Musical Arrangements, Production Make Dom La Nena’s New LP Worth Hearing At Least Once

Courtesy: Six Degrees Records

Up-and-coming composer/singer/songwriter Dom La Nena is scheduled to release her latest album Friday through Six Degrees Records.  Her third solo album, the 13-song Tempo is a unique addition to this year’s field of new World Music offerings.  That is due in part to its musical arrangements, which will be discussed shortly.  While the musical content that is featured in the album gives listeners reason to take in the record, its lyrical content proves somewhat problematic.  This will be addressed a little later.  The album’s production works with its musical arrangements to give more appeal to its presentation.  When those two elements are paired, they do just enough to make the album worth hearing at least once.

Dom La Nena’s new album Tempo is an intriguing addition to this year’s field of new World Music offerings.  That intrigue comes in part through the record’s featured musical arrangements.  The arrangements in question are not what one might think of when one thinks of the genre in the purest sense.  Rather, they are in fact more of a purely artistic presentation.  La Nena, who was born in Brazil, but lives in Paris, does not necessarily try to use elements of either nation’s musical culture for her compositions here.  Rather, she paints a musical picture with her experimental works, that few if any other World Music offerings can compare to beginning with the album’s title track/opener.  ‘Tempo’ comes across as a sort of modern classical work.  It features La Nena on cello and piano, each part clearly recorded by itself and then mixed together.  Interestingly enough, the short instrumental work conjures thoughts of a composition crafted for some British mystery TV show or movie.  On another note, ‘Quien Podra Saberlo’ (which translates roughly to ‘Who Could Know’) layers  La Nena’s vocals while incorporating a light string arrangement and some light hand claps to give the song a sound and style that harkens back to the gypsy style works of Eastern Europe.  There is almost a sense of mystery exuded through the song’s arrangement.  That mindset is sure to keep listeners engaged in this case.  ‘Samba Para Voce’ is another example of how La Nena’s musical compositions defy the term “World Music.”  This gentle, flowing, string-driven arrangement throws back to certain jazz style compositions from the 1960s.  It really is a unique composition that one must hear to fully understand.  Between this song and the others featured throughout Tempo, the arrangements in whole give audiences much to appreciate.

While the musical arrangements featured in Tempo build a strong foundation for the record, the record’s lyrical content detracts somewhat from its presentation.  The lyrics are problematic because they are sung in three separate languages – French, Spanish, and Portugese.  This is problematic for audiences on both sides of Atlantic.  That is the case because no translations are provided for any of the songs anywhere in the packaging.  That means any American audiences who don’t speak any of those languages will have to guess at the meanings behind the songs’ titles after they translate those items.  It also means audiences in either of her home nations who perhaps only speak French or Portugese will only know the lyrics to those songs.  What’s more, those who speak Spanish will only understand those noted songs.  Simply put, the lack of any written lyrics or even translations thereof hinders the delivery of the songs’ messages.  That is discouraging, but not enough to make the album a failure.  It just means that it will limit the album’s appeal to a point.  Making up for that shortfall is the record’s production.

The arrangements featured throughout Tempo are relatively simple in their instrumentations.  Even being relatively simple, the songs still require just as much attention as any more complex composition.  Case in point is the simple, short ‘Valsa.’  The ‘Waltz’ tune is just an instrumental which features La Nena playing pizzicato on her cello against a piano line, her layered vocals and andante style bowing.  The layering of these elements and the dynamics of it all required its own share of time and attention to ensure everything was balanced.  Those painstaking efforts paid off, too. The end result is a song that while short, has so much impact in its own right.  ‘Teu Coracao’ is another example of the importance and impact of the record’s production.  It is another gentle, simple composition, composed of La Nena’s vocal delivery and some very simple string backing along with some other ethereal elements.  Even with so little instrumentation, there is still a lot going on here that creates the song’s general effect.  The attention paid to the dynamics and balancing each element makes the song so rich even in its simplicity.  The same applies for ‘Vejo Passar’ and the rest of the album’s works.  Each song is relatively simple in its approach, meaning it would have been so easy for those behind the glass to get lax in working through each song.  Luckily that did not happen.  The result is an album that is just as worth hearing because of its professional production as for its musical content.  Even with the concern over the lack of any lyrical translations still there, the songs and their production is just enough to make the album worth hearing at least once.

Dom La Neda’s new album Tempo is a presentation that will appeal to a wide range of listeners.  From fans of an artist, such as Ala.ni, to World Music fans, to La Nena’s own fans, the record will find plenty of appeal.  That is due in large part to its musical arrangements.  While the record’s arrangements do much to make the record appealing, its lack of lyrical translations detracts from the album’s presentation to a point.  That is especially considering that the songs are sung in three different languages.  The production of the noted arrangements works with the songs to make for a little more appeal.  When the two elements are joined, they do just enough to make the record worth hearing at least once, even despite the concern raised by the lyrical problems.  Tempo is scheduled for release Friday through Six Degrees Records.

