Mainstage
Carl Bagge unveils a jazz ballad that breathes beyond the horizon on “Reaching For The Sky”
Carl Bagge’s new single, “Reaching For The Sky,” starts a new and very personal chapter in his life. The release marks the start of a carefully planned four-part collaborative project, an artistic suite created with well-known lyricists and singers.
The idea for this lavish musical project came about when singer and composer Stina Agustsdottir unexpectedly sent Bagge lyrics for a song that was related to his first solo album, Runmarö. The creative spark grew into a full vision, inviting other writers into his musical world and turning old songs into new, collaborative works. The project has a lot of depth and variety. It includes Vanna Rosenberg’s reflective writing on “Very Late” and poetry by Swedish author Hjalmar Gullberg, as read by Jennie Abrahamsson.
The first release from the suite, “Reaching For The Sky,” really sets the tone, though. The ballad is a perfect blend of kindred spirits, thanks to his long-time musical partner Isabella Lundgren. The song, which has lyrics by Lundgren and music by Bagge, has a sense of closeness and quiet beauty.
Bagge’s piano is the emotional foundation of the piece, it’s graceful, expansive, and purposeful. Martin Höper’s double bass and Chris Montgomery’s understated drums add depth and natural progression. Lundgren’s warm, otherworldly voice flows through the arrangement with ease, evoking longing, awe, and transcendence. The piece has a lot of life, letting silence speak and giving each note meaning and purpose. Linn Fijal at Riksmixningsverket noted that the production maintains the group’s natural synergy, creating a jazz atmosphere that is both classic and modern.
Artist Spotlight
Leyla Romanova unveils no fake drama and honest emotion wrapped on new release “My Sun”
Leyla Romanova returns with “My Sun,“ a touching song about memory, emotion, and human connection. A childhood moment stuck with her for years, inspiring the song. It captures the excitement and gentleness of later-life love while evoking memories. Romanova transforms Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye’s Stepmom duet into a personal, vibrant experience.
“My Sun“ is a soul-sharing experience, not a performance. The track was always intended as a duet, and every note reflects that. Grammy-nominated vocalist Mishell Ivon and Jerome Brooks Jr.’s chemistry gives the song emotional weight. Ivon’s voice alternates between power and intimacy, while Brooks’ warmth seems rooted in vintage New York soul. Instead of just harmonizing, they’re talking in the song’s emotional center.
Its sincerity makes “My Sun“ powerful. No fake drama here, honest emotion wrapped in beautiful vocal interplay and universal longing. This song is about a bond that endures distance, circumstance, and time. It depicts finding a guiding light in uncertain times.
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Album Review
Block turns heartbreak into light on “Love Crash,” a raw journey through survival
Block’s sixth studio album, “Love Crash,” is a 10-track rock record that takes a human, quietly hopeful approach to heartbreak. Illuminated by openness, humor, and a surprising sense of joy, the album is a 32-minute, 45-second journey through grief, reflection, and emotional recovery.
With the first track, “I Thought I Won The War,” Block sets a tone of emotional ambiguity where wins are dubious, and wars within are still raging. “California Calls” wants to be far away, wants to go away, but memory tugs the other way. “Over And Over” is about cycles of emotion that keep repeating, even when you want to move on. “Firefly” offers a softer light, pointing to fragile hope in emotional weight.
“All In My Head” explores the inner turmoil of the mind, which is louder than the world outside. “Song To Jamie” feels like a letter written from regret and memory. “The Heartbreak Song” is a total embrace of emotional collapse, but it’s structured and honest. “Carly Says” is about the voices outside that inform the decisions inside. “No One Ever Taught Me How” emphasizes the lack of emotional experience and difficulty in dealing with emotions. “Still Life” ends on a quiet note of pause, as if everything has been dealt with but not forgotten.
The album was written from a dark place, and each song was a step to emotional healing. Produced by Chris Kuffner, with final mixing and mastering by ECR President Blake Morgan, “Love Crash” is a patchwork of imperfect moments, sewn together with honesty, of an artist processing pain while still reaching for the light.
Photo Credit: Dave Doobinin
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Album Review5 days agoBlock turns heartbreak into light on “Love Crash,” a raw journey through survival
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