ISSUE: 06
VOLUME :01
DECEMBER 2021
Inside This Issue:
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THE WOMACK SISTERS
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OHIO PLAYERS ARE BACK
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ALLMAN FAMILY REVIVAL TOUR
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REVIEWS
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THE HOT HALF DOZEN
And So Much More!
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Issue 06 : Vol 01 : December 2021
Contents: FEATURES & STORIES : ARTISTS IN THE NEWS: Family Matters: The Womack Sisters New Music from a Legendary Family
IPM is an XMG Media Company IndiePulse Music Magazine is a monthly publication available at various locations and by subscription. Any materials published here are by permission of subjects or supplied by subjects, and/or public aware topics or by express permission. Photographs, supplied by subjects or subject of topics, have credits mentioned where possible and use is granted by expressed permission or implied by subject. Subscriptions my be obtained by contacting us at indiepulsemusic@gmail.com and going to our website at www.indiepulsemusic.com.
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Editor: Joseph Timmons
IndiePulse Music Magazine P.O. Box 6382 Santa Maria, CA 93456-6382 www.indiepulsemusic.com indiepulsemusic@gmail.com IndiePulse Music Magazine is a XMG Media Company and Entertainment News Service. independent and privately owned.
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Ohio Players & Hall of Fame Ambitions -Page 5 ALLMAN FAMILY REVIVAL TOUR -Page 8
Reviews Bruce Sudano “Cosmic Ride” -Page 9
The Hot Half Dozen -Page 12
Lady Redneck New Single -Page 13
John Vento Covers Classic Track—TAXI by Harry Chapin -Page 16
Doug Kistner’s New Track -Page 17
Feature: Michael Coleman Page 18
Aminé Ramer: Pretty in Pink -Page 20 Telecoaster– New Album by Paul Edelman -Page 22
Special Events Cinelounge Theatres Presents Bye Bye Birdie -Page 24 3
Artist In The News Their father Cecil, who was an incredibly focused and intellectual man, tired of the politics of the American music industry and moved his family to the UK in the mid 1980’s. Thus began a lifetime of worldwide travel, where they would encounter a new destination every six months or so.
It wasn’t long before Cecil brought his children into his music, where he taught the girls the ropes at an early age. Beyond writing, they learned production and publishing, as he wanted his children to understand the inner workings of the music business. Looking back now, the sisters are forever grateful for the gifts they were given. What they may have missed in high school and boyfriends, they made up for with other incredible life experiences. Family Matters – The Womack Sisters
Wide travel, from the sheep farm in Dublin, and the water well in Kenya, to the rural village in Tanzania overlooking Kilimanjaro and their fondest memory of all – London. During this time, along with their family, they would travel and perform to crowds of ten thousand or more, to work with the Rolling Stones, Ozzy Osborne, Annie Lennox and many more. In their own way, each of these life-changing moments has crafted the sound, feel and depth of The Womack Sisters.
New Music From A Legendary Family The scorching fire of music courses through their every vein, pumped by hearts whose every beat is in the rhythms of songs. These are the hearts BG, Zeimani, and Kucha, the three gifted, soulful siblings who make up The Womack Sisters. As daughters of renown songwriters and producers Cecil and Linda Womack (of Womack & Womack,) nieces of singer and songwriter Bobby Womack and granddaughters of the legendary Sam Cooke, the trio inherited the legacy of musical giants and declared themselves the rightful bearers of the royal scepter of soul troubadours. When these gifted and equally beautiful young women lift their voices to sing, the listeners take note.
Currently making their home in Los Angeles, the girls have been busy writing and recording, garnering writing credits on tracks with B.O.B, The Game, and Mya to name a few, while they work on their debut album. Between their long lineage of timeless musical history, they draw strength from their bond, for it is as unshakable and as strong as the music they create.
Not just Womack’s by name, the sisters are the living embodiment of Soul and R&B music. It’s fair to say they have music ingrained in their DNA. Comprised of three of seven siblings, this bubbly, sophisticated young singing trio is also the best of friends who are as close as sisters could be, due in part to their extraordinary upbringing.
Follow The Womack Sisters https://www.thewomacksisters.com Facebook http://facebook.com/thewomacksisters
Twitter –http://www.twitter.com/Womacksisters 4
Petition to get the Ohio Players into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
2022 marks the 50th anniversary of two breakthrough albums from the Players albums ‘Pain‘ and ‘Pleasure‘, both released in 1972 on the Westbound label.
The Ohio Players are an American national treasure; a band that truly broke the mold and changed the face of music forever. The Player’s music is pure and organic, the loose free form rhythms, those classy horns, the sharp keys, the tight drums, the funky licks, the progressive, erotic album covers.
The Pleasure album featured the song ‘Funky Worm‘, and that song paved the way for the next generation of Hip-Hop artists who sampled it. Samples of their music have enhanced the careers of Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre, Ice Cube, Ice-T, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, Jay-Z, Outkast, Notorious BIG, 2Pac, Mary J Blige and a great many others. Their songs have also been covered by a vast array of artists including Red Hot Chili Peppers, and jazz musicians Alex Bugnon and Paul Jackson JR.
