MUTEMATH Announces Support Band

Well. . . the guys are gearing up for what I believe, will be one INCREDIBLE tour!!

As the time is drawing near for MUTEMATH to hit the road, fans have been itching to know who will be touring with them.

Today they announced that Nashville native, "Canon Blue" will be joining them for their 2012 Spring Odd Soul Tour






The Opening Band. Who are they? Do I care?

I hate going to see my favorite band and not know who the opening band is.
So this time. . . I am getting ready!!



Where have I been that I've never heard of them or



. . . him!!



Daniel James













I am on Canon Blue's website right now and am LOVIN' what I am hearing!!!

MUTEMATH has definitely made the right choice in choosing Canon Blue!!

So all you MUTEMATH fans, prepare yourselves for a fantastic show and go to Canon Blue's site and listen to a few cuts from Daniel's latest release; "Rumspringa."

If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, DON'T WAIT!!!
Their stop in Los Angeles at Club Nokia is SOLD OUT!!!!

Canon Blue Facebook

MUTEMATH Facebook

Tour Dates

01/26 Houston, TX House of Blues
01/27 Austin, TX Stubb’s
01/28 Dallas, TX House of Blues
01/29 Tulsa, OK Cain’s Ballroom
01/31 Denver, CO Gothic Theatre
02/02 Los Angeles Club Nokia Live SOLD OUT
02/03 San Diego, CA 4th and B Concert Theater
02/07 San Francisco, CA The Regency Ballroom
02/08 Sacramento, CA Ace of Spades
02/10 Seattle, WA Showbox SoDo
02/11 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory
02/12 Boise, ID Knitting Factory
02/14 Salt Lake City, UT Club Sound
02/16 Kansas City, MO Beaumont Club
02/17 Chicago, IL House of Blues
02/18 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
02/28 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
03/01 Grand Rapids, MI The Intersection
03/02 Detroit, MI St. Andrew’s Hall
03/03 Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall
03/04 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
03/07 Boston, MA House of Blues
03/08 New York, NY Best Buy Theater
03/09 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero
03/10 Washington D.C. 9:30 Club
03/11 Norfolk, VA The Norva
03/14 Charlotte, NC Amos’ Southend
03/16 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Revolution
03/17 Orlando, FL House of Blues
03/18 Atlanta, GA The Tabernacle


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Sista Jean & C.B. have gone Back To The Root

The first thing that comes to mind as I listen to "Back To The Root" is, a hot, sunny day, a pitcher of ice cold lemonade and a porch filled with some good ol'Roots music.

And who's supplying the music? Well it can only be Sista Jean & C.B.!!!

Who's that??? Is that what you're asking?




Well, Sista Jean is none other than Miss Jean McClain, one of the best vocalists I know of who has toured with one of my favorite artists; Bobby Caldwell. You might also know Jean as Urban/Soul & House music artist, Pepper MaShay







And C.B. is guitarist extraordinaire, Carlyle Barriteau, who also tours with Bobby Caldwell as well as being a solo artist in his own right.






From the moment you start to listen, you're taken on a trip of roots, blues and gospel. You'll think you're listening to classics of old, but all the songs are original. A huge thumbs up for that!!

Jean's vocals are classic, robust and deeply soulful. And I didn't know this but she is playing guitar on this album!!

What's also amazing to me is Carlyle is not from the South, but from the Caribbean.
Yet, you'd think he'd been raised in the thickest parts of Mississippi!!!

I love the organic nature of this album. There's no bass, no drums, no keys. Just guitar, harmonica and vocals. It's so simple and yet it isn't. Jean and Carlyle truly show their talents from songwriting to skills. I can only imagine this had to have been fun to work on.

Back To The Root is definitely worth a listen.

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Joe Choi is "Ahhhhhhh" . . . like a SPA!

I so wish that Seattle still had their smooth jazz station out here, because I know I'd be hearing Joe Choi on that station. His music is soothing, ambient and yet has a bit of hipness to it. . .with a cherry on top!!

This "local" musician is not your average coffee house guy! Not that there is anything wrong with that. . . I love that scene.

But Joe is Ahhhhhhh . . . like a SPA!!!

Okay. . . this is so TMI. . . but as I'm listening to Joe's album, I am getting this picture of having a spa party and instead of playing Joe's album on my stereo, I have Joe HIMSELF playing LIVE!!! HA!!! THAT IS WHAT JOE IS!!!! HA!!!! I mean. . . Ahhhhhhh...

What album am I referring to?


I'm talking about Joe's latest release. . .
“Sing Your Own Song: Volume One.”
Funny thing is. . .there aren't any lyrics to sing to! HA!! It's all instrumental!
What started out as a dream about Joe's daughter who was 2 at the time, has become a reality to take us, the listener, on a journey, in "Craig Chaquico" style.




