The Whole Music Experience

Folk/Bluegrass   Brianna Lea Pruett   Gypsy Bells Canyon Records Singer-songwriter Brianna Lea Pruett debuts with Gypsy Bells on Canyon Records.   Equal parts contemporary folk and bluegrass, Pruett focuses on the personal canvas of young love and friendship.   Her well-crafted songs are backed by guitar, lap steel, bass, drums and flute.   I’m reminded of Navajo singer-songwriter Sharon Burch’s contemporary folk and the 1970s American folk diva, Laura Nyro, especially on the tracks, New Life and Seeds of Love .   Marry that Boy recalls the old folk standards once sung by Odetta, and Barbara Dane. Michelle Lee’s flute adds a nice touch to the song as it weds the lilting vocals. Piano on Under Your Win g adds warmth to the recording. Pruett claims Cherokee as one of her nationalities and on the track, Red Jacket she appears to addresses her Native American ancestors and tradition.   And on Sun on the Mountain , she tells a sto...

The Mountain Music Project A Musical Odyssey from Appalachia to Himalaya The Mountain Music Project When you start actually listening to music from around the globe, you come across surprising similarities.   This isn’t news to seasoned ethnomusicologists and it’s not news to fans of traditional music who keep their ears plugged into specialty music radio shows.   However, who thought there was a connection between bluegrass music of the Blue Mountains and Nepalese folk tunes? Got me and got me again. The musician caste of Nepal referred to as Gandharba who passed down oral tradition songs sound well, a bit twang.   And if twang is your thing, you’ll love this double dose of American bluegrass and traditional Nepalese songs.   These musicians not only give some outstanding performances on exotic and familiar instruments, they also engage in the art of storytelling on The Mountain Music Project’s A Musical Odyssey from Appalachia to Himalaya . ...

Kyle Carey Monongah Independent Release I want to thank Angel Romero of World Music Central for forwarding me American songster Kyle Carey’s self-release Monongah .   The recording which blends Appalachian, light gospel, and Celtic folk sounds refreshing with its compelling stories.   Carey has talent to burn as a songwriter, and a mature, clear voice in which to deliver her stories—more or less tales with some intriguing characters.   Not only that the musician brings luminous musical talent on board with musicians from Lunasa and Cherish the Ladies, among others. Her stories are sung against a lush background of mandolin, guitar, and banjo.   I think I might have heard some strings in there somewhere to, but it’s late in the day and my brain feels exhausted.    I do remember the sweet melodies that climb into my head and I catch myself humming them.   The cadence of Devil at your Back with its lilting guitar rolling along cert...