It’s fair to say Ohio Players are one of the greatest bands of all time. During their heights they produced 17 Top 40 hits, with several platinum and gold selling albums, including masterpiece songs such as ‘Skin Tight’, ‘Fire’, ‘Love Rollercoaster’ and ‘Who’d She Coo?’.
Their songs are so popular that it has been covered in the last 48 years, especially the song “Fire” which is still used today in commercials, television shows, and movies.
As 2021 is coming to an end the Ohio Players will be going back on tour early next year. In the meantime, we would love to have your support on signing this petition to get the Ohio Players in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. With their outstanding achievements the Ohio Players should be a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, the state they represent. With enough signatures, we can help spread this petition with the word of mouth and get an acknowledgement from the nominating committee.
With your signature we can start a “Fire” and get the Ohio Players inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! To stay updated with the Ohio Players please follow them on their social media platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/OhioPlayers 5
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On The Scene ALLMAN FAMILY REVIVAL TOUR HONORS MEMORY OF GREG ALLMAN
Greg’s son Devon Allman and his group the Allman Betts Band (Allman; Duane Betts, son of Allman Brothers electric guitar legend, Dickey Betts; Berry Duane Oakley, son of the ‘Brother’s bass guitarist, Berry Oakley; John Ginty, keyboards; Johnny Stachela, guitar; R. Scott Bryan, percussion; John Lum, drums) are the featured act, serving as a sort of ‘house band’ for each performance alongside a diverse Who’s-Who of today’s Blues/Rock/Roots guitar greats: Robert Randolph, Donavon Frankenreiter, Kenny Aronoff, Alex Orbison, Lilly Hiatt, Cody and Luther Dickinson, G. Love, Eric Gales, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Jimmy Hall, Lamar Williams Jr., Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Samantha Fish, Ally Venable, Ivan Neville, River Kittens, Art Edmanston, and George Porter Jr.
The Allman Family Revival began in December 2017 as a celebration of Gregg’s 70th birthday and has grown into a yearly tradition. This year, they’re planning Last Waltz-style evenings packed with musical collaborations.
“Hard to believe we are in the fifth year of the Allman Family Revival shows,” says Devon. “This year is going to be bonkers – nineteen cities, coast-to-coast in historic theaters with our beautiful, talented friends jamming all night long. I like having artists that knew Dad, played with him, maybe were an opening act, or were really influenced and inspired by him,” adds Allman. “As for a venue, I prefer those turn-of-thecentury to mid-20th century, old-school theaters. They are just gorgeous inside, sculpted for sound, and provide the perfect location for these very special shows. I love for this concert to feel like a night at the theater for our audience.” Devon Allman formed the Allman Betts Band in 2018 with Duane Betts, the son of Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts. They play a mixture of original songs and tip their caps to their fathers by adding a couple of Allman Brothers classics to each live show. Prior to Allman Family Revival, the Allman Betts Band had been on the road supporting their “Autumn in 8
America” 2021 Tour. Their latest release is entitled “Bless Your Heart” (BMG). “The Allman Betts Band delivers the goods on Bless Your Heart,” writes Blues Rock Review. “It’s a road-forged album full of the chemistry of legends and the kind of telepathic musical interplay nine bands out of ten will never reach.”
Allman Family Revival Tour 2021 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
December 1st – New Orleans, LA @ Saenger Theater December 2nd – Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy December 3rd – Sarasota, FL @ Van Wezel PAC December 5th – Huntington, NY @ The Paramount December 7th – Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theater December 8th – New York, NY @ Beacon Theater December 9th – Philadelphia, PA @ The Met December 10th – Silver Springs, MD @ Fillmore December 11th – Ann Arbor, MI @ Michigan Theater December 12th – Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theater December 14th – Tulsa, OK @ Brady Theater December 16th – Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Federal Theatre December 17th – Las Vegas, NV @ Theater at Virgin Hotels December 18th – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore December 19th – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern
allmanfamilyrevival.com allmanbettsband.com Devon Allman (Photo Courtesy Thunderbird Management
Bruce Sudano “Cosmic Ride” If there’s one element of his music that Bruce Sudano isn’t afraid to tweak in the name of making a more complete narrative, it’s the tempo. His new single “Cosmic Ride” reinforces this from one verse to the next. Rather than putting all of the stock in this performance into the substance of the lyrics, or even the melodic trappings that are made to frame them here, Sudano’s implementation of provocative rhythm as a means of furthering the emotionality of a rhyme is something to marvel at indeed.
“Cosmic Ride” is quite the ethereal journey to the swinging side of retro pop, and is more than worthy of its hype this autumn.