More information on Tempo is available along with all of Dom La Nena’s latest news at:

Website:  https://www.domlanena.com

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

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/domlanena

To keep  up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.   

Pop Singer-Songwriter’s New LP Is The Best Of 2020’s Best In Phil’s Picks 2020 Top 10 New Albums List

Courtesy: Wicked Cool Records

The musical universe spawned so much great music this year. From rock to rap to pop to country, jazz, and even family music, the musical universe gave audiences a lot to like about 2020.  For all of the entertaining and engaging music that was released this year some proved to be the best of its given categories.  Not all of that music could be the best of the best though.  Only certain records could obtain that title, and they come this year from a wide range of genres.  The Okee Dokee Brothers and their new album Songs For Singin’ are here among the best of the best in Phil’s Picks 2020 Top 10 New Albums of the Year.  They are joined by new albums from the likes of Sons of Apollo, Ricky Byrd, and The Devonns among others.  Topping this year’s list of the best of the best is Jessie Wagner’s new album Shoes Droppin’. 

As with every other list from Phil’s Picks, the Year’s top new albums list features the year’s Top 10 new albums and give honorable mentions for a total of 15 titles.  Without any further ado, here is Phil’s Picks 2020 Top 10 New Albums of the Year.

PHIL’S PICKS 2020 TOP 10 NEW ALBUMS OF THE YEAR

1. Jessie Wagner – Shoes Droppin’
2. Chris Stapleton —  Starting Over
3. Sons of Apollo – MMXX
4. Yellowackets – Jackets XL
5. U.D.O. – We Are 1
6. Ricky Byrd – Sobering Times
7. Deep Purple – Whoosh!
8. The Devonns – The Devonns
9. Nine Inch Nails – Ghosts V
10. Nine Inch Nails – Ghosts VI
11. Joe Bonamassa – Royal Tea
12. The Okee Dokee Brothers – Songs For Singin’
13. The Tibbs – Another Shot Fired
14. Ala.ni – ACCA
15. Ben Harper – Winter is for Lovers

Now that all the music lists are done, it is on to the DVD and Blu-ray releases.  Up first in that side of things is the year’s Top 10 New Documentaries.  Stay tuned for that.

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Ala.ni’s Debut Holiday Compilation Will Find Wide Appeal Among Audiences

Courtesy: Co-sign

 Jazz/pop songstress Ala.ni made headlines over the summer when she used her music to bring renewed attention to the decades old murder of Emmitt Till.  She combined her music with a poem written by journalist/activist Claudia Jones written in 1955 following Till’s murder, to make the song ‘Lament for Emmitt Till.’  Now months later, Ala.ni is back and making headlines for a less serious reason – the release of her debut holiday compilation.  Simply titled Christmas Vol. 1, the five-song record was released independently Monday.  It is a presentation that will appeal equally to Ala.ni’s fan base just as much as those who are fans of traditional holiday music.  That is proven in part through the record’s featured songs, which will be discussed shortly.  The songs’ arrangements add their own appeal to the EP’s presentation and will be discussed a little later.  The sequencing of the songs puts the finishing touch to the EP’s presentation.  When it is considered along with the record’s overall content, the whole of this record becomes an intriguing new addition to this year’s field of holiday music offerings.

Ala.ni’s debut holiday music compilation Christmas Vol. 1 is an interesting new offering from the up-and-coming jazz/pop singer-songwriter.  It is a presentation that is certain to appeal to her fans just as much as those of traditional holiday music.  This is proven in part through the record’s featured songs.  Ala.ni pulls in three classic songs – ‘Let It Snow,’ ‘Winter Wonderland,’ and ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ – to make up part of the record’s body.  Additionally, she presents a cover of the lesser-known traditional song ‘In The Bleak Midwinter,’ which is based on poet Christina Rossetti’s 1872 poem ‘A Christmas Carol’ to add to the record’s interest.  As if that is not enough, Ala.ni also added her own original song, ‘Christmas Day’ to the record’s body.  In essence, what Ala.ni has done in presenting such diversity in such a small space is ensured that she reached as many listeners as possible.  Needless to say, taking such an approach will prove successful for the EP.  It ensured that as few listeners as possible were left feeling alienated in the long run.  This was a wise move, as it builds a strong foundation for the record.  It is just one aspect of the EP that makes it successful.  The arrangements that are featured within the songs build on that foundation and strengthen it even more.

The musical arrangements that are featured in Ala.ni’s debut holiday music compilation are important to address because they are not just mirror images of their source material.  Case in point is the arrangement featured in Ala.ni’s take of ‘Winter Wonderland,’ which opens the EP.  Her own unique vocal delivery is present here, but her rendition has far less swing than say the rendition made so popular by Bing Crosby or even the original opus, which was composed way back in 1934 by Felix Bernard.  It is a nice, relaxed arrangement that does stay true to its source material, but the use of the backing vocals and subtle bells couples with Ala.ni’s vocals to make this its own unique presentation.

