Album Review
Veteran Singer Songwriter James Mastro Releases Album for the Ages, “Dawn of a New Error”
James Mastro is a veteran songwriter and guitarist with an impressive career spanning several decades. He made a name for himself as a teenager in the iconic CBGB scene as part of The Richard Lloyd Group. As a member of The Bongos, Mastro achieved mainstream success with the release of three acclaimed albums. He went on to front Americana band The Health & Happiness Show, releasing three highly praised albums. Mastro has opened for a diverse range of artists including Wilco, Johnny Cash, and Barenaked Ladies. He has also collaborated with renowned musicians such as Patti Smith and John Cale. Additionally, Mastro has been a longtime member of Ian Hunter’s band, playing guitar on Hunter’s last seven albums. With an impressive list of credits, including production work for artists like Steve Wynn and Jill Sobule, Mastro is a highly sought-after musician in the industry. His latest project, the upcoming album Dawn of a New Error, is set to be released on February 21, 2024 on MPress Records.
Produced by Tony Shanahan, bassist and co-producer for Patti Smith, Dawn of a New Error is a masterful showcase of Mastro’s musicianship. From the soaring guitar riffs to the clever lyrics, each of the 11 tracks on the album is a testament to his artistic vision and musical prowess.
The album kicks off with the energetic and infectious “Right Words, Wrong Song,” featuring guest vocals from the legendary Ian Hunter. With its driving guitar riffs and catchy chorus, it’s a perfect introduction to Mastro’s musical world. The hopeful “The Face of the Sun” and the fast-paced “Three Words” continue the trend of earworm-worthy hooks and powerful vocals.
But it’s not all about the rock and roll on this album. Mastro shows his range with the introspective “My god,” a song about belief in oneself and others. It’s a beautiful track that sets the tone for the rest of the album with its poignant lyrics and engaging melody.
“River Runs Forever” takes listeners on a journey through lost loves and the end of days. The mandolin-driven “Everywhere” conjures up images of old photographs, while the gospel-tinged “Someday Someone Will Turn Your Head Around” is a message of perseverance and hope.
One of the highlights of the album is “Here Beside Me,” a hauntingly beautiful track that showcases Mastro’s vocals and songwriting skills. The dreamy “Never Die” features the high backing vocals of legendary drummer Steve Goulding and a more than memorable groove that lets Mastro’s guitar skills shine.
The album features many high notes, including “Trouble,” a lively track that features guest vocals from The Jersey City New Heights Gospel Group, adding a touch of soul and gospel to the mix. Overall, Dawn of a New Error is a rich and diverse album that showcases Mastro’s talents as a musician, songwriter, and producer.
What sets Mastro apart from other musicians is his ability to seamlessly blend genres, from Americana to Art Rock to Gospel. His diverse influences are evident throughout the album, creating a unique and engaging sound that will appeal to a wide range of music lovers.
The production of the album is top-notch, with a team of talented musicians and engineers bringing Mastro’s songs to life. Tony Shanahan’s contributions as producer, bassist, and backing vocalist add an extra layer of depth to the album, while the guest appearances from Ian Hunter and The Jersey City New Heights Gospel Group add even more dimension to the tracks.
In a world where many artists are chasing trends and trying to fit into a specific genre, James Mastro stands out as a true original. Dawn of a New Error is a testament to his talent and his ability to create music that is both timeless and timely. With this album, Mastro steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight, proving that he is a force to be reckoned with in the music world. Fans of Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, and Wilco will not want to miss this album. Dawn of a New Error is a must-listen for any music lover.
–Felix Crosse
Album Pre-save/order link: https://mpress.lnk.to/DawnOfANewError
Stay updated! Click the Google News follow button for more news and updates.
Follow on Google NewsAlbum Review
“Big Colored Lights” EP Premier by Katie Curley delivers a sonic snow globe of heartfelt holiday memories
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
Album Review
Gitkin unveils an afro-latin blues with sonic psychedelia in his recent Album “Golden Age”
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.
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.
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.
For more information about Gitkin, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Gitkin’s Album “Golden Age“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Gitkin | Instagram | Facebook |
-
Story23 hours ago
Leopold Nunan’s ‘5 METERS’ Turns Up the Heat With Electrifying Beats and Brazilian Flair
-
Celebrity19 hours ago
Taylor Swift Alleged Collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on New Album Shake the Industry
-
Story19 hours ago
Maddog Mcgraw Takes Us Back Home with ‘Right Here’
-
Story23 hours ago
Dapp Deh Youngin Is Back With a Vengeance on ‘Back On Da Block’
-
Story18 hours ago
Sandi King’s ‘Autumn Leaves’ Sweeps Listeners into the Season
-
Story19 hours ago
SATRE’s ‘Cleanse’ Offers a Refreshing Musical Journey of Rebirth and Renewal
-
Story18 hours ago
Derrick Dalice Keeps It Real with ‘Fake Niggas’
-
Story23 hours ago
HTP Zacariah Scores a Touchdown with New Anthem ‘Dallas Cowboyz’