Music

Raphaël Novarina – Duos for Violin and Piano: Oleks Bozhik (Violin) & Yuliya Bozhik (Piano)

By 44faced on Sep 30, 2024 in Music - 0 Comments

“Duos for Violin and Piano” showcases the expressive dialogue between Oleks Bozhik’s vibrant violin and Yuliya Bozhik’s nuanced piano, bringing Raphaël Novarina’s compositions to life. Rooted in European classical tradition, the album reflects Novarina’s mastery of melodic and harmonic development while exploring a range of emotional depths. This contemporary work combines the elegance of classical forms with a modern sensibility, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

About the Composer, Raphaël Novarina: Raphaël Novarina is a French composer and Pianist that composes in a variety of musical styles and setting, but mainly focuses on contemporary classical piano. Novarina also manages an “easy listening” music label. Novarina has an extensive collection of albums. His Solo Piano series has over ten albums of original solo piano music. The style of each album varies, but Novarina’s compositional styles are always based in the rich European classical tradition of forms and harmonic and melodic developments. Each album contains solid playing and themed around various forms. For example, Solo Piano VIII, is comprised of ten Etudes. While Solo Piano VII is all Funeral Marches. Now Novarian is releasing Solo Piano X, which has a theme of suites. The album contains ten suites composed by Novarian. A suite, in Western classical music, is an ordered set of instrumental pieces. Originating in the late 14th century as a pairing of dance tunes and grew in scope to comprise up to five dances, sometimes with a prelude. The separate movements were often thematically and tonally linked. In the Baroque era, the suite was an important musical form, also known as Suite de danses, Partita or Ouverture (after the theatrical “overture” which often included a series of dances) as with the orchestral suites of Christoph Graupner, Telemann.

Stream Raphaël Novarina – “Duos for Violin and Piano: Oleks Bozhik (Violin) & Yuliya Bozhik (Piano)” on SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/raphael-novarina/sets/duos-for-violin-and-piano/s-AIOxYrN5RsE

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Christian Love & Nate Ruvin – So Tightly

By 44faced on Sep 29, 2024 in Music - 0 Comments

“So Tightly” by Christian Love and Nate Ruvin is a surf pop track that fuses the classic California sound with a modern rock twist. The song’s sunny vibes and lush harmonies create a chill yet upbeat atmosphere, reminiscent of timeless summer anthems. With influences from The Beach Boys and contemporary power pop, the track brings an effortlessly cool, laid-back sound perfect for any sunny day.

Christian Love, son of The Beach Boys’ Mike Love, and Nate Ruvin, a producer from Milwaukee, WI, form a dynamic duo with their debut single “So Tightly.” Christian has made waves with his Grammy-considered video for “SUM SUM SUMMER,” and his music has reached over 150 stations worldwide. Their unique blend of surf pop and rock captures the essence of the California sound with a modern edge.

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Osf Profit – Crying Out

By 44faced on Sep 29, 2024 in Music - 0 Comments

“Crying Out” by Osf Profit addresses the emotional struggles of men facing depression, highlighting the message that it’s okay to cry. Through raw lyrics and a heartfelt delivery, the song breaks down societal barriers around masculinity and mental health. Osf Profit’s genuine approach aims to inspire men to embrace their emotions and seek healing. Osf Profit, hailing from the Bronx, NY, is a powerful voice for mental health awareness. He travels across the U.S. every other month, delivering performances that resonate with deep emotional truths and experiences.

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Shareef Clayton – North & South

By 44faced on Sep 24, 2024 in Music - 0 Comments

“North & South” by Shareef Clayton showcases the trumpeter’s signature blend of rich tones and vibrant improvisation. Known for his diverse collaborations with legends like Wynton Marsalis and Macy Gray, Clayton brings a fusion of traditional jazz and modern influences to this track. The song captures both the spirit of classic big band energy and the innovation that has earned Clayton Grammy-nominated recognition. Clayton has performed with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, David Murray, Macy Gray, Thomas Rhett, Lauryn Hill, Melody Gardot, and many more.

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Tobias Hoffmann Jazz Orchestra – Innuendo

By 44faced on Sep 21, 2024 in Music - 0 Comments

German saxophonist, composer and arranger Tobias Hoffmann returns with his second big band album Innuendo. Following the success of 2022’s Conspiracy, this new release continues Hoffmann’s evolution as a large ensemble writer, taking his Jazz Orchestra to even greater heights. With Innuendo, Hoffmann has composed an eclectic set of intricate, genre-blending works including the title track that was awarded “Best Composition” in the category “Original Composition – Large Ensemble” at the 47th Downbeat Student Music Awards. The result is a deeply personal, stunningly mature album that confirms Hoffmann’s reputation as one of the most exciting creative voices in contemporary large ensemble jazz.

The album opens with the dynamic title track “Innuendo,” a Downbeat award-winning composition that pays homage to the legendary rock band Queen. Highlights include “Summer Solstice,” the energetic “No Way Back” in an odd meter piece inspired by Sipiagin and Potter, and the deeply moving “Sanctuary.” In addition, Hoffmann explores new realms from Bob Brookmeyer’s “white note” exercise on “Convictions” to fusing classical, minimalism and jazz on “Bipolarity.” The atmospheric “The Lake” captures the serene power of nature through inventive solo sections.