Texture is always a component of expressiveness in Bruce Sudano’s music, and in this sense, his new single is no different than the previous works he’s released. “Cosmic Ride” sports quite a rigid bassline, but it needs this element to really drive home the physicality of the beat. Were he not using other instrumental faceting to increase his depth, this artist would have to use the same synthetic nonsense his competition does – which clearly isn’t something he’s comfortable doing by any stretch of the imagination. This mix amplifies the subtle details in the music rather than simply circumventing the minor intricacies in the name of highlighting one central point in the material. This is a far cry from the streamlined look most of the artists I follow have been utilizing. It guarantees a much fuller sound than the competition can muster, and if I were in Sudano’s position I can’t really see doing things another way. He wants the complete richness of a live performance inside of his studio work, and he’s going out of his way to get precisely what he desires in this piece. Lyrically, “Cosmic Ride” isn’t overwhelmingly linguistic nor super profound in what its singer is actually saying to us – it’s the voice behind these words that shapes an emotional context for this release. I honestly don’t think this single 9
would sound as passionate with a different artist at the mic, and he’s affording us the kind of incredibly intimate look that in both the video and the track, making it’s all the harder to question his eminence as an original songwriter. His rivals are just as active, but he’s still setting the bar pretty out of reach for the masses. Bruce Sudano proves that tone is literally everything in the pop genre here, and whether you’re new to his music or have been keeping up with his output for a while now, I believe you’re going to walk away from “Cosmic Ride” feeling just as enthusiastic about this release as I do. This is an interesting chapter in the ongoing legacy of singer/songwriters on the US side of the border, but as long as he continues to produce on the level that he is in singles like this one, Sudano can count on his name being on quite a few pages of the history books.
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The Hot Half Dozen - Music Reviews with Patrick O’Heffernan, Ph.D. Patrick O’Heffernan, PhD., is a music journalist and radio broadcaster based in Mexico, with a global following. He focuses on music in English and Spanish that combines rock and rap, blues and jazz and pop with music from Latin America, especially Mexico like cumbia, banda, son jarocho, and mariachi. He is a cyclist, dancing fiend and also likes to watch his friend drag race. He has relaunched his LA-based radio show Music Friday Live as Music Sin Fronteras- Music Without Borders - from Mexico - tune in every Friday at 1 pm Central
Ike Babbitt – America’s One Man Band, video by Alan Babitt.
Rush Hour, single/ video by Monsta X.
High energy bilingual pop rap with a kinda Mexican feel. Fun as only Monsta X can be. Bubblegum at its best. Download/stream on Spotify, Apple Music. .
A music video about the director’s father who created the One Man Symphony band, which was a regular on national radio in the 30’s and television in the 40’s and 50’s.. His brother Art created the character Goofy for Disney, helped out by wacky sounds from Ike. Also, great shots of a Recordio – the original miniature home recording studio .
Carousel, single/video by MJ Songstress.
Video at https://vimeo.com/641319273. Alan Babbitt at alanbabbittmusic.com. single
Sophisticated dance pop that gets under your skin and makes you happy.
This 15-year old rising alt pop artist has the form down to make you tap your feet and hit replay.
Beautiful writing, beautiful arranging, beautiful fusion of pop, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and Latin music, beautiful singer – and a great groove. Stream on Spotify, Video on YouTube.
Failed English, by Aviv.
Download/stream on Spotify, iTunes, deezer, YouTube.
Strangers, single by Ashley Kutcher. This single from the Irish singer’s debut EP is clever, pointed, revealing and musically addictive.
M@n Like That, single from new EP by Clear Mortifee. Sophisticated songwriting and arranging scaffold storytelling that opens a new world . Listen to the lyrics while you groove to the music. There is treasure there. Download/stream on Spotify, Apple Store, Google Play.
Stream/download on all major platforms. BONUS: Sufjan Stevens, single by Notelle. First place winner in the AAA category in Unsigned Only competition for 2021.
https://unsignedonly.com/winners 12
units! After going solo, Lady Redneck has released numerous original and cover songs to the delight of her more than 1 million social media followers. She is a Josie Music Awards nominee. Stephanie Lee is a dark chocolate lover and a workout-aholic. She loves her family, her Savior, and her country. Now living in Texas, she also speaks Spanish and a little Cebuano. www.ladyredneck.org https://www.facebook.com/ladyredneck.org https://instagram.com/lady_redneck_music https://twitter.com/Lady_Rednecky
Dallas Chart-Topper Lady Redneck Delivers 2nd Amendment Plea - “Don’t Try To Take Our Guns” “The words to this song just poured out when I wrote it. I felt the words so strongly that I knew I needed to record it. I literally couldn’t get it out of my head.”— Lady Redneck With her playful June 2021 single, “I Dented Your Truck,” Stephanie Lee aka Lady Redneck established herself as one of country music’s freshest new voices. Her “Betty Boop” - meets - “Santa Baby” delivery drove the single to the top of the international iTunes country charts, and led the song to more than 25K Spotify streams. Now, the Dallas, TX blonde bombshell is proving her versatility as a singer-songwriter and performer, with her November 26th single release, “Don’t Try to Take Our Guns.”
Richard Lynch Pays Tribute To His Family On “Christmas Time” Single And Video If it’s one thing that anyone knows for certain about Ohio-based country music artist Richard Lynch, is that family is at the forefront of his music and his life. The multiple iTunes chart-topping singer-songwriter has written and recorded songs about “Daddy’s Radio,” “Daddy’s Guitar,” and his most recent hit, “Grandpappy.” Now, Richard has released his third Christmas single, “Christmas Time.”
The impassioned plea for the 2nd Amendment was penned by Lee, who delivers the message in dramatic fashion. ABOUT LADY REDNECK: For Stephanie Lee aka Lady Redneck, writing songs about her downhome roots and everyday life comes naturally. Raised in a musical family from the small town of Howe, Idaho (population 23), Stephanie grew up playing mandolin, fiddle, bass, guitar and drums, performing all over the pacific northwest in Dusty Boots. The family band sold over 40,000
“Christmas Time” follows 2020’s light-hearted “I Saw Santa Bailin’ Hay” and 2019’s equally jovial “I Saw Santa Fishin’.” Both of those songs received radio airplay and streaming success around the world. “Christmas Time” is a more 13
sentimental departure for Lynch. The cover art and video for the single features photos of Lynch’s family.