Recently, I had an opportunity to ask Joe Choi to tell us about his latest project.
This man of deep faith, had ALOT to say.

SPIN THAT 45 (SP45): Joe, tell me about the album. How did it come about?

Joe Choi: First of all, thank you so much (!!!) for this opportunity to talk about it.

The story behind the album centers mostly around a dream I had about my daughter.

I had a dream that my daughter, 2 years old at the time, walked down the stairs to where my wife, her parents, and our other daughter were eating breakfast and began singing a song. The song was so beautiful and the things she was singing about felt way beyond her years. She was singing about prayer and fasting. She sang, "Here I am, fasting and praying, waiting for the answer... the answer..." We all looked around at each other as she sang this song b/c we were being so moved by it. I began to realize that there was music playing in the background and that this music was mine. I saw that this music was causing her to sing this spontaneous and prophetic song. It was music that I had not written yet but I knew it was mine in the dream.

I woke up and felt God speak to me. I felt like He said that I needed to write music to help people sing their own song. To put it in other words, I felt inspired to write a soundtrack for people to live their lives to, sing songs to, and just be creative with.


ST45: Wow that is so amazing, because I've always said that all of us have a soundtrack to our lives.


Joe: Yeah, this would be music they could play in the background, music they could play to connect with God, and music that they would look for to find peace, joy, life, etc. I felt convicted about how easy it is for us to live vicariously live through reality TV, the internet, and even through other artists and not truly live ourselves. I wanted to write music that would inspire people to find themselves and their own sound, art, passion, and unique God-given identity.

I felt overwhelmed with how to even start this album so I thought about making a "joke song" for a friend. I thought it would be fitting way to start working on this so I wouldn't take myself or the album over-seriously. So I had this friend who'd always ask me to play this real corny piano part that I made up years ago and it would always get a laugh out of him. I began to sculpt a song around this piano part to see how far the joke could go. The part introduces itself at the end of the song and then the song really takes off. I remember sending him the rough draft of this song while I was recording it and realized that I might be onto something when he listened to it and didn't laugh this time but responded rather with encouragement and amazement.

After that first song, the ball got rolling and I began to explore how to record other imaginations and ideas. There were times I mic'd my newborn daughter's baby monitor to capture her laughing ("Bundle of Joy") and other times where I had to figure out how to record water sounds, chirping birds, and other things ("Alone but Surrounded") that I had never even thought of recording before. It was quite the adventure and a lot of fun. In "Alone but Surrounded" I meticulously sought for a beat that mimicked the sound of lawn sprinklers. The idea behind this song was escaping to a quiet place and realizing once you get there that you're actually surrounded and that's what brings you comfort- remembering that you're not alone. I thought it was kind of a cool and ironic concept that sometimes we need to get alone to remember that we're not alone.


ST45: Very cool!!

Speaking of "Bundle of Joy," I have to say that my daughters totally loved the "Bundle of Joy (Dance in your Pajamas remix.)" It paints the picture of mom getting the kids down for the night, they're all calm and then DAD COMES IN and gets them all riled up!!! GREAT TUNE!!!


Joe: Ha ha. Great analogy and you got it right on. It's supposed to be the crazy ending to the pretty much otherwise consistent-sounding album.

There's a song called "Christina's Happy Medicine" which is inspired by my wife and is for her. Whenever she needs to brighten her day she tries to find some Latin jazz, salsa, or samba music. I thought maybe there are others out there too who would want that- happy music. I recorded this song hoping to give people a soundtrack to dance their own dance to and to help them gracefully zoom through the mundane and monotonous. Maybe this is the song for stay-at-home moms. Ha ha. :) God bless the stay-at-home moms.

So I'd say for every track there is a story.


ST45: What an incredible story! It seems like you've been given great insight on where we are at.

So let's talk about the technical stuff. Where, what, how, etc. . .

Joe: As far as musicians go, I played and recorded all the instruments for this album. It was recorded in my living room in the middle of the night after the kids had gone to bed. I went after this fervently and was pretty much running on no sleep for about two months or so. Some of the tracks were also recorded live at Father's House, a house of prayer in Federal Way, WA, where I work. These live recordings were recorded using a looper and recording software. I could actually geek out and tell you more but I think that's probably sufficient.

I also produced the album and sought the help of a friend named David Jenkins to mix and master it. He operates a recording/mastering studio called Closet Productions in Bothell, WA.

The graphic design was done by a graphic designer I found through a friend who is just starting out but is showing so much promise. His name is Duc (pronounced "Duke") Du. He hand-sketched the album cover and all the art on it. Funny story about working with him was that he asked to be paid for his work by home-cooked meals. I ended up cooking him a traditional home-made Korean style rib dinner. He was very content. On a side-note, cooking is another passion of mine.

ST45: That is very cool!!! I'd love to taste your cooking sometime!! ; )

Thank you, Joe, for talking with me.

Joe: Thank you!!


