New Music From Singer/Songwriters Ghostly Beard, George St. Clair And Sydney Brown

From Canada comes the latest release titled "Inward" from singer/songwriter Ghostly Beard. It is the third full-length release from this soulful/folk-rock artist as he slowly finds his way into your heart with the slow sway of "How Does It Feel?" He delivers the acoustic/folk-blues of "Gone" and then showcases his musical talents on the uplifting guitar instrumental "Autumn Blues." Wonderful harmonies fill your ears with "Night Train," before Ghostly Beard dabbles in the jazzy tones of "It Doesn't Matter." His new "Inward" album wraps up with the nearly 8-minute, Pink Floydian soundscape of "9 To 5 (Barely Alive)" and the up-tempo pop/rock groove of "Going Away." The new album from Ghostly Beard will be released on May 4th. To find out more, please visit ghostlybeard.com.

European-based singer/songwriter George St. Clair has used his memories of growing up in Texas for the basis of his new album "Ballads Of Captivity And Freedom." The new 12-song release begins with the country-twang of "Tularosa" as he paints the perfect picture with his lyrics. He continues with the steady acoustic strumming of "The Places Were They Prayed" and the eight-minute country tale of the "Autumn 1889." George knows how to delivery that classic country sound with "Good Times," which sounds like a hit single decades earlier. The beautiful acoustics of "Cynthia" showcases his knack for adding a traditional Mexican-folk vibe, while "Up To Fail" is a politically-charged electric blues. George St. Clair finishes up his new album with the southwestern, acoustic folk appeal of "New Mexico" and live, in-studio recording of "Talkin Mesquite" as tribute to the classic folk troubadours of the 50s and 60s. To find out more about George St. Clair and his latest release "Ballads Of Captivity And Freedom," please visit georgestclairmusic.com.

California pop singer, Sydney Brown recently released her new single "Love Is Stronger Than Smoke And Fire" to benefit the victims of the California wildfires. Sydney is only 16 years old and has been a recording artist for almost a decade. She has performed in over ten Broadway musicals and worked with Grammy-winning producer Narada Micahael Walden on this new release. The song carries an addictive chorus as Sydney's voice is so true and pure that you can feel the passion in her delivery. The emotional video premiered on February 16th and can be viewed here: youtube.com. All proceeds from the sale of her new single will benefit the Red Cross. To find out more about Sydney Brown and her new single "Love Is Stronger Than Smoke And Fire," please visit sydneybrownmusic.com.

New Vinyl Release Highlights Johnny Cash's "Sun Records Years"

In honor of the late, great Johnny Cash, British record label Charly Records recently released a new remaster of Johnny Cash's "Greatest Hits - The Sun Records Years." This newly released vinyl contains 20 of Cash's most well-known songs from his years on the Sun Records label. The music was mastered at half-speed from the original Sun Records master tapes for the best, unmatched sound quality. This new record was pressed on 180 gram heavyweight audiophile vinyl and features sleeve notes by Sun Entertainment President John A. Singleton.

The music featured on this new release has a warmer tone as you can hear every guitar strum in "I Walk The Line" and "Big River." The depth of Cash's vocals in "Guess Things Happen That Way" and "You're The Nearest Thing To Heaven" are more consistent as this new remaster sounds as if you are in the control booth with Sam Phillips as he recorded Cash's rise to super stardom. This new "greatest hits" vinyl release sets the bar as to how classic songs on vinyl should sound. To find out more about the newly released "Johnny Cash Greatest Hits - The Sun Records Years," please visit the Charly Records Facebook page at facebook.com/CharlyRecordsUK.

UB40 Featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey Showoff Their "Love" For Reggae Music From The 1980s

The Grammy-winning English band UB40 featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey will be releasing their brand new studio album "A Real Labour Of Love" on March 2nd through Universal Music. Original band member Ali Campbell, along with vocalist Astro and keyboardist Mickey Virtue are putting a new spin on classic reggae tracks from the 1980s. The album also features some of the final work of former Simply Red member, trombonist John Johnson.

