REVIEWS

Marc Soucy’s “When I Take The Five” offers a captivating glimpse into the exploratory spirit of early 1980s jazz-rock fusion. Recorded live in 1983 with his trio Antartica—featuring Jeff Carano on bass and Ray Lavigne on drums—this performance stands out for its purity and spontaneity. Unlike many of Soucy’s later works that incorporate synthesizers and layered production, this piece relies solely on acoustic piano, delivering a raw and intimate listening experience.

The composition unfolds with a rhythmic vitality that reflects Soucy’s dual immersion in jazz and progressive rock during his formative years. His piano work is both agile and expressive, weaving intricate melodies that dance over the steady grooves laid down by Carano and Lavigne. The trio’s synergy is palpable, each musician responding to the others with a fluidity that suggests deep musical rapport.

What makes this track particularly noteworthy is its embodiment of a transitional moment in Soucy’s artistic journey. As he was delving into jazz piano studies while composing progressive rock, “When I Take The Five” emerges as a synthesis of these influences. The piece captures the essence of jazz fusion—a genre known for blending jazz harmony and improvisation with rock’s energy and rhythms. This live recording not only showcases the trio’s technical prowess but also their ability to convey emotion and narrative through instrumental music.

For listeners seeking an authentic slice of jazz-rock fusion history, “When I Take The Five” offers both a nostalgic journey and a timeless musical experience. It stands as a testament to Marc Soucy’s early explorations and the enduring appeal of genre-blending creativity.

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Calamity Jay’s A Hobo’s Hymn is a striking folk ballad that blends emotional depth with musical sophistication. The song delves into themes of freedom, self-discovery, and the solitude that comes with the open road, offering listeners a rich narrative that invites reflection. As the fifth single from their upcoming EP, the duo, Rahel Rosenwald and Jean-Claude Boyer (JayC), demonstrates their ability to craft songs that resonate on both an emotional and musical level.

From the very beginning, the song captures attention with a delicate interplay of acoustic guitar and mandolin. These instruments create a soft, intimate ambiance that perfectly complements Rahel’s evocative vocals. Her voice, described as having a “weathered sense of wisdom,” guides the listener through the song’s emotional landscape, rich in imagery and introspective thought. As the song progresses, additional harmonies and piano elevate the sound, building toward an emotional and powerful finale.

The lyrics of A Hobo’s Hymn reflect a deep exploration of the life of a wanderer, one who finds peace in nature rather than in material wealth. The song speaks to the transient beauty of freedom, with the lyrics capturing the internal journey of finding solace in the vastness of the world. This sense of liberation is poignantly contrasted with the inherent solitude of the wanderer’s life.

What sets this track apart is its seamless blend of traditional folk with modern sensibilities. Critics have praised the duo for their ability to infuse a timeless genre with a fresh perspective. The addition of male backing vocals adds further richness to the sound, enhancing the emotional resonance and contributing to the song’s reflective quality. Many have drawn comparisons to the work of folk icons like Townes Van Zandt and Gillian Welch.

What sets this track apart is its seamless blend of traditional folk with modern sensibilities. Critics have praised the duo for their ability to infuse a timeless genre with a fresh perspective. The addition of male backing vocals adds further richness to the sound, enhancing the emotional resonance and contributing to the song’s reflective quality. Many have drawn comparisons to the work of folk icons like Townes Van Zandt and Gillian Welch.

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From the opening bass riff, Steve Lieberman, the Gangsta Rabbi, sets a confrontational tone on “Skinheads in My Yard Oy Vey.” Clocking in at just over six minutes, the track blends raw punk energy with unexpected flourishes of experimental metal and his signature electric bass work.

Rather than relying solely on distortion, the song builds around Lieberman’s jagged bass lines and choppy guitar chords. When the flute cuts through the mix, it adds an eerie counterpoint, hinting at the artist’s willingness to push genre boundaries. This meeting of punk aggression and avant-garde instrumentation creates a feeling of controlled chaos.

Lyrically, the track confronts bigotry head-on. Steve Lieberman delivers verses with a gravelly shout that evokes both anger and dark humor. References to skinheads patrolling his neighborhood become a broader metaphor for the dangers of hate. Each shouted refrain lands like a challenge, refusing to let listeners stay comfortable.

Underneath the vocals, the drums maintain a relentless march. The snare and kick drum drive the momentum forward, while off-beat cymbal crashes keep listeners on edge. At times, the rhythm section pulls back, leaving space for the bass and guitar interplay to shine. These moments of restraint heighten the impact when the full band roars back in.

Produced and performed entirely by Lieberman himself, the track bears the marks of a true DIY ethos. It is a raw snapshot of underground resistance and personal defiance.

