Album Review ~ Joe Bonamassa ~ Different Shades Of Blue

Hello, 

Welcome to blog post 34! Today I will be looking at the blues/rock giant that is Joe Bonamassa and his brand new album 'Different Shades Of Blue'. If anyone knows me personally, I am a huge Bonamassa fan of all his work and his side projects with the likes of Beth Hart and Rock Candy Funk Party (see link below for both reviews on this blog).

The main band for this album is:

Joe Bonamassa - Vocals/Guitar
Carmine Rojas - Bass
Resse Wynans - Keys
Anton Fig - Drums 

The album came out on the 22nd September and has had a range of raving reviews about the record. This has got me massively excited, especially when he was on the Paul Jones show last week on BBC Radio 2 and mentioned that all the songs were originals. In previous records, Joe has done mostly originals, but always put in 2 or 3 covers. This album is all originals which he has never done before and to me seemed a risky move to take, but seems to have paid off. 

There was a lot of speculation around the album as to whether it would be another hit album following the likes of "Driving Towards The Daylight", "Blues Deluxe" and "Had To Cry Today". One reason for this is because he teamed up with writers from Nashville who write hit songs for country singers instead of blues singers.

This didn't seem like the perfect combination, but from the interview with Paul Jones, Joe explained that it was a breath of fresh air for them. The writers had freedom because Joe didn't know what to write. Whereas the writers were used to artists coming in saying "write me a hit"! Although I wouldn't of assumed his producer (who Joe has worked with since his early albums) would let anything slip under his belt that is anything but Joe's sound. 

The beginning of this album is just a short 1 minute and 20 second instrumental to get everyone in the mood for what's to come. The song "Oh Beautiful" reminds me of Led Zeppelin's Black Dog, but obviously a lot more atmospheric and bluesy. Its very different to a lot of things he has done before, in a good way. In the interview with Paul Jones he mentions that the solo in the song was all one take with no edits, very impressive. 

A small handful of the songs on the album aren't exactly what you would call blues/rock, but still have a great sound. Though when you hear songs such as "I Gave Everything Up For You, 'Cept The Blues", that's when you know Joe in his comfort zone. Songs like this stand out from the crowd, easily. Any blues singer would naturally be comfortable with the shuffle groove or 6/8 time signature for that matter.

Songs like "Get My Back Tomorrow", "Never Give All Your Heart" and "Oh Beautiful" are real blues/rock chord based songs, perfect for his live shows which are all about the power. Where as the song "So, What Should I Do" seems a lot more personal and emotional to him and the listener.

The horns are a fantastic edition to the album, they add a new dynamic to Joe's overall sound and just makes the record become bigger and better. The album demonstrates how mature Joe's singing and guitar playing has become since his last album. Its a lot cleaner and easier to hear what he is singing about, but with the same tonalities he posses that make him 'Joe Bonamassa'. Though still with a rifling roar from his solo's on quite a few of the tracks, which most people wanted to hear (including myself).

Overall, this album is worth checking out if you're an fan like myself or want an introduction to his work. Joe's sound has improved over the years, obviously you can't get away from the classics, but there are some in the making on this album. I wouldn't say its his best work, but its a great album none the less with guitar solo's, shuffles and real blues beating throughout.

Different Shades Of Blue is out now and from all good record stores and Itunes etc. If you have the album then let me know what you thought of it! 

Thank you for reading and until next time

Lewis

Rock Candy Funk Party Review - http://justanothermuso.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/rock-candy-funk-party-we-want-grooove.html

Beth Hart Review - http://justanothermuso.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/my-favourite-artists-beth-hart.html


Website: http://jbonamassa.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoeBonamassa

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JBonamassa

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/JoeBonamassaTV

*BONUS* Single Review ~ RJ Marks ~ Calling Out

Hello, 

Welcome to blog post 33! Today I have a wicked band from Nottingham called RJ Marks who is an indie/pop four piece that is certainly writing a lot of music that is turning heads. 

RJ Marks is made up of Richard Howell (vocals, guitar), Jake Buckley (lead guitar), Dicky Fountain (bass) and John Schofield (drums).

The band have a few names they are already associated with such as Jake Bugg with the singer Richard Howell playing for him. Both supporting each other at various venues too and with Jake Buckley (guitar) a virtuoso and naturally talented musician, this band are a force to be reckoned with. 

The single called "Calling Out" raises high hopes in the future for the band with obvious signs of great song writing from each of the band members. Adding elements in the song throughout the song keeps the train rolling and the listener staying to hear what they are offering. 

