Great new music from independent labels and artists all around the world

A small experiment this week and next in that I’ll be including reports on music developments and people that I’ve come across. Please let me know what you think. No chance to grab a picture this week but I did have a look through some of the stuff from Long Island and quite liked this one (right). Come to think of it, I could do with another couple of weeks there!Road to nowhere – Rick Fowler (Georgia, USA) Rick Fowler’s musical honesty creates an unsurpassed morphic resonance between him and his listeners. With a raw soul reminiscent of early Johnny Winter and aural suspense akin to Trower, Fowler delivers the energy, joy, anger and torment found in the very best of blues-rock. Road to nowhere is from his album Back on my good foot available direct from his site or from CD Baby. Credit due to all musicians on the album for some great playing:BASS: Michael C. SteeleDRUMS: Gerry Hansen, Bill BerryB3: Tim White, Randall Bramblett2ND GUITAR: Jonathan DorseyRESONATOR: Michael C. SteeleBG VOCS: Sherry Joyce, Michael C. Steelehttp://rickfowler.com/www.myspace.com/rickfowlerbandLife of fantastic – Azoora (London, UK & Åre, Göteborg Sweden)"Azoora" are a blend of acoustic electronica which combines that dreamy shoe-gazing feel with a charming British indie twist. They have recently released their latest EP The Second Coming. This is their 4th EP and again a big step forward for this amazing band. Beautiful timeless popsongs mixed with electronic burst-outs and a master production. Lean back and let it wash over you!"Every time I listen to new Azoora tracks I can see style, technique and production improve. Well worth getting your hands on this.” – Rowley Cutlerwww.myspace.com/azoora Gary – Stages of Dan (London, UK)Formed at the crack of 2008, Stages Of Dan are a London based trio made up of Chris Aliano (Guitar/Vocals), Chris ‘Big Chris’ Bryant (Bass/vox) and Guy Davidson (Drums/vox).Lots of live show dates coming up so check out their MySpace at: www.myspace.com/stagesofdanIcons among usJazz had become synonymous with old men listening in respectful silence to music based largely on the movers and shakers of the past century. Now there is a fresh breeze of "jazz with attitude" stirring things up. It really does deserve your attention and that is why a series of documentaries has been made, shining a light on some pretty remarkable and exciting musicians with good stuff to say as well as play."It’s about time someone had the balls to do a documentary like this" Jamie Cullum (jazz singer, multi-platinum artist)www.iconsamongus.comwww.myspace.com/iconsamongusAbataka – Kinobe and Soul Beat Africa (Kampala, Uganda)Kinobe (pronounced CHI-NO-BAY) is a brilliant multi-instrumentalist from Uganda whose early abilities in traditional African music quickly garnered acclaim on the world stage. Born in 1983 near Lake Victoria, he began playing music at the age of five, and five years later travelled to the Netherlands with a group of musicians for his first international performance. It was this trip that introduced him to the diversity of musical traditions throughout the world, opening his ears to new sounds, and launching a life-changing interest in world music. In the years that followed, Kinobe traveled the African continent, performing with such figures in African roots music as, Youssou N’dour, Salif Keita, Angelique Kidjo, Oliver Mtukudzi, Baaba Maal, Ismael Lo, and many others. He is a lifelong student, teacher, lover, and purveyor of the great diversity of African musical traditions.Soul Beat Africa is the new voice of Ugandan music, the inspired synthesis of African roots and world music, of traditional and modern instrumentation. These musicians represent the new vanguard of Ugandan performers, gifted instrumentalists steeped in the music of their homeland, but with ears opened to the sounds of the world at large.

Kinobe & Soul Beat Africa "Abataka" (mp3) from "Kinobe & Soul Beat Africa" (Multicultural Media) More On This AlbumAll the way down – Jeannine Hebb (Brooklyn, NY)Jeannine Hebb, an award-winning songwriter and vocalist, has been studying, performing, writing, and rocking out since she was 11.At 20, Jeannine graduated magna cum laude from Berklee College of Music, having studied with some of the best in the business (Gabrielle Goodman, Pat Pattison, Livingston Taylor).Great track on video on YouTube. http://sonicbids.com/JeannineHebbhttp://myspace.com/JeannineHebbEl Naranjal – Rogelio Gutierrez (Mexico?)No information available. If you have anything please let me know, it’s peter [at] suffolkandcool.com

Rogelio Gutierrez "El Naranjal" (mp3) from "Polkas Famosas 18 Exitos" (Modiner) Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody More On This Album Madame Pamita dates in UKMay 14    The Gladstone Arms, London, SE1 1QNMay 15    The Alma, London, SE19 2TAMay 16    Matsu, London, E3 4PLMay 17    Dr. King’s Jailhouse/East Dulwich Tavern, London (East Dulwich), SE22 8HJMay 19    The Cricketers Arms, Keighley West Yorkshire, BD21 5JEMay 20    The George Tavern, London (Stepney), E1 0LAMay 21    The Harlequin, Sheffield, S3 8GGMay 22    Brooks Blues Bar/Telegraph pub, London, SW15 3TUMay 23    The Lantern Theatre, Sheffield (Netheredge), S7 1NFwww.madamepamita.com

Say no More – Enrico Crivellaro (Italy)From the album Mojo Zone, recorded in Udine, Italy. Enrico Crivellaro is a former protege of Ronnie Earl, Duke Robillard and Kenny Burrell, ENRICO CRIVELLARO has fast become one of the most dynamic and inventive young guitarists on the Blues Scene today. Best known for his guitar work with the James Harman Band, Janiva Magness, Finis Tasby, Lester Butler’s "13" and the Royal Crown Revue. Enrico has stepped up to the plate and recorded a truly genre bending all instrumental Blues Guitar showcase with MOJO ZONE.
Enrico Crivellaro "Say No More" (mp3) from "Mojo Zone" (Electro-Fi Records) Buy at Rhapsody More On This Album