Chalked up Reviews

22/01/2024

For those who find refuge in bluegrass and folk, The Lonesome Ace Stringband has a new album, Try To Make It Fly, released on October 13, 2023. This album, adorned with the band’s signature roots-driven sound, weaves together the threads of tradition and modernity, crafting a tapestry rich in musical storytelling and artistry.

For those who find refuge in bluegrass and folk, The Lonesome Ace Stringband has a new album, Try To Make It Fly, released on October 13, 2023. This album,

07/12/2023

Domino is a narrative that beautifully binds the legacy of the past with the vibrancy of the present. Diners have not only pushed the boundaries of their sound but have also respected and rejuvenated indie pop/rock traditions. Domino illuminates the path for future explorations in the genre for the Diners, affirming that the golden age of music is not a relic of the past but a constantly evolving, living entity.

Diners' latest offering, Domino, brings us a landscape of indie rock and pop, where the threads of nostalgia are intricately woven with the fabric of

07/12/2023

Henrik Meierkord’s Zeitreisen is an enjoyable blend of ambient soundscapes and modern minimalistic classical motifs. It is an album that wraps its audience in a deep, emotional journey through time and memory, anchored in the soulful strings of Meierkord’s cello. The music inspires the mind to explore the depths of our emotions and memories, guided by the hauntingly beautiful melodies of a true musical visionary of ambient soundscapes.

For those looking to explore or expand their ambient meets modern minimalist classical music collection, Henrik Meierkord's latest offering, Zeitreisen,

07/12/2023

Overall, Between Two Worlds is a narrative woven through melodies and rhythms. Stafford’s trumpet playing, blending strength with vulnerability, is the centerpiece of this narrative. Supported by an outstanding ensemble, each track on the album is a chapter in a story of resilience, change, and the beauty of music as a reflective tool. This album is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Stafford’s extensive career, showcasing his evolution as a musician and an artist.

Terell Stafford's album, Between Two Worlds, is an intricate collection of nine songs filled with craftsmanship. Released in September 2023 by Le Coq Records,

07/12/2023

“Dirty Enough For Hardcore” showcases Hannah Cutt’s promising talent and ability to carve out a unique space in the Los Angeles music scene. It leaves listeners eager to explore more of her work and follow her evolving journey in the world of rock music.

Hannah Cutt, the emerging rock artist hailing from Los Angeles, has been making waves in the music industry, and her latest single, "Dirty Enough For

07/12/2023

Silence Between Songs is an outstanding album for Madison Beer. It’s a departure from typical pop formulas, showcasing her growth as an artist. Beer’s exploration of deeper, more nuanced themes, coupled with a diverse musical landscape, makes this album not only a standout in her discography but also in contemporary pop music. The album’s ability to stimulate while maintaining a chill vibe increases its replay value, solidifying Beer’s place as a focused and cohesive artist in the pop music sphere.

07/12/2023

Throughout Unidad, Aguanko showcases the ensemble’s technical proficiency and their deep connection to the cultural and emotional roots of the music they play. Each track is a journey through different aspects of world and Latin Jazz, with Nacif’s percussion work serving as both a guide and a highlight. Aguanko’s ability to fuse traditional rhythms with contemporary world and jazz elements is something that is authentic and innovative.

Alberto Nacif's latest offering with Aguanko, Unidad, is an outstanding journey in world music with a focus on Latin Jazz, blending the rich textures of

07/12/2023

Pretty Vicious is a bold statement from The Struts, a band unabashed in embracing Glam Rock’s grandiosity and its potential for renewal within the contemporary scene. With this album, The Struts pay homage to the rock legends that preceded them and carve out the next tier in their legacy, proving that rock music is as vibrant and vital as ever.

Embarking on their most audacious journey yet, The Struts have unleashed their fourth studio album, Pretty Vicious. The Struts produced the album with the

09/11/2023

In the vast world of jazz, where traditional sounds seamlessly meld with both classic and modern influences, the Metropolitan Jazz Octet (MJO), alongside vocalist Paul Marinaro, has redefined genre boundaries with their ambitious Origin Records endeavor, The Bowie Project. This album stands out for its excellence in various facets of music production, singing, and performance.

A Daring Reimagining: The Metropolitan Jazz Octet's The Bowie Project

09/11/2023

Let’s explore the evocative enigma that is Abby Sage—a siren in the alt/pop scene, calling us to listen more closely, to feel more deeply. Her trajectory, thus far adorned with the soul-stirring gems that were her earlier EPs, Fears Of Yours & Mine and The Florist, has been a crescendo of musical artistry and emotional resonance.