With Innuendo, Tobias Hoffmann has crafted a true tour-de-force that showcases his remarkable growth as a composer and arranger. Blending a multitude of influences into a cohesive whole, he delivers a thrillingly eclectic yet profoundly unified listening experience. Bolstered by a stellar ensemble overflowing with virtuosic soloists, this captivating release cements Hoffmann’s place as a creative voice the in the current contemporary jazz landscape.

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Baal HaSulam, RABASH & Baal HaSulam’s Teacher from Pursov – NIGUNIM (Melodies) – Arranged for Piano & Performed by Markos Zografos

By 44faced on Sep 19, 2024 in Music - 0 Comments

NIGUNIM: Melodies of Baal HaSulam, RABASH, and Baal HaSulam’s Teacher from Pursov is a masterful piano arrangement by Markos Zografos, bringing to life the spiritual depth of all the known melodies of these Kabbalists. Each track offers a contemplative journey, blending delicate and powerful movements, reflecting the profound wisdom embedded in these tunes. Zografos’ performance captures both the simplicity and intensity of the melodies, creating a meditative and emotive listening experience.

Download on Bandcamp: markoszografos.bandcamp.com/album/nigunim-melodies-of-baal-hasulam-rabash-and-baal-hasulams-teacher-from-pursov

Stream NIGUNIM: Melodies of Baal HaSulam, RABASH, and Baal HaSulam’s Teacher from Pursov, arranged for piano and performed by Markos Zografos:

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Ergo, Bria – Fairweather

By 44faced on Sep 19, 2024 in Music - 0 Comments

“Fairweather” showcases Bria’s exceptional ability to blend genres, drawing from her classical training as a pianist, violist, and violinist to create a fresh musical landscape. With deeply resonant lyrics addressing mental health and love, the track invites listeners into an intimate exploration of vulnerability and societal reflection. Bria’s unique voice and innovative style make “Fairweather” a standout piece in her evolving repertoire, solidifying her presence in the contemporary music scene.

Stream Ergo, Bria – “Fairweather” on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPtPMB5Ckdg

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Brian Ray – Hold Me Close

By 44faced on Sep 19, 2024 in Music - 0 Comments

“Hold Me Close” showcases Brian Ray’s signature rock and retro sound, infused with uplifting vibes that invite listeners to embrace the moment. With his dynamic guitar riffs and heartfelt vocals, Ray draws on the influences of Etta James, The Beatles, and Smokey Robinson, creating a feel-good anthem that’s both nostalgic and fresh. This track is a testament to his ability to blend timeless melodies with contemporary energy, making it a must-listen for fans of classic rock and soul.

Brian Ray is a talented musician and songwriter based in Los Angeles, known for his dynamic rock and retro sound. With a career spanning decades, he has played alongside legendary artists, including Paul McCartney, showcasing his exceptional guitar skills and vocal talent. Influenced by icons like Etta James, The Beatles, and Smokey Robinson, Brian brings a blend of feel-good vibes and timeless melodies to his music.

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Karl B – Father and Daughter feat. Stephen David

By 44faced on Sep 19, 2024 in Music - 0 Comments

“Father and Daughter” by Karl B, featuring Stephen David, is a heartfelt ballad that captures the deep bond between a father and his daughter. With emotive vocals and tender instrumentation, the song paints a picture of love, guidance, and unwavering support. London-based artists Karl B and Stephen David deliver a moving tribute to family ties, resonating with listeners who appreciate emotional storytelling through music.

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LEMOYNE ALEXANDER – INSECURITY

By 44faced on Sep 19, 2024 in Music , Reviews - 0 Comments

Lemoyne Alexander’s latest single, “INSECURITY,” serves as a powerful exploration of vulnerability wrapped in an alternative rock package. As a California Music Hall of Fame inductee, Alexander showcases his multifaceted talent by playing every instrument on the track, creating a cohesive sound that is distinctly his own. The song delves into the complex emotions surrounding self-doubt and the human experience, with lyrics that resonate deeply, revealing the artist’s introspective side.

From the opening chords, listeners are drawn into a dynamic soundscape that blends driving guitar riffs giving a feel that the song is building to a climax. Alexander’s distinctive vocals shine throughout, conveying a raw honesty that enhances the song’s themes. The juxtaposition of energetic instrumentation with poignant lyrics creates a captivating contrast, inviting listeners to reflect on their own insecurities while simultaneously feeling empowered.

At around the 30-second mark, that climax happens: a full-fledged stereo pounding of immaculately-produced alternative rock guitars that spread across the sonic spectrum, together with the hook’s vocals, which possess an almost flute-like whistling quality waving the title of the track—”INSECURITY”—over the bed of masterfully performed, produced, and engineered alt-rock guitars, bass, and drums. The hook eventually comes to a close, but the track drives on, carrying the listener through a wonderfully arranged and orchestrated alt-rock haven, with verses, hooks, and bridges skillfully assembled to form a modern-day alt-rock epic.

The production quality is top-notch, with each instrument meticulously layered to create a rich auditory experience. “Richness” is a key term in describing Alexander’s ability to mold a sound with crafted melodies that linger in the mind. The hook remains catchy yet with a saga-like quality, encouraging repeat listens. His seasoned artistry shines through in every note, reminding us why he has remained a beloved figure in the music industry.

“INSECURITY” is indeed a go-to song for our times, speaking directly to the hearts of so many people who grapple with their inner doubts. As Alexander embarks on this new chapter with his album Alone, he solidifies his place in the music world while continuing to inspire others through his relatable storytelling and emotive sound. This track is a testament to his enduring talent and a must-listen for alternative rock enthusiasts. – Review by 44faced

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