The new 16-song release gets started with the Barry Boom classic "Making Love" as UB40 modernizes the song's nostalgic dubstep sound. The deep bass groove of "Strive" turns the song into a summer staple, while the nearly 8-minute "Telephone Love/Rumours" is a sultry tale of lust. Ali, Astro & Mickey still have a knack for finding their way into your heart with the soulful ballad "Ebony Eyes" and then revert back to their early days with the thick reggae rhythm of "Hard Times." UB40 wrap up their new album by adding horns and a reggae shuffle to Stevie Wonder's "A Place In The Sun" and then finish with the fun, up-tempo ska groove of "Once Ago." To find out more about UB40 featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey and their latest release "A Real Labour Of Love," please visit ub40.org.

Celebrate George Harrison's 75th Birthday With The New Re-Issue Release Of The "Concert For George"

In honor of what would have been George Harrison's 75th birthday, a new 10-disc box set of the "Concert For George" will be released on February 23 through Concord Music. The 10-disc deluxe box set will be limited to only 1,000 pieces, which include a newly remastered edition of the concert on four 180-gram vinyl LPs, 2 CDs, 2 DVDs and 2 Blu-ray discs. Also included in the box is an amazing 60-page hard-bound book with pictures from the show and a piece of the original hand-painted tapestry that appeared on stage as the backdrop.

The original DVD release has been certified 8-times platinum by the RIAA since its initial release in 2003. The new 2-disc DVD or Blu-ray set includes the entire filmed concert on the first disc and the theatrical version of the concert with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage on the second disc.

The new 2CD set includes the entire concert, except for the opening performances from the Monty Python troupe, which included Tom Hanks, and the song "Horse To Water," one of Harrison's final recordings. Both of those recordings are featured on the vinyl set and the digital versions, which also includes the entire show for the first time on vinyl, plus a mandala design etched into one of the sides.

The newly remastered sound is amazing for a live show, as all of Harrison's friends have gathered together to pay homage to this amazing musician who left us way too soon. These once-in-a-lifetime performances are captured beautifully as you enjoy Eric Clapton teaming up with Paul McCartney on The Beatles' classic "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," as well as Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne and George's son, Dhani Harrison recreating the Traveling Wiburys' "Handle With Care." The other thing you realize, listening (or watching) this concert is that in the time since this concert was recorded, we also lost the legendary Tom Petty, Billy Preston and Ravi Shankar, who were all key figures in George Harrison's life. For more information on the newly release "Concert For George" set, please visit georgeharrison.com.

6 String Drag Return With A New Studio Album And A Re-Issue Of Their Classic Album "High Hat"

From North Carolina comes the return of  Americana/roots rock pioneers 6 String Drag with two new releases. On January 12th, the band reissued their classic album "High Hat," which has been out of print and also includes a bonus track. This will also be the first time that the album is available on vinyl and in digital format. The album was originally produced by Steve Earle and features some of the band's greatest songwriting, with the alternative-country appeal of ""Bottle Of Blues" and "Red," along with the Springsteen-like rocker "Cold Steel Brace" and "Ghost." The new reissue also includes an acoustic cover of the Louvin' Brothers' song "Lorene" as a bonus track.

Finally, fans of the band can rejoice with a new studio album titled "Top Of The World." It is the second album to be released from 6 String Drag, since reuniting in 2015 after almost 20 years apart. The band has kept the same winning formula as their previous release with the high-energy rocker "Small Town Punks" along side the emotional acoustics of "Top Of The World." The band looked to capture their live sound with this new studio album as "Let's Fool Around Til The End Of The World" and "Waste Of Time" have accomplished that feat. 6 String Drag finish up their new album with the swinging rock of "I Wish You Would" and the classic sounds of "Robert & Lucy," which just proves that they have not lost a step after all those years. To find out more about 6 String Drag and their latest releases "Top Of The World" and the new "High Hat" reissue, please visit 6stringdrag.com.

