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Raynald Grenier - Snow Classical, Modern Classical, Easy Listening Quebec City, Canada Overall Impression: Under the baton of Gilles Léveillé, the Global Studio Philharmonic has recorded Raynald Grenier's wonderful ballet Snow. Like snow falling under moonlight, this piece seems to twinkle delicately with magic. The woodwinds carry the opening melody effortlessly, providing an innocence that is simply divine. As the piano makes its entrance, the listener is lifted off of the ground before the strings instill a strong sense of hope. These sensations are remolded by Grenier's masterful exploration through varying moods and textures in the piece. He avoids sitting on one idea for too long in this work, and focuses on the transformative aspect of music. This is a feature of his compositional style that fans are sure to recognize. This piece is an excerpt from Grenier's album The Christmas Ballet. Although Snow gets so much better with each listen, it enco...

John Bonaccorso - Christmas in Our City Pop, Holiday, Easy Listening New Jersey, United States Overall Impression: John Bonaccorso delights audiences with the release of his new holiday tune Christmas In Our City. Featuring an old-world sound that hearkens back to the golden age of music, Christmas In Our City instantly evokes that classic Christmas feeling. It describes the wonderful sights, songs, and scenes of a town preparing to celebrate the holidays. The excitement is felt through the lyrics and lush orchestral backdrop. Velvety and sweet, the lead vocals relish in a sound similar to that of Ol' Blue Eyes. They are supported by terrific backup singers and a warm, fuzzy, mood. The melodies ascend and descend gently to create a sense of wonder. All in all, Christmas In Our City is a fantastic new holiday tune that gets listeners excited for the season, and impresses with its classic sound. Strongest Point(s): While Christmas In Our City doesn't sh...

Matthew Bruce - Paradise Pop, Easy Listening, Singer/Songwriter Ohio, United States Overall Impression: Big-sounding choruses, electrifying performances, and a generous amount of truly catchy melodies help to make Mathew Bruce's "Paradise" a thoroughly engaging pop-rocker that has both the charisma and heart to effectively reel many a music lover in. "Paradise" feels very much like one of those essential festival favorites, the type of track that has the power to really rouse its audience, get those hands up in the air, and get them blissfully singing along to its feel-good lyrics, and if a piece of energy-infused songwriting such as this can achieve such a feat then I simply can't help but tip my hat to it. Strongest Point(s): Balance is a key component to any modern pop-rock track such as "Paradise" and being able to effectively utilise and incorporate a number of distinct stylistic influences into a song can be rather t...

Steve Mann - Love, We Did Pop, Easy Listening California, United States Overall Impression: "Love, We Did" is a mellow, retro-inspired work of orchestral pop from singer/songwriter/producer Steve Mann. Highlighted by a light and playful symphonic arrangement, this track features a folk-style melody, nostalgic prose, and baroque-influenced instrumental sections. Mann's delicately sensitive vocal delivery works well in this elegant setting that is reminiscent of iconic early 60's pop producers, such as George Martin or Phil Spector. Tender, poetic lyrics and a wonderfully whimsical composition make Steve Mann's "Love, We Did" an easy recommendation for fans of early pop/rock, as well as any listener seeking a present-day glimpse into the sophisticated pop sounds of that era. Strongest Point(s): Fantastic production, great mix that sounds authentically balanced to the genre. Outstanding structure and form, the instrumental interlu...

Michael Hugh Dixon - Seven and Nine Classical, Easy Listening, New Age Music Sydney, Australia Overall Impression: Australian composer Michael Hugh Dixon has released his new chamber work for wind ensemble Seven and Nine. Over a rippling bed of brass, a bassoon soloist meanders with a delicate, almost whispering approach that draws focus and pulls the listener in. Their vibrato becomes a color, and the occasional dynamic outbursts shade the lines. This first section of this new Classical piece serves as a fine appetizer for the militaristic and spinning episodes that soon follow. With mechanistic precision, the soloist and ensemble trade spirited, rhythmic motifs that come to define the most memorable sounds of Seven and Nine. This is quickly washed away with swirling effects and incredibly intriguing tone colors from the ensemble. As the militaristic atmosphere returns, Seven and Nine is given a strong sense of completeness that puts the listener at ease. Overal...