Let's explore the evocative enigma that is Abby Sage—a siren in the alt/pop scene, calling us to listen more closely, to feel more deeply. Her trajectory,

09/11/2023

Dan + Shay are back with their latest album, Bigger Houses. This twelve-song set is not just another milestone but a high point in their evolving discography, showcasing significant growth in their musical style and emotional depth.

Dan + Shay are back with their latest album, Bigger Houses. This twelve-song set is not just another milestone but a high point in their evolving discography,

09/11/2023

Igor Levit’s double album Fantasia on Sony Classical is an ambitious journey through the piano repertoire, from the Baroque beauty of Johann Sebastian Bach to the modern complexities of Alban Berg. The album showcases Levit’s ability to navigate a diverse range of styles and eras, bringing his unique interpretive lens to these masterpieces.

Igor Levit's double album Fantasia on Sony Classical is an ambitious journey through the piano repertoire, from the Baroque beauty of Johann Sebastian Bach to

09/11/2023

The first thing that strikes you when you press play on Deborah Silver’s latest single, “Shake It Off,” is the swell of brass, saxes, and swinging rhythms, heralding the union of jazz big band and contemporary pop in a way that instantly captivates. Silver’s rendition does not interpret Taylor Swift’s iconic anthem; it reimagines and revitalizes it in a setting that combines classic and modern sensibilities.

The first thing that strikes you when you press play on Deborah Silver's latest single, "Shake It Off," is the swell of brass, saxes, and swinging rhythms,

09/11/2023

When an artist like Yasmin Williams puts new music onto the scene, one can be sure that there will be creative sounds and rhythmic shifting. Armed with a distinct blend of influences, from jazz and R&B to go-go and hip-hop, Williams is undeniably a multi-faceted guitarist. “Dawning,” her single from her upcoming album offering, is a confluence of these elements. The song finds Williams diving deep into the textures and nuances of the guitar. The vocals add an world meets new age vibe that gives it an opportunity to pull you in while the lush melodies unfurl.

When an artist like Yasmin Williams puts new music onto the scene, one can be sure that there will be creative sounds and rhythmic shifting. Armed with a

09/11/2023

Y’akoto, a Ghanaian singer born in Germany and raised across the diverse landscapes of Africa, effortlessly blends her deep soul roots with a diverse palette of musical influences. These range from electronic, reggae, and rock to folk, pop, and smooth jazz. Her sound, echoing the profound resonance of legends like Nina Simone, enchants listeners worldwide.

Y'akoto, a Ghanaian singer born in Germany and raised across the diverse landscapes of Africa, effortlessly blends her deep soul roots with a diverse palette

09/11/2023

Wolfgang Muthspiel’s latest release, Dance of the Elders, is a work of intricate artistry and spontaneous brilliance. Following the highly praised Angular Blues, this new album finds Muthspiel once again collaborating with Scott Colley on bass and Brian Blade on drums, pushing the envelope of modern jazz with elements of folk and classical influences, showcasing their ability to seamlessly blend disparate musical worlds.

Wolfgang Muthspiel's latest release, Dance of the Elders, is a work of intricate artistry and spontaneous brilliance. Following the highly praised Angular

09/11/2023

Ever sat down with a cup of herbal tea on a rainy day, staring out the window as raindrops dance across the glass, and suddenly felt a particular album was the missing piece to this introspective tableau? Rita Ora’s latest release, You & I, felt like that missing piece to me—a companion, a confidante in musical form, as though the very air vibrated with the emotional wavelengths of the album.

Ever sat down with a cup of herbal tea on a rainy day, staring out the window as raindrops dance across the glass, and suddenly felt a particular album was

09/11/2023

From the moment the warm synth chords unfurl, weaving their way toward that infectious melody, FLØRE’s vocals reverberate—each note an impassioned plea that echoes through the hallowed, echoing chambers of a cathedral lost to time.

From the moment the warm synth chords unfurl, weaving their way toward that infectious melody, FLØRE's vocals reverberate—each note an impassioned plea that

09/11/2023

I always love it when I come across an album that feels like an intimate conversation, a raw look into someone’s diary where the words jump off the pages and wrap themselves around me. Morgan Wade’s Psychopath does precisely that, and as I settled into my well-worn listening chair, I felt as if I were embarking on a journey of emotional discovery.