Ala.ni’s take on ‘In The Bleak midwinter’ is intriguing in its own right.  That is because much like so many renditions, it strays from the rendition first made popular in 1911 by Harold Darke.  Darke’s choral version was written in more of a major key.  Meanwhile, every version since, including hers, is presented in the more familiar minor key.  That minor key approach gives the song a certain solemnity, given.  At the same time though, gives the song a wholly separate identity from that of Darke’s original composition.  Darke’s version is solemn even in its choral presentation, but is even more uplifting.  The addition of the cellos to Ala.ni’s rendition does of course make it stand out from so many others that have come before.  That, coupled with her – again – familiar vocal delivery style makes the arrangement even more interesting.

‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ presents one more example of the importance of the musical arrangements featured in Christmas Vol. 1.  Ala.ni has taken another standard in this case, and used her familiar vocal delivery style, paired that with such a gentle melody and in turn created a work that is even more deeply emotional than the rendition made so popular by Judy Garland in 1944.  That is not to say that Garland’s version is bad by any means.  Ala.ni’s version just paints a rich musical picture of a warm fireplace….basically one of those scenes from those Hallmark movies.  The vibrato is Ala.ni’s voice is used in all of the right points while the use of the cello and piano is just subtle enough to collectively add so much depth and emotion to the song.  It gives the song its own unique identity here, point blank; an identity that listeners will love.  When this arrangement is considered along with the others addressed here and those of the record’s other two songs, the whole leaves no doubt as to the importance of the EP’s musical content.  Even with that in mind, it is not the last of the record’s most important elements.  The EP’s sequencing rounds out its most important elements.

The sequencing of Christmas Vol. 1 is interesting in its own right because of how it plays into the EP’s energy.  From start to end, the record’s energy constantly rises and falls.  It opens on a relaxed but upbeat note in ‘Winter Wonderland’ but then pulls back immediately after in ‘In The Bleak Midwinter.’  ‘Let It Snow’ picks things back up from that point before making way for more reserved energy of her original song, ‘Christmas Day.’  The whole thing ends on the laid back but so deeply rich cover of ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,’ leaving listeners feeling so fulfilled.  The smooth transitions from the reserved and more “upbeat” songs throughout keep the record from being too monotonous musically and aesthetically.  When this is considered along with the record’s overall content, the whole becomes a work that Ala.ni’s fans will welcome this and any holiday season just as much as fans of holiday music in general.

Ala.ni’s new holiday music compilation Christmas Vol. 1 is an interesting new seasonal music collection.  It is a presentation that audiences will find worth hearing at least occasionally.  That is proven in part through its featured songs.  The songs give listeners a little something familiar, some new, and something less familiar all in one setting.  In other words, it gives listeners the best of both worlds, so to speak.  The arrangements featured in the songs take Ala.ni’s trademark vocal style and pairs that with some elements that give the traditional songs and her own original their own unique identities.  The sequencing of the collective content puts the final touch to the record, ensuring in its own way, audiences’ engagement and entertainment.  When it is considered with the content overall, all three elements make this record its own unique holiday music presentation that is worth hearing at least occasionally.  Christmas Vol. 1 is available now.

More information on Ala.ni’s new holiday music collection is available online along with all of Ala.ni’s latest news at:

Website: http://alaniofficial.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alaniofficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/alaniofficial

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Ala.ni Debuts ‘Lament For Emmett Till’ Video

Courtesy: Missing Piece Group

Ala.ni debuted the video for her latest single this week.

The singer-songwriter debuted the video for her single ‘Lament For Emmett Till‘ Thursday. The video’s debut comes more than three months after Ala.ni debuted the single by itself.

The video features a very psychedelic 1960s/70s look through the use of the cinematic effects. Ala.ni meanwhile dances within the vintage style presentation and sings the song.

The song finds Ala.ni reciting the poem by journalist and activist Claudia Jones that Jones wrote in 1955, along with a gentle, strained instrumentation.  That strained approach is used to help heighten the pain exhibited in the poem.

Ala.ni talked about the song’s creation in a recent interview.

“Six years ago, I was studying the works and activism of Ms. Claudia Jones and came across a poem that she had written for Emmett Till in December 1955,” she said. “This poetry moved me to write a song. I then went to the studio to record a demo version of the ‘Lament for Emmett Till’ and I could only sing it once. It was too painful to sing again. The version released is the first take, the one and only recording. The studio tape was lost. Six years later, I have no choice but to sing it, shout it, scream it.”