I hope you'll take the time to listen to this album. Especially in this time of so much stress, anxiety and pressure. . . “Sing Your Own Song: Volume One.” can lift those downhearted spirits.

If you aren't downhearted and you just like great ambient, smooth jazz, then you will love this!!


You can find Joe's album on CDBaby and iTunes.
Check out Joe's website and Facebook

Thanks again, Joe!!!
This is a very nice album!
: ))







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Leigh Nash Infuses the Sacred Songs of Old

Being Hispanic, I didn't grow up with hymns. I personally didn't know any until much later into my adulthood. I've come to find that they are very comforting, especially in seasons of difficulty and struggle. I would go as far as to say they are a comfort food like "mashed potatoes" or "bread pudding." Okay. . .well. . . those are MY comfort foods of choice!! : )


Hymns & Sacred Songs,

the first of 3 projects by

Leigh Nash,

is my bread pudding ; )

This album is comfort food

for the ears and heart,

while quieting down

the storms of the mind.




As always, Leigh has that angelic sound to her voice! It's so soothing.
Her harmonies are so gentle, yet so tight in their form. . . .beautiful!

Musically, this album is amazing, having that sound of a T-Bone Burnett production.
It almost reminds me of "Raising Sand" by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.
John Hartley, who did a fantastic job in producing this album is also known for working with artists; Matt Redman and Aaron Keyes, whose CD I recently reviewed.

The Track List is as follows:
1.Savior, Like a Shepherd (Blessed Jesus)
2.Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
3.Isaiah 55
4.Oh Heart Bereaved and Lonely
5.Power of the Cross
6.Give Myself to You
7.Come Ye Thankful People Come
8.Blessed Redeemer
9.Out of My Bondage
10.Song of Moses
11.Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above
12.Be Still My Soul

















I truly love this album.


The song I am playing the most (right now) is Fanny Crosby's "Oh Heart Bereaved and Lonely." Songwriter Chris Eaton and Leigh wrote the melody. What an amazing acoustic sound!! It seems like the gear used here is vintage. So beautiful. So haunting. The bass moves you like gentle waves on the ocean.

As said in the title, Leigh has taken these sacred songs of old and has infused them with her signature voice, adding simplicity and newness.

I've said it before and it bears repeating. . . good music surpasses all genres. This album is no exception. Hymns are part of the fabric of our lives brought over by our forefathers. These songs are alive today as they were over 200 years ago.

And although these songs have been recorded over and over, Leigh Nash has done a beautiful job of not only keeping the integrity of each and every one, but owning them.

This album needs to be a staple in our collections. . . well it is in mine : )


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Sam & Jonah. . .say "I Believe!"

SAM & JONAH. . . REMEMBER THESE TWO NAMES!!

I don’t personally know these boys, which I think makes this review even better for me to write.

I saw them about a year and half ago at my daughter’s piano recital. On top of performing the piano pieces assigned to them, the students are encouraged to write their own compositions and perform them. My daughter, then 11, could care less about writing her piece!! HA!! Which was fine with me. : )

But there were two little boys, who took it seriously and it showed. When they performed,
I was blown away. . . and so was everyone at that recital!

Writing the songs for the recital, Jonah, who is passionate about his faith, also realized he had a passion for songwriting. Soon after, with the encouragement of drummer, teacher, Wade Reeves, recording began.



The finished product “Sam & Jonah Music” is an 11 song album soon to be released.



The tracklist is:
You Saved Us
Cause of Jesus Christ
Lord I Give you My Heart
The Bible
Here We Go
I Need You
Fight The Devil
You Are My God
To Be Like You
He Loves Me


Where does an then 8 year old go inside of his soul to write such prolific lyrics? And it’s not like he’s just spewing what he’s learned about in Sunday School. Jonah FEELS what he’s written. Having my daughters listen to their songs with me, they said they believe what Jonah's saying. His message. . . “cause of Jesus Christ, I win, you lose” or “The Bible, read it, believe it and do what it says.” Simple, true, but the delivery isn’t. For such a young mind, the songs are very sophisticated in their lyrics and melody.

To find out more about this project, I asked Grant Reeves, who produced and played on this album to tell me about it.

SPIN THAT 45: Grant, tell me as much as you can of how much the boys were involved.

Grant: “Sammy & Jonah (8 & 10 years old) were encouraged to begin composing by their piano teacher Christine who is also Wade's wife. Wade realized the boys had a talent for songwriting and suggested to their parents, Rick & Marnie, that he work with them in the studio.”

“Wade approached me to produce the basic ideas into a coherent album project. Wade & I see this as the first introduction to the developing talent of these two young brothers.”

“All the songs were written by Jonah about 18 months ago, with me, co-writing on four of the songs.”

“Jonah is the older of the brothers and is the songwriter. Both play piano (and more recently guitar as well). Jonah wrote the first batch of tunes on the piano but has been writing on the guitar as of late. Wade tracked the vocals, at Dragon Recordings, in Seattle.

