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Album Review

Sugarcane Jane Struggles with Life’s Choices and Consequences on “Burn”

Sugarcane Jane, composed of the husband and wife duo Anthony Crawford and Savana Lee Crawford, is a treasure of the Americana music scene. Hailing from the deep south of Alabama, they are celebrated for their harmonious blend of country, folk, and roots music. Anthony Crawford brings an impressive musical pedigree to the partnership, having worked with renowned artists like Neil Young, Steve Winwood, and Dwight Yoakam. Savana Lee adds her rich, soulful vocals and a knack for storytelling that resonates with listeners. Together, they create music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, marked by intricate guitar work, captivating melodies, and lyrics that speak to the heart. Their performances are a testament to their chemistry, both on stage and in life, making Sugarcane Jane a beloved act in the Americana and folk music circuits.

Their recent album release, “On a Mission” is a collection of rootsy rock n roll tracks, including first single, “Burn.” “Burn” is a compelling musical exploration of the human condition, articulated through the lens of making choices and the inherent uncertainty that accompanies them. The lyrics adeptly navigate the listener through a journey of internal struggle, capturing the essence of indecision and the myriad paths that life offers. This song stands out for its ability to encapsulate the emotional turbulence of decision-making—highlighting not just the moment of choice but the profound aftermath of those choices.

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The moods of confusion and determination are particularly pronounced, painting a vivid picture of the mental tug-of-war that characterizes moments of significant decision-making. The song’s introspective quality invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with choices and the paths they’ve taken or forsaken.

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Thematically, “Burn” delves deep into the core of internal struggle and the consequences of our decisions. The song serves as a poignant reminder of the uncertainty we all face and the introspective journey we undertake in seeking our truth. Its reflective tone, coupled with the themes of decision-making and internal struggle, makes “Burn” resonate deeply with listeners, encouraging a personal introspection about the paths we choose in life.

Overall, “Burn” offers a rich tapestry of lyrical depth that speaks to the soul’s quest for direction amidst life’s crossroads. It’s a song that not only entertains but also provokes thought, making it a valuable addition to the discourse on life’s complexities.

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Frank Filipetti

 

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Album Review

“Big Colored Lights” EP Premier by Katie Curley delivers a sonic snow globe of heartfelt holiday memories

Katie Curley

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Katie Curley brings a fresh glow to the holiday season with her new EP, “Big Colored Lights.” This spellbinding collection comprises seven original tracks that seamlessly integrate Curley’s honky-tonk personal sensibilities with sophisticated sonic artistry, characterized by her gift for evocative storytelling. Recorded at Cowboy Technical Services under the skillful production expertise of Eric “Roscoe” Ambel (known for his work with Sarah Borges and the Bottle Rockets), the EP is a testament to Curley’s decade-long commitment to creating one Christmas-inspired song yearly. The resultant work offers a kaleidoscope of nostalgia, resilience, and the transformative power of music that extends beyond conventional holiday cheer.

Big Colored Lights” invites listeners on an emotional odyssey, commencing with the poignant opener, Christmastime Therapy,” which artfully navigates the bittersweet realities of family gatherings complemented by Curley’s crystalline vocals. The expressive piano work accompaniment by Rob Clores sets the stage for a heartfelt meditation on holiday complexities.

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Subsequently, the soulful track Closing In On December follows, featuring Mark Spencer’s pedal steel, which infuses the song with a timeless warmth. Meanwhile, the title track, Big Colored Lights,” paints a vivid tribute to Curley’s childhood memories of her grandfather’s dazzling holiday decorations in the woods of Washington.

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Curley’s versatility is evident in A Very Texas Christmas,” a modern take on classic holiday melodies that blends emotive guitar strumming with rhythmic piano chords. Extra Happy Holidays delivers a buoyant exploration of new relationships, celebrating the optimism intrinsic to joyful festivities.

Infusing a touch of country flair, Shotgun Wedding In Bethlehem reimagines the nativity narrative, enhanced by the gorgeous angelic harmonies from fellow artists Drina Seay and Shanelle Jenkins. The EP closes on a high note with New Year’s Too,” a soul-stirring duet with powerhouse vocalist Lizzie Edwards that profoundly impacts the listener.

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Katie Curley’s “Big Colored Lights” transcends the limitations of typical holiday tunes, offering deep reflections on shifting landscapes, cherished traditions, and the unyielding pursuit of light in life’s darker moments. Supported by her core band, including her husband Brendan Curley on guitar, Max Newland on bass, and Kenny Soule on drums, the EP resonates with authenticity and warmth. This EP is essential listening for those seeking revelatory holiday charm with meaningful and uplifting music that promises to light up the heart and soul. Set to become a treasured addition to festive playlists, “Big Colored Lights” solidifies Katie Curley’s emerging status as an enchanting voice within Brooklyn’s music scene.

 

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For more information about Katie Curley, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Katie Curley’s EP Big Colored Lights on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Katie Curley | Instagram | Facebook |

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Album Review

Gitkin unveils an afro-latin blues with sonic psychedelia in his recent Album “Golden Age”

Gitkin

The undisputed king of modern cumbia and master of genre fusion, Brian J. Gitkin, unveils his latest 10-track masterpiece, “Golden Age,” released under Wonderwheel Recordings. This wordless sonic adventure transcends borders, featuring a guest appearance by multi-instrumentalist and producer Assaf Spector, delivering thrilling depths of Afro-Latin, desert rock, and blues with heavy doses of psychedelia. Rooted in the musical heartbeat of New Orleans, “Golden Age” offers a mesmerizing exploration of culture, rhythm, and electric guitar brilliance. This primarily instrumental experience enthralls audiences from start to finish.

Gitkin, a New Orleans-based multi-instrumentalist, channels the rhythmic soul of the Crescent City through the hypnotic twang of his signature Silvertone guitar. The album commences with the dynamic title track, “High Noon,” setting the tone for its adventurous spirit, a far-reaching sound exploration. Fans are treated to a dazzling mix of intoxicating African and Latin American influences, spiced with the desert rock of Mali and the electrified chicha style of Peru.

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The second track, “Cumbia-ya,” exudes celebration with its infectious beats as the album continues to break boundaries with “Delta Mystic,” along with “Iced Coffee” and “Go Time,” the 5th composition featuring the expertise of Simon Moushabeck on the keyboard and Washington Duke on drums, which seamlessly blends jazz, funk, and Afro-American Mardi Gras roots into a jubilant groove.

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Subsequently, “The One,” the eighth track, presents a hypnotic blend of classic Sudanese influences, Tuareg-style guitars, and Black Sabbath-inspired heaviness. The composition is propelled forward by a Giorgio Moroder-esque bassline, combining ’70s disco energy with soulful guitar motifs, showcasing Gitkin’s versatility and fearless approach to creating fresh, boundary-pushing music. The album’s standout track, “Tall Oaks Drive,” takes listeners on a cosmic ride with its psychedelic sitar riffs and melodic cinematic atmosphere reminiscent of a vintage spy thriller. The album concludes with the soul-stirring final track, “Golden Age,” providing a sense of closure and triumph.

Throughout “Golden Age,” Gitkin’s guitar melodies convey stories without words, evoking emotions of contemplation, joy, and spiritual upliftment. His ability to weave together global sounds with New Orleans’ rich musical heritage establishes him as a visionary in the global music scene. This album is essential for fans seeking adventurous, deeply reflective, and genre-defying sonic experiences.

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For more information about Gitkin, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Gitkin’s Album Golden Age on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Gitkin | Instagram | Facebook |

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