Steve Mann - The Day I Lost Your Smile Pop, Easy Listening California, United States Overall Impression: Songwriter/producer Steve Mann delivers a heart wrenching work of melancholic contemporary chamber pop with his release of "The Day I Lost Your Smile." Mann relays a haunting tale of innocence lost set to a gripping melody contributed by composer John Massari, his soft baritone backed by delicate piano and sparse hybrid electronic/organic percussion that reflect the themes of separation and longing presented in the lyrics. Dense synth clusters round out the arrangement, adding sweeping gravitas to a simply gorgeous bridge section. Steve Mann's "The Day I Lost Your Smile" should have little trouble attracting an audience among art pop and indie pop fans, particularly with those who favor slightly somber material. Strongest Point(s): Outstanding production, excellent mix. Good tonal balance. Great atmosphere, both chilling and compelli...

Hayden Grove - Sway Pop, Easy Listening Ohio, United States Overall Impression: I think it's safe to say that any ardent music lover will agree that "Sway" is an all-time classic, a timeless tune that has been successfully covered by a myriad of artists ever since its first inception, and I'm glad to say that Hayden Grove has duly followed suit and whisked up a fantastic cover that manages to respect the original source material whilst successfully infusing Michael's own sense of unique musicality. Hayden Grove possesses a deep maturity in his vocal style that allows him to really capture the subtle nuances of the songwriting and the level of control he has over his vocals is quite frankly staggering, combine this with the rich musical canvas that underlays his warm and soulful tones and you have something very special indeed. Strongest Point(s): The interplay between Hayden and the various elements of the instrumentation is both exciti...

Dennis and Christy Soares - Ode to Yesterday Pop, Adult Contemporary, Easy Listening Hawaii, United States Overall Impression: Prolific songwriting team Dennis and Christy Soares serve up a taste of their Hawaiian home, with their release of "Ode to Yesterday." Soft guitars and synth strings ride a gentle wave of island percussion on this track that features Dennis and Christy's mellifluous vocals in tandem, performing a wistful duet honoring their early days in the Aloha State. Invoking images of a beautiful sunset on a tropical paradise, Dennis and Christy Soares' "Ode to Yesterday" should have broad appeal among adult contemporary audiences, thanks to its relaxed, sentimental nature and gorgeous vocal harmonies. Strongest Point(s): Excellent production, solid mix. Great mellow vibe and atmosphere. Nice arrangement and beat design. Engaging chord progression and melody that rests somewhere between tropical pop and soft jazz. Guita...

Margo Monroe - I'll Be Pretty Pop, Easy Listening, Jazz Toronto, Canada Overall Impression: Whilst there is an undeniably classic feel and sound to Margo Monroe's "I'll Be Pretty" that will certainly appeal to fans of classic pop and easy listening, the potent and very relevant lyrical themes that underpin the song definitely give the track both a poignant and contemporary edge that listeners will relate to. In a world where young people are being continually barraged with images of what supposed "perfection" should look like, it's really no wonder we're seeing a steep upward curve of mental illness in these younger generations, and it's highly commendable for an artist such as Margo Monroe to want to bring this very relevant issue to the forefront of her music. The innocent and soothing nature of the music is cleverly juxtaposed with the serious themes that weave throughout the song and it's this combination that ...

Desmond Ivey - Let's Dance Soul, Easy Listening, Classical New York, United States Overall Impression: Classical guitar virtuoso Desmond Ivey delivers an impassioned and masterful performance with the original composition "Let's Dance." First released on his 2006 album Music With Passion, this solo guitar piece features a traditional Spanish flavor that hints at flamenco while still employing 20th century harmony and tonal modalities, which Ivey explores with unmatched style and flair. Technical artistry meets unbridled passion on "Let's Dance", making it a true tour de force that music aficionados of all tastes and backgrounds need to experience first hand. Be sure to check out Desmond Ivey's other fine works, available for streaming or purchase wherever you get your music. Strongest Point(s): Absolutely brilliant composition, and a fantastic recording. The room sounds great. Love the chromatic figure you use in the intro...