Lynch is also the owner of Keepin’ It Country Farm in Waynesville, OH and co-founder of Love Tattoo Foundation that assists veterans.
ABOUT RICHARD LYNCH:
http://www.richardlynchband.com https://www.facebook.com/RichardLynchBand/ http://www.twitter.com/richardlynchbnd
Over the past 3 decades, Richard Lynch has compiled a long list of country hits and chart-toppers on both domestic and international sales and radio airplay charts, including two #1 iTunes chart singles, multiple #1 New Music Weekly radio songs, #1 IndieWorld and Roots Music Report chart tracks and a Christian Music Weekly Top 20 single.
Richard has been in Billboard Magazine, Taste Of Country, The Boot, CCM Magazine, Country Music People, and countless others. He has also appeared on WSM Radio Nashville, RFD TV, Fox TV and more.
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He has recorded popular duets with legendary artists like Ronnie McDowell and Leona Williams, as well as Grammy Winner, Rhonda Vincent. Richard Lynch is a proud member of the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame and the Independent Country Music Hall of Fame.
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Music Veteran John Vento Recalls Chance Encounter With Harry Chapin, Releases Live Cover Of “Taxi”
the flight that I even realized who I was sitting next to. After nearly 45 minutes of very nice conversation, I said to him, “Has anyone ever told you that you look just like Harry Chapin”? His reply was classic Harry, he said, “Yes, I get that all of the time, because that’s my name.” Yikes, I was stunned and taken back a bit. Besides his great music and huge hit, (Cats In The Cradle) I knew him best (growing up in Pittsburgh) because of his many performances (in the 1970’s) on the annual KDKA Bill Burns Children’s Hospital Christmas fundraising telethons.
Vento has released a live version of the Chapin classic as the 10th track from the “Brick By Brick” album. Vento met Chapin aboard a 1981 flight.
Which explains why the only thing he really wanted to talk about was his obligation, as a successful musician, to give back to others, especially when it came to ending world hunger. We were only about 25 minutes from landing when the plane hit some horrible turbulence. Needless to say, I was white as a ghost. Harry, however, was not bothered one bit. As a matter of fact, he put his hand on my knee and calmly reminded me that, “We are much safer up here than we are down there.” Almost one month later, on July 16, 1981, Harry Chapin was killed in a car accident on the Long Island Expressway.
For the past 12 months, John Vento has been releasing one track per month from his “Brick By Brick” album. He only paused for September/ October of 2021 to release the international chart-topping 9/11 Tribute with Nied’s Hotel Band, “The Day the Lady Cried.” In addition to topping the South African iTunes charts, the single racked up more than 22K Spotify streams, becoming the band’s biggest hit to date.
He may be gone, but his legacy of giving to others less fortunate, will live on for many generations to come.” Watch John Vento’s video for “Taxi:” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlQxhrkIcYg
Now, John Vento has released the 10th track from “Brick By Brick,” a live acoustic version of Harry Chapin’s classic, “Taxi.” As a huge admirer of Harry Chapin the musician, and even more so of Harry Chapin the man, John has been performing a stripped down version of “Taxi” with his acoustic partners Bob Zigerelli and Cherylann Hawk, over the past two years. Vento says “Bob and Cherylann bring their own distinct and authentic talents to this great song, and that’s why I wanted to record the track live.” John actually met Harry about month before his death in 1981. Here is John’s recollection of that chance encounter. “In June of 1981 I spent a great deal of time working in NYC, flying in and out of the city quite regularly. On one of those flights, I sat next to one of my true musical and humanitarian heroes, Harry Chapin . Actually, it wasn’t until halfway into 16
Doug Kistner Enlists Bill Champlin and Liberty DeVitto For New Single. Now, Champlin and DeVitto have teamed with renowned #1 international iTunes charting keyboardist and vocalist, Doug Kistner for the release of his latest single, “There’s The Door.” The single is being released November 12th, 2021 on MTS Records. “Instantly recognizable!” says Michael Stover of MTS. “Bill’s vocals you’ve heard on so many hit singles, and those drums…couldn’t be anyone but Liberty! Add in Doug’s impeccable writing and keys…a Yacht Rock classic!”. Doug Kistner is a renowned touring keyboard player and vocalist from Verona, NJ. Embracing the musical stylings of 70s and 80s megastars like Chicago, Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, and Kenny Loggins, Kistner has forged a place for himself as a “Yacht Rock” contemporary.
Instantly recognizable…Bill’s vocals you’ve heard on so many hit singles, and those drums…couldn’t be anyone but Liberty! Add in Doug’s impeccable writing and keys…a Yacht Rock classic!” — Michael Stover, MTS
Doug has performed with some of the biggest names in music, including Trans Siberian Orchestra, John Waite, Blood Sweat and Tears, and Chicago’s Danny Seraphine. In 2021, Doug Kistner took the leap from sideman to centerstage, releasing 4 singles and hitting the top of the iTunes charts in South Africa and Top 15 in the UK. Doug Kistner is currently with The Lords of 52nd Street featuring former members of Billy Joel’s longtime band, Liberty DeVitto, Russell Javors and Richie Cannata.) Kistner also performs with Glen Burtnik’s Summer of Love.
