Monday, December 31, 2018

Steve Hackett – At the Edge of Light - Album Review



By: Stewart Brennan ~ World United Music ~

“At the Edge of Light” is a new ten track album by Steve Hackett which covers a wide variety of genres and sounds in a progressive experimental matrix.

The album projects, at its core, a concept of morality that is, in my opinion, an awakening of sorts that clearly sees that mankind has strayed from the path in the forest of life to a point where there is darkness surrounding us; while also seeing the light ahead on a path we should be travelling.

The titles of the album’s 10 tracks lend us the intuition of what to expect from this record; from fallen walls of ancient empires to the beasts in our time, to the conflicts within, resolution and peace.

ALBUM: At The Edge Of Light (54:25)

TRACKS
1. Fallen Walls And Pedestals (02:16)
2. Beasts In Our Time (06:21)
3. Under The Eye Of The Sun (07:07)
4. Underground Railroad (06:23)
5. Those Golden Wings (11:20)
6. Shadow And Flame (04:24)
7. Hungry Years (04:34)
8. Descent (04:21)
9. Conflict (02:37)
10. Peace (05:02)

(Album released by record label “Inside Out Music” January 25th, 2019) - Order Album at this link

The music is consciously expressive of the World around us, past and present and comes after months of touring on top of Steve Hackett’s last two albums “Wolflight” (March 27th, 2015) and “The Night Siren” (March 24th, 2017), Two great albums in their own right that also play a part in 2019’s “at the Edge of Light”.

“At the Edge of Light” is just what it implies…it gives the impression of humanity existing at the edge of twilight, racing to catch up with the sun, to shed the cloak of darkness that is quickly consuming the world…while at the same time revealing that there is hope and peace if together, we choose it make it happen.

And so, in this context, here is my review and perception of the 10 tracks on “At the Edge of Light”.

10 Tracks:

01 – Fallen Walls and Pedestals

“At the Edge of Light” continues where the “Night Siren” left off and opens with the sounds of the “Tar”, a Persian instrument shared by many cultures in the Middle East and Caucasus region. The instrument is fitting to express almost empathically the ancient and current conflicts in the cradle of humanity.

The song then moves quickly to thundering drums projecting a storm that leads into an orchestral story of conflict and despair depicted by the brilliant lead guitar expressions of Steve Hackett.

“Fallen Walls and Pedestals” conjures up thoughts and feelings of the dark place the world is in today but also the enormity and the tininess of an ancient fallen empire, both empathically projected through the guitar playing of Steve Hackett.


02 – Beasts in Our Time

“Beasts in Our Time” is a continuation of the first track, “Fallen Walls and Pedestals”, that expresses musically, the ills and evils of our times. It begins with orchestral notes of melancholy that intertwine with expressive lyrics, into an amazing sax solo including Steve Hackett’s stunning guitar work which then breathes life into every turn of the song along with an expressive orchestration. Also, of note is the impeccable drumming, and base playing that carries the flow and tight delivery of a supporting cast that makes this one of the best Progressive Rock songs of the year.

Official Song Stream: Beasts in Our Time



03 – Under the Eye of the Sun

“Under the Eye of the Sun” emerges out from under the blanket of darkness that pervades our world, to bring forth the light of hope in an upbeat, lively and positive musical spirit, that invigorates an empathic reach for the stars…

Steve Hackett reminds us that its not too late to change our fate and that we can vanquish the darkness that covers the Earth if we decide to do it. Such is the power we have within us, one which can also be found all around us in nature.

The song is a choir of upbeat sounds carried by brilliant drumming, vocals and guitar work that shapes the song into a euphoric expression…the music then slows to capture the awe and amazement felt when standing before a cathedral of natural history with the didgeridoo and viola shaping a humble acknowledgement to the waves of truth calling from ancient times. I find the song uplifting and reverent to the soul.