I always love it when I come across an album that feels like an intimate conversation, a raw look into someone's diary where the words jump off the pages and

09/11/2023

In my long list of jazz albums awaiting review—each artist representing a unique sound and presentation—the long-awaited debut as a bandleader, Opening, by pianist Chris Keefe has captured my attention.

In my long list of jazz albums awaiting review—each artist representing a unique sound and presentation—the long-awaited debut as a bandleader, Opening, by

09/11/2023

Lauren Calve’s debut full-length album, Shift, has hit a warm place in my music collection, moving from an album that acts as a mere placeholder in the evolving sounds of my music to an album that hits me in a deeply immersive way that marks a journey of profound personal transformation.

Lauren Calve's debut full-length album, Shift, has hit a warm place in my music collection, moving from an album that acts as a mere placeholder in the

09/11/2023

In a musical era of fast-food singles and formulaic beats, Simply Red’s newest offering, Time , arrives like a heartfelt handwritten letter in a sea of spam emails. Released on May 26, 2023, Time traverses the landscapes of soul, funk, R&B, blues, and pop-rock, delivering an opus that not only aligns with the band’s vintage allure but also meets the modern listener’s craving for depth and substance.

In a musical era of fast-food singles and formulaic beats, Simply Red's newest offering, Time , arrives like a heartfelt handwritten letter in a sea of spam

09/11/2023

Death Wish Blues is a narrative of contradictions and harmonies. Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton are two accomplished musicians, both with distinct styles and attitudes, yet when these two forces converge, a rich tapestry of tales unfolds, each imbued with emotions ranging from raw, desperate longing to fierce, unapologetic resilience.

Death Wish Blues is a narrative of contradictions and harmonies. Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton are two accomplished musicians, both with distinct styles and

09/11/2023

In the world of jazz, where improvisation often meets tightly knit collaboration, Alex Weitz’s Rule of Thirds emerges as a musical ecosystem, alive and evolving, brimming with raw energy and soulful artistry.

In the world of jazz, where improvisation often meets tightly knit collaboration, Alex Weitz's Rule of Thirds emerges as a musical ecosystem, alive and

09/11/2023

An island’s heartbeat, a melody of unity, a cross-cultural opus – “Encuentro Theme” is all these and more. It’s the rhythmic embrace of musical legends Reginald Policard and Grammy-Award-Winning bassist Richard Bona, breathing life into the Encuentro label. Together, their combined talents create an enchanting musical statement, translating the universal message of harmonious coexistence into the language of sound.

An island's heartbeat, a melody of unity, a cross-cultural opus – "Encuentro Theme" is all these and more. It's the rhythmic embrace of musical legends

09/11/2023

Amidst the high frequencies of chatter from the emerging pop world, where new voices blend and clash, Connie Talbot’s voice rises like a gentle yet unmistakable crescendo. “Growing Pains,” her latest single, is a musical journey that guides the listener through landscapes of growth, resilience, and the fascinating complexity of change.

Embracing Transformation: A Journey Through Connie Talbot's "Growing Pains"

09/11/2023

Steve Lukather’s ninth solo album, Bridges, heralds a continuation of his storied career, marked by musical brilliance and an intimate connection to the human experience. This album transcends genres, emotions, and generations, serving as a musical bridge between Lukather’s solo work and the enduring legacy of Toto.

Steve Lukather's ninth solo album, Bridges, heralds a continuation of his storied career, marked by musical brilliance and an intimate connection to the human

09/11/2023

Hailing from the Texas border town, William Beckmann, a burgeoning star in the country music scene, has just released a new album titled Here’s To You, Here’s To Me. In this album, Beckmann effortlessly displays his diverse musical influences, which fuse into a distinctive and unforgettable sound.

Hailing from the Texas border town, William Beckmann, a burgeoning star in the country music scene, has just released a new album titled Here's To You, Here's

04/08/2023

With In Focus, the debut EP from young virtuoso Jason Arkins, the language of jazz-fusion finds a new voice.

With In Focus, the debut EP from young virtuoso Jason Arkins, the language of jazz-fusion finds a new voice. Born from the rich soil of Arkins' eclectic

04/08/2023

As the frontman of Fontaines, D.C., Grian Chatten has been at the forefront of the Irish post-punk wave. Now, he ventures into his own sonic realm with Chaos For The Fly, an album that brilliantly teeters on the edge of human emotions and adds a refreshing texture to the indie-rock soundscape.

As the frontman of Fontaines, D.C., Grian Chatten has been at the forefront of the Irish post-punk wave. Now, he ventures into his own sonic realm with Chaos