The piano parts were originally written and played by Sam Klassen, the younger one and were embellished and parts added by me. The rest of the production, drums, guitars (including guitar samples), bass and the other instrumentation were created, played and arranged, by myself in my studio in Sacramento CA along with some acoustic & electric guitar overdubs by John Morton.”


Grant continues:
“The boys were involved in the vocal tracking of course and raised some of the initial funds by collecting and selling golf balls. Sammy & Jonah's older brother Josh is shooting video and working to promote sales of the CD product.”


SPIN THAT 45: Wow!!! That is amazing!!!

How does it sound?
In listening to this album, the style is very current. From Pop, Rock to New Country.
I, personally love “The Bible,” which is very, very jazzy cool with it’s “Weather Report” fusion sound.

What blows me away, is. . . in listening to “Lord I Give you My Heart,” it’s amazing to know that this song, from it’s intro, to the hook was written and played by two young boys. Sure, they have adults playing on these songs, but I was assured that Jonah and Sam had a say in how these songs were to be done. That is impressive!

From musicians to engineering, this is a well done album.

Do I think it's the best album I've ever heard? No.
But I am confident when I am say. . . this will NOT be the last time we'll hear from Sam & Jonah.

I really want to wish these boys the best.

I can't wait until I can say, "I remember these boys when. . . "

SAM & JONAH



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Bryan Duncan: takin' his Stories on The Road

Bryan Duncan...

The name is synonymous with Contemporary Christian Music.

In my opinion, that has been a good AND bad thing because he's more than that.

Bryan is probably one of the most talented musicians in his field as a "blue-eyed soul" artist. In the mid 70's he was part of The Sweet Comfort Band and then broke out on his own in the mid-80's. His style of music runs deeps from pop to blues and everything in between.


He can pierce the deepest part of us with that beautiful voice of his.

The songs that this singer/songwriter was puttin' out encouraged so many of us. Who hasn't been touched by "Strollin On The Water" "Blue Skies" or "Love Takes Time?" It is said that the best music comes from those who have bled through the process. I would say that describes Bryan Duncan.

These great works of blue-eyed soul haven't come easily. There has definitely been a price. The main price. . .addiction.

But hey. . .we've all had hell to pay and have come out on on the other side of it. Bryan is no exception. He has taken his recovery very seriously. . . 20+ years people!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!

And with that, this Southern Cal native has found a way to keep himself accountable while encouraging others in the process with his show "Radio Rehab." This show "is BOMB!!!" Bryan drops the funk while sharing whatever is on his mind. As far as his message, he doesn't hold back!! Seems that has always been his forté! And THAT'S OKAY!! HA!!

On top of his radio program, Bryan continues to tour both as a solo artist and as an author. And if any of you follow him on Twitter then you'll recognize his tweets starting with "Spoke to God...He said"

I recently met Bryan here in Washington at of all places, a memorial for a very dear man and friend of Bryan's. Probably not the most ideal place to meet one you've admired for years. . . and for me that would be over 25 years.

He was gracious to accept an interview with Spin That 45 at a more appropriate time. hahaha! So here it is:


Spin That 45(ST45):
Bryan, it's good to talk with you again. Under much better circumstances.

Anyone who’s been a fan of Bryan Duncan, knows your roots from The Sweet Comfort Band to a solo artist to heading up the Neho-Soul band and back to solo work. Your name is synonymous with Blue-eyed Soul.

With that said, let's talk about what you’ve been doing recently.
You've been pretty busy!

BRYAN: Given the changes in the music industry I've been trying to establish just how to stay in it! Downloading and piracy have destroyed the ability to generate a living through product, frankly. I'm still recording new songs for my own project and working with my old band Sweet Comfort Band. I've also started writing books for fun.


ST45: Really? Can you tell us about those books?

BRYAN: Yes I've written two humor books that are published you can see them at my website www.bryanduncan.com or Amazon. "Hogwash" is sarcastic observations of motorcycle madness.." Dear God...Really?" is a collection of prayers you won't hear in church and my new book is "Spoke To God. He Said..." a five second devotional. Still working on the cover and volume two is already in the works.

I've been posting new recorded songs on my website for download and we hope to package a collection when they accumulate for a project called "Acoustify" unplugged soul music mostly.


ST45: I've heard the songs, they're great!! How did the book writing originate?

BRYAN: I was hoping to stay home and write lol, but something I've always received comments about in my concerts has been the offhanded afterthoughts between songs that have been a highlight at my concerts for years.. Just trying to put that humor in order. And I'm finding more productive ways of staying on task.


ST45: I can relate. I've often wanted to save thoughts said out loud from those I've seen live.

On your twitter, you often tweet "Spoke to God He said. . . " Tell me about that. When did that start and why?