As a member of the iconic band Chicago, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Bill Champlin sold millions of records and contributed to the band’s signature ’80s ballad style. In fact, Champlin sang lead on the band’s1989 Billboard Year-End chart #1 song, “Look Away.” As Billy Joel’s touring and recording drummer for 40 years and a sought-after session player, Liberty DeVitto is responsible for drumming on records that have sold a combined 150 million units worldwide.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/doug.kistner
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From there, it’s been a difficult journey for him climbing up the hills of being a country and rock performer in a predominantly white industry. In his early career, he found many looked down on him as a performer. Paired with the naturally cutthroat nature of the music industry, it’s easy to see why he’s had such an uphill battle establishing himself as an artist. Despite the hardships, he continued to persevere and soldier on, eventually achieving the success he has today. The changing times have helped things take a turn for the better when it comes to the acceptance of African American artists, and he’s now judged by his merits and talent instead of his skin. Of course, this would mean nothing if he hadn’t repeatedly proved himself to be a great artist, and his accolades reflect this fact. In order to solidify his legacy and status, Michael Coleman has established himself as an award winning singer-songwriter, winning the coveted Prayze Factor Award from The International Music Association. He also holds the special distinction of being the only professional songwriter to ever be nominated as the Poet Laurette for the State of Ohio.
Michael Coleman Metropolitan Cowboy Phoenix-based music outfit See Your Shadow has been generating excellent music and productions for years now, but the man behind the plan is one Michael Coleman, also known as the Metropolitan Cowboy. For a long time now, he’s been making quality content for his fans and critics alike from behind the veneer of his stage outfit, but peeling back the layers, just who is he?
According to Michael, the music he makes is mostly influenced by the things and experiences he goes through in his daily life. It’s what makes up the framework for songs by his musical outfit, See Your Shadow Songwriting. Definitely an interesting approach to the art of creating music, and one that’s just as novel as the person behind it.
Michael Coleman’s interest in music sprouted from when he was just a young boy, listening to his mother’s music collection that she’d frequently play in their house. It was here that he was introduced to a wide array of different genres, slowly coming to learn to love all of them and their special intricacies. It kept his mind open to the idea of melding genres together, though he was always an ardent fan of rock music.
For musical influence however, Michael credits the old Motown writing team of Holland/Dozier/Holland, though he also admits that he tends to be influenced by performers that aren’t very famous. He finds that these unknown musicians often have stellar talent and love for their craft that inspires him, even if the performers are obscure and go unnoticed by the public at large.
The fledgling artist faced some trials during his school years, recalling that he was the only black rocker in his school as he grew up. His English teacher would support him in his creative endeavors, which combined with his love for music would eventually lead him down the road to being the singersongwriter he is today.
See Your Shadow Songwriting gets its name from Michael’s birthday taking place on the same day as Groundhog Day. Originally conceptualizing the musical outfit in San Francisco Bay Area, he’d eventually return to Ohio to put the band together, utilizing a building known as the Brokeback Mansion 18
to serve as a creative complex where they film their different projects and ideas.
drinking and playing darts. The talented singer-songwriter lives over in Phoenix, finding the heat overwhelming at times, but usually being able to handle it. Growing up in San Diego, his taste for adventure has brought him all over the world, including places like South Africa, where he dabbled in photography, yet another passion of his.
Some of these ideas eventually form into fully fledged projects, with Michael usually stopping at nothing to get things up and running. It’s this thought process that allows the band to continuously generate solid music at the pace they do, and Michael always remembers to put his heart into his work in order to show people just what he’s made of.
Even now, the artist, singer and songwriter continues to work hard expanding his skillset and exploring new avenues to express his creative vision. He’s currently working on his very own television series, though it’s scarce on details as he’s still toying with ideas for the production.
Even his greatest hit so far, "I Will Tell Jesus You Said Hello," was a result of him relaxing, eventually formulating the idea for the single in his head before approaching his band to perform it. Despite it not being his own personal story, he finds himself attached to the piece as it’s a proof of his powerful songwriting, being able to craft a story about someone else that’s still emotionally charged.
When it comes to the musical side of his career, there’s also a lot in the works. See Your Shadow has an upcoming milestone anniversary, and the artist is thinking about celebrating the occasion with a milestone anniversary double album. With COVID finally clearing up, he also claims that plans for a concert are on the horizon, though he gives no concrete dates.
Of course, this would mean nothing if they had nothing to show for it, but Michael’s persistence and creativity has been well rewarded, with many of the outfits songs charting. In fact, their current latest hit, “Showdown,” is their fifth single to hit number 1 on iTunes, receiving regular radio play as well.
Michael hopes to be able to continue working towards his creative endeavors in the future, though his hands are currently tied to his passion for his upcoming screenplay. He believes an artist’s duty is to connect with others and share your art, without fear of rejection. To that end, he hopes to give his fans something worth remembering, and as he continues to work hard, we’d say he’s achieved that well.
