CD Review: New Music From Indie-Artists Sam Marine, Richard Smith, Francesco Buzzurro, Dan Rico & The Jim Self/John Chiodini Duo

Singer/songwriter Sam Marine has been making a name for himself in the LA music scene since his recent arrival. He is also preparing to release his third album titled "Big Dark City," which was produced by Dwight Yoakam sideman, Brian Whelan. His new 5-song EP begins with the bluesy rock of the title song "Big Dark City" as he still keeps a pop sense to his music. Then he rocks out on the raw feel of "Dawn Come And Gone," before showcasing his diversity with the acoustic storytelling of "I'll Soon Be Gone." He wraps up his new 15-minute album with the country tones of "Mike Lee." To find out more about Sam Marine and his latest release "Big Dark City," please visit sammarine.bandcamp.com.

Critically acclaimed guitarists Richard Smith (Los Angeles) and Francesco Buzzurro (Italy) have teamed up for a new instrumental album titled "Heart Of The Emigrants." It features both musicians stepping out of their boundaries to record some famous songs like "Mambo Italiano," "Amazing Grace" and The Beatles' "Day Tripper." The duo mix together the gentle sounds of "Film Suite" and "Intimato" with more up-tempo, jazz-like pieces as in "Amor" and "Taranta Funk." The beauty of their collaboration is felt in the stunning 'Tango, Fire and Sea." To find out more about Richard Smith and Francesco Buzzurro and their latest release "Heart Of The Emigrants," please visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/BuzzurroSmithGuitar.

From Chicago comes the latest release titled "Flesh And Bone" from the multi-talented musician Dan Rico. His new 3-song EP begins with the garage rock, guitar buzz of the title song "Flesh And Bone." The flip-side features a more classic pop/rock vibe with "Gold Volvo," before finishing up with the digital only single "Any Way You Want Me" as Dan slows the tempo down for this alternative pop number. To find out more about Dan Rico and his latest release "Flesh And Bone," please visit danrico.com.

 

From Los Angeles comes the new album from freelance musician Jim Self and his collaboration with jazz guitarist John Chiodini. Their new album titled "Floating In Winter," features 15-tracks of covers and originals. Self has performed on over 1,500 motion picture soundtracks, including "Jurassic Park" and "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind." Self is a low-brass player, primary the tuba and he works beautifully with Chiodini's guitar to create some relaxed themes, beginning with "Nobody Else But Me." The duo dance their instruments around the "So Danco Samba," before swinging to the groove of "News From Blueport." They gently float along the Henry Mancini original "A Slow Hot Wind," then take on Thelonius Monk's "In Walking Bud" as the two lock into a smooth jazz groove. They revisit Monk's work again with "Blue Monk" and even Mancini shows up again with "Two For The Road," before they finish the album with the laid-back vibe of Gerry Mulligan's "Festive Minor." To find out more about the latest release from The Jim Self/John Chiodini Duo, please visit bassethoundmusic.com.