INDISPENSABLE NEW MUSIC PICKS
July 2023
Kristine England
August 1, 2023 at 4:00:00 PM
Hailey Whitters
I’m In Love
Ah yes, music can be fun! Classic country sounds and wry lyrics. Even before you get to the chorus of the featured track, written by Nicolle Galyon, Lee Miller, and Cameron Bedell (“Two bottles into a bottle of wine”), you’ll find yourself tapping your toes along to the jaunty tune and thoroughly enjoying it. The small-town girl from Iowa makes music that’s cute as a button and perfect for summertime.
FEATURED TRACK: "I’m In Love"
SkyeChristy
The Summer I Lost My Lover
Sisters Georgia Christy and Sophie Skye Edwards grew up immersed in the LA music scene, which could explain part of their precocious talent. Their parents being songwriters and producers could explain a bit more. But their innate talent is what matters and how they work beautifully together as a duo. In the song “Prime Years’ they lament lost time, but it’s a good bet their best years are ahead of them.
FEATURED TRACK: “Prime Years”
Citizen Cope
The Victory March
Singer, songwriter, producer Clarence Greenwood, aka Citizen Cope, released his latest album, The Victory March, on his Rainwater Recordings label. Known for his blend of rock, soul and blues, he’s also a gifted songwriter whose work has been covered by Richie Havens, Carlos Santana, Dido, and others. Greenwood has described his record as “embracing the gift of life.” It’s definitely another compelling entry into his oeuvre.
FEATURED TRACK: “Ms Prado”
Peace Flag Ensemble
Astral Plains
The Canadian free-jazz collective has released its second album, with a title that is perhaps a nod to the band’s native Saskatchewan’s vast grasslands. The music is experimental but it shouldn’t seem too daunting to fans who like their jazz open and free-ranging.
FEATURED TRACK: "The Work"
Locate S,1
Wicked Jaw
More than one reviewer mentioned the influence of Christine McVie. A comparison to the late Fleetwood Mac songbird is no small feat. Loud and Quiet hails Georgia’s singer/producer Christina Schneider’s third album as “one that tries on all manner of stylistic hats but is rooted at its core in hooks, melody and a breezy lightness of touch” while The Line of Best Fit praises “the sublime melodies on display throughout.”
FEATURED TRACK: "You Were Right About One Thing"