MENEW: Of The Future (Canada)

Menew comes to us from Toronto, Canada where they began their study of music. Pronounced Men-u, they have shared the stage with U2 on their Vertigo Tour, worked with Rick Parashar (Pearl Jam, Bon Jovi), and Scott Mathews (Elvis Costello, Eric Clapton), as well as shooting a video with Hans Uhlig (George Lucas' cinematographer) while still in their twenties.

Menew is: Shade: Vocals/Guitar, Key: Piano/Synth and Nathan Samuel Philip: Percussion and backing vocals. They released their latest CD Of The Future on the RedCore Label while kicking off the NxNE Music Fest in Toronto. The NARAS Committee placed Of The Future on the short list for 4 Grammy awards including: Album of the Year, Best Rock Album, Best Performance by a Duo or a Group and Best Video for their single, This Isn't Real.

The title track, The Future, begins with an eclectic mix of driving percussion and mean guitar riffs that transcend into perfection with the additon of vocals. The harmonizing is pristine. Shade's guitar and Nathan's drums meld, only to rise then fall with Key stepping in with subtle piano. This tune is a hit, this is the one that will have people grabbing this CD, seeing them in concert and on the radio. It is simply . . . what music is bleeding for.

The first single, This Isn't Real, manages to take that perfect mix of pop and rock and make it their own. This tune is reminiscent of the early days of MTV where music was raw and unfiltered. Upbeat, pure and thunderous, Menew thrives on reviving an endless sound, one that the industry is in desperate need of. Check out their YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/menewmusic. Video is top notch and absolute.

Heaven Knows, enters with a military drum roll continuing throughout. Keys march in much like an organ or harpsichord. Vocals join the two in this requiem of sorts. Heaven Knows is a testament to something lost, left behind, a look to the past. The funeral march technique applied is sufficient for the content of the tune. It sets you up for melancholy yet is far from sad. A harmonica cries during the end. The diversity of Menew is outstanding.

The Official 2009 Of The Future Tour is under way with an appearance on David Letterman. Check the website for more information: http://www.menew.com and myspace: http://www.myspace.com/menewmusic. I am in awe of these guys and their music. I have not stopped listening since they sent me the CD. This is what music is meant to be, contrary to the title of the first single. Menew IS . . . 100% Real.

This IS . . . Of The Future.

© Susan Marie 2009
New York USA
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com

The Music of Michael Horsphol (Australia)

Lu'Ella Unveiled: A New Earth Rising

Michael Horsphol brings us originally composed music in his 8 track CD entitled: Lu'Ella Unveiled: A New Earth Rising. He gives his inspiration to nature, the countryside of Northern Tasmania, Australia. Michael is inventive, using digital multi sampling of acoustic orchestral, ethnic instruments and choirs. Artwork, composition, mixing, and production is done solely by Michael who has completed soundtrack work for film productions.

The first track Lu'Ella Unveiled is an orchestral vocal journey seated in a dimly lit theatre simultaneously roaming the wilderness. Michael incorporates that soundtrack "feel" with additions of flutes, orchestra and vocals. It is reminiscent of nothing I have heard.

Gloria Natura is by far my favorite. This is a modern twist to the classical Ave Maria. This is the most calming peaceful song. Instead of taking away from old themes, as most modern does, Michael ADDS to this, bringing forth a "New World" quality that is missing in the original.

Blue Wings is stunning. This IS the gift of flight through music. The bass is full and rich, with a surround sound quick tempo as if you are in front of an orchestra. Listening to this sets me faraway over craggy embankments, on turbulent seas; to transcend this plane, inside a science fiction film, a forest glen, the sky. Blue Wings is a masterpiece.

Visit Michael by going to: http://www.michaelhorsphol.com/ and check out Lu'Ella Unveiled: A New Earth Rising. The jacket is phenomenal, emblazoned with a majestic sunset overlooking the vast sea. This CD is multi educational/cultural. It can be used for meditation, education in schools, college level digital track courses, and most definitely, for all spiritual enlightenment.

Lu'Ella Unveiled: A New Earth Rising is THE next soundtrack for a Major Motion Picture. This is fresh, exciting. It IS . . . Earth meets Cinema.

© Susan Marie 2009
New York, United States
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com

Melissa Kate ~ Blind Faith (New York)

The next up-and-coming jazz and blues artist with a little bit of soul can be heard on "Blind Faith" by Melissa Kate. TM International produced this 8 track solo debut. Recorded at Pharoah studios through Van Taylor Production, this compilation showcases various renowned artists.