BRYAN: The Spoke To God series has been my way of making my own awareness of Gods hand in my life more alive and less stuffy. Inspired by step 11of the 12 steps of recovery "seeking daily to improve my conscious contact with God"

I'm also writing a humor collection called " I follow Jesus because..." ie "there are too many Elvis Impersonators"

And another one called "new Rules For Old Men".

As you can see I'm an external processor! 8)

I can't stop thinking out loud!


ST45: LOVE IT!! I've got a few men in my life that I'd love to give a copy to!! HA!

You know, I've admired your voice all of my Christian life (20+ yrs) and in meeting you recently, I found you to be very real and very human, dealing with pains and issues like all the rest of us, including saying goodbye to a good friend.

Has that ever been difficult for you to meet a Christian who perhaps put you on a pedestal? Or had ideas of how a Christian in the limelight should behave?"


BRYAN: Well, thank you for your compliments. I haven't handled the expectations of others very well no matter what they were. I'm non conformist, and defiant to my own detriment most of the time.

Recovery work has helped me immensely in the last twenty one years! I'm finding the serenity to accept what I cannot change and change what I can! I had those lists mixed up! Left me pretty angry especially as a Christian.

I also stay aware of my human frailty through doing my radio show "Radio Rehab."


ST45: Yeah, I actually caught a few of the shows. They’re great!!! The message you are puttin out is so honest and real!! I totally dig your choices on music!! How has the response been on your show?


BRYAN: Radio Rehab has been aired in four countries. It was picked up by Armed Forces Radio Network. I received an American Flag from Al Asad Marine Base in Afghanistan with a hand written note of thanks from then Brigadier General Halifan,Commander in Chief of All Operations there. Tax Deductible Donations have been twice what we expected from listeners to the shows. Like I've always said 'recovery is for everyone eventually.'


ST45: That is wonderful. What an honor!! I don't compliment often, so believe me when I say, you are truly an inspiration.

So Bryan, before we close, would you mind answering a couple more questions?

BRYAN: OK, but I'm running out of answers 8)

ST45: Hahahaha!!
Tell us what you are working on right now? When can we expect to see this project completed?

BRYAN: I'm writing "Stories behind the songs" to drive interest at my Website and we're putting up all the "out of print" CDs from my past for download options. We will post a story behind the song once a week. . . starting next month. And we're already posting old projects as we can under "Basement Tapes"


ST45:Wow! A man after my own heart!! I love the "who what where why and how of music!"
I will definitely be watching for that!!!

For your long fans and new ones, tell us something we don’t know about you.

BRYAN: I'm a late night grocery store patron and I've been known to wander aimlessly through Garage Sales and Junk stores. I'm always about Redemption! 8)

ST45: Hahaha!! That is great!!

Bryan, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule. And thank you for letting us into your world. I, for one have an immense respect for the road you have traveled. I love that you are a very serious guy who lightens up our souls with your music and makes us laugh with your quips and humor.


BRYAN: Thank you. May I stay healthy enough for you to hear more from me in the coming years. Seize the day by the throat!

ST45: Well I'm sure you've got many out there praying for you and that throat!
Blessings, take care!

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ROAD TO RECOVERY

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Aaron Keyes is "Dwelling"

I'm listening to a new guy. . . Aaron Keyes.
Well, he's a new guy in my world ; )
He's a worship leader out of Snellville, GA.
His latest release is his second album, "Dwell."

I don't mind saying that sometimes I have a hard time with "worship" type albums. There are very few that I can listen to all the way through. Maybe a song or two. And it isn't because of the lyrics. It's worship for heaven sakes!! HA!! If the music doesn't do anything for me then I won't be interested. But. . . I have to say, I am really impressed by this one. This is a very solid album with some "popness" added to the mix! Especially the last track "Lavish Your Love." Very synthpop!!

I have no idea who Aaron is, but I would love to attend his worship service!
Not only is the worship great, but the music is really good!!!
Love how Hillsong drummer, Paul Mabury hits those drums!! WOW!!
Take a listen to "I Am Not The Same," it's almost like listening to Darren King of MUTEMATH!!




Track listing:


1.O My Soul
2.I Am Not The Same
3.Sovereign Over Us
4.Song of Moses
5.Dwell
6.In The Name Of God
7.Only Just Begun
8.Sinless Savior
9.Life Without My God
10.Raised Me Up
11.Every Knee Will Bow Down
12.Hope Is Dawning
13.Lavish Your Love







The worship is nice. . .
The pop is good. . .
You gotta listen to this!


Aaron Keyes
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MUTEMATH Revisits The Sixties with ODD SOUL

Well, it's been a long time coming but the date is here. . . the arrival of ODD SOUL by MUTEMATH

So many changes have occurred since the release of Armistice in 2009; marriage, babies, LIFE and most of all. . .saying goodbye to a bandmember. As a long time fan of MM,
(and just so everyone knows . . . I say "I" am the biggest MM fan!! HA!! 11 years now!!!) ANYWAYS. . . it saddened me to find this out, but it happens. I wish Greg Hill the best! He's a terrific guy!!