Till was murdered Aug. 28, 1955 after being wrongfully accused of of having made sexual advances toward a white woman, Carolyn Bryant, at a Mississippi grocery store.  The men accused of his murder — Bryant’s husband Roy and his half brother J.W. Milam — were acquitted of the crime, but later confessed to the crime in a paid magazine interview in which they admitted they knew they could not be retried in the case.  Bryant herself admitted in a 2007 interview wit historian Timothy Tyson that she had fabricated at least part of her story, noting that Till had never grabbed her by the waist and used obscenities against her.

More than 10,000 people attended Till’s funeral.

Till’s death inspired civil rights figures, such as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, who stated following her incident on a bus that led to her arrest, “I thought about Emmett Till, and I couldn’t go back [to the back of the bus]).”

Now in partner with the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation, Ala.ni is working to pressure the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to release the findings of its recent re-investigation of Till’s case through the use of a petition that is available to sign here.

“The FBI are due to release the findings from their re-investigation of the murder case any time soon and, what with Carolyn Bryant still being alive, we think there is no better time than now for her to stand guilty as charged for her lies told and her role in the capture, beating, lynching and murder of Emmett Till,” said Ala.ni of the push. “The ‘Emmett Till Anti-lynching Act’ can not be properly addressed with a correct, conscious outcome in congress if the name of the person after which the act is called has not been served any justice. Nothing. No apology. No compensation. It is a mockery.”

The Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act (H.R. 35) aims to criminalize lynching, making lynching a federal crime.  It was introduced into Congress Jan. 3 and passed the House of Representatives on Feb. 26 in a vote of 410-4 before its filing in the Senate Feb. 27.  It has remained in the Senate without any action taken since that time, according to the Congress’ official tracker in the provided link.

An article published June 5 in the New York Times states passage of the bill is being held up by Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY). According to the article, Paul argued the bill’s wording was too ambiguous.  Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) spoke out against Paul’s comments, the article states.  The senators’ comments are noted in the article in the provided link.

All proceeds raised through the sale of Ala.ni’s new song will go to benefit the Emmett Till legacy Foundation.  Her song is just the latest to address Till’s murder.  Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, Janelle Monae, and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble have all crafted songs about the case.

Ala.ni’s latest recording ACCA in January.  The album is her sophomore LP.

More information on Ala.ni’s new single is available online along with all of Ala.ni’s latest news at:

Website: http://alaniofficial.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alaniofficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/alaniofficial

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Ala.ni Renews Focus On Emmett Till Murder Case Through New Song

Ala.ni is bringing renewed attention to the case of Emmett Till.

The up-and-coming singer-songwriter released a new song over the weekend titled ‘Lament For Emmett Till.’  The song finds Ala.ni reciting the poem by journalist and activist Claudia Jones that Jones wrote in 1955, along with a gentle, strained instrumentation.  That strained approach is used to help heighten the pain exhibited in the poem.

Courtesy: Ala.ni/Missing Piece Group

Ala.ni talked about the song’s creation in a recent interview.

“Six years ago, I was studying the works and activism of Ms. Claudia Jones and came across a poem that she had written for Emmett Till in December 1955,” she said. “This poetry moved me to write a song. I then went to the studio to record a demo version of the ‘Lament for Emmett Till’ and I could only sing it once. It was too painful to sing again. The version released is the first take, the one and only recording. The studio tape was lost. Six years later, I have no choice but to sing it, shout it, scream it.”

Till was murdered Aug. 28, 1955 after being wrongfully accused of of having made sexual advances toward a white woman, Carolyn Bryant, at a Mississippi grocery store.  The men accused of his murder — Bryant’s husband Roy and his half brother J.W. Milam — were acquitted of the crime, but later confessed to the crime in a paid magazine interview in which they admitted they knew they could not be retried in the case.  Bryant herself admitted in a 2007 interview wit historian Timothy Tyson that she had fabricated at least part of her story, noting that Till had never grabbed her by the waist and used obscenities against her.

More than 10,000 people attended Till’s funeral.

Till’s death inspired civil rights figures, such as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, who stated following her incident on a bus that led to her arrest, “I thought about Emmett Till, and I couldn’t go back [to the back of the bus]).”

Now in partner with the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation, Ala.ni is working to pressure the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to release the findings of its recent re-investigation of Till’s case through the use of a petition that is available to sign here.

“The FBI are due to release the findings from their re-investigation of the murder case any time soon and, what with Carolyn Bryant still being alive, we think there is no better time than now for her to stand guilty as charged for her lies told and her role in the capture, beating, lynching and murder of Emmett Till,” said Ala.ni of the push. “The ‘Emmett Till Anti-lynching Act’ can not be properly addressed with a correct, conscious outcome in congress if the name of the person after which the act is called has not been served any justice. Nothing. No apology. No compensation. It is a mockery.”

The Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act (H.R. 35) aims to criminalize lynching, making lynching a federal crime.  It was introduced into Congress Jan. 3 and passed the House of Representatives on Feb. 26 in a vote of 410-4 before its filing in the Senate Feb. 27.  It has remained in the Senate without any action taken since that time, according to the Congress’ official tracker in the provided link.