Official Song Stream: Under the Eye of the Sun


04 – Underground Railroad

“Underground Railroad” is truly a fitting song to follow “Under the Eye of the Sun” in that it presents hope for a better world as historically, the “Underground Railroad” was a ray of hope for many, and a lifeline away from the barbaric world of slavery.

The harmonica and dobro guitar at the beginning of the song brings to mind a train whistle and several people hiding in the shade, from the heat of the sun, with elevated levels of adrenalin pumping through them in anticipation of escaping their bondage.

The unmistakable gospel voices of Durga & Lorelei McBroom soon kick in to give the song a real taste of hope and freedom and then moves on to tell its story with a far-off approaching dobro guitar and lyrics that capture the moment…and then just as quickly, the song takes off with a drum kick and dobro buildup that moves into a sophisticated progressive rock collage that musically describes the conflict and struggle people endured. All of which is brilliantly portrayed by the captivating guitar playing of Steve Hackett. The song then concludes with moments of jubilation by choir like vocals and guitar work to then fade to the train simulating dobro guitar, carrying an eerie reminder that the struggle carries on…a brilliant expression in every way.

Official Song Stream: Underground Railroad


05 – Those Golden Wings

“Those Golden Wings” opens with a symphonic portrayal of heaven, as if standing before the creator with a lifetime on display in all its fullness, value and merit…the song moves effortlessly to an acoustic tale with meaningful lyrics that builds into an orchestral accounting with a telling and memorable chorus. The story then continues through Steve Hackett’s captivating lead guitar that expresses the emotional peaks and valley’s in the complicated turns of ones lifetime. Together, they combine with the magical elements of cinematic surround and operatic choir to encompass an expression of a full life lived and on display as part of a greater realm.

I love this song as it blends Classical elements, operatic highs, captivating symphonic expressions, alluring lyrics and Steve Hackett’s brilliant signature lead guitar to build an unbelievably great progressive rock tune. This is classic progressive rock at its finest.


06 – Shadow and Flame

The song “Shadow and Flame” opens with a ping, an Indian sitar and drum with vocals that vibrate an aura of the ancient past, as if part of the old silk road comes back to life from its death to teach us that the answers to the future lay in understanding the past.

The song then moves forward, carried by brilliant drumming that easily shifts a changing tempo with a sitar that is expressive as though telling a story through its notes and vibrations…and always the symphonic surround sounds that emulate concern and immediacy. There are also points within the song that connect to “In the Skeleton Gallery” from “The Night Siren” which then evolves into the sophisticated array of Roger Kings keys and Steve Hackett’s guitar as they weave in and out of each other to the songs end. An amazing tale told through music.


07 – Hungry Years

“Hungry Years” is an upbeat popish tune that at times reminds me of “The Seekers” - “I’ll Never Find Another You” and at other times reminds me of Mike Oldfield’s “Moonlight Shadow”, but it goes where those songs could not. (For all you old school DJ’s out there, that’s a hint 😉)

Wonderful harmonies with a walk down memory lane and a genius solo on lead guitar. Who say’s Steve Hackett can’t do pop?


08, 09, 10 – Descent, Conflict, Peace

The final 3 songs on the album “Descent, “Conflict” and “Peace” can be viewed as three parts of one song that takes us through to the album’s conclusion.

“The Descent” is a dark orchestral march and cinematic descent into the shadows preparing to face the maw of darkness that is eating up all life and spiritual connection to this planet.


 “Conflict” – is coming face to face with the darkness in a determined battle. Engaging orchestral and cinematic soundscapes with an empathic lead guitar emulating the fight for survival and battle to victory.


“Peace” begins with simple piano and vocals to express the end of conflict, the peaceful silence that comes after victory…a victory achieved by our unity to confront the darkness.

In the song, Steve Hackett leaves me with these final thoughts; Trust in your intuition that love always conquers. Face your fears for it is half the battle, as the darkness will dissipate upon your awakening to reveal that the sun does indeed come up the next day and that thinking with your heart is truly the way forward.