The single starts off with a quiet guitar riff and starts to pick up with some pretty piano lines and powerful guitar chords struck for the verses. The verses are a great time to really focus on Richards vocals which suit the band really well for the style they are playing.

I look forward to hearing what else they can deliver with Richards heart-felt vocals and impressive song writing for such a young band. With a feature on the 'BBC Introducing' show in Nottingham earlier this year as well, I feel like this is the beginning for this band.

The single 'Calling Out' by RJ Marks will be released on the 27th October so make a note in your diaries!

Thank you very much for reading and until next time

Lewis



Website: www.rjmarksmusic.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rjmarksmusic

Twitter: www.twitter.com/rjmarksmusic

Album Review ~ Gregory Porter ~ Liquid Spirit

Hello!

Welcome to blog post 33, I hope everyone is doing well! Today I have a wonderful artist I discovered a few days ago called Gregory Porter who is a downright wicked jazz/soul singer! The album is full of gems and such a wonderful pick up for me to find!

Gregory Porter comes from California and was originally going to become a professional footballer, but due to injuries that put his career at an end (thank god too!). His debut album "Water" was nominated for 'Best Vocal Jazz Album' at the 53rd Grammy's! His following record titled "Be Good" was very popular in the Netherlands and got lot of recognition for his soulful jazz voice. 

His latest album Liquid Spirit has attracted a lot of attention from across the globe with a number 12 spot in the UK album charts, 8 in Germany and 7 in Denmark! Porter's breakthrough into the mainstream market is becoming apparent with much coverage on BBC Radio 2 and some on BBC Radio 6 as well. 

Liquid Spirit warms your heart, calms you down and lets you forget about your troubles. It sends you on a little journey with Gregory through the world of jazz, but on a completely different scale. In some respects the music has its own genre in the form of jazz, but I can't quite put my finger on it. I think its the soul element throughout the record that makes this album different to most jazz albums. 

Radio 2 have been pushing the song "The 'In' Crowd" which is a very fast paced jazz tune. It can really get your head nodding with the pace from the four piece. It was such a relief to hear this type of music on BBC Radio 2 during the day, they certainly brought out the stops for this song. 

The musicians in this album are amazing. I have to give a huge applause from myself of how professional and impressive the other musicians are to make this album what it is. Gregory's singing just sounds so effortless. Though his voice can't be faulted, its the perfect blend of melodic power and I'm glad he's gone down the route of jazz and soul.

A personal favourite of mine isn't exactly jazz when you first hear it, but I just instantly fell in love with the song and Gregory's voice from this song alone. The song is "Hey Laura" and it was really the reason I bought the album. I love jazz anyway, but even if I didn't, his voice convinced me to buy the whole album just from one song. Its so simple, but calming and just a perfect example of how beautiful music is. 

Songs like "Movin'", "Liquid Spirit" and "Wind Song" keep the momentum of the record going. Whilst you can easily relax and wind down to songs like "Brown Grass", "Wolfcry" and "I Fall In Love Too Easily". 

The duo of a pianist and Gregory Porter to me personally is just pure heaven. There's no other way to describe it, this album has made me realise why I fall in love with music. Beautiful pieces like this album need to be listened too and I hope everyone who reads this will agree with me. 

Let me know what you all thought of the album and if you would buy the album off the face off the one song I'll leave as the video for the review, "Hey Laura".

Until next time and thanks for reading

Lewis

Facebook - www.facebook.com/gregoryportermusic

Twitter - twitter.com/I_GregoryPorter

Youtube - www.youtube.com/user/GregoryPorterMusic

Album Review ~ Camera Soul "Not For Ordinary People"

Hello!

Welcome to blog post 32 and I would like to say thank you for all the support with getting near to 3000 views, its insane! Today I'll be celebrating with a fantastic jazz/funk band called Camera Soul and their latest album "Not For Ordinary People". Camera Soul are based from southern Italy (Bali), led by veteran composer brothers Piero and Pippo Lombardo and fronted with the vocals by the wonderful Serena Brancale. 

Piero (one of the composers) messaged me and asked if I could review their latest album and of course I said yes, but I what was in store was about to blow my mind. My ears were in for a rare treat of just pure soul, jazz-fusion and funk from this band that are starting to become more popular across the world. 