An article published June 5 in the New York Times states passage of the bill is being held up by Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY). According to the article, Paul argued the bill’s wording was too ambiguous.  Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) spoke out against Paul’s comments, the article states.  The senators’ comments are noted in the article in the provided link.

All proceeds raised through the sale of Ala.ni’s new song will go to benefit the Emmett Till legacy Foundation.  Her song is just the latest to address Till’s murder.  Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, Janelle Monae, and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble have all crafted songs about the case.

Ala.ni’s latest recording ACCA in January.  The album is her sophomore LP.

More information on Ala.ni’s new single is available online along with all of Ala.ni’s latest news at:

 

 

 

Website: http://alaniofficial.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alaniofficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/alaniofficial

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Ala.ni Continues Her Success On Her Sophomore Album, ‘ACCA’

Courtesy: Missing Piece Group

More than two-and-a-half years ago, up-and-coming singer-songwriter Ala.ni became a darling in the music world thanks to her debut album You & I.  That is because the album was, at the time, unlike anything else within the jazz and overall music worlds.  She clearly is not one to rest easy on her laurels as her sophomore album ACCA proves.  Released Jan. 24, the 11-song LP is, like its predecessor, completely unlike anything out there today.  This record is not only distinctly different from anything else out there today, but also from her own debut record, both musically and lyrically.  ‘Hide’ is just one of the songs featured in the record that serves to support the noted statements.  It will be addressed shortly.  ‘ShaLala’ is another prime example of how much this new offering from Ala.ni stands out, and will be discussed a little later.   ‘Away GO’ is yet another example of what makes the album stand out so starkly in the best way possible.  It certainly is not the last of the album’s notable works.  The clear sociopolitical message and infectious arrangement in ‘Le Diplomate,’ the r&B-infused ‘VanP’ and its relationship-centered lyrical theme, and the absolutely stunning and simple choral approach of ‘In The Land’ add their own impact to the album, as do the record’s other works.  The whole of the LP’s works is a presentation that is without argument, one of this year’s most unique and enjoyable records.

Ala.ni’s sophomore album ACCA is a step in the right direction for the up-and-coming singer-songwriter.  It shows that this young woman is a truly talented artist.  That is proven through the record’s musical and lyrical content from start to end.  ‘Hide’ is an early example of what makes this new offering from Ala.ni stand out in this year’s field of new albums.  Much as with most of the album’s other songs, this song’s musical arrangement is almost entirely acoustic, if not entirely acoustic.  If there are any electronic elements here, they are so subtle that it is next to impossible to place them.  The subtlety in the use of the standing bass and the a capella vocal approach is so simple, yet so engaging even in that simplicity.  The arrangement gains even more importance when one considers the song’s lyrical content.

Ala.ni sings in the song’s lead verse, “You can’t forget all of love’s borders/You can’t forget all that you see/in spite of everything/You’re suffering the best of me/And I’ll forgive you for the moment/Because you brightened the day/Tomorrow we shall see/Could be something saddening instead/Love missed its start/And I know why/’Cause when it’s really true/You don’t have to hide.”  She continues in the song’s second verse, “And then apart from everything that we’ve been through/It’s suddenly brighter than light/I can’t believe the time/I wasted with you on my mind/And so I put pen to paper/In silence I want to speak/There’s nothing you can bring/That’s worth considering to stay.”  As she reaches that final word, listeners hear what is supposed to be her walking out a door and heading out into the world on her own, humming and singing happily and so lightly.  What’s so interesting about all of this is that looking at these lyrics, one would imagine they would be complimented with a certain either fiery Taylor Swift-esque arrangement or one of those equally standard oh-woe-is-me type arrangements that are so common in mainstream music.  She didn’t go either route here.  Rather, there is a certain sarcasm in her delivery here, along with just as much self-confidence.  That gentle arrangement delivers the feeling that she has surpassed all the negative feelings, and is completely at one with herself.  It really is such a unique stance that is rarely if ever heard in mainstream songs about broken relationships, which themselves are so overly commonplace in said realm.  To that end, the approach here, both musically and lyrically make this song stand out so proudly.  It makes the song one of the album’s most memorable moments.  Adding even more interest here is the fact that the manner in which the song has been presented, it sounds like it would be a perfect fit for a modern stage musical.  That is a compliment in and of itself.  Keeping all of this in mind, ‘Hide’ proves to be just one of the works that makes ACCA such a notable new offering from Ala.ni.

Another of the most notable moments featured in the ACCA comes almost halfway through the record’s 28-minute (yes, an album that doesn’t even reach half an hour) run time in the form of ‘ShaLala.’  As is the case with ‘Hide,’ the arrangement at the center of ‘ShaLala’ is a full-on acoustic presentation.  The combination of Ala.ni’s vocals and those of her fellow vocalists conjures thoughts of those a capella performances from Fox’s series Glee, only better.  Yes, this critic went there.  The whole of the light, “bouncy” vocal performances is an infectious performance that is certain to stick in listeners’ minds and ears in its own right.