A magnificent end to a brilliant album.


Conclusion:

“At the Edge of Light” by Steve Hackett is both an intellectually and spiritually crafted masterpiece of expression told through the empathic vines of music and lyric.”

In my opinion, the album is one of his best if not the best album that Steve Hackett has produced so far, during his solo career.

Some of Steve Hackett’s previous albums such as “Wild Orchids”, “Wolflight” and “The Night Siren” place well on my favourites list, but “At the Edge of Light” for me, tops them all for its well rounded and awakened concept in trying to make the world a better place.

“At the Edge of Light” receives two thumbs up from this old DJ. “A Fantastic album!”

Steve Hackett: At the Edge of Light (Interview)


Album Line-Up:
Steve Hackett – electric & acoustic guitars, 12
strings, dobro, bass, harmonica, vocals
Gulli Briem – drums, percussion
Dick Driver – double bass
Benedict Fenner – keyboards & programming
John Hackett – flute
Roger King – keyboards, programming &
orchestral arrangements
Amanda Lehmann – vocals
Durga McBroom – vocals
Lorelei McBroom – vocals
Malik Mansurov – tar
Sheema Mukherjee – sitar
Gary O’Toole – drums
Simon Phillips – drums
Jonas Reingold – bass
Paul Stillwell – didgeridoo
Christine Townsend – violin, viola
Rob Townsend – tenor sax, flute, duduk, bass
clarinet
Nick D’Virgilio – drums

Steve Hacket’s Official Links:


Wednesday, December 26, 2018

The Minstral Show – (Episode 062)




Welcome back to the only show that covers the best music being made today…and of course as always, we have Three great sets of music coming your way featuring, Dave Kerzner’s In Continuum with special guest Steve Hackett, followed by Marqui Adora, Rick Miller, Stephan Thelen, Agnes Obel, John Sokoloff, Amos Lee, Julian Lennon and John Fogerty.

Music that tells a story, opens the mind, and takes us to a better place…you’re in a room at the edge of the galaxy, so sit back, relax and cast off your burden for the real music of the 21st century…

Let my play for you, the songs of tomorrow,
while we dream of better days, in a World United by Music…

The Minstral Show Episode 62
SONGS:

SET: 01
In Continuum – Crash Landing – Featuring Steve Hackett
Marqui Adora – White Buildings
Rick Miller – Heaven in Your Eyes

SET: 02
Stephan Thelen – Road Movie
Agnes Obel – Red Virgin Soil
John Sokoloff – Waltz for Anastasia

SET: 03
Amos Lee – What’s Going On
Julian Lennon – Someday – Featuring Steven Tyler
John Fogerty – Don’t You Wish it Was True


 ALSO:

Be sure to support the artists by going to their official websites, buying their music and joining their email platforms. (See Artist Links below.)

ARTIST LINKS:


Special thanks toSouthbound Snake Charmers & John Palmer for their music contribution to this program.

Program Intro Song:
3rd set Intro


The World United Music Podcast was carried on 11 different platforms including Anchor FM, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Radio Public, Castbox, Breaker, Google Podcasts, Overcast, PodBean and of course on our World United Music Blog. You can still find the show on Breaker & PodBean linked below. Hey, “Catch the Wave!”



Catch the Wave!

Saturday, December 15, 2018

The Minstral Show – (Episode 061)




Welcome to Episode 61 of the Minstral Show!

Greetings from the rock club at the end of the universe, your place to get away from it all, if only for an hour… it’s all good. Today’s lineup features Kikagaku Moyo, Kevin Morby, Lunatic Soul, Darrel Treece-Birch, Sonic Elements, Lonely Robot, Okay Mann, The Fixators and Fernando Perdomo to round out a wide variety of great music being made and covered today in this, the 21st century.

A program note, to let you know about a few changes to this podcast…

Going forward, there’ll be a slight change to the shows format where I’ll play 3 sets of music after a short intro and then close the show with a last thought.