Michael’s also an avid fan of Christmas music, finding the festive season to be a fun time as many do. It’s even led him to release his very own Christmas song, “Christmas on Cellblock 9”, an enjoyable tune that was recorded over in Nashville. Of course, that’s not all the performer has been up to as See Your Shadow has many different projects in the works.
“In my daily life, I find myself being more influenced by a what rather than a who. People and the human experience are what influences me the most. See Your Shadow’s work is based on the human experience, what I see from a distance, what I hear in the background. There is just so much all around us, if we pay attention to it.” - Michael Coleman
“Christmas on Cellblock 9” turned out to be an excellent hit, tugging at many fans to come and listen to it during the holiday season. It’s so well done in fact that it’s currently being adapted into a screenplay, which is a huge accomplishment for the Metropolitan Cowboy. Outside of songwriting and making things happen, Michael is a relatively simple person. He greatly enjoys traveling, giving him the chance to go through brand new experiences with people. On top of this, he also has a love for watching classic movies and television, and spending time with his friends 19
Aminé Ramer: Pretty in Pink commitment to crafting songs just for the story, a process that started before the first scene was shot. “It’s such an inspiration,” she notes. “Not only was the music taken so seriously, as such an important part of the film, but they started making the songs before the film. That they actually put the time and effort and thought into getting the right songs, getting songs made, is amazing.” This attention to craft and commitment to sourcing the right song run through Ramer’s own work. When she begins working on a project, “It’s always an emotional place that I start out with. What is it that we’re trying to say? What is it we want the audience to feel, and then going, what are our options within that palette?” Ramer has worked as a music supervisor for both big-budget films and important but shoe-string projects chronicling key moments in culture and politics, including Flint Town and Crip Camp. She talks about her balance between the projects with bigger paychecks and the projects that feed the soul, about “the feels and the reals.” Yet even on the most commercial project, Ramer focuses on what the music is saying and how music can enhance our understanding of a character or person in a film.
SyncLove is a new channel from commercial music licensing platform SyncFloor that sees production professionals dive into their favorite moments in films and the scenes that changed the way they thought about music for picture.
Seasoned music supervisor Aminé Ramer really didn’t want to go there, but she did: sharing her thoughts on Pretty in Pink and its classic soundtrack. Ramer joins SyncLove’s host Kirt Debique, CEO and co-founder of SyncFloor, for the latest episode of SyncLove.
“There are all these different angles that music can convey and the importance of it, whether it’s score or a song: what are you saying? What emotion, what tone, what message are you saying with the music? And sometimes it’s sitting in the background because it doesn’t need to be elevated.”
What the film may lack in arthouse mystique, it more than makes up for in generational impact. Some of us remember being shaped by films like Pretty in Pink, one of a string of iconic 80s and 90s movies that featured memorable post-punk-meets-vintage-cool soundtracks. The pitch-perfect placement of key songs from the era, from OMD’s “If You Leave” and New Order’s “Shellshock” to The Smiths’ “Please Please Please,” brought what could have been a cookie-cutter teen tale to quirky, brilliant life. You may not remember the storyline, but you probably can hum the film’s namesake song by the Psychedelic Furs, if you’re of a certain age.
Ramer’s also more than willing to do the legwork to find just the right tracks and to make sure they capture the color of the time and setting of the film. She tells the tale of finding the perfect song from the 1960s, then corresponding with the elder songwriter on paper via snail mail to secure the rights. She sought out the right, era-appropriate songs for Crip Camp, landing on the striking original version of “Like a Ship,” a track that transforms its moment in the film.
Beyond the stickiness, taste, and focus of the film’s soundtrack, however, Ramer points to the film crew’s 20
Sarantos Shines Bright On New Meditation CD
For Ramer, this work is part and parcel of her role as a music supervisor. “As the supervisor, part of your job is to be an advocate for the project, even if it is the producer and the director’s vision. If you’re looking at a scene, you have to come at it with, ‘Okay, what would work best in this project taking into account what they want,?’…what your budget is, all of these factors,” Ramer says. You need to “actually go big picture and try to communicate those things in a way that can actually be heard,” even if you have to push back against a director or showrunner’s dream ditty, or seek out a local artist in his golden years. This focus on what’s best for a project is ultimately what drew Ramer to dive into Pretty in Pink. It didn’t matter if an OMD song played for what can feel like endless minutes at the final school dance scene, an ending they had to reshoot after audiences rebelled, or if a whole scene revolved around an Otis Redding classic. John Hughes and his team went for what worked, even if it seemed strange. They brought music into the conversation early—and shaped the sound of a generation that way. “It’s such a beautiful example of the collaboration that must’ve occurred between the filmmakers, the musicians, the bands, even the label who’s deciding to put out the soundtrack,” Ramer muses. This kind of collaboration and a tireless dedication to craft, for Ramer, form the heart of music supervision at its best. Check out the podcast episode on SyncLove
https://www.pulseradiotampabay.com/
Musical troubadour Sarantos has released his collection of calming vibes on the twelve-track offering; Relaxation & Mediation Vol.1. Sarantos is an artist who likes to offer pop and dance melodies that are written in a tongue-in-cheek fashion, most notably his pop single “Eyebanging.” Here, however, Sarantos showcases his production chops in the easy, calming listening category of musical themes by presenting twelve spiritually charged rhythmic approaches guaranteed to assure relaxation and meditation. Each track on this compilation offers a unique experience as Sarantos dives deep into different themes, and concepts. Tracks like “Cleanse The Soul” are down-tempo and repetitious around certain phrases, offering exploration around these themes yet returning the listener to their happy medium. “Victorious Puff,” however, opens up the sonic landscape with wide, and vast instrumentation that takes the listener on a journey of the senses. this track is meant for the deep Meditation portion of the experience. “Sunrise” is the perfect mix to channel the inner relaxation spirit you may be looking for from this compilation. Featuring traditional Asian-influenced melodies and instrumentation this up-tempo track has clever melodies and harmonizing pedal tones to help channel the calm.