The light, infectious arrangement is important to note because, as with ‘Hide,’ it doesn’t necessarily seem to go in line with the song’s lyrical content, yet actually does in a weird way.  Once again, Ala.ni goes the rather sarcastic route.  In fact, one could actually argue here that there is a comparison to Taylor Swift.  That is the case as Ala.ni sings in the song’s lead verse, “When you told me the other day/That you wanted to come back to stay/It soothed me/You words/They soothed me, baby/Then I heard from one of your guys/All you told me really was a lie/It hurt me/Darling you hurt me/Hurt me/Sha la la/Won’t help me baby/Sha la la/Sounds lonely, baby/It’s awfully empty with you gone, baby/Someone to hug and trust/But I will never, ever forget your love/My young love, baby.”  Rather than pouting and feeling sorry for herself, the song’s subject instead is essentially bidding that bad person a not so fond farewell.  This is very much in line with Swift’s approach, so to that end, at least that comparison can be made, even though Ala.ni still presents something very unique here.  Ala.ni continues in the song’s second verse, “You said right from the start/That you’d never break my heart/Well you’ve broke me/My word/You’ve choked me/And now I know that you’ve departed/If I see you at a party/Just dance with me/Say you’ll still dance with me.”  Again, the song’s subject here doesn’t seem to necessarily be pining for that lost love.  She seems, almost, to be somewhat okay with what happened and has come to terms with the situation.  That is, again, much like the case in ‘Hide.’  It serves to show that break ups are not all bad, and that they are survivable.  It’s just one more way in which this record proves so enjoyable.  Both musically and lyrically, Ala.ni has taken the proverbial path less traveled, and has succeeded as a result of that decision.  This is just one more way in which this statement is proven.  ‘Away GO’ is one more example of the album’s strength.

‘Away GO’ stands out because, just as with ‘Hide,’ it comes across like something that fits in a stage musical.  The difference is that because of the classical approach, it sounds like it would be a perfect fit to some classical stage musical, what with its full on a capella approach.  Between her own vocal delivery and that of her fellow singers, the group creates an air of such a solemn, moving moment through their performance alone.  The song’s lyrical content adds even more to that sense.

Ala.ni sings in the song’s lead verse, “Go away from my window/Go away from my door/Go away/away, away from my bedside/And bother me no more/I’ll go and tell my brothers/I’ll tell my sisters, too/That the reason my heart is broke/Is on account of you/It’s on account of you.”  She continues in the song’s second verse, “I’ll give you back your letter/I’ll give you back your ring/But I’ll never forget my one true love/As long as songbirds sing/So go away from my window/Go away from my door/Go away/Away, Away from my bedside/And bother me no more.”  The song is short, clocking in at only two-minutes, 20-seconds in length.  It is simple in its musical and lyrical content, but a close listen shows that the noted collective content make the song so deep.  One can see a character here, standing at a window, perhaps as the sun sets, singing the noted verses.  It plays out, again, just like a scene from a musical, and hits just as hard, too.  It is just one more way in which ACCA proves to be such a solid, new offering from Ala.ni.  When it is considered along with the other songs addressed here and the likes of ‘Le Diplomate,’ ‘VanP,’ ‘In The Land’ and the rest of the album’s songs, the whole of the record proves fully engaging and entertaining with its varied, unique arrangements and equally unique approaches to some very familiar lyrical topics.

Ala.ni’s sophomore album ACCA is one of this year’s most unique and original full-length studio recordings.  That is proven through the album’s unique musical arrangements and equally unique lyrical approaches to some very familiar topics.  That is proven through all three of the songs addressed here and the rest of the album’s entries.  Ala.ni and her fellow musicians and performers here have given audiences something that few if any other acts have done so far this year with this album in every aspect.  They have succeeded in the process.  To that end, they have crafted a work that is without argument, one of this year’s top new albums overall.  More information on ACCA is available online along with all of Ala.ni’s latest news at:

 

 

 

Website: http://alaniofficial.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alaniofficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/alaniofficial

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Ala.ni Announces Sophomore Album Is Coming; Debuts Videos For Two Of Album’s Songs

Courtesy: Missing Piece Group

Ala.ni announced this week she will release her sophomore album ACCA next year.

In anticipation of the album’s coming release, Ala.ni debuted the videos for two of the album’s singles — ‘Differently‘ and ‘Sha La La‘ — this week.  The songs present a much more pop-oriented sound than the jazz-tinged sounds of her 2017 debut album You & I.

According to information in a news release announcing the coming album, ACCA is largely an a capella presentation with minimal instrumentation in each song.  Rocker Iggy Pop and rapper/actor Lakeith Stanfield make appearances on the album, according to the document.