…and as you’ll notice, I now have an awesome intro song to open the show called “Cut My Time” by Australia’s Southbound Snake Charmers. So, a BIG thumbs up and thank you to the band for allowing me to use this awesome Rockin tune.

And so, welcome to a new episode of the Minstral Show where I share 3 new sets of music, to shield you from the drain of another crazy week of life on this mad house planet of ours…hey, music is the best way to escape the noise coming at you from all the front lines of political insanity…so tune in, turn off the noisy world, and enjoy the waves…on the Minstral Show.

The Minstral Show – (Episode 061)
SONGS:

SET 01
Kikagaku Moyo – Gatherings
Kevin Morby – Harlem River – (after hours dub)
Lunatic Soul – Anymore


SET 02
Darrel Treece-Birch – The Stand
Sonic Elements – Machine Messiah (YES cover)
Lonely Robot – Sigma


SET 03
Okay Mann – It Won’t Be Long
The Fixators – Wide Awake
Fernando Perdomo – Find Love


ALSO:

Be sure to support the artists by going to their official websites, buying their music and joining their email platforms. (See Artist Links below.)

ARTIST LINKS:



The World United Music Podcast was carried on 11 different platforms including Anchor FM, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Radio Public, Castbox, Breaker, Google Podcasts, Overcast, PodBean and of course on our World United Music Blog. You can still find the show on Breaker & PodBean linked below. Hey, “Catch the Wave!”



Catch the Wave!

Sunday, November 25, 2018

The Minstral Show – (Episode 060)


The choices we make in life stay with us from beginning to end and even though we make errors on our way, we do eventually learn from them and move on.

Each one of us, when born, begins a path that zig zags through the forest of life. The forest presents us with many paths and lessons from the choices we make which provide us with a glimpse and understanding of why we are here. Those lessons often turn into art through poetry, paintings, sculptures and of course Music. Todays episode contains some of those expressions through the music of Julian Lennon, Sonic Elements, Damh the Bard, Amarante, Dave Kerzner, House of Not, Agnes Obel, Fabio Brunelli and Mountain Heart.

More than just a podcast, World United Music has emerged to bring you the best music being made in the 21st century by signed, unsigned and Independent artists.

To all the Artists, be sure to share the podcast episode with your network as it helps bring attention not only to your work but to the work of others as well. That's what the “World United Music” project is all about, bringing attention to all the artists who make great music.

SET: 01


Julian Lennon opens the first set with “In Between” taken from his soul stirring 2013 album “Everything Changes”. The song is about moments of personal clarity and evolution…the “In Between” moments when life washes over us…it’s a song of attestation with a message… and advice, all in one…a great tune by Julian Lennon.

Next up is a brilliant 3 song collage / tribute to “YES” with “Your Move”, “And You and I”, and “Wonderful Stories” taken from a 2018 collaborative artist album by Sonic Elements called “Yesterday and Today” It’s a wonderful celebration of the bands 50th anniversary.

The album was put together by Multiple generations of artists that joined together with current and former members of “YES” to recreate classic songs from the different eras of the band, going all the way back to their very first album entitled "Yes".

The featured artists on today’s 3 song cover, are Jon Davison, Sally Minnear, Dave Bainbridge, Johnny Bruhns, Fernando Perdomo, Dave Kerzner and Robin Schell.

Just one of the many awesome tracks found on this amazing album.

Damh the Bard closes the set with “Under a Beltane Sun” taken from his 2012 album “Antlered Crown and Standing Stone”.

A fitting song and wonderful story to end this exceptional set of music

This song speaks to the soul with a wish to return to more peaceful communal times, a song that you just might find yourself singing along to, “Under a Beltane Sun”.


And so, In Between, its your move where You and I can listen to wonderful stories under a Beltane sun, a set of music, only heard here, on the Minstral show.

