Right Ahn!

Pricilla Ahn is a charming young singer from Bernville, PA. She has a wonderful, sweet voice. She started singing and playing guitar at the ripe young age of 14. Her first album, A Good Day was released on Blue Note in 2007. Her songs have been used in tv shows like Grey's Anatomy.

That’s Just Cold

The Canadian born singer, Al Spx, who goes by the stage name, Cold Specks, describes her sound as “doom soul”. I guess that’s a pretty fair description. Her voice is deep and throaty and is definitely gospel influenced. Her music is quiet and bluesy, and is full of raw anger. Her debut album, I Predict a Graceful Expulsion came out earlier this year.

Bird is the Word

It’s hard to believe that the singer, Birdy, just turned 16. Her voice has the range, power and maturity of someone much older. Her real name is Jasmine van den Bogaerde, so it’s understandable why she goes by her shorter moniker. She began writing songs at the ripe old age of seven and by the time she was 12 she had her first recording contract.  In 2011,, her first single, Skinny Girl peaked  at number 17 on the U.K. pop charts. And one of her songs was included in the soundtrack to the film, “Hunger Games.”

Remember Rat Fink?

The creations of Ed “Big Daddy” Roth from the late 1960s? Well, this has nothing to do with that. This post is about the music of Finian Greenhall who uses the moniker Fink. He was born in Bristol, England and was fascinated with the guitar in his teens. Then he made a musical right turn and got seriously into ambient techno for about ten years. Then in 2006 he returned to the guitar and relaunched his career as a full-blown singer/songwriter. His songs are full of emotion and remind me a little of early David Gray.

Story Time

Beautiful, aural soundscapes is how I’d describe the music of Tim Story.  The Ohio-based keyboardist is largely self-taught. Tim was part of the Windham Hill gang, but is not related to Liz Story. His music is contemplative and texturally complex, and evokes a wide range of emotions. Much of it could be a soundtrack for a Merchant Ivory film. I had the opportunity to see him perform live recently and it was a great experience.  His performance was subtle and nuanced.  If you get a chance, I highly recommend catching one of his shows.  Tim has several recordings including the brilliant  cd, Beguiled. 

My Favorite Ukrainian Rock Group

You’re probably saying to yourself, “Huh? Ukrainian Rock?” Well, we were in Ukraine recently on vacation, and our friends and gracious hosts turned us on to the remarkable group Daha Braha. Their music is almost impossible to describe. It combines traditional elements on Ukrainian folk with modern rock. Their lead singers wear traditional folk outfits with tall Cossack fur hats. I was fortunate enough to hear them perform live while I was there. Give the music a couple listens, the somewhat dissonant harmonies take a little getting used to. Then imagine several thousand Ukrainian kids rocking to this music while singing along with the band! It’s an experience I’ll never forget.

You Are Getting Sleepy...

This is going to be a short review since I can't find any info about this group. I believer the group Sleep Dealer is from Moscow and might be the work of one artist. The music, as the name implies, is mostly quiet post rock. Layers of guitar, bass and drums. It's very atmospheric and could easily be a soundtrack to a sci-fi movie. Some is has a classical feel to it. Many of their tunes start out quietly and slowly build. Interesting music indeed.