My first impression of John Phelps’ self-titled EP John was the lead single “Streetlights,” which features a super catchy beat and a danceable chorus hook. An artsy and aesthetic video that Phelps directed accompanies the single. During a brief chat with him, he revealed that with this project, he took some liberties with the mix […]
There are few keyboard players and pianists in Rhode Island who have the stylistic breadth and musical depth of local musician Jhony Keys. He’s played in a wide range of ensembles from reggae and funk bands to jazz trios and leading gospel choirs, and Jhony approaches every gig with a steadfast dedication to the music […]
As the first single following the 2016 release of her debut album Don’t Look Her in the Eye (which I heartily recommend), “The Wolf is Back” is a worthy introduction into this new era of Lauren King music. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been waiting with bated breath for her next single – but […]
A list of great musicians coming out of Woonsocket must include Jean (McKenna) O’Donnell. As the sister to the late fabulous internationally acclaimed pianist Dave McKenna, who had captured the jazz world and more, she had graciously accepted being a few paces in back of her gifted brother without any fanfare. Their mother was a […]
Grassroots activism can be a prime tool to help us rebuild our society the way it was meant to be: just, equitable, and inclusive. But if you’ve ever taken part in a rally — or any in-person action — you know the energy of the crowd can be sharp, and the mood can get pretty […]
Misster Dylan – DARK SIDE OF THE FORCE Just in time for perhaps the darkest time in recent memory, Misster Dylan, moniker of local songwriter Dylan Harley, is out with his debut record DARK SIDE OF THE FORCE. DSOTF is a sonically diverse, thematically ambitious record that wades straight into muck that seemingly no one […]
Okee dokee folks… I remember seeing a political cartoon from the 1860s showing Abraham Lincoln patching up the United States with Union Glue — a perfect visual analogy for what the country needed at the time. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have their own brand of Union Glue and are currently the ONLY hope for […]
Turn Up The Mains Let’s start this off with addressing the undecided voters in one of most divisive presidential elections ever. Four years of Trump, an epically mismanaged pandemic, and a knife stuck in the long festering wound of racial inequality and yet you are still undecided. Congratulations, you are the unicorn nobody thought could exist! Most […]
The first time I listened to Jelly Side Down’s debut, Had to Be There, my jaw dropped, and I distinctly remember pausing the song “Polaroids” to share it with my mom. The production quality and the layered harmonizing guitars in the mastered mix were immaculate (but I’ll talk more about that later). I’m convinced that […]
I am not easily swayed from my intentions or plans, but on a rare occasion even this bloody-minded writer can be put off course by something truly remarkable. Driving through East Greenwich on a bright fall afternoon, a live singing voice floated through the open car window that caused me to cancel my plans, park […]