SET: 02


Amarante opens our second set with their 2018 cover of Lord Huron’s song, “Meet Me in the Woods”. … this is an excellent cover and would make an excellent movie track in my opinion, it’s that good. I’m subscribed to Amarante’s youtube channel which of course is where I first heard this song, where they made a great video of the tune, so when you get a chance, please do check it out.

Sometimes the stories we hear are a warning that are as dark as a brothers grim tale, so listen to the lyrics and take heed, don’t F with forces you cannot see for in the darkness you may be…Amarante

Dave Kerzner follows with “The Lie” taken from his 2015 Deluxe version of “New World”…one of 23 songs on what is Quite simply, the very best album of 2015.

The song lyrics get right to the point…

Be careful of the lies you make for
Someday you will slip up and be shown
Beside the guilt you own – Dave Kerzner.

“House of Not” follow with “Key of G” taken from their 2012 album “On the Madness of Crowds”. “House of Not” is a Progressive Rock Band from Toronto Ontario Canada that delivers a unique story through a of 5 part Rock Odyssey spread out across 5 albums…

In the lyrics of “Key of G” the artists asks…

"Hey Son, do you know where you come from,
and where you will go? And where you will go?
Tell me of the things that block your way...
Could it be the face you saw in the mirror just the other day?
How far must we look for who's to blame?
And is it how we're different or how we're so much the same?"

lots of good music to listen too when you check them out.


And so, the lessons of life shall be revealed when you “Meet me in the Woods” where we will expose “The Lie” in the key of “G” and find the truth, on the Minstral Show.

SET: 03


Agnes Obel opens the final set with Stretch Your Eyes” taken from her 2016 album “Citizen of Glass”.

The 10 song album is darkly poetic with a pleasantly infectious ambiance that defies genra description…the tones and movement in her music are quite captivating… so, “Stretch Your Eyes” and have a listen.

From Modina Italy, Fabio Brunelli follows with “Mosquito” taken from his Volume III album from 2013.

Influenced by some of the great progressive rock bands of the 70’s such as Genesis, Pink Floyd, ELP, King Crimson and Gentle Giant, Fabio Brunelli treats us to his unique style of music that delves into those past influences with his own formula that captures a path on the road within the forest. “Mosquito”.

Mountain Heart closes the set with their 2009 live cover version of the Allman Brothers “Whipping Post”…I have to say, If you haven’t heard this version yet, get ready to be blown away because this brilliant cover is going to grab your ears turn your head and speak to your musical soul…I can’t think of a better cover for this classic song and that’s saying a lot…this is pure music passion and craftsmanship with a 10 on 10 for entertainment…the very best, and a fitting song to end this weeks episode.

Be sure to support the artists by going to their official websites, buying their music and joining their email platforms. Details are in the episode description.

And so, Agnes Obel, Fabio Brunelli and Mountain Heart are in que, for you, on the Minstral Show. Have a great week everybody!

The Minstral Show – (Episode 060)
SONGS:

SET 01
Julian Lennon – In Between
Sonic Elements – Your Move, And You & I, Wonderful Stories (YES Cover)
Damh the Bard – Under a Beltane Sun

SET 02
Amarante – Meet Me in the Woods (Lord Huron Cover)
Dave Kerzner – The Lie
House of Not – Key of G

SET 03
Agnes Obel – Stretch Your Eyes
Fabio Brunelli – Mosquito
Mountain Heart – Whipping Post (Allman Brothers Cover)



ALSO:

Be sure to support the artists by going to their official websites, buying their music and joining their email platforms. (See Artist links below.)

ARTIST LINKS:


The World United Music Podcast is now carried on 11 different platforms including Anchor FM, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Radio Public, Castbox, Breaker, Google Podcasts, Overcast, PodBean and of course on our World United Music Blog. New shows are uploaded on Sunday’s but you can also stream past shows any time you like. Hey, “Catch the Wave!”



Catch the Wave!