Ultimately, “Skinheads in My Yard Oy Vey” stands out as a bold statement. It challenges listeners with its abrasive energy and unconventional arrangements. For anyone seeking music that combines political urgency with inventive musicianship, this track delivers on both counts.

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Marc Soucy’s latest single, “Drifter in Paradise,” is the second release in his STIR series, Soundscapes Evoking Realities Only Imagined. Known for blending genres into immersive, narrative-driven instrumentals, Soucy brings a cinematic feel to this evocative new track. Rooted in the tone of a spaghetti western, the piece explores the journey of a cowboy in search of his own life. It remains unclear whether the figure is alive or not, introducing a subtle ambiguity that mirrors the emotional tension in the music itself.

Opening with gentle, glistening guitar work, the song sets a reflective mood. Bass arpeggios and ambient synth textures gradually build a layered atmosphere, offering a sense of motion while preserving stillness. The pacing is deliberate and restrained, allowing space between notes to resonate fully. A noticeable shift takes place two-thirds into the piece, where a moment of meditative quiet precedes a soft return to its main theme. The conclusion lands with a delicate diminuendo, adding emotional weight without overstating its message.

Marc Soucy’s diverse musical background includes classical training, jazz studies at Berklee, and over a decade of professional production work. His approach is guided by intuition and emotional storytelling more than strict genre conventions. He often notes that his music touches on jazz, classical, new age, and bluegrass, but ultimately aims to be its own thing entirely. Each track in the series is intended to stand apart, offering something distinctive.

“Drifter in Paradise” invites careful listening. It is subtle, emotionally open, and carefully crafted. For listeners seeking music that lingers long after it ends, this is a worthy addition to any playlist.

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Nadav Amir-Himmel’s “A Forgotten Sun” is a refined solo piano work that embraces subtlety over spectacle. Known for his short-form classical compositions, Amir-Himmel brings a delicate balance of technical precision and emotional sensitivity to this piece, using restraint as a defining strength.

The composition unfolds with a quiet confidence. Its harmonies are understated yet expressive, often hovering in modal ambiguity that allows emotional nuance without leaning into sentimentality. Melodic ideas appear briefly—more hinted at than developed—contributing to a feeling of introspection and temporal suspension.

Rhythmically, the piece resists momentum, instead adopting a flexible, breath-like phrasing that leaves space for reflection. Each note is given room to resonate, and the pauses between phrases become part of the texture. This pacing invites a more focused, intimate listening experience.

Amir-Himmel’s background in composition and performance is evident in the detail and clarity of the writing. The dynamics are subtle, the voicing precise, and the overall atmosphere is one of calm restraint. There’s a strong sense of control—not in the sense of holding back emotion, but in presenting it with care and clarity.

While the piece shares some tonal qualities with impressionist piano works, “A Forgotten Sun” avoids imitation. Its emotional content is genuine and personal, grounded in a minimalist aesthetic that values economy over excess.

Ultimately, this is music that invites stillness. It doesn’t aim to overwhelm but instead creates space—for reflection, for memory, and for quiet appreciation. In its simplicity, it reveals depth.

Jry H’s latest single, “Si Te Vas,” delves into the emotional complexities of heartbreak through a fusion of Latin pop and Afro House elements. The track opens with ambient synths that set a moody atmosphere, complemented by subtle club-inspired beats that maintain a steady rhythm throughout. This blend creates a soundscape that is both melancholic and danceable, reflecting the duality of sorrow and liberation.

The composition is marked by its minimalist approach, allowing each element to breathe. The rhythmic patterns are understated yet effective, providing a foundation that supports the emotional weight of the lyrics. The interplay between the electronic textures and Latin rhythms adds depth to the track, making it resonate on multiple levels.

Lyrically, “Si Te Vas” explores the theme of letting go, capturing the quiet intensity that follows the end of a relationship. Jry H’s vocals are delivered with a spectral softness, each word landing like a personal confession. This vulnerability is matched by the song’s production, which avoids overcomplication in favor of emotional clarity.

What sets “Si Te Vas” apart is its ability to balance emotional storytelling with modern production. It doesn’t seek pity but invites listeners to feel deeply and find strength in release. The track stands as a testament to Jry H’s skill in blending cultural rhythms with electronic depth, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary Latin music.

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Marc Soucy’s American Velocity is a thoughtful instrumental that blends classical, folk, and Americana to explore ideas of identity and progress. As part of his STIR series, the piece stands out for how it brings these styles together in a way that feels both personal and purposeful.

Right from the start, the track introduces bold orchestral elements paired with strong percussion. This opening sets a serious tone, like a scene unfolding in a film. There’s a sense of momentum and weight that signals something important is about to be told.

One notable aspect of Soucy’s approach is his commitment to organic production. He records and produces everything himself in his Boston studio, without relying on AI tools or pre-made loops. That choice gives the music a human feel, carefully crafted rather than assembled.