Sarantos is a songwriter who can spin a narrative into something witty, provocative, and entertaining. This collection, however, is in my opinion his best work yet. I truly believe this is where Sarantos truly shines as a songwriter and producer. His effective use of different instruments and harmonies helps him achieve what he sets out to do. His mixes are professional, well-executed, and highly defined. Relaxation & Meditation Vol. 1 is the perfect album for that background din which you can use for Yoga, deep concentration, or a general unwind from a busy day. This is a very enjoyable collection that should be shared with those closest to you to increase mental health and longevity. –Lee Callaghan 21
times and looking forward is a big theme throughout this body of work. A little nod to the best parts of the past maybe, or just the ticket to navigate the future confidently.
Review of Telecoaster When listening to this album, I am reminded of all the great music that I have been blessed to hear by Paul, each album is like the rings on a great redwood, tracking Paul’s growth as an artist, each dimension of his art and the depth of his talents. I enter into this review with an open mind and open ears, and I am not disappointed in any way. -Paul Edelman The album opens with “Ready or Not,“ with a sound reminiscent of 60’s era rock, infused with horns and a storyteller motif. This track is vibrant and has a big and bouncy feel that kicks. Followed by “Hey There Brother” with a soulful feel, the rhythms take you into the streets, hearing the beat it fills you with a desire to move, it comes through the speakers like a calling to believe in the impossible. “Contagious,” however, seems to move to the west. It has a Spanish horn momentum in it’s opening, then gets groovy in a Haight and Asberry time capsule. It brings us to a sound that would be heard in the time of flower power, with a smack of the Doors in the lyric composition.
Paul Edelman and Jangling Sparrows confront our “Culture-At-Large” on latest album “Telecoaster” The follow-up and sister album to 2020's critically-acclaimed Bootstraps and Other American Fables, Telecoaster takes an even-deeper dive into themes of the human condition, culture at large and our place in it. Telecoaster generates an exciting “Vintage” sonic experience with songs that, while fresh and unique, still find a retro quality with songs actually recorded on an old reel to reel analog machine. “This record is so alive to me. It was largely a collaborative process with the producer at Marshal Sound, Amos McGregor,” says Edelman, long renown as the talented, cerebral front-person for Asheville roots-rock ensemble, Jangling Sparrows. “His input was integral. We kept experimenting and things kept changing and growing. I ended up trashing half the songs to write music that I felt was more about where this was going. I was actually writing half the album while we were recording the other half.”
“I Still Love Rock and Roll” took me by surprise. Paul plays with the strings in a plucky move, and it has an experimental sound. Then it drops a key right into the lock and opens the door to his tell-tale sound, the pure Rock and Blues movements that make his music powerful, and make him an artist to admire. “Photograph” sounds like a love song, in love with a memory of better things, better times, maybe more. It also has a comforting Feel and reminds me of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s Album Déjà Vu. “Dance Around the Fire” is just sheer magnificence. It’s got the step and trigger tone, the “Click, Click Boom” of pure Rock. “Ghost of 8th and Tasker” sounds like a title that Simon and Garfunkel would write, but it has more of a Bruce Springsteen “Jersey Shore” anthemic signature, however, its lyrical connect is pure Edelman.
In keeping with the retro theme, this is an album experience, meant to be listened to front to back. AIt is a journey, a roller coaster ride with guitars. Hence the title. Ironically perhaps, dealing with modern 22
About Paul Edelman: Song Interpreter/Songwriter, Performer Paul Edelman, multi-linguist in the languages of music, poet and performer, fronts Asheville, North Carolina-based group, Jangling Sparrows. Edelman can be found sitting comfortably in Roots Rock, Country, Folk, Soul or Storyteller. His lyrics have a way of making people feel understood and his emotional vocal delivery underscores that ability. Edgy and misty, his vocals often go from a holler to a whisper seamlessly and with crisp intention. He has been compared to John Prine, Townes Van Zandt and Jay Farrar for his ability not just to create a picture with words but a whole movie with the music.