Sunday, October 28, 2018

The Minstral Show – (Episode 059)




Three great sets of music coming up on the 59th episode of Minstral show featuring; The Perfects, Whispering Sons, Everything Fades, Blkk Bones, The Steams, Dave Kerzner, Galahad, Yuki Murata, Kikagaku Moyo and Chris de Burgh.

More than just a podcast, World United Music has emerged to bring you the best music being made in the 21st century by signed, unsigned and Independent artists.

To all the Artists, be sure to share the podcast episode with your network as it helps bring attention not only to your work but to the work of others as well. That's what the “World United Music” project is all about, bringing attention to all the artists who make great music.

SET: 01


“The Perfects” start off the first set with “Come Down” taken from their 2011 album “Many Nights”. For those that love the New Wave sounds of the 80’s such as “The Cure”, and “The Fixx”, “The Perfects” will certainly resonate like a time machine visit to the past. Great song and music by Ric Peters.

From Brussels Belgium “Whispering Sons” follow with “Alone” taken from their Oct 2018 album “Image”. “Alone” is a new wave / dark wave tune that tackles “Alienation” in our insane world with sounds that also remind of the “Cure”. “Whispering Sons”.

Austin Texas band, “Everything Fades” follows with “Here’s to a New Tomorrow” taken from their 2015 self titled EP “Everything Fades”. The song is New wave that has a dark wave edge and dream pop ambience. Love the blend of sounds in this one by “Everything Fades”

Closing the set is Montreal Artist Chris Daigle otherwise known as “Black Bones” with “Gateway & Sakkara” taken from his 2018 EP “Harmonia”. This is exceptional ambient electronic music that reminds of the emotional soundscapes of Tangerine Dream…very reflective music with an ambience of mystery.


And so, as you “Come Down” you are “Alone” with a message “Here’s to a New Tomorrow” through the “Gateway” of “Sakkara” a set of music found only on the Minstral Show.

SET: 02


From Athens Greece, “The Steams” start the second set with “Black Sand” taken from their March 2018 album “Wild Ferment”

“Black Sand” is a dark progressive rock tune with hypnotic sounds that tell a story from the other side of consciousness.  Great inspirational music for artists in the creative zone. “The Steams”

Dave Kerzner from Miami Florida follows with 2 songs, “Reflection” and “Under Control” taken from his 2015 extended version of “New World” a brilliantly engineered album in music and lyric that became an instant favourite of mine the moment I heard it. A must have album for all progressive rock fans.

Dave Kerzner is currently in the process of releasing his a new album called “Acceleration Theory” with his band “In Continuum”…from what I’ve seen and heard so far, it is going to be another exceptional album. Awesome music “In Continuum” from Dave Kerzner…looking forward to it.

Dorset UK band “Galahad” closes the set with “Empires Never Last” taken from their 2018 remixed / remastered 2015 album “Empires Never Last”. Truth in song that is very pertinent to our present times…Empires never last, they always crumble and fade…


And so, from the “Black Sand” comes “Reflection” that we are “Under Control” but take heart in the fact that “Empires Never Last” creatively passionate and truthful music, only the Minstral Show.

SET: 03


Yuki Murata from Tokyo Japan starts off the final set on today’s showcase with “Bird Sings a Lullaby” a single from her fourth coming album “Piano Fantasia” to be released on November 1st, 2018 on Tokyo based Ricco Label.

Yuki Murata’s gift, is like musical poetry for the ears, her music leaves a lasting impression in all its solitary reflection of life. I really enjoy the ambience and the place the song takes me and so I’m very happy to share this wonderful piano piece with you today.

Following “Yuki Murata” is Kikagaku Moyo, also from Tokyo Japan, with “Blanket Song” taken from their Oct 5th, 2018 release “Masana Temples”

“Blanket Song” is just that, a blanket of good feelings through a soft psych acoustic delivery with harmonies and hooks to keep you coming back. I love this group for its diversity in rock, Psychedelic rock and Progressive rock. Truly fine music by a wonderful group of artists.

