CD Review: New Music From Indie-Artists Satellite Gods, American Dreamer & Mike Llerena

From Australia comes the sophomore release from singer/songwriter Brendan McMahon and his band the Satellite Gods. The new album titled "Marker 7-58," builds upon the local airplay they received from their debut album "Falling To Earth," which is also the name of the opening number on this new release. The up-tempo addictive rocker starts off their new album with energy and a pop/rock tune that should catch the ears of Australia's rock radio. McMahon's songwriting skills excel during the wonderful pop tones of "Saturday Night In Riga," while "The Truth" has a timeless swing that just gives off good vibes and up-beat feelings. The album reaches its pinnacle with the epic build-up of "On My Way," before the Satellite Gods demand your attention for the emotional harmonies of "My Friend." Their new 13-song release wraps up with the Celtic vibe of "Once," the rocking blues of "Hold Your Ground" and the heartfelt, piano ballad "Walk." To find out more about Satellite Gods and their recent release "Marker 7-58," please visit brendanj.com.

From Texas comes the full-length debut album titled "Restless Nights" from the orchestral folk group American Dreamer. Their new 11-song release begins with the wonderfully lush orchestration of "Open Your Eyes" as the music will warm your soul. The timeless appeal of "When You're Away" and the up-tempo country/folk rocker "Start-Stopping" showcases the range of genres that American Dreamer can cover with their instruments. They pour their emotions into their music as heard in the instrumental "Lullaby" and capture the simple fun of "All The Time" with it's playful, shuffle rhythm. American Dreamer finish up their new release with the up-tempo, pop/rock of "Howl" and the gentle acoustics of "Apollo." To find out more about American Dreamer and their latest release "Restless Nights," please visit americandreamermusic.com.

From Gainesville, FL comes the latest release titled "Absence & The Heart" from singer/songwriter Mike Llerena. This is Mike's third EP and will be released on February 17th. The new five song release begins with the post-punk energy of "On The Way," which injects his sound with a shot of adrenaline to get this started quickly. He slows the tempo down for his love song to "Rosanna," before picking the energy back up with the raw, Green Day-like tones of "End Of The Line." Mike finishes his short new release with the blazing, guitar driven rocker "Lady Rock & Roll." To find out more about Mike Llerana and his latest EP "Absence & The Heart," please visit mikellerenamusic.com.

CD Review: Train Combines The Perfect Elements For Success With "A Girl A Bottle A Boat"

The band Train have built up a strong fanbase that would easily declare them the kings of pop/rock radio. They recently released their tenth studio album titled "A Girl A Bottle A Boat." After paying tribute to their musical heroes last year with "Train Does Led Zeppelin II," they return with their pop magic on this latest release through Columbia Records.

 

The new 11-song release begins with the dance-floor, ABBA-like beats of "Drink Up," which will get your body moving as you shout along to the chorus. The album's lead-single "Play That Song" is so addictive with its memorable melody. Train has a knack of making their music sound universal to all age groups. This is the first Train album not to feature longtime guitarist Jimmy Stafford, as the music is more rhythm-based and carries less of a rock edge. The island flair of "Lottery" and the electronic/pop of "Working Girl" will still have Train climbing the pop charts, while "Silver Dollar" completes the evolution from alternative rock act to slick-pop dance band. Singer/songwriter Priscilla Renea lends a hand to the vocal heavy "Loverman," which allows lead singer Pat Monahan to flex his pipes, before finishing the album with the uplifting, piano ballad "You Better Believe."

 

Train will be hitting the road at the end of January on a tour that runs through February, before taking a break, then heading back out in May for a U.S. summer tour. For a complete list of dates and to find out more about their new album "A Girl A Bottle A Boat," please visit savemesanfrancisco.com.

RJ Podcast: Singer/Songwriter Mary Fahl Dicusses Her Upcoming Acoustic Tour

Singer/songwriter Mary Fahl gives us her insight into performing solo and telling stories while playing in an acoustic setting. She also describes her recording of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon," which she released in 2011. Mary Fahl is performing at the Nights At The Beekley in New Hartford, CT on February 18th.

CD Review: Guitarist/Singer Steve Hackett Is Getting Ready To Signal "The Night Siren"

Legendary guitarist Steve Hackett is preparing to release his new studio album titled "The Night Siren" on March 24th. Hackett may be best known for his work with Genesis in the seventies. He was also a founding member of the guitar super-group GTR and has influenced a number of guitarists like Eddie Van Halen and Alex Lifeson. Hackett is also preparing to hit the road with a new live show titled "Genesis Revisited with Classic Hackett." He begins with a quick 13-date U.S. tour which runs through the month of February into early March, before heading over to Europe for three months. Steve Hackett's new live show will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Genesis album "Wind And Wuthering."

 

His new eleven-song studio album begins with the seven-minute introduction of "Behind The Smoke" as your journey through the mind of Steve Hackett begins. The music has a grand orchestral feel as Hackett's amazing guitar solos just glide over the top. The album has a very worldly sound as in "Martian Sea," which is due to his band being compiled from different regions of the world. He brings in a classic, progressive rock feel to the seven-minute escape of "Fifty Miles From The North Pole." Hackett continues to amaze us with his talents during the wildly, intense instrumental "El Nino" and with the flamenco guitar wizardry of "Anything But Love." Hackett sounds most like his old Genesis days during the waltz of "Inca Terra" and on the heavy, progressive rock of "In Another Life." His new album closes with the uplifting sounds of "West To East" and the gentle sweeping guitar sounds of "The Gift."

 

For a complete list of tour dates and to find more about Steve Hackett and his latest studio album "The Night Siren," please visit hackettsongs.com.

CD Review: Surfdog Records Collects The "Greatest Licks" From Dan Hicks

Music pioneer Dan Hicks combined elements of jazz with country to create a swinging time when backed by his band the Hot Licks. He produced over a dozen studio albums during his career, before passing away last February at the age of 74 from cancer. To celebrate his music, Surfdog Records has compiled a new tribute to Dan Hicks with the twelve-song release "Greatest Licks - I Feel Like Singin'."

 

It begins with the up-tempo country rumble of "Strike It While It's Hot!" as Dan Hicks'  vocals find a special place in your heart for his delivery style. His live performances were legendary as some appear on this new release, including the swing of "Where's The Money?" and bluegrass strumming of  "How Can I Miss You When You Don't Go Away?" He showcases his songwriting talents with the hipster jazz/pop tones of "I Scare Myself" and the waltz of "I Don't Want Love." The compilation includes the Tom Waits cover of "The Piano Had Been Drinkin," with a little pre-story given ahead of it. The album closes with the energetic build-up of "Hey Bartender" and the wonderful classic jazz appeal of "The Blues My Naughty Baby Gave Me."

 

The release date of "Greatest Licks - I Feel Like Singing," is February 24th. To find out more about Dan Hick and this new release, please visit danhicks.net.