Follow Paul Edelman Online www.facebook.com/pauledelmanthejanglingsparrow www.janglingsparrows.com “I Got Your Number” brings us to the 80’s, with its time signatures of the urban rock/ folk revival. Using a new storyteller style that connects with the anxiousness of the x-gen community. No real revolution to be a part of, yet still trying to find a way through the struggles left by the previous generation. “Americana B-Roll” has a softer tone and is perfectly placed in this album. It brings you back to your senses, as a call to the lost, the ephemeral “breadcrumbs” back to lucid thought and sanity.
www.instagram.com/janglingsparrow
“Flags You Don’t Fly” has a deep-seated Rock & Roll Battle Hymn sound. It sounds like the story of a onetime rebel that lost his will to fight, but somewhere deep inside is a screaming ball of anger. “Rain on the Rooftop,” is the final track, but not the albums swan song. It takes all the messages in this album and brings it to a boil, slow and seething. It takes you to the next level. I would say this entire album is Paul Edelman’s journey through the past 4 decades of music. But he has found a way to roll them all together, mixing and matching to make each song its own legacy of sound. 23
Harper Starling Releases “Snow Cone Christmas”
groove allows for her to get as loose with the lyrics as she would the drums in the background. She isn’t waiting for the band to set the tone for her in this performance; she’s upfront with the biggest and brashest of beats laying out a harmony that will linger in your brain long after this track has come to a conclusion. Her swagger is impressive, but not even the most important element of her presence when considering this single in its entirety
By Mindy McCall With an oversized beat to lead the way, Harper Starling leans into what could be one of her most dynamically vocal-centric performances to date in “Snow Cone Christmas,” currently out just in time for the holiday season everywhere quality indie-pop is sold and streamed.
This arrangement bears a lot of elegance and doesn’t push any of the instrumental faceting ahead of the vocal – instead, it feels much as it would in a live performance. I haven’t seen Harper Starling take to the stage yet for myself, but her attitude with the mic in this piece is one so strong that she probably wouldn’t have a hard time taking over any venue she played, no matter how big or small it happens to be. Time will tell for sure, but she’s definitely cultivating something of note in “Snow Cone Christmas.”
Although steeped in the conventionalities of contemporary pop and traditional Christmas music the same, what makes “Snow Cone Christmas” such an eager, easy-going piece of music is the personality of its singer, who makes it clear early on that she’s no run-of-the -mill pop vocalist giving us her take on what the holidays ought to sound like at their warmest. The harmony Starling confirms in the chorus here is a little sugary – arguably more than it has to be – but I like the way she interweaves it with the percussive pulse in the backdrop. The drums are getting as much love from the master mix as any of the melodic componentry is, and were this not the case I’m not sure that the structure of this song would be as rock-solid as it is in this scenario. Say what you will about cosmetics, but this is a player who knows the value of traditional pop songcraft.
I’m going to be keeping an eye on Harper Starling through the holidays and beyond, and if you’re curious about why so many of the critics have been left Intrigued with her persona, “Snow Cone Christmas” is a good place to start. This vocalist is sure of herself and who she wants to be in the recording studio, and though I’d heard her music before coming across this gem, I really underestimated how much she’s working with at the moment. She’s evolving before our very ears, and with the right exposure on both sides of the dial this season she’s going to get the attention she’s worked so hard to receive.
I absolutely love how focused Starling’s compositional wit is in “Snow Cone Christmas,” and her swinging 24
Conrad Birdie is the biggest rock & roll star of the 60's ever to be drafted. Aspiring chemist and songwriter Albert is convinced he can make his fortune and marry his girlfriend Rosie if he gets Conrad on the Ed Sullivan show to kiss a high school girl goodbye. Albert's mother will do anything to break him up with Rosie. Kim and Hugo, the high school steadies, live in Sweet Apple, Ohio where most of the action takes place. Ann-Margret’s legendary career continues to this day, as she continues to record, and also continues to act on screen and on television. She is the winner of an Emmy® Award and several Golden Globes. Bobby Rydell, a major rock star and teen idol in the 1960s, with a string of chart-topping hits, has gone on to be an enduringly popular figure on the nightclub and concert circuits. As a bonus, fans will be treated to a sneak preview of a few songs from Ann-Margret’s upcoming brand-new studio album Born To Be Wild from Cleopatra Records. The album features Bobby Rydell as a guest artist, along with many other legendary recording artists such as Blondie’s Clem Burke, Wrecking Crew member Don Randi, rockabilly superstar Danny B. Harvey and more! Stream/download Ann-Margret’s new Christmas single featuring blues legend Sonny Landreth:
Cinelounge Theatres Presents Bye Bye Birdie At The Montalban in Hollywood on January 13, 2022; Ann-Margret and Bobby Rydell To Appear In Person!
Cinelounge Theatres and Cleopatra Records will present a special screening of the classic hit musical Bye Bye Birdie at The Montalban, 1615 N. Vine St., Hollywood, CA 90028 on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. Two of the film’s stars, Ann-Margret and Bobby Rydell, are scheduled to appear in person and participate in a Q&A after the movie.
https://orcd.co/ann_margret_rockin_around_the_christmas_tree
Limited, special “Meet and Greet” ticket packages are also available for an intimate, reserved seating section of Hollywood’s historic Montalban Theatre. If you love classic Hollywood or classic rock, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, your only opportunity to see these two stars together LIVE!
Bye Bye Birdie. Comedy/Musical. Directed by George Sidney. Book by Michael Stewart and Irving Brecher. Music by Charles Strouse. Lyrics by Lee Adams. Produced by Sidneyand Fred Kohlmar. From Columbia Pictures. (Color, 1963, USA, 112 minutes, rated Approved) Starring Ann-Margret, Bobby Rydell, Janet Leigh, Dick Van Dyke, Maureen Stapleton, Paul Lynde, Jesse Pearson, Ed Sullivan.
For tickets go to: http://cineloungehollywood.com 25
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