The full track listing for ACCA is noted below. Pre-orders are open now.

Tracklisting:

1. Differently

2. Le Diplomate (ft. Iggy Pop)

3. Hide

4. Papa

5. Sha La La

6. Bitch

7. All The Things

8. Van P (ft. Lakeith Stanfield)

9. Wales

10. In The Land

11. Away Go

More information on ACCA is available online now along with all of Ala.ni’s latest news and more at:

 

Website: http://alaniofficial.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alaniofficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/alaniofficial

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

RATM’s Second Coming Will Hopefully Continue In The Coming Years

Courtesy: Fantasy Records

The end is near!  The end of the year that is.  The end of 2017 is only 48 hours away at the time of this post.  With time quickly ticking away, there is still a lot of work for this critic to do with year-ender lists.  Considering this, we’ll get right into it with one last list for the year’s new albums in the form of the year’s top new albums overall.  This list was perhaps the most difficult of all for this critic to assemble.  That is because of the amount of top quality material released across the musical universe this year.  From punk to pop to jazz, world, rock and more, there were a lot of great records released over the past year.  Keeping this in mind, coming up with this was no easy chore, to say the least.  It was finally accomplished, though, and includes titles from the worlds of rocks, jazz, country and even world music.

Leading off this year’s best new album — in this critic’s ears and mind — is Ala.Ni’s debut album You & I.  This record is a beautiful work that despite being marketed as jazz, could just as easily fit into any adult contemporary pop radio station’s rotation.  Also included in this year’s finale are new releases from country music superstar Chris Stapleton, New Orleans-based singer/songwriter Marc Broussard, emo-punk band Young Fox’s new album and much more.

As with every previous list, this list features this critic’s Top 10 choices as well as five additional honorable mention titles for a total of 15 titles.  Without any further ado, here for you is Phil’s Picks 2017 Top 10 New Albums.

PHIL’S PICKS 2017 TOP 10 NEW ALBUMS

1. Prophets of Rage — Prophets of Rage
2. Ala.Ni — You & I
3. Jazzmeia Horn — A Social Call
4. Diana Panton — Solstice/Equinox
5. Fer Isella — Art of the Possible
6. Nova Collective — The Further Side
7. Scale The Summit — In A World of Fear
8. Mike Mangioni & The Kin — But I’ve Seen The Stars
9. John 5 & The Creatures — Season of the Witch
10. Dishwalla — Juniper Road
11. Project 86 — Sheep Among Wolves
12. Chris Stapleton — From A Room Vol. 2
13. Young Fox — Sky Beats Gold
14. Gary Numan — Savage (Songs From A Broken World)
15. Marc Broussard — Easy To Love

That’s it, folks.  As noted, this was not an easy list to assemble by any means.  Trying to determine which albums likely would have a certain amount of longevity through through musical and lyrical messages was a tough task.  One cannot ignore the fact that what with the nation’s current political climate, the second coming of Rage Against The Machine was one of this year’s most important and standout efforts.  In the same breath, the gentility and beauty offered by Ala.Ni, Jazzmeia Horn and Diana Panton makes their albums certain to stay in peoples’ minds and ears.  Fer Isella’s new album, while instrumental is like the soundtrack to any major Hollywood drama such as Bridges of Madison County and other similar movies.

The jazz fusion feel of Nova Collective’s debut record and the prog rock of Scale The Summit’s latest record stand out just as much.  Mike Mangioni & The Kin may stay under the radar, but that’s just fine with this critic.  The group’s new album is a great independent offering.  Dishwalla’s new album is a wonderful return for the band while John 5 & the Creatures’ new album is yet another example of how truly talented the guitarist truly is and that he made the right decision leaving Marilyn Manson’s band.

It is easy to go on and on about every album noted here.  Regardless of the band’s fame, the fact of the matter stands that each album listed here is one that this critic feels is impacting and important for the given act and for the music community in whole.  That being the case, this list stands as this critic’s best new albums of 2017.  Now with all of the music stuff out of the way, it’s on to a handful of DVD/BD titles including best new box sets for families and for grown-ups, best new DVDs/BDs for families, and even best new documentaries.  So stay tuned for all of that!

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Ala.Ni’s Debut LP Proves To Be A Solid Offering On Phil’s Picks’ 2017 Top 10 New Jazz & Blues Albums List

Courtesy: Missing Piece Records

2017 has been a good year fans of jazz and the blues.  From more established acts such as Diana Krall, Charlie Watts, Trombone Shorty and Diana Panton to new yet equally promising acts such as Ala.Ni, Nova Collective and others, both genres, which despite their musical differences are still related to one another, have turned out a mass of enjoyable (and in some cases surprisingly) impressive albums.  Ala.Ni’s debut album You & I is one of those surprising releases.  It also tops this critic’s list of the year’s top new Jazz & Blues albums.  Also on this year’s list is Argentine musician Fer Isella’s latest LP The Art of The Possible, new offerings from Putumayo and Music Action Ensemble’s new album Foundation among others.