New Music From Metal Blade Records Artists Twitching Tongues, The Crown, Rivers Of Nihil & Eyes Of The Sun

California hardcore metal band Twitching Tongues are quickly approaching their 10th anniversary, and to keep the excitement flowing is the release of their new studio album "Gaining Purpose Through Passionate Hatred." It is the band's fourth full-length release and features nine, hard hitting anthems, beginning with the gentle acoustics interlude that gives way to the swift pace of "AWOL (State Of The Union)." The album continues with the explosiveness of "Harakiri" and the dark overtones of "Kill For You." Twitching Tongues display their more mainstream metal side with the chugging rhythm of "Forgive & Remember," before returning to close out their new album with the thunderous attack of "Gaining Purpose" and the seven-minute epic progressive metal piece, "Deification (Union Of The State)." To find out more about Twitching Tongues and their latest release "Gaining Purpose Through Passionate Hatred," please visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/twitchingtongues.

Also arriving in March is the latest release from the legendary European death metal band, The Crown. Their new album titled "Cobra Speed Venom" is the band's tenth studio album since their conception back in 1992. The new 10-track release begins with a marching rhythm that gives way to a wave of chaos as if the wall of sound crumbled from the musical attack of "Destroyed By Madness." The intensity continues to build with the sonic blast of "Iron Crown" and the bashing rhythm of "We Avenge!" The shear quickness of "Cobra Speed Venom" and "Necrohammer" will certainly have the adrenaline pumping as The Crown look to finish their new album with more melodic instrumental piece "Where My Grave Shall Stand" and seven-minute progressive metal epic "The Sign Of The Scythe." To find out more about The Crown and their latest release "Cobra Speed Venom," please visit thecrownofficial.com.

On that same day, March 16th, we get the third full-length release from the Pennsylvania metal band, Rivers Of Nihil. They have been building a solid fan base, ever since their debut album in 2013 and now, their new album, "Where Owls Know My Name" features 10-tracks that showcase the enormous growth in the band in only the last five years. The album starts off with the short, atmospheric piece, "Cancer/Moonspeak," which leads into the aggressive attack of "The Silent Life." All of the songs on this new album sound epic, especially the thunderous rhythm of "A Home" and the over 8-minute progressive metal masterpiece "Subtle Change." They finish up their new album with the passionate vocal screams of "Hollow" and slow build-up of "Capricorn/Agoratopia." To find out more about the Rivers Of Nihil and their latest release "Where Owls Know My Name," please visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/riversofnihil.

Finally we arrive at the latest release from the Brooklyn-based metal band, Eyes Of The Sun. Their new 8-song release titled "Chapter 1" was recorded at Translator Audio studio, which was destroyed, along with the band's equipment, during hurricane Sandy. So, this is a new chapter in the band's ten-year career. The album begins with the raw, aggressive tone of "My War," followed by the slow, dark buzz of "When It Dies," that simply erupts during the chorus. Eyes Of The Sun work in the screaming vocals of "Choke" and the mainstream metal appeal of "Nineteen," before closing out their new album with the emotional burn of "Slavery Of Another Name." To find out more about the Eyes Of The Sun and their latest release "Chapter 1," please visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/eyesofthesun.

New Heavy Metal Albums Arriving Soon From Affasia And From Skeletal Remains

The dark metal band, Affasia will release their debut album "Adrift In Remorse" on February 23rd through Transcending Records. The band has had a number of line-up changes before recording their new 4-track EP, but you can hear the chemistry immediately on the opening song, "Another Host." You can feel the intensity in the music and the passion in the vocals on "Dissolute" as Affasia breaks down the barriers of heavy metal music with the atmospheric tone of "Brittle Sentiment." They finish up their new album with the epic, seven-minute progressive metal onslaught of "As You Never Were." To find out more about Affasia and their latest release "Adrift In Remorse," please visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/affasiaband.

Arriving in mid-April is the third, full-length studio album from the death metal band Skeletal Remains. Their new 11-song release titled "Devouring Mortality" begins with the high energy blast of "Ripperology" as the song's growling vocals and fast pace, should get your adrenaline pumping. They continue their onslaught with the swiftness of "Seismic Abyss" and "Catastrophic Retribution" as the band's years of experience is highlighted on these tracks. They keep the energy flowing through the electrifying guitars of "Grotesque Creation" and the machine-gun like drumming of "Mortal Decimation," before closing their new album with final bashing of "Internal Destestation." To find out more about Skeletal Remains and their latest release "Devouring Mortality," please visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/SkeletalRemainsDeathMetal.