With the change, a new guy is on board, Todd "Gummy" Gummerman! He is also a terrific guy who truly knows his way with his 6 string electric!

It's funny, when MM's EP came out in 2004, it was recorded by 3 of the members of MM. As it is the same with "ODD SOUL."

Paul Meany, Roy Mitchell-Cardenas & Darren King have done an amazing job with this project! And Todd is STELLAR in having learned every lick PERFECTLY!

The sound is so funkadelic, so 60's, so current and yet, so MUTEMATH!!


Having been a child of the sixties, if the aim was to sound vintage, then I can tell you that the guys got it right!!


Yes, there is a huge Jimi Hendrix influence here, but in listening to the album in full, I can also hear the influences of Vanilla Fudge, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Iron Butterfly, Rare Earth, Frank Zappa, early Traffic, and even some mid-60's Beatles.


Vintage gear doesn't hurt either!! Having gotten the lowdown from Roy on the type of gear he was using, I posted it in a prior blog, which you can read here: ODD SOUL - In Pieces. Paul's use of the Hammond B is phenomenal!!



Listening to this album at this moment, I can tell you I am FREAKING OUT!!! The music is SOOOOOO taking me back to those free concerts in the parks of L.A. . . watching hippies doin their thing, kids sliding down the grassy hills, psychedelic bell bottom pants, floppy hats, leather vests as well as "other things" and . . . THE MUSIC! ALWAYS THE MUSIC!!






If you could see me now, I am breakin out in a tight 60's move as I listen to "Cavalries." MAN!!! The sound of Paul's keys are so smooth like Greg Rollie from Santana, Roy's guitar screams like a siren and Darren's drumming is so tight!!










I wanna hang some

beads in my office,

make sand candles,

bust out the incense. . .












and lay down some shaggy carpet!!!










Yeah, I think "Cavalries" has a huge Santana influence, but more Jorge Santana aka MALO!! Love this guys!!! Los Chicanos are doing to dig this one!! I love the way it merges into "Walking Paranoia." If you listen closely, the intro has a Jethro Tull feel.

I wanna talk about the songs, but I love all of them!! I'll never finish this blog!

But. . .

MAJOR KUDOS have to go to Adam LaClave aka Charlie Blacksmoke, for inspiring the album's title / song and co-wrote "PRYTANIA." Yeah, this one is a HIT!!!

"ONE MORE" is awesome!! It's so FRICKIN' sixties with that dry, naked sounding guitar solo then changes to a fuzz sound, the funky "Steppenwolf" Hammond B, Paul's bluesy vocal and the funk with the bass and drums. The chorus has a Motown groove to it! LOVE IT!!

"QUARANTINE" almost brought tears to my eyes at the accuracy of the sound.
Did MM do their homework or WHAT???



The Track list is as follows:
1. Odd Soul
2. Pyrtania
3. Blood Pressure
4. Heads Up
5. All Or Nothing
6. Sunray
7. Allies
8. Cavalries
9. Walking Paranoia
10. One More
11. Equals
12. Quarantine
13. In No Time



Gotta break out my light box, cuz nothing says 60's like a light box and my brother made this one back in the day!



As is always with MUTEMATH, there is always the message. I LOVED Armistice but felt there was so much turmoil within those tracks as well as some happy moments too. Seems that the album was the soundtrack of my life for a while.

ODD SOUL seems like the guys have come out of that dismal season. And having just seen them in Los Angeles in August, I would say that is very true. They seem soooo happy!! A big congrats to all of them on their milestones as fathers and recent marriage!


Possible Tour for The West??

Living up here in the Northwest, I did ask Paul about a tour in the future. We can probably expect MUTEMATH in late Winter.


Don't forget to catch MUTEMATH on the Jimmy Kimmel Show, Tuesday October 4th!
Great day for a release!!
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Congratulations on another WINNER!
Can't wait to cheer you on when I see you on SNL, cuz you know I'm rootin for that day!!

Here's a great review that I stumbled onto: ODD SOUL REVIEW FROM PAPER TRIANGLE

MUTEMATH
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HEY TO MY READERS: SUPPORT THE ARTISTS AND THEIR MUSIC.

BUY!

DON'T SHARE!

STOP PIRACY!



.

Everything is ALWAYS in it's right place with Robert Glasper!

How can one describe this man and his music. . . his style. . . his interpre-TAY-tion of his favorite songs?!?!

So many adjectives have been linked to him, from smooth, enticing, sexy, inspirational, magical, spirtiual, etc.