Camera Soul are inspired by legendary horn line, soul, R&B and jazz-fusion artists such as Earth, Wind and Fire, The Commodores, Tower of Power and Stevie Wonder. Put all of those together and you have this band. They certainly have a 'Jamiroquai' tone to them, but so much more purity to the sound. 

One song I would recommend to you to sum this band up would be the second track "Mama". It just keeps my head bopping throughout the whole track and enterains throughout with drops and bridges and always has treats in store. The album is very well produced, since this is a large band its difficult to not get anyone lost within the music. They have balanced everything perfectly to make it such a crisp sound which is an absolute delight to the ears. 

Piero and Pippo certainly know what sounds to create from each instrument at which point. You can sit back and really focus on the arrangement of the band and listen to each instrument.  A personal favourite of mine is the jazz guitar and bass lines, it just holds it together and brings a lot of funk to the band. Its left so subtly in the background to just groove around the riff. A good example would be the verses in the song "I Don't Like Roses". Another head bopper might I add!

During the album you can start to hear some Italian characteristics come into the music. Whether its a certain riff from an instrument or genuinely just the feel, it gives the band that difference about them which every band looks for. The band have a great mellow tone during the verses and can really kick up a gear in the chorus. Enough to keep the song exciting to the listener, but not enough to try be too brash which is a nice change. 

Their tight playing and soulful music is making a real dent in the music business and are certainly making a noise about it. In October 2013 this album was 2nd in the UK Soul Charts and spent a gigantic 15 weeks in those charts too which is a fantastic achievement by the band that is well worthy of its place.

The album has got the band a range of awards such as 'Best Instrumental Jazz Solo',' Best Engineered album', 'Producer of the Year',  'Song of the Year' & 'Best R&B Song'. Not a bad collection of awards, but boy do they deserve it. I would agree with all of these especially ' Best Engineered Album' for just the clear sound from every instrument on this album and how balanced everything is. 

The songs that I recommend are 'Not For Ordinary People, 'Mama', 'The Happiest Day' and 'I Don't Like Roses'. The rest of the album is brilliant, but these are the ones to check out for a little taste tester first. 

I hope you all enjoy the music and thank you for reading. 

Until next time

Lewis

Website: http://www.camerasoul.eu/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Camera__Soul

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camerasoul?fref=ts

Top 5 - Well Known Headphone Brands

Hello! 

Welcome to blog post 31! Today I wanted to talk to you all about headphones. We all use them or have done in the past and if anyone is struggling to find a pair for the right price and quality. Then here is my top 5 list of well known brands of headphones that might help you out! I had this post ready for May, but having lots of other people come to me and ask if I could review their music. Now I have room to share this with you, enjoy!

Before I get into this top 5 I wanted to just clear a few things up too. I wanted to do well known brands too that you can find in your local HMV/Currys/Dixons etc instead of choosing brands that are outlet only. This is my personal top 5 choice and I'm only looking at over the ear headphones too. If you think I am wrong or have left out a significant brand then let me know in the comments! What's your top 5!?

Okay... lets get started!

5. Beats by Dr.Dre

Well, this brand had to be in the top 5 plainly for its popularity and probably nothing else. These headphones are everywhere and aren't actually that good for sound as they seem. Beats by Dr.Dre have been around now since 2006 and have evolved into quite a few different ranges.

I really don't understand the amount of hype for these. I think a lot of people now go for look rather than sound which is a shame, but I guess people are willing to pay for looks. These headphones have a price range of £150 - £390 which to me personally are extortionate prices. To get their lowest range of product is already more expensive then some of the better quality headphones at mid range produce...

So... in conclusion, you're paying a ton of money for something that looks great, but had incredibly shoddy sound. Thank god there is at least there's free shipping...enjoy!

(all ratings out of 5)

Cost - 2
Design - 5
Sound Quality - 3


4. Philips

The reason I chose Philips in this top 5 is because they actually offer a wide range for many customers. This is something that makes me wonder with such a diverse range of headphones for specific users...is there much difference? 

Well for starters they have entered the realm of bluetooth which is a nice feature to have and shows the company is developing its headphone brands. They also have specific headphones for sports, bass lovers etc and all at a fairly low price. The price range starts from £15 - £120 and for those who don't have a lot of money, this is a great brand to use. If you wanted to go wireless or bluetooth, again its not that expensive coming in at around £60. Not only is it fairly cheap, but the sound isn't bad for what you're paying for either. 

In conclusion...a reasonably priced brand churning out a variety of headphones with some decent sound. Not bad!