New Hard Rocking Releases From We Are Band Nerds, Facing Fire And Black Map

What may sound like an odd name for a band, We Are Band Nerds, does not give enough justice for their brand of nu-metal music. The band's new album "Forget Me Nots" will be released on February 23rd through Pavement Entertainment and delivers a hip-hop/metal collaboration that follows the musical vein of Linkin Park and Rage Against The Machine. The new 9-song release begins with the high-energy, Eminem-like vocal delivery of "Hunger Games." They roll out the lyrics of "Whore" with a blasting chorus, before We Are Band Nerds look to incorporate elements of jazz and electronics into "Fake In You." The band looks to finish up their new release with the sonic blast of "American Trash" and the raw, grunge rock sound of "Fade Away." To find out more about We Are Band Nerds and their latest release "Forget Me Nots," please visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/wearebandnerds.

Hard rock band, Facing Fire will finally be releasing their self-titled debut album on February 16th through Pavement Entertainment. The album was recorded back in 2016, as the band shopped around for a record deal before landing with Pavement Entertainment in July of 2017. The new 4-song release begins with the aggressive force of "Dying Inside," followed quickly by the raw, chugging rhythm of "Filthy Life." Facing Fire will hit you hard with the shear force of "Overcome," before finishing up their new short release with the intense onslaught of "Fake" as the band leaves you wanting more. To find out about Facing Fire and their new self-titled release, please visit facingfire.com.

Arriving last month was the new album from the Northern California rock band Black Map. Their new release titled "Trace The Path" features four tracks of blistering hard rock, beginning with the intricatestructure of "Let Me Out." They continue with the mainstream rock appeal of "Invisible Worlds," before finishing up their new short EP with the slower, melodic tone of "Why Burn." To find out more about Black Map and their latest release "Trace The Path," please visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/blackmapmusic.

Rising Electronic Artists Pay Tribute To Fad Gadget & German Artist, Leather Strip Shows His "Appreciation"

British avant-garde/electronic musician Fad Gadget was an inspirational artist of the new wave movement in the early 1980s. After producing four electronic, underground masterpieces, he would change his image and tone to a more folk-protest artist. Before his death in 2002, Fad Gadget returned with the support of fellows label artists Depeche Mode for a world tour and one final studio album. To show support of the artist, Fad Gaget, modern industrial/electronic bands recorded a new tribute album titled "Under What Flag: A Tribute To Fad Gadget."

The new release features 17-tracks, with three of the tracks featuring a different interpretation of Fad Gaget's first hit single "Back To Nature." The band Cortex Defect handles the song with a Gothic-like tone, while legendary, German industrial band Leather Strip quickens the pace of the song and delivers a more monotone, electronic feel to the song. The third version of the song is by the band NOIR, which showcases their darkwave sound on this pulsating version of the song. Another song featured three times on this release is "Insecticide." The synthesizer-fueled number gets injected with the dance beats of Manufactura, while Microchip Junky approaches the song with a warped, space-like tone. Shrapnihil closes the album with their version of "Insecticide" that carries a more industrial rock attack, as if it came from a horror movie. To find out more about the newly release tribute to Fad Gadget titled "Under What Flag," please visit cleorecs.com.

Legendary German industrial/Gothic artist Leather Strip is paying homage to the artists that have inspired him over the years with a new release titled "Appreciation II." Volume one of "Appreciation" was released in 2014 and became an instant classic for the artist, now volume 2 begins with the Fad Gadget original "Lady Shave" as Leather Strip dives into this song with full emotion. He turns Adam & The Ants' "Beat My Guest" into an edgier, punk driven hymn and changes the eighties pop masterpiece "Tainted Love" into a Gothic cry of passion. He works in the electronic dance beats to quicken the pace of Dead or Alive's "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)" and Marianne Faithfull's "Broken English," before finishing with the aggressive cover of Coil's "Anal Staircase." To find out more about Leather Strip and his latest release "Appreciation II," please visit cleorecs.com.