This year was not an easy one to choose top records.  Charlie Watts, who is known just as much for his jazz work as for his work with his band mates in The Rolling Stones, released quite the impressive new offering this year in Charlie Watts Meets The Danish Radio Big Band. Taj Mahal and Keb Mo partnered for the simply titled TajMo.  Even veteran blues man John Mayall is still going strong.  He released his new album Talk About That this year, too.  Back on the jazz side, Charles Lloyd and his new group of fellow musicians released their own standout offering in the form of Passin’ Thru.  Even here, there is so much to say.  Simply put, coming up with a final list for this year’s new jazz and blues albums was not easy because of the level of talent exhibited across the board.  So no dishonor was meant to any act on this year’s list.   

As is the case with each Phil’s Picks list, this list features the Top 10 Albums on the list and five additional honorable mention titles.  Enough rambling.  Without any further ado, here for you is Phil’s Picks’ 2017 Top 10 New Jazz & Blues Albums.

PHIL’S PICKS 2017 TOP 10 NEW JAZZ & BLUES ALBUMS

1. Ala.Ni — You & I
2. Jazzmeia Horn — A Social Call
3. Diana Panton — Solstice/Equinox
4. Charlie Watts — Charlie Watts Meets The Danish Radio Big Band
5. Taj Mahal & Keb Mo — TajMo
6. Charles Lloyd New Quartet — Passin’ Thru
7. Diana Krall — Turn Up The Quiet
8. Charnett Moffett — Music From Our Soul
9. Fer Isella — The Art of the Possible
10. Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band — Lay It On Down
11. Courtney Pine — Black Notes From The Deep
12. Trombone Shorty — Parking Lot Symphony
13. Music Action Ensemble — Foundation
14. John Mayall — Talk About That
15. Jimmy Greene — Flowers: Beautiful Life, Vol. 2

Again, this was NOT an easy list to assemble.  This critic still feels rough coming to terms with the list.  That is because so many great jazz and blues records were released this year including new material from Elvin Bishop and so many others.  Even with that in mind, the list noted here is this critic’s final choice for this year’s top new jazz and blues albums.  Now with this list completed, there is still plenty more to go including the year’s top new Rap/Hip-hop albums, reggae albums, rock and hard rock albums as well as the year’s top albums overall.  There are also a bunch of categories for DVDs and Blu-rays including box sets for families and for older audiences, new live DVDs and Blu-rays, etc.  So stay tuned!

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V Magazine Premieres Ala.Ni’s New ‘Circle’ Video

Courtesy: Missing Piece Records

Ala.Ni is giving audiences yet another taste of her debut album You & I.

V Magazine unveiled the brand new video for her latest single ‘Circle,’ Wednesday.  The song is take from her new album.  The video, shot partly in black and white, takes audiences into the serenity of a quiet forest setting as Ala.Ni performs her new equally calming single.

Along with the video, an interview with Ala.Ni is also presented at V Magazine’s website.  She discusses a variety of subjects during the interview including the inspiration for ‘Circle,’ its companion video, her dream collaborations, what interested her in music and more.

‘Circle’ is just the latest taste of You & I that has been presented to Ala.Ni’s fans. The album premiered in its entirety on National Public Radio’s First Listen series ahead of its release this summer.  The organization premiered her intimate Tiny Desk concert last week, which featured guitarist Marvin Dolly accompanying her on his birthday no less. 

The organization also recently featured on its World Café program, a live performance from Ala.Ni recorded at the 2017 NonCOMM Convention at WXPN in Philadelphia. That performance was also accompanied by its own interview with Ala.Ni by World Café host David Dyer.

As if all of that is not enough, Ala.Ni also recently appeared on BBC Two’s Later…with Jools Holland to perform ‘Cherry Blossom,’ yet another song included in You & I.

Ala.Ni will embark on her first North American tour in October alongside Son Little beginning Oct. 18 in Asbury Park, N.J. in support of You & I.  The tour is currently scheduled to run through Oct. 27 and includes dates in Asheville, North Carolina; Cambridge, Massachusetts; Pawling, New York and a handful of other cities.  The tour’s current schedule is noted below.

Tour Dates with Son Little:

 

10/18: Asbury Park, NJ – Wonder Bar

10/19: Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg

10/20: Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theater

10/21: Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair

10/22: Pawling, NY – Daryl’s House Club

10/24: Annapolis, MD – Rams Head on Stage

10/25: Vienna, VA – The Barn at Wolf Trap

10/26: Asheville, NC – The Mothlight

10/27: Atlanta, GA – Smith’s Olde Bar

You & I is available now in stores and online.  More information on You & I is available online now along with all of Ala.Ni’s latest news and more at:

 

 

 

Website: http://ala.ni

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alaniofficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/alaniofficial

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.