Cost - 5
Design - 3
Sound Quality - 3



3. Sennheiser

Next we have the German headphone brand Sennheiser. This brand was a close second, but there are some reasons as to why this came in at number 3 and not 2. Sennheiser offer a quite large range of products and try go that extra mile to appeal to the customer. The first thing I wanted to touch on was the price range because you can't get a bigger price range than this...ready?

Price range: £24.99 - £999.99!?  

Yes that's right, you can get some 'cheapy' headphones, or if you're hella rich, why not grab some German hand assembled HD 800's! This is the descrition for the 800's is "These headphones are top-of-the line audio technology at its finest. Hand assembled in Germany with top quality materials and using the largest transducers ever, these provide an unmatched natural listening experience." At that bloody price I hope so too!!

This is what I meant by them going the distance. They have a nice range with decent sound at around the £160 mark, but I still feel you're not getting enough for what you pay for. Every time I go to put on Sennheiser headphones, something's not right, the sound is a little muffled or the positioning on my ears isn't that comfortable. I'm trying the mid range headphones out too, not the cheap ones too! The fact that you have to spend more for design too is a little bit cheeky because the £24 ones don't look that great, but then again, its what you pay for.

In conclusion, Sennheiser have got the ingredients to be a great headphone brand. they are already pretty popular and have a great sound, but there is something not quite right that I hope they can fix soon.

Cost - 4
Design - 3.5 (4.5 for more expensive brands)
Sound Quality - 3.5


2. Sony

Sony own a wide range of different products including headphones and range from wireless to bluetooth. The money they earn from their other products such as TV's and sound systems gives them the tools to make some great pairs of headphones. They offer a nice range of headphones that look great and have a nice quality even at £25 a pair. 

Its great to see Sony investing in making their cheaper products looking as nice as the £100 + pairs. Obviously quality is different, but to the untrained eye, you can't tell the difference. Although you can grab some snazzy wireless headphones with a wireless transmission for £99 which is a fantastic deal. The price range is from £25 - £449.00 and on their website each set has got great reviews. 

So with Sony is a grand choice you have at either a hefty price coming with the quality, wireless or bluetooth. To the cheaper products which look great on your head and have a reasonable sound quality, but at £25 you can't go wrong!

Cost- 4
Design - 3.5
Sound Quality - 3.5

1. Bose

Now, anyone who knows me personally knows that I am a massive Bose nerd. I love their products and their headphone quality is insane for the price you get them at. Whilst Im writing this, I am using my Bose AE2 headphones that cost £120. Now...that does seem like a lot but hear me out. 

I bought them because I heard so much about their sound quality and how comfy they are. When I'm writing my blog I sometimes forget they're on my head, they're so damn comfy. These are the lower ranged headphones too, so the price doesn't really help, but you definitely get what you pay for! Although they don't look the best which puts quite a few people off, they make it up in sound... by a mile.

The sound quality is insane, you can hear everything with the slight noise cancellation in them which gives your ears a real treat in hearing everything in the track. I heard one of my favourite tracks the other day by Frank Turner and noticed a little shaker in the background and someone talking that wouldn't of been picked up with cheaper headphones. They can give you the raw power from the music too, so if its a rock song, it'll deliver the power to your ears!

Now these headphones are the lower part of the range, but the range doesn't go to extortionate heights like Sennheiser. I tried out the latest noise cancelling headphones the 'QuietComfort 3'. To which you put them on and you can hear around you, until you flick a little button (baring in mind I was in a bustling airport) and I couldn't hear anything outside and I had no music on. I was blown away by how they can do that and the sound quality was to die for, although at £300 you'd expect to get the best price!

In conclusion if you want fairly expensive headphones that you can rely on and get what you pay for. Then I would recommend Bose because they do at 2 year warranty on their headphones and then for mine when I took it back (4 days before the warranty was up) they gave me an extra year on the replaced ones. 

Cost - 3.5 
Design - 4.5
Sound Quality - 5*

Bose AE2 Headphones

So...yes this was slightly biased because I love Bose products, but the products from 5 - 2 were my personal choices because I tried all these headphones brands out when I was hoping to get some slightly pricey headphones and Bose was the clear winner by a mile. Though it is all down to personal preference, if you're a sound quality freak like me, you'll go for Bose. If you like headphones that just look nice, you might go for Dr.Dre. 

Let me know what your Top 5 headphone brands are in the comments below or tweet me them! I look forward to seeing your choices! 

Thanks for reading and until next time

Lewis