Trust me, they do not disappoint. This new album has a slightly different sound, one that seems to be even more seasoned, as they continuously get better with each release. Listeners can expert solid lyrics and amazing music with a great delivery, clever rhythms, and great beats. One listen to this CD (or any of their CDs) will convince you that I’m not overselling them. They’re just that good. With “Music @ The Speed Of Life”, Mint Condition is at the top of their game, bringing R&B to fans with sheer perfection.

I loved the very inspirational track “Completely”, which should easily be a hit. This band, which hails from St. Paul, Minnesota has been around since the 1980′s, and though they don’t produce a lot of music (at least not as much as I’d like to see/hear), what they do release is always fabulous and this CD is not the exception to the rule. “Believe In Us” is a slow to mid tempo ballad that is absolutely off the chain!! “Blessed”, “Never Hurt Again”, “Nothing’”, and SixFortyNine/Changes” (featuring Nathan Miller, Eric Leeds, and Brother Ali) all deserve mentions as some of the best on the CD, but there’s not a bad cut, and I’m sure listeners will find others to be just as much to their liking. This is a must have CD for any serious R&B fan, or music lovers in general. I highly recommend it!!

Tags: Eric Leeds, Indie Artist Radio, Michele Wilson-Morris, Minnesota, Mint Condition, Nathan Miller, Soul Music, The Speed Of Life
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by Michele Wilson-Morris

“All The World’s A Stage, award winning percussionist Tom Teasley

January 8, 2013 in News by Michele Wilson-Morris

With “All The World’s A Stage, award winning percussionist Tom Teasley has created a feast of soundscapes with the rhythms and sounds of instruments from around the world. There are so many colors and textures of the Middle East and Asia. Teasley plays instruments that many have never heard of, including the aquasonic, balafon, bodhran, cajon, didgi-harp, riqq, melodica, coumbek, Korg wavedrum, Roland HandSonic, MalletKat, and bansari whistle. Nice mix of acoustic, and electronic percussion with endless possibilities.

It’s always a treat getting a project from a percussionist, because when you are a supporting musician, your job is to make the lead performer sound as good as possible, and not necessarily to display all of the skills you have within your arsenal of skills. Now, on this 9 track CD, music fans will get to connect with a wide range of exotic sounds, and something as simple as a whistle takes on a different purpose when used for percussion, most notably on the track “Rise Up”. The voice is another interesting ‘instrument’ when applied by Mr. Teasley, not like a beat box but with the techniques used in Indian music, heard on “Fuska and Varuna”. This is a CD that will bring you to new places and you’ll be glad that you took the trip. Happy travels.

Tags: ASIA, Indie Artist Radio, Michele Wilson-Morris, Middle East, Music, Percussion instruments, Percussion music, Rhythm, Roland HandSonic, Soundscape, supporting musician, Tom Teasley
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by Michele Wilson-Morris

Visions: The Music Of Stevie Wonder Yoron Israel

January 8, 2013 in Music Reviews by Michele Wilson-Morris

Yoron Israel’s recently released CD, “Visions: The Music Of Stevie Wonder” is unique in that it is a rework of Stevie Wonder’s music, but as Israel hears it. He says this is always the way he heard Wonder’s music, and he has put it into a form where we can share and enjoy his concept with him. Musically sound and full of innovations, I really enjoyed his approach to making the music in the form of jazz. Israel states that Wonder, in his opinion, was always a Jazz composer even if his music was more mainstream R&B. Leading his band from the drummer’s position is amazing, and his playing is consistent and fabulous.

Always making his presence heard and felt, Israel’s abilities are reminiscent of the late great Art Blakey. “Visions” with spoken word is bad to the bone with perfect balance, and the spoken word adds an interesting touch. The musicians backing Israel up do a tremendous job in their playing as well, exploring the works of one of the greatest American artists to ever preform. The amount of love and respect for Wonder’s music comes pouring out song after song on the CD. I did not mention other songs because I liked them all so much that I could write a review of each one and I’m sure you’d rather hear the music than to read my writing. I almost wanted to do just that, but I instead recommend you get this CD and listen for yourself. Trust me, it’s a journey of discovery that you won’t soon forget.

The 10 track CD is interesting in another way, that being the fact that Israel doesn’t just choose the most recognizable of Stevie Wonder’s songs, but reaches deep and conceptualizes some of those that are lesser known. “You Are The Sunshine Of my Life” is an exception of course, and I can clearly hear what Israel means when he says Wonder’s music has always been composed for jazz. This is one classy CD with wonderful renditions that will make you smile inside and out. This CD is a big winner for fans of jazz and R&B, and I highly recommend it.

Tags: Drummer, Indie Artist Radio, Israel, Jazz composer, Michele Wilson-Morris, Music, Rhythm and blues, Stevie Wonder, Visions
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by Michele Wilson-Morris

Jazz Artist Beth Duncan “Comes The Fall”

January 8, 2013 in News by Michele Wilson-Morris

| Website | Amazon | CdBaby |

Romantic music is always welcome in my playlist. Add to that a first class jazz production with with an exceptional voice like Beth Duncan’s, and you have an inkling of an idea as to how good her new album, “Comes The Fall” is. “Come This Fall” is a 14 course (track) gourmet feast for the ears. The rhythm section arranging was done with guitarist Steve Homan, Mike McMullen on tenor and flute, Bill Douglass on bass, and drummer/producer Guy Kowarsh who is also the CD’s producer. Featured on this session are Jim Martinez on keyboards, Babatunde Lea and Brian Kendrick on percussion. and Steve Roach on trumpet solos.

In jazz, it’s all about your sound, and Beth Duncan is blessed with a voice that has great musical range, and tonal color. She creates an enchanting blend with the tenor sax on her title track “Come This Fall”. The opening phrases immediately catch your attention, and the strings Jim Martinez provides on the keys add sweet elegance to the arrangement.

Ms Duncan’s phrasing shines on “How High The Moon”, with the duet of voice and percussion leading to solos with the harmon muted trumpet of Steve Roach, and impressive guitar voicings from Steve Homan. Listening to this cut, one notices how clean the brushes from the drummer sound as he swings the band along with solid bass from Bill Douglass. The mix throughout the cd is excellent.

One note about the great arranging, and what I found especially enjoyable was when Beth vocalizes with the ensemble such as with the sax on “Come This Fall”, and with the guitar and flute on the jazz waltz, “I’m On A Cloud”. Recently it was only Esperanza, or the Grammy nominated Denise Donatelli’s “When Lights Are Low” where I could hear intricate voice with ensemble on this level. Kudos to Steve Homan and Beth Duncan’s great talent. As a jazz musician, and radio host at KJZZ, Phoenix, I would not hesitate to recommend this to my listeners, or radio program directors across the country. If you still need convincing cue up “Embraceable You”, with voice and bass. It’s happening.

Tags: Beth Duncan, Bill Douglass, Brian Kendrick, Comes The Fall, Denise Donatelli, Indie Artist Radio, Jazz, Jazz Musician, Michele Wilson-Morris, Mike McMullen, Phoenix, Steve Homan, the Grammy
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