Music
Sun King Rising Releases Official Music Video For “Free Will In China Blue”

To accompany the nationwide radio release of his single, “Free Will in China Blue,” Sun King Rising has also released the song’s official music video.
Drawn from his debut album, “Delta Tales,” and directed by Dante Ludovici, the video is a visually spectacular feast of the Sun King Rising Band performing the song in a studio setting with dancer Meghan Greenwood playing the role of “The Temptress.” It also features aerial footage of the artist performing the song on a picturesque farm that serves as the ostensible setting of the story.
Sun King Rising’s John Blangero said, “Director Dante Ludovici has ably captured my cinematic vision of the story and its underlying tension, with the lovely Meghan Greenwood dancing and entrancing throughout the story, costumed in a flowing China blue dress. Produced and filmed in Pittsburgh, the day was a total blast, with most of the SKR Studio Band who played on the ‘Free Will’ single and on the upcoming ‘Signs & Wonders’ album performing the song in the video.”
This song itself has been garnering 5-star reviews around the world. “The record sounds freakin’ fantastic…tons of personality, tons of charisma, the vocals are beyond brilliant, and his entire sound, style, and vibe are massively memorable,” wrote one critic.
Recorded live in a studio just outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, “Free Will in China Blue” features a full complement of A-List horn players, backup singers, and studio players. No loops, no samples, no autotune. This is true of the entire 11-song album.
Watch “Free Will In China Blue” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtjvHmhsoXo.
The creation of songwriter/singer John Blangero of Port Isabel, Texas, who composed most of its songs, and produced by Pittsburgh’s Ace Acker, the single and the album strongly evoke the imagery and feel of a somewhat mythical, yet very real land centered in the fabled area along the Mississippi River called “The Delta.” If William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams had been songwriters, they might have written songs much like those of Sun King Rising.
Filmed largely in a Pittsburgh, PA studio, the video metaphorically tells the song’s tale of temptation, sin, and redemption through the sensual interaction of Blangero and Greenwood, accompanied by the 10-piece Sun King Rising Band.
Video Production Credits:
Steve Acker: Line Producer Sun King Rising
Production Design/Management: The Video Standard, LLC
Dante Ludovici: Director/DP/DIT/LD Sequencing/Editor/CGI
Daniel McMullen: Jib Operator
Thomas Vandevander: Key Grip/Camera/BTS
Ryan Peters: Motion Control Camera/ First AC
Andi Smalley: HMU
Website: https://www.sunkingrising.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunKingRising
Bandcamp: https://peacocksunriserecords.com/project/sun-king-rising/
PSR: https://peacocksunriserecords.com/sun-king-rising/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3VYK4IV3S5JS6m2y8D9Q1y
Artist Spotlight
Justin Ruff breathes new life into a soulful classic with “Cross My Mind (Jill Scott)”
Justin Ruff’s new single, “Cross My Mind (Jill Scott),” confidently steps into the world of respected music. ” It’s a very personal and respectful look back that adds new emotional depth. Ruff makes it clear from the start that this is not a remake just for the sake of memories, it is a real tribute in his own style.
He keeps the original’s warmth and spirit, as well as the smooth, inviting rhythm that made it so popular. Ruff doesn’t just go back to what he knows; he adds to the story. His extra verses add to the emotional arc and make it feel like a real continuation instead of something that doesn’t need to be there.
The music’s foundation is soulful R&B, deep, steady, and full of meaning. The way it’s put together shows a quiet confidence that lets the melody and the message come through. Ruff’s subtle changes to the melody in the hook shift how people feel about it, offering a new perspective while still keeping the classic hook.
This release is special because it is well-balanced. Ruff does a great job of honoring the past while also coming up with new ideas in a stylish way. He respects the track’s popularity and adds his own perspective and exposure. The final product is a picture that looks planned and personal, with less emphasis on capturing a moment and more on making it last. Justin Ruff’s “Cross My Mind (Jill Scott)” shows that a new version can be just as good as the original, if it’s thoughtful and passionate. This track isn’t just a trip down memory lane, it’s a soulful conversation between people of different ages set to a beat that never stops.
Connect with Justin Ruff on Spotify || Instagram || Twitter || Soundcloud
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“Changing Winds” expertly blends swing, bebop, fusion, and modern sounds to create a cohesive, dynamic sound space. The arrangement changes all the time, and it does so with purpose and confidence. Every change is planned, as chapters in a story told through rhythm and tone instead of words. The track pays a lot of respect to jazz history, but it doesn’t get stuck in the past. Instead, it builds on that base and conveys a sense of modern life.
The saxophone parts are the most important part of the track. They are very brave, emotional, and bold. They don’t just make the composition look better, they also move it along. This shows that the musician doesn’t follow the rules. Each phrase is full of life, pushing the limits and staying on beat. The track will never go out of style because it strikes a balance between technical correctness and emotional spontaneity.
“Changing Winds” is interesting because of the story it tells. The groove changes the mood and texture of the music, which takes listeners on a journey that is both broad and personal. Jazz is a style that looks back on its history while also looking forward.
Connect with Eric St. Godard on Spotify || Instagram|| Youtube
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