Chris de Burgh closes today’s showcase with “Mirror of the Soul” taken from his 2006 album “The Storyteller”. Here’s another wonderful classic song by, Chris de Burgh; a song and story that brings to light, the age-old battle between good and evil and the places you least expect it to find it. A Beautifully crafted song, in both music and lyric…it’s safe to say that Chris de Burgh is truly the Story Teller of our time.

Be sure to support the artists by going to their official websites, buying their music and joining their email platforms. Details are in the episode description.

And so, when a “Bird Sings a Lullaby” it becomes a Blanket Song and Mirror of the Soul, on the Minstral Show. See you next week everybody.

The Minstral Show – (Episode 059)
SONGS:

SET 01
The Perfects – Come Down
Whispering Sons – Alone
Everything Fades – Here’s to a New Tomorrow
Blkk Bones – Gateway / Sakkara

SET 02
The Steams – Black Sand
Dave Kerzner – Reflection, Under Control
Galahad – Empires Never Last

SET 03
Yuki Murata – Bird Sings a Lullaby
Kikagaku Moyo – Blanket Song
Chris de Burgh – Mirror of the Soul

ALSO:

Be sure to support the artists by going to their official websites, buying their music and joining their email platforms. (See Details below.)

ARTIST LINKS:


The World United Music Podcast was carried on 11 different platforms including Anchor FM, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Radio Public, Castbox, Breaker, Google Podcasts, Overcast, PodBean and of course on our World United Music Blog. You can still find the show on Breaker & PodBean linked below. Hey, “Catch the Wave!”


Catch the Wave!

Sunday, October 7, 2018

The Minstral Show – (Episode 058)




Welcome to Episode 58 of the Minstral Show!

We have three very engaging sets of music on today’s program, that covers an array of genres for free thinking and progressive minds featuring; Sea Pinks, The People, Southbound Snake Charmers, La Resistance, Matthew Perryman Jones, Miss Mobile Home, Wobbler, Fables, Midday Veil and James Yuill.

More than just a podcast, World United Music has emerged to bring you the best music being made in the 21st century by signed, unsigned and Independent artists.

To all the Artists, be sure to share the podcast episode with your network as it helps bring attention not only to your work but to the work of others as well. That's what the “World United Music” project is all about, bringing attention to all the artists who make great music.

SET: 01


Starting off today’s show is Belfast Northern Ireland’s “Sea Pinks” with “I Don’t Feel Like Giving In” taken from their January 2016 album “Soft Days”.

A great album by the way that evolves in the progression of 80’s New Wave Pop with a few surprises. Band Members: Neil Brogan, Davey Agnew and Steven Henry, deliver attitude on Soft Days.

Following the Sea Pinks is US band “The People” with “Gone” a song taken from their self titled debut EP “The People”

“Gone” is a rockin blues tune with driving energy and attitude by Band members Steve Irribarra, Eric Ivener, Nick D'Itri and Chad Swanson. Good rockin sounds by The People.

Following The people is Australia’s “Southbound Snake Charmers” with “Moonshine Runners Blues” taken from their January 2016 - 5 song EP “Voodoo Chicken Shack”. Here’s an Infectious rockin’ Blues tune with attitude, packed with high energy that’ll certainly get your day moving. Lot’s of great music by this band on Bandcamp. So, go…check them out.

Closing the set is Birmingham Alabama Band “La Resistance” with “Head On”, a Jesus and Mary Chain cover to keep the energy flowing.

The song was released in 2011 on an EP of cover songs called “The Candidate” which consisted of 5 songs that influenced the band from the 80’s New Wave / Brit Pop era.

I Love the way Greg Summerlin, Randle Scruggs, Mischa Jordy and Wil Drake bang this one out…great solid rock n roll to close the set.


And so, the Sea Pinks, The People, Southbound Snake Charmers and La Resistance serve up energy, attitude and drive on The Minstral Show.