To that I would add, his music is “charged” with extreme energy!! Especially in the softness of his playing. He’s very deliberate, conscious and intentionally aware of every move he makes . . . .and. . . . NOT intentional...like “let’s see where this takes us” kind of mentality. And yet, you wanna go with him, cuz you know when he’s leading the way, it won’t be to a dead-end. And even if it does. . . who cares. . .you’re with him. . .

ROBERT GLASPER!!

He captivates me

I am his prisoner

happily willing to submit

as long as he keeps playing

either seriously or

with a sense of humor,

breaking out in some

cheesy type of song or

breaking me down with

his rendition of

“Kiss From A Rose/Everything In Its Right Place.”



And so it was, when I saw him recently at the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival at the end of June 2011, I was lost and under his spell. . . at least for the 2 sets I was there. : )

There is just something about Robert Glasper, whether hearing him live or through your stereo. . . you are hooked!!!!

Okay. . .enough, enough about what he does to me!!!

Let me tell you though, there were very few empty seats in the house. . . for BOTH SETS!!!
I was surprised by the variety of ages and types of people there to see this man, who is very unassuming in presence. . . very relaxed. . walking onto the stage as if he’s just walking into his livingroom to play a bit and you just happen to be there.

Oh and drummer, Mark Colenburg and bassist. . . what ‘s his name???? . . . Derrick Hodge just HAPPEN to be there as well!! ; )

The rapport these guys have is unbelievable!! It’s like they can read one another’s mind. It’s extraordinary to watch!!

You are taken on one heck of a ride !! It’s wonderful!!



Leaving, I was left with wanting more.

So I am looking forward to Robert’s upcoming album which will include Mr. Derrick Hodge, Bilal, Mos Def, Q-Tip, Erykah Badu and Me'shell N'degeocello. I am guessing the release will be sometime in Spring 2012.

 
ROBERT GLASPER
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Restless for Switchfoot's Latest? The Wait is Over

The wait has been worth it!!

I think this album is a complete departure from other Switchfoot LPs, with the exception of "Hello Hurricane" since they were pretty much recorded at the same time.

This album ROCKS you from the moment you click "play." As always, the lyrics make you think. No preaching tho, which is what I've always loved about this band. They're talking life as they know it and want to express it in Switchfoot fashion!!

You know what I don't love about this album? That it wasn't released when I was a teenager, struggling with "The War Inside," my own identity. . . feeling like no one liked me and not knowing how to come through it. WHERE WAS THIS ALBUM WHEN I WAS SUFFERING!?!? Thank goodness, I got through my season. But some don't.

These guys must have gone through similiar wars to have written such profilic lyrics. I can see these songs being used to encouraged the teens of today who feel alone, lost, down, angry, etc. . . i.e. "The Blinding Light" "Hey girl, be yourself now, Don't believe what they told you to, Hey girl, be yourself now, Your skin's more than a pin-up suit, Hey girl, don't conform now, No one else's got soul like you, Hey girl, you're a strong one, But none of us are bulletproof."

I love that!!!!


I totally LOVE this album!!! I love the lyrics, I love the music, I love the technical engineering done on it. GREAT ALBUM!!!


Look for it Sept 27th.



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Rachael Lampa has the Remedy. . . . . And . . . . it's . . . ALL WE NEED!

(NASHVILLE, Tennessee) -- 220/Universal recording artist Rachael Lampa will celebrate the upcoming release of her album All We Need with a free concert event at Nashville’s famed 12th & Porter concert venue on Monday, September 26th. The event will kick-off at 5:30pm with a live performance by Lampa, followed by a live viewing of Lampa’s debut on NBC’s The Sing-Off at 7:00pm.

Be sure to watch!!! The show will feature a "behind-the-scenes" performance of one of the tracks from her new album ("Beauty's Just A Word")

Lampa will appear on Season 3 of the hit series as part of The Collective, a group of Nashville vocalists that was formed specifically to compete in the upcoming season. In recent weeks, Lampa has been in Los Angeles taping the series, while simultaneously promoting her highly anticipated upcoming album, which hits stores on September 27th. The first single, “Remedy,” is available at iTunes, and Lampa will hit the road this fall with Group 1 Crew, Shonlock and Rapture Ruckus for the Outta Space Love Tour.

“I'm so excited to share my heart and the stories behind some of my favorite songs on the record as well as play many of them for the first time,” says Lampa. “Plus, we get to watch my first episode of The Sing Off with my group, The Collective. I can't wait to share this night with everyone!”


Alittle bit about Rachael Lampa

 In 2000, at just 15 years old, Lampa skyrocketed onto the pop scene amassing an unprecedented nine Top 10 singles (four at #1) while touring heavily (with Destiny’s Child, Boyz II Men, Nickel Creek, Stacie Orrico, Amy Grant and Vince Gill, among others) and making high profile appearances on The Tonight Show, The View, Entertainment Tonight, E! and Extra, as well as gracing the pages of Teen People, CCM Magazine and many more. She explored acting with a supporting role in the 2006 film Hidden Secrets, opposite John Schneider (Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville) and joined American Idol winner Jordin Sparks on tour in 2010 as a background vocalist on her tours with the Jonas Brothers and Britney Spears.


