Artist Spotlight

Sophia B shares an authenticity in her self-produced release, “Old City (Live)”

In her inaugural self-produced release, “Old City (Live),” Sophia B immerses listeners in a unique fusion of vintage jazz aesthetics and modern artistic expression. Captured live in the Berklee Practice Rooms, this track transcends traditional song structure; it offers an immersive auditory experience that encapsulates the essence of classic jazz while highlighting her maturation as an artist.

From the outset, “Old City (Live)” presents itself as an auditory time capsule, expertly crafted through intentional production choices that pay homage to the golden age of jazz while establishing Sophia’s distinctive voice. The live setting enriches the listening experience, lending an intimate dimension filled with visceral emotion and intricate musical interplay.

The conceptual depth of this piece is particularly striking. The title “Old City” embodies a multifaceted emotional landscape. Sophia’s commitment to manifesting the spirit of “Old City” through both instrumental arrangements and melodic structures is palpable. The integration of vintage jazz elements is seamless, and her vocal delivery carries a profound sincerity that resonates directly with the audience.

Sophia B’s evolution from her foundational training at LaGuardia High School to self-producing this track illustrates her significant technical advancements and a sophisticated grasp of her evolving audience demographics. Evoking a sound reminiscent of the resurgence popularized by contemporary artists like Laufey, “Old City (Live)” establishes Sophia as a compelling new voice within this perennial genre.

This debut stands as the art of reinvention. It illustrates that, much like historic cities, classic jazz can be revitalized and reinvigorated through a thoughtful and contemporary lens.

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Album Review

Paul Terry, Aptøsrs & Cellarscape unite on bold new album “Alternative Piano Club”

Combining his three artistic alter egos, Paul Terry presents an awe-inspiring new 12-track album, “Alternative Piano Club,” written in collaboration with Aptøsrs and Cellarscape. This is an album-length voyage of music that blends acoustic, rock, and piano-driven cinematic sounds.

Torn between this complex emotional spectrum, all the while the piano remains at its core throughout. Paul Terry opens his “Memento Mori (Chromogenic Phase)” contemplatively, creating a solemn, reflective mood. Cellarscape’s “Three Years Of Roses“ is warmer, whereas Aptøsrs’ “Questionnaires“ is much more textured as a large, sculptural post-rock.

“Dave’s Theme,” written by Paul Terry, musically expands the narrative with a touch of cinematic elevation that aligns well. “We Shape The Clouds” by Cellarscape is fluffy and heart-warming, “Writers Behind The Curtain” is somber, more narrative. We are all together in “A Place We Made,” an honest, intimate, emotionally grounded space.

The project contains vocal warmth and cultural depth in the song “This Is My Home“ by Silas Miami & Lana Crowster. Proceeding in a totally different direction is the stronger emotional clarity of Paul Terry’s acoustic storytelling on “Any Time You Want To Fly” and “No Sleep Has Come.” Cellarscape presents a wide, spacious atmospheric moment in “Cygnus,” while Aptøsrs ends with “Rust Mountain (Monochrome Piano Version),” a simple gem that brings the project full circle.

The mixing of Sam Okell and Adam Noble, the mastering of Alex Wharton and Robin Schmidt have, in many ways, brought their polish to it while still making it feel human. “Alternative Piano Club” is a work entity, where three musical personalities met and talk mind in the same emotional language.

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Artist Spotlight

LAST ALEX! balances precision and pulse on the electrifying track “Plus 1”

LAST ALEX!, a Chicago-based artist and producer, comes out with “Plus 1,” a high-energy release that combines technical prowess with an undeniable melodic instinct.

LAST ALEX! puts both craftsmanship and creativity on display here. The song’s strength lies in its balance, in detailed execution without sacrificing feeling, and in complexity without losing momentum.

LAST ALEX! doesn’t fully lean into the cold technique or loose emotion, but finds the sweet spot where skill and soul meet. This yields a polished, vibrant, and musically confident track.

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