SET: 02


From Nashville Tennessee, Matthew Perryman Jones starts off the second set with “Happy” taken from his latest album “The Waking Hours” released in October 2018.

Matthew creates an ambiance of reflective thought through soul searching lyric and comforting tones to strike a common chord with the listener. The song asks us to look within and analyse why, when we have everything we need, why can’t we be happy…a powerful song by a great artist….Matthew Perryman Jones.

Following Matthew is Chris Stoddard and Samantha Ritter who are Miss Mobil Home, a Dream pop/shoegaze duo from New York, NY with their song “Fine Machine” taken from their June 2016 album “Glimmer Down”.

I find Dream Pop to be very soothing with a mysterious ambiance which puts me into a comforting reflective mood, made even more so by the poetic lyrics of this song. Very enjoyable music.

From Oslo Norway, Wobbler follows with “Foxlight” taken from their October 2017 album “From Silence to Somewhere”.

“Foxlight” captures the journey of the human spirit in isolation through the body’s physical death and the spirits resurrection in consciousness to embrace moments of clarity when the burdens and lies of empire are all purged from the mind…this is truly a masterpiece that reminds me of some of the best Progressive Rock Bands of the Late 60’s and early 70’s such as “YES” “Gentle Giant” “Genesis”, “Jethro Tull” and others that defined those times. From Silence to Somewhere is truly a must have album for progressive rock fans.


And so, another great set of progressive and reflective music to sooth your mind and soul on The Minstral Show.

SET: 03

Starting off our final set is Sydney Australia’s “Fables” with “Sherekhan” a single from their forth coming album.

Sherekhan is a hypnotic song with a haunting edge that borders the twilight of dreams and nightmares...a very progressive track from an album I am waiting patiently for. Good stuff.

From Seattle Washington, Midday Veil follows with “Empire is No More” taken from their 2015 album “This Wilderness”. The beginning of this song reminds me of the music that plays on The Legend of Zelda – Twilight Princess when the shadow world appears…the song is truly enthralling especially in these surreal times of declining empires…it’s also worth noting that with the fall of empires, comes a sobering reality in the aftermath, when all the illusions fade away…a very captivating song to be sure.

James Yuill closes the set with “Kings Come of Noethinge” an unreleased song that didn’t make it onto his July 2017 album “A Change in State” but it is available in a six song package for a limited time for anyone who joins James mailing list. Personally, I think this song is brilliant which is why I’m sharing it with you here…hey, it’s also a good reason why one should sign up to an artists official website as I suggest at the end of every show.

Be sure to support the artists by going to their official websites, buying their music and joining their email platforms. Details are in the episode description.

And so, the dream is always the same in the twilight hours, a place where artists play and music is born and then put together here, on the Minstral Show…see you next week everybody.

The Minstral Show – (Episode 058)


SONGS:

SET 01
Sea Pinks – I Don’t Feel Like Giving In
The People – Gone
Southbound Snake Charmers – Moonshine Runner’s Blues
La Resistance – Head On

SET 02
Matthew Perryman Jones – Happy
Miss Mobile Home – Fine Machine
Wobbler - Foxlight

SET 03
Fables – Sherekhan
Midday Veil – Empire is No More
James Yuill – Kings Come of Noethinge

ALSO:

Be sure to support the artists by going to their official websites, buying their music and joining their email platforms. (See Details below.)

ARTIST LINKS:


The World United Music Podcast was carried on 11 different platforms including Anchor FM, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Radio Public, Castbox, Breaker, Google Podcasts, Overcast, PodBean and of course on our World United Music Blog. You can still find the show on Breaker & PodBean linked below. Hey, “Catch the Wave!”


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World United Music Promotions

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Psychedelic, Alternative, New Wave, Dark Wave – (2000 to 2019)

Psychedelic, Alternative, New Wave, Dark Wave – (2020 to 2029)

Rock, Alternative - (2010 to 2019)

Rock, Alternative – (2020 to 2021)

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