Melissa studied Barbershop, Classical, Opera and Musical Theatre. She was trained classically by Mr. Robert Wells and studied with Mr. Amuso who provided her with the basics of Jazz. Melissa became engulfed in the NYC Jazz scene and has performed at the World Trade Center, Swing 46, Pops Is Tops, the American Lindy Hop Championships, and at Louie Armstrong's house.

Melissa Kate is an international vocalist and began her artistic development with the award winning Taylor Made Jazz through Van Taylor Production. She is a powerhouse in Jazz, Blues, R&B and pop. Melissa now performs with The George Scott Big Band, travels internationally with Taylor Made Jazz, and has now come into her own with The Melissa Kate Project. Melissa has performed for the Armed Forces Entertainment, The Langston Hughes Institute, the M&T Plaza Concert series and the Buffalo Music Awards and continues to enlighten crowds internationally.

Melissa gives thanks to the musicians who have helped her artistically and support her such as:

Van Taylor, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Inductee: keys/lyricist/production/manager, Walter Kemp III: keys, Jerry Livingston, 2008 Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Inductee, Jerry Sampson and Richie Valentino on bass, Jeff Nixon, Ron Walker, David Comtois and Nelson Thomas on guitar, Will Holton on Sax, Mike Crimes and Tim Webb on percussion and Flick Williams on vocals and keys.

A jazzy blues backbeat is apparent on the title track, "Blind Faith." Sultry vocals rise with percussion and bass keeping time behind her with the addition of horns. "Midnight Blue" is pbeat with traces of 80's discotheque to get you up and dancing. Her lyrics are in depth, her presence shining and her vocal range is to be envied. Accompanied by The Melissa Kate Project, this CD is a must for all music aficionados.

Melissa Kate can be found at: Melissa Kate . Grab her solo debut at: CD Baby. I had the pleasure of experiencing Melissa with Taylor Made Jazz and the Melissa Kate Project as she belted out vocals with a stage presence that invites you in like a warm embrace. Melissa is a positive light in this world and continues to support charitable causes. You can catch Melissa performing every Monday evening at The Historic Colored Musicians Club with The George Scott Big Band. The Melissa Kate Project on November 7, in NYC to benefit Artfully Aware. Please access her website above for more information.

I suggest you do not miss her. She is a star, following shadows . . . trying to see her way to the light.

Buffalo Select Chorus 2008 CD Release Righteous Babe Foundation (New York)

The Buffalo Select Chorus performed their 3rd Annual Concert June 4 at 7PM in Asbury Hall at Babeville. The recital and reception was free and open to all wishing to participate in the upcoming 2008-2009 Buffalo Select Chorus. This concert was recorded by the Righteous Babe Foundation and is now available on CD.

Sponsored by the Righteous Babe Foundation, it is the only chorus made up of Buffalo high school students, with nine different schools represented. The Buffalo Select Chorus is a talented, dynamic group that has persevered despite challenges for funding in the arts in the Buffalo schools.

In the spring of 2005, Linda Appleby (creative director and vocal instructor), along with Susan Mann Dolce (executive director) and other interested community members and parents set out to create a citywide Buffalo Public High School Chorus to begin that fall. The group would have weekly practices, play in a variety of venues over the year, have a final concert and reception, and produce a professional recording for use in the college application process. What resulted from their efforts was a selection of eight talented individuals from three Buffalo Public High Schools who gathered to rehearse once a week for six months.

The Righteous Babe Foundation took notice of these amazing singers and the need for more support to grow this fledgling group. The use of the restored Asbury Hall at The Church (now Babeville) was made available for weekly rehearsal and as primary performance space. Asbury Hall has become a Monday night "home" for Buffalo Select Chorus!

The Chorus has grown exponentially to thirty students, and in partnership with the Righteous Babe Foundation, will continue its mission: to provide a venue for Buffalo High School students to expand their vocal skills while offering actual performance experience under the tutelage of certified music teachers and professional musicians. This program of excellence will also be saying goodbye to many graduating seniors.

Please visit: http://www.buffaloselectchorus.com/tester/Index.html to get a hold of this outstanding performance composed of Buffalo High School students and musicians. Buffalo Select Chorus was showcased on Think Twice Radio: http://www.thinktwiceradio.com/sue-marie/sue-marie.html Click the link to hear them rehearse, view pictures and connect to the mentors, musicians and students who make Buffalo Select Chorus a much desired investment.