Classic Recordings From The Choir And Chris Hillman Seeing The Light Of Day As New Releases

Arriving February 16th on Omnivore Recordings is the newly discovered unreleased album from the Cleveland pop/rock band The Choir. Recorded in 1969, it features ten tracks making their physical debut on CD. This album would have followed the band's successful 1967 hit single "It's Cold Outside," which earn them opening slots on tour with The Who and The Yardbirds. The Choir would disband a year later, in 1970, after their last single failed to chart. The band did reunite in 2006 for a couple of live shows in their hometown of Cleveland.

The album features 10-tracks of British inspired psychedelic rock like the raw, uptempo rhythm "If These Are Men" and the more dreamy feel of "Ladybug." The album also includes a spot on cover of The Kinks' "David Watts" as The Choir pay homage to their inspirations. The slow, piano ballad "Have I No Love To Offer" seemed ahead of it's time as it carries a progressive rock feel, which was a new concept in 1969. The new, unreleased album finishes with the swinging bass/drums groove of "Boris' Lament" and the British pop tones of "Mummer Band." To find out more about the newly released album from The Choir, please visit omnivorerecordings.com.

American recording artist Chris Hillman has been involved in the music industry for well over 50 years. First as a founding member of The Byrds, then co-founder of The Flying Burrito Brothers and Manassas, before going solo in 1976. Hillman's first two solo albums ("Slippin' Away" and "Clear Sailin'") kept the idea of great harmonies and lyrics from his former bands, the central focus of his solo work. On February 9th, Omnivore Recordings released a new 20-track compilation of these two albums titled "The Asylum Years."

Listening to the music on these two albums, will certain remind you of how great of a singer/songwriter Chris Hillman is. Being surrounded by other great artists in his former bands, Hillman's seventies style of folk/rock shines on his debut album, "Slippin' Away." Songs like "Step On Out," "Falling Again" and "Love Is The Sweetest Amnesty" are prime example that Chris Hillman was just as great a solo artist as he was a member of The Bryds or The Flying Burrito Brothers.

Chris Hillman's second solo album, "Clear Sailin'" brought on a more rock and roll tone as the album was produced by Jim Mascon (Poco). Songs like "Hot Dusty Roads" and "Playing The Fool," mixed with the ballads "Heartbreaker" and "Quits" showcases more diversity in his songwriting as Hillman would not record his next solo album for another five years, when the landscape of the music industry changed in the 1980s. To find out more about this new compilation from Chris Hillman titled "The Asylum Years," please visit omnivorerecordings.com.

Check Out New Releases From Columbia Records Artists The Shins And MGMT

In March of 2017, The Shins released their fifth studio album titled "Heartworms," which cracked the top 20 on the U.S. album chart. Now, The Shins have done something a little unorthodox and reworked the entire "Heartworms" album into a totally new release titled "The Worm's Heart."

The new 11-song release begins with "The Fear," which originally closed the "Heartworms" album. The band has kept the lyrics the same for all of the songs, but supported them with a totally different energy that the music supports. They deliver a nostalgic eighties sound to "So What Now" and place a reggae vibe on "Half A Million," showcasing the band's talent for creating a number of different moods with their sound. The gentle, simplified feel of "Rubber Ballz" and the sonic blast of "Mildenhall" displays the wide variety of their music, before closing with the rolling rhythm of "Name For You," which kicked off the "Heartworms" album with a totally different tone to the song. To find out more about The Shins and their latest release "The Worm's Heart," please visit theshins.com.

American rock band MGMT recently released their 4th studio album since forming at Wesleyan University in 2002. The new album titled "Little Dark Age" was released on February 9th and is the band's first new release in five years. The new 10-song album begins with the eighties, pop-rock tone of "She Works Out Too Much" and the synthesizer-friendly "Little Dark Age." The addictive melody of "When You Die" gives the dark subject of death a lighter tone. MGMT experiment with the lyrical delivery of "James," before they return to their former selves to finish their new album with the nostalgic feel of "One Thing Left To Try" and the enticing melody of "Hand It Over." MGMT are beginning their U.S. tour in March. For a complete list of dates and to find out more about their new album "Little Dark Age," please visit whoismgmt.com.

Previously Unreleased Studio Songs Fill Up The New Jimi Hendrix Release "Both Sides Of The Sky"

Since the passing of the legendary Jimi Hendrix, compilations of his work has plastered the marketplace. Each one trying to re-create what would have been his next move. Hundreds of different studio outtakes have existed and without the man, himself here to guide us, producers have done their best to put the pieces of the puzzle together in order to imagine what would have came next.

