John Myers has had a long and very colorful history in Radio, Television, Photography and Advertising. Originally from the Midwest, John started his radio career at age 13 at KCRG in Cedar Rapids, IA. He graduated from Drake University with a Degree in Communications and he hasn’t stopped since. He and his wife Joan were married here in Sonoma and have traveled here there and everywhere since then. John’s passions, aside from Radio and Sonoma Valley History, are... Read More
Latest Album Reviews
Review of Blu Ja Vu
Album Info: Blu Ja Vu
Tom Hambridge Album: Blu Ja Vu Label: Quarto Valley Genre(s): Blues RockContemporary Blues Posted By: Duane Verh
Sep 17, 2023
Review
Typically enhancing the work of others, accomplished producer/drummer Tom Hambridge serves up a set of his own, jam-packed with solid originals and co-writes delivered with serious punch and top-notch play. Following killer vocal pair-ups with the likes of Buddy Guy- “Ain’t It Just Like Love”, then Joe Bonamassa- “That’s My Home”- and soon thereafter Christone “Kingfish” Ingram- “Blues Don’t Care”, the four-time Grammy winning Mr. Hambridge deals out further excitement with an instant ear-grabber- “Automatic”- and an engaging harmonica feature for none other than departed icon James Cotton- “Brother John Boogie”. A “Best Of Year” candidate.
Lee Oskar Album: She Said Mahalo Label: Dreams We Share Genre(s): Contemporary Blues Posted By: Duane Verh
Sep 12, 2023
Review
It’s too bad Lee Oskar’s new offering didn’t drop ‘til this month, as the laid-back, breezy and ever-tuneful nature of this tune stack would’ve provided most suitable atmospherics for the weeks of summer. The inventive harmonica player- and designer – serves up a string of ear-catching themes, light to the touch and warm-hearted in character. Standouts include “Be Happy”, “Memories” and “Funky Rhetoric”. Nice work.
Matt Smith's World Album: Into The Light Label: Self-Release Genre(s): Pop/Rock Posted By: Robert Silverstein
Sep 3, 2023
Review
Austin, Texas-based guitarist, vocalist, studio producer, engineer and composer Matt Smith released his pop music classic Being Human just as the pandemic unfolded in mid-2020 and he simultaneously pressed CDs and released a good number of titles from his prodigious back catalog, 8 albums worth with each one pressed on CD. In 2023, Matt Smith is back on the music scene with a newly recorded album by his recently reinvigorated band known as Matt Smith’s World. Smith watchers may recall their debut album from 2011, simply titled Matt Smith’s World. The ten track CD release of Into The Light by Matt Smith’s World picks up from where Being Human left off and then some.
Into The Light is filled with a memorable range of funky, jazzy, guitar-centric electric pop, blues and rock. For Into The Light Matt traveled back to his home turf of Saratoga, New York in 2022 to record
Popa Chubby Album: Live At G. Bluey's Juke Joint N.Y.C Label: Gulf Coast Genre(s): Blues Rock Posted By: Duane Verh
Sep 3, 2023
Review
A top-tier practitioner of the fusion of blues and muscle-rock, guitarist/vocalist Ted Horowitz- p/k/a Popa Chubby- drops a double-disc “live” grouping of originals and covers providing a nonstop surge of energy and emotional punch. Chubby’s consistently blistering, typically intricate axework is complemented by his full-throttled vocals, soulful and strong enough that he could pass as a stand-alone singer. Amidst the varied fare present, ballads stand out including “Another Ten Years Gone”, “I Can’t See The Light Of Day” and “Embee’s Song”. His knockout cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” should garner attention as well. Btw- his band rocks as well.
The Tourmaliners Album: Surfidia Label: Pacific Genre(s): Surf Posted By: Robert Silverstein
Aug 31, 2023
Review
A recently released album that deserves checking out among fans of the current surf-rock instrumental scene comes by way of Surfidia, the 2023 album by The Tourmaliners. The 14 track album features the music of the group’s lead guitarist Deven Berryhill, bass player Matt Clowminzer and his son and album producer Miles Clowminzer. Rounding out the lineup is Ina Soliz (keyboards), Joe Dameron (rhythm guitar) and John Macelwee (drums). After spinning Surfidia, it’s not surprising to learn that The Tourmaliners hail from San Diego in Southern California, the very place where surf-rock instrumentals have ruled since the early 1960s.
On Surfidia, The Tourmaliners play it straight and stick to the roots and origins of the most classic surf-rock artists such as The Ventures. Adding further cred, the album features guest appearances by well-regarded guitarists Eddie Angel of
Aug 2, 2023 -
The title track of Carrie Newcomer’s newest album, A Great Wild Mercy, opens with a scene of a woman, holding a blue umbrella above her head.... Read Full Article
May 10, 2023 -
Acoustic World 5 is the new 5-song album coming out in The Putumayo Discovery digital series. The fifth installation of the Acoustic... Read Full Article
Apr 12, 2023 -
We all have those slightly disturbing recurring dreams. But how many of us face them head-on upon awakening?
The Lady in the Long Dark... Read Full Article
Apr 10, 2023 -
Putumayo World Music, the internationally recognized record label that showcases music and cultures of the world, is pleased to announce the... Read Full Article
Apr 1, 2023 -
Sarah Bernadette NEW EP - “Sad Poems On My Phone”
Sarah Bernadette (vocals) Piano - George Behrakis Bass - Samantha Reiss... Read Full Article
Mar 16, 2023 -
With her first album since 2015’s Looking Up At The Sky, Yumi Kurosawa takes the iconic Japanese koto with her trio in bold... Read Full Article
Feb 22, 2023 -
Unite is Ogun Afrobeat’s new album, where the band keeps on expanding its musical horizons without losing touch with the roots of Afrobeat... Read Full Article
Feb 22, 2023 -
THESE PRECIOUS DAYS is the latest album by New York-based jazz vocalist and radio host MARY FOSTER CONKLIN. The project features mostly women... Read Full Article
Feb 22, 2023 -
INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTIST, MOTU TO RELEASE HIS LONG-AWAITED 22ND AMERICANA/BLUES ROCK ALBUM, “THE WATER IS HIGH”-Release... Read Full Article