As the piece moves into its middle section, the energy softens. Here, the sound leans more into folk and bluegrass influences. Slower rhythms and gentle instrumentation invite a moment of pause, creating space for reflection within the larger structure of the track.

Eventually, the pace builds again. The final section blends past and present influences with a steady groove and brighter melodic lines. It closes the piece with a sense of forward motion, hopeful but grounded.

In the end, American Velocity speaks without lyrics, using sound alone to share a narrative about movement, memory, and progress. It’s a strong example of how instrumental music, when handled with care and vision, can still communicate something deeply human.

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“Bebopping Along,” the opening track of Phil Lentz’s Phil Lentz Presents… Vol. II, bursts forth with an infectious energy that immediately draws listeners into its vibrant jazz landscape. Clocking in at just 2 minutes and 24 seconds, the piece is a concise yet exhilarating homage to the bebop tradition, showcasing Lentz’s prowess as a composer and pianist.

Richard Philbin’s alto saxophone leads the charge, delivering a series of intricate, soulful melodies that dance effortlessly over Lentz’s nimble piano lines. The interplay between saxophone and piano creates a dynamic conversation, each instrument responding to the other with spontaneity and flair. This musical dialogue is anchored by the tight rhythm section of Wolfgang Lugomarsini on bass and Dave Young on drums, whose grooves provide a solid foundation without overshadowing the lead instruments.

The composition’s structure allows each musician to shine, with moments where the saxophone takes center stage, weaving complex phrases, and others where the piano’s playful runs add a layer of lightness and charm. The rhythm section’s subtle yet effective support ensures the piece maintains momentum, driving forward with a sense of purpose and cohesion.

“Bebopping Along” encapsulates the essence of bebop—its complexity, its improvisational spirit, and its unbridled joy. Lentz and his ensemble pay tribute to the genre’s rich history while infusing it with their unique voice, resulting in a track that feels both timeless and fresh. It’s a compelling introduction to the album, setting the tone for the musical journey that follows.

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In “The Walls Have Ears,” Arvie offers a pop/indie single that carries quiet weight. Built around a restrained yet emotionally aware sound, the track explores a theme many will recognize: the difficult choice between speaking openly about mental struggles or staying silent.

The music itself mirrors this internal tension. A chilled, reflective tone sets the foundation, but it’s given just enough lift through subtle shifts in instrumentation. The standout guitar solo near the midpoint doesn’t feel out of place—it acts as a release valve, adding a moment of intensity to an otherwise steady composition. It’s a smart move that keeps the track from fading into the background.

Lyrically, Arvie captures the unease of vulnerability with lines like “The walls have ears, so be careful what you say” and “Don’t even dare to put yourself on display.” These words underline the song’s core message—how fear of judgment or exposure can keep people from opening up. Instead of approaching the topic with heavy-handed emotion, the track lets the lyrics speak with a quiet urgency that feels authentic.

What makes the song compelling is its sense of balance. Inspired in part by Suzanne Young’s novel The Program, the lyrics don’t over-explain or dramatize; they trust the listener to connect the dots. This subtlety, paired with polished but heartfelt production, gives “The Walls Have Ears” a personal, lingering impact.

Now streaming on Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, Arvie’s latest release proves that intimacy and restraint can be just as powerful as volume.

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Prem Byrne’s single Just a Mirror offers a gentle yet powerful message about self-worth and the meaning of beauty. With a warm, adult contemporary sound and thoughtful lyrics co-written by Rhonda Gessow, the song invites listeners, particularly women, to reflect on the idea that beauty isn’t limited to what the mirror reflects. Instead, it lies in character, compassion, and authenticity. Byrne and Gessow’s collaboration came together naturally: Gessow had the words, and Byrne had the music. Their shared vision resulted in a track that is both musically rich and emotionally resonant.

The instrumentation is smooth and understated, with subtle grooves that give the song an easy, flowing rhythm. Soft percussion, mellow piano chords, and layered harmonies create a comforting atmosphere that supports the message without overwhelming it. Byrne’s vocals are clear and expressive, conveying both strength and vulnerability—qualities that enhance the song’s emotional impact. The production avoids excessive embellishment, allowing the lyrics to shine through.

What sets Just a Mirror apart is its sincere intent. The lyrics speak directly to women, reminding them that their value isn’t defined by appearance. In an age of constant visual comparison, this message is both timely and necessary. Gessow’s lyrical craftsmanship and Byrne’s intuitive musical interpretation make this a standout piece of work.

Overall, Just a Mirror is not just a pleasant listening experience—it’s also a meaningful one. The track encourages self-compassion and challenges superficial standards, delivering a message that feels honest, necessary, and beautifully executed. It’s available now on all major streaming platforms.

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