The latest attempt titled "Both Sides Of The Sky," completes a trilogy of releases ("Valleys Of Neptune" and "People, Hell And Angels") that have pretty much took the best of the remaining studio songs that Jimi Hendrix recorded between 1968 to 1970. This new release is one of the closest that the Experience Hendrix/Sony Legacy label have come to putting together an attempt as to what Jimi Hendrix may have released on his next album.

Many of the songs on "Both Sides Of The Sky" are soaked in the blues, even beginning the new release with the Muddy Waters' classic "Mannish Boy." Hendrix's 1970 live album "Band Of Gypsys" laid the groundwork to many of the songs that appear on this release. Studio versions of "Stepping Stone," "Lover Man" and "Power Of Soul" sound as complete as they would ever get, as drummer Buddy Miles and bassist Billy Cox continued their work after those legendary live shows. The real nice surprises are the previously unreleased recordings of Jimi Hendrix as a sideman to great Johnny Winter ("Things I Used To Do"), Stephen Stills ("$20 Fine," "Woodstock") and Lonnie Youngblood ("Georgia Blues").

The music certainly captures the era and showcases Hendrix's love for experimenting in the studio, as a couple of the instrumental pieces on this release ("Sweet Angel" and "Cherokee Mist") feature Hendrix trying his hand at playing the sitar or the vibrophone. One of the later recordings on this release is "Send My Love To Linda," which gives a guiding sound as to the direction Hendrix may have been planning on for his next studio album. We may never know, but on March 9th, you will have your own chance to make your decision on this release when "Both Sides Of The Sky" is released on CD, vinyl and digital formats. To find out more about the great, exciting new release, please visit jimihendrix.com.

New Music From Indie-Artists The Good Morning Nags, Reina Mora, The Pale Monsters And Ezra Vancil

From New York City comes the debut album from the bluegrass/country band The Good Morning Nags. Their new seven-song EP begins with the quick strumming of "Sugar Baby" which showcases this band's love for the old-fashion, Appalachian-bluegrass sound. The banjo picking of "Blackberry Bush" and the gentle acoustics of "Love Like No Other" make you want to sit on the front porch swing, enjoying the summer breeze listening to this exceptional roots music. The Good Morning Nags finish up their new album with the sing-along of "I Wish My Baby Was Born" and the up-tempo swing of "Good Morning Girl." To find out more about The Good Morning Nags and their latest self-titled release, please visit thegoodmorningnags.com.

Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Reina Mora is preparing to release her debut solo album titled "Birds Eye View" later this year. She is starting to get her music out their with the release of her lead-single, "Trouble." It has an alternative, pop/rock appeal with a little Latin-flair to pay homage to her Puerto Rican heritage. The music is exciting and will leave you wanting more from this rising new artist. To find out more about Reina Mora and her new release, please visit reinamoramusic.com.

Next, from Boston, MA comes the latest release from The Pale Monsters. Their popularity continues to grow with each new release and their latest single "All This Time We Wait" has a rocking, up-tempo feel, as you find yourself singing along to the chorus after only a couple listens. To find out more about The Pale Monsters and their latest release, please visit palemonsters.com.

Arriving in late March is the new album from independent singer/songwriter Ezra Vancil. The new 11-song release titled "You" showcases Vancil's knack for writing heart-warming gems that will turn you into an instant fan. The vibe of "Complicated Man" feels as if it blends together a seventies folk-style with modern storytelling lyrics to melt away your troubles. He sets the mood with only his voice and an acoustic guitar on the country tone of "Wild Girl," before involving the whole band on "Settle Down Good" as you are drawn in by his lyrics and his charm. To find out more about Ezra Vancil and his latest release "You," please visit ezravancil.com.

New Music From Local Connecticut Artists Prester John, Jonathan Siksay And The Buttondowns

Connecticut artist Prester John recently released his latest musical composition titled "Halloween Baptizm." To co-inside with the release of his new album, Prester John also released a new book, "Nobody Knows I'm Famous: A Year In The Life Of An Unknown Musician." The book follows the diary of Prester John from April 2016 to July 2017 as you read about his every thought, idea and emotion of doing what he loves, which is create and play music. The result of what is told in the pages of his new book is the 13-piece instrumental album "Halloween Baptizm."