Track Listing
01. All We Need
02. Remedy
03. Savior's Face
04. Beauty's Just A Word
05. No Escape
06. Run To You
07. Elevate
08. My One And Only
09. Feel
10. Uncharted Territory
(Bonus Tracks)
11. Human (Feat. Jonny Lang)
12. Live For You (2011)
Rachael has collaborated on this album with producers Marshall Altman (Natasha Bedingfield, Brooke Fraser), David Garcia (Mandisa, Group 1 Crew), Chris Stevens (Tobymac, Carrie Underwood), Dan Muckala (Brandon Heath, MercyMe).

MY THOUGHTS. . .
Rachael proves that she can belt like NOBODY'S business!
I'd like to see Rachael being played on all radio stations!
Not just the CCM's. This is a good album and everyone should hear it!!
She's got some great people backing her.
I think this will be the year for Rachael!!!
 






TWITTER.COM/RACHAELLAMPA

FACEBOOK.COM/RACHAELLAMPA

YOUTUBE.COM/RACHAELLAMPA

Shonlock's Gotta Bag Full of Swagga & U Can Bet Ya House On It!!!

(NASHVILLE, Tennessee) -- When Shonlock’s full-length debut release NEVERODDOREVEN (Arrow Records/Universal Music Christian Group) was released on June 21, 2011, the artist, previously best known for his ongoing gig as part of TobyMac’s Diverse City, stepped up to a mic that was all his own. With the success of his first two radio singles and an increased demand for touring, Shonlock will depart from TobyMac’s touring outfit at the end of this month to devote his full attention to his own artistry.

Shonlock’s debut single, “Something In Your Eyes,” became one of this year’s biggest radio hits, holding the #1 spot on Billboard’s CHR Chart, where it remained for seven straight weeks. The follow-up single, “Hello,” is currently #5 and climbing, and a music video will be shot in the coming weeks.

With a lengthy tour schedule for the remainder of 2011, Shonlock will next hit the road on this fall’s “Outta Space Love Tour” with Group 1 Crew, Rachael Lampa and Rapture Ruckus. He spent the summer performing at major festivals, including Creation East, Creation West, Ignite Festival, Heaven Fest and Rock the Desert.

“My band and I have been invited to a lot of festivals, and the crowds have been amazing,” says Shonlock. “It feels good to be able to share what God has given me with such large and attentive audiences. It’s fun to see the reactions people have when they finally put the face with the songs. I love it!"

The excitement about one of Christian music’s most promising new artists extends to the media, where the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. “The acclaimed choreographer (Arrested Development, Aaliyah) turned member of TobyMac’s Diverse City Band is even more talented as a solo artist, dropping one of the rap/rock scene’s most compelling concoctions this year,” said Andy Argyrakis for television network GMC’s Web site.

“If one had to name the freshest urban Christian music album so far in 2011, this one’s a lock,” said mega-site Crosswalk.com. According to TheBlackGospelBlog.com, “Shonlock may well be the breakout Christian artist of the year," while JesusFreakHideout.com declared the songs to be “extremely creative and some of the best musical artistry that I've heard in a while.”

“At the end of the day, I just want to fulfill the plans that God has for my life,” says Shonlock. “I want to use everything He's put in me to point people to Him regardless of music genre or ethnicity, and remain focused on the things that bring us together rather than the things that keep us apart."


MY THOUGHTS. . .


Folks, this album is BAD!!!!!! You have to check it out!!!
It's got the funk and nothing but the funk!
And it's so smoooth. . . like silk... oh yeah.
And U Can Bet Ya House On It!!

SHONLOCK
FACEBOOK
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Spin That 45's Lo celebrates her 50th

I don't usually post anything about myself but this is too funny NOT to post.
Not my singing, but my crazy friend, actress Jesslilyn voguing as I sing Car Wash.



What a fun birthday!!!




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MUTEMATH has Blood Pressure!!!

The second track from MUTEMATH'S latest album "Odd Soul" has been released on iTunes today.





Blood pressure 

Why can't you be more like your older brother? 
Why can't you?.....oooo
Blood pressure

Why can't you do a little more for Jesus? 
Why can't you.....oooo
Blood pressure

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Blood pressure
Do better 
Keep rising
Blood pressure

You're on the road, on the road that's bound for nowhere. 
Why don't you do what your told
Blood pressure

Don't worry I'll help you out on one condition
Be more
Do more
Check your blood pressure

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Blood pressure
Do better 
Keep rising
Blood pressure

Blood pressure
Do better 
Keep rising
Blood pressure

Blood pressure
More better 
Keep rising

Blood pressure