Ellis Hadlock - Splendor in Space World, Easy Listening, Soundtrack Arizona, United States Overall Impression: Beautifully atmospheric and saturated in an abundance of absorbing textures and tones, "Splendor in Space" is one of those tracks that is so easy to get lost in with nothing but your thoughts and emotions. Ellis Hadlock has done a brilliant job of crafting a reflective and highly captivating soundscape that's filled with intrigue, and as the title so accurately suggests, plenty of splendor. Expansive synths and impassioned melodic motifs are combined with the excellent use of ethnic instrument choices that infuse the track's new age aesthetic with some delicate hints of broader world music influences, resulting in a rich and sonically intriguing piece of instrumental music that is continually evolving throughout its duration. Ellis's clearly well-defined musical identity is on full display here and with its strong performances and ...

Ellis Hadlock - Splendor in Space World, Easy Listening, Soundtrack Arizona, United States Overall Impression: Beautifully atmospheric and saturated in an abundance of absorbing textures and tones, "Splendor in Space" is one of those tracks that is so easy to get lost in with nothing but your thoughts and emotions. Ellis Hadlock has done a brilliant job of crafting a reflective and highly captivating soundscape that's filled with intrigue, and as the title so accurately suggests, plenty of splendor. Expansive synths and impassioned melodic motifs are combined with the excellent use of ethnic instrument choices that infuse the track's new age aesthetic with some delicate hints of broader world music influences, resulting in a rich and sonically intriguing piece of instrumental music that is continually evolving throughout its duration. Ellis's clearly well-defined musical identity is on full display here and with its strong performances and ...

Walter Hunden - Farewell Dance/Electronica, Easy Listening California, United States Overall Impression: Opening with quick ascending piano melodies and supported with drum set percussion, Farewell by Walter Hunden ignites the imagination before revealing a gentler, pastorale setting. An instrumental work, Farewell pulls clear influence from Western classical composers, but adds a modern approach and a tint of world music. The flute and percussion effectively add a layer of interest to the piece that would be missed otherwise. Although titled Farewell, the sense of exploration and discovery permeates the work and could be seen as a new beginning. Despite its short run time, Farewell is able to paint a colorful and vivid picture that is quite apt for the winter season. Overall, Farewell by Walter Hunden is a colorful new instrumental work that is easy on the ears. Strongest Point(s): While the harmonies and melodies do move at a gentler rate, the underlying pe...

Dana Paul Robinson - Jersey Shore Mirage Jazz, Easy Listening Pennsylvania, United States Overall Impression: While there have been many songs written and recorded about the New Jersey shore, few have managed to capture and convey the romance and wonder so perfectly as lyricist/composer Dana Paul Robinson's "Jersey Shore Mirage." Featuring the gorgeous tenor of vocalist Jeff Reim and beautifully accompanied by pianist David Zipse, this track aptly opens with a field recording of the tide rolling in, gulls squawking as the waves gently caress the coastline. Zipse's piano fully mimics the gentle oceanic ebb and flow as Reim elegantly delivers the hauntingly exquisite melody and lyrics, that were so thoughtfully crafted by expert tunesmith, Dana Paul Robinson. Delicate arpeggios cascade over the listener, bringing a deep sense of calm, while the lyrics tell a forlorn tale of longing and loneliness. The seaside foley returns at the end of the piece...

Frank & Friends - Snowflakes & Candy Canes Jazz, Easy Listening, Indie Male Alabama, United States For Fans Of: Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Harry Connick, Jr., Bobby Darin, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Perry Como, Peggy Lee, Andy Williams, Josh Groban, Celine Dion & Tommy Dorsey #holidaymusic #christmasmusic #christmas #holiday #newmusic #music #merrychristmas #holidayseason #holidays #funk #soul #christmassong #classicsoul #rnb #holidaysongs #dianaross #pianomusic #livemusic #xmasmusic #marvingaye #santaclaus #jamesbrown #rudolphtherednosedreindeer #soulfulchristmas #christmasrnb #jinglebells #jackson #newchristmasmusic #classicfunk #bhfyp