Not only do you get to read about his mind-set, but this book is also a "how to" guide for many musicians that may struggle with ideas of how to create that specific sound in their head recorded for everyone to hear. The book also contains many fantastic black and white illustration by Gonzalo Fuentes, which becomes as attractive as the words on the pages. You become involved in the life of Prester John as he not only talks about his musical en-devours, but also his day to day activities, with many Connecticut natives knowing exactly where he visits and his emotional involvement with this music. Speaking of the music, Prester John plays every instrument of this guitar quartet as each piece carries a different feel, whether its the quick finger-picking of the opening track or the beautiful, dream-like delivery of track nine. With only a 22-minute time of the album, multiple listens are definitely recommended as you will notice differences in the strings and guitars Prester John uses for this new release. Also, the album's artwork is a visual to follow as you listen to the music. It will give subtle hints as to meaning behind certain pieces of his music. To find more about Prester John and his new album "Halloween Baptizm," please visit presterjohnmusic.com.

From Seymour, CT comes the latest release from singer/songwriter Jonathan Siksay. Siksay, a Connecticut native, pours on the charm with his new album "What I Did Last Night." The new 11-song release begins with the country rocker "40 More Ounces Of Beer To Go" and then even gets more electrifying with the energy of "Brown Eyes, Long Hair, Tan Skin" as Siksay is locks into his groove. He pays homage to his home state with the raw, alternative buzz of "Southern Connecticut Girl," while the acoustic pop melody of "Lonely Road" allows you to focus on his songwriting. Jonathan Siksay finishes up his new album with the edgier rock approach of "Howling At The Moon" and the bluesy ballad "Tennessee Whiskey." To find out more about Johnathan Siksay and his latest release "What I Did Last Night," please visit his Facebook page at facebook.com/siksayband

Connecticut's own three-piece rock band, The Buttondowns return with a brand new studio album titled "Volume & Tone." The Buttondowns' Robert Obie was featured on the Record-Journal podcast last year (https://soundcloud.com/recordjournal/the-buttondowns-robert-obie-talks-about-upcoming-shows-and-the-future-of-the-band) as the band look ahead to a busy summer of shows. Their new 11-song release begins with the up-tempo, swinging rhythm of "Strong Man" and the steady pace of the autobiographical lyrics of "Snap Front Shirt." The Buttondowns slow the tempo down slightly for "One Of The Guys," before delivering the nostalgic, rockabilly tone of "Hit And Miss." The trio wrap up their new album with the classic, new wave appeal of "You're So Far Out" and the country sound of "Things People Say." To find out more about The Buttondowns and their latest release "Volume & Tone," please visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/TheButtondowns.

Go Back To The Beginning With Nina Simone's "Complete Bethlehem Singles" Collection

American recording artist Nina Simone will become one of the newest members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, when the class of 2018 gets inducted this spring. To celebrate that accomplishment and to mark the 60th anniversary of her first recordings, BMG/Bethlehem Records has compiled a brand new 14-track release titled "Mood Indigo: The Complete Bethlehem Singles." All the tracks on this new release have been remastered as you can hear the fresh, young vocals of Nina Simone as she takes her first steps to stardom.

The new compilation begins with her first single "I Loves You, Porgy," the George and Ira Gershwin classic. With just a few simple notes on the piano, Simone makes this song her own with her warm, tender, emotional vocals. This is followed by the up-tempo, B-side "Love Me or Leave Me" and the slow waltz of Rodgers & Hart's "Little Girl Blue." Simone will get your heart pumping with the swinging rhythm of her classic cover of "Mood Indigo" and then showcases her skills on the piano with the smooth jazz appeal of "Good Bait," before closing the new release with an alternative take of "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands" and Nina Simone's final single release for Bethlehem Records, "My Baby Just Cares For Me." To find out more about the new compilation "Mood Indigo: The Complete Bethlehem Singles" from Nina Simone, please visit ninasimone.com.