Elmo Karjalainen: Where We Belong

There are some aspects of the world that barely need to be mentioned. “We live in a rushed and busy time” seems like such a statement, and yet, it’s something that needs to be restated in order for us to know that something is terribly wrong when we don’t have time to enjoy our lives. Music too reflects this circumstance. With the number of hard-hitting, fast-paced, and conceptually violent pieces climbing the charts, where have our sounds of introspection gone?

These are some of the reasons why I have so thoroughly enjoyed Elmo Karjalainen’s most recent acoustic guitar venture: “Where We Belong.” It’s a 15 track journey of lyric melodies and finger-picking that reminds us beauty is available as long as we slow down and see it (or, in this case, hear it). Elmo has offered us this wonderful work as an album for purchase through his website which is linked at the bottom of this review. 

My focus on the pace of the musical material should in no way insinuate that this music is only for purposes of relaxation; quite the contrary. Karjalainen is remarkably passionate in his approach to the guitar and he has a level of virtuosity that any fan of the instrument should appreciate. If anything, Elmo displays so confidently what real musicianship is: the ability to use technique as a tool for moving an audience. In the end, it turns out where we belong might be where we’re at. 

To learn more about Elmo Karjalainen visit his website here: http://elmojk.com

Dave Rosario: Heart Miami HALLOWEEN 2015

So, four months to wait for a recording from an event that happened late 2015 is a long time, but I think you’ll agree this one’s worth it. New York-based DJ and producer Dave Rosario has released his Miami live Halloween set – an expertly recorded 90-minute jam that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of Florida in the fall, drink in hand amidst what can only be described as an inferno of debauchery. After all, remember what grandfather Clinton prophetically said: “free your mind and your ass will follow.”

Laced with beautiful leads and a beat that won’t quit, the mix also features the quintessential vocals which makes for such a memorable sound. Rosario dispenses with any pretense of wobble bass or overused 50-hetz TB 808 sounds which seems to dominate both hip-hop and dance music these days. This Halloween set is much more classic, getting back to the basics of dance but in a way that unmistakably modern. More than worth the listen!

Silver Circle: EDM Mix #1

When we think of the memorable musicians of the past it’s very tempting to default to one of two types of individuals; performers and composers. However, technology in the last half of last century changed the focus (mostly with the advent of recorded music and radio). Today, composers are not merely composers – they are technicians as well, relying on software, sample libraries, and enough electronic know-how to be able to produce moving (literally) music in the modern age.

The composer has become the DJ

We’ve touched on electronic music from time to time here at Current Music Thoughts, but it’s never been a primary focus. It is something I’ve been meaning to research and write about more as ever year it is more and more culturally relevant. To that end, I would like to introduce you to Silver Circle, who has released the simple yet profoundly titled “EDM Mix #1.” Clocking in at just over seventeen minutes, it’s packed with thumping bass and enough catchy-synth to lock your attention the whole time.

It’s an original production, to be sure, but there is plenty of familiar stuff there too. Perhaps the first thing listeners will notice is the hook from Macklemore’s “Can’t Hold Us.” Reworked and with a new sheen, it comes through as the anthem we all know it to be. Transitioning through pulsing triplets, Silver Circle then moves into a more primal beat filtered and eq’d in such a way as to remind us “this is dance music!” Moving on to the Calvin Harris/Ellie Goulding song “Outside” there are more lyric/ballad qualities emphasized.

Perhaps what is most interesting about the instrumental aspect of this mix is the use of the kick. It has some very Trap-Like qualities, but unlike the Trap to which we’ve become accustomed, there’s a more regular pulse. Normally we would expect that from the high hats while the snare ripped off dragging beats and the bass came in and out intermittently. With the secure quarter style bass that Silver Circle has used, I found myself thinking “wow, I never thought of doing that, it works so well!”

In the final analysis, if you’re having a party, put this track on – if you’re in the car, do the same. Music like this has a way of boosting our spirits and getting the blood pumping. I, for one, am rather grateful that Silver Circle has shared this remarkable accomplishment with us. 

Ed Roman: Lay One Down

Long time readers of “Current Music Thoughts” will remember some time ago an interview with the singer/songwriter Ed Roman. He was kind enough to share some insights into his creative process, in addition to speaking about the modern art situation for those perusing such endeavors. He demonstrated himself as a man of wisdom and a uniquely introspective individual.

As it turns out, Mr. Roman has released a new single titled “Lay One Down,” and it’s terrific. The song features the quintessential closely miced acoustic guitar picking which makes a wonderfully intimate piece. Ed’s voice is, as always, soothing but demanding of attention at the same time and the background vocals are ethereal, almost like ghost-whispers.

Something noted back when Ed was interviewing here was his connection to folk and college rock artists of previous decades such as REM and even Pete Seeger; it’s nice to note that this style has been well-maintained in “Lay One Down.” The song is available on iTunes where you can hear a preview before you decide to download (and you will). https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lay-one-down-single/id1057794468

Bonita Adele “New Mountain”

Sympathetic music is vitally important to our collective mental health. It’s no surprise to us when a friend says “I like to listen to sad music when I’m sad.” Most of us do. It seems like the singer is saying to us “I know exactly how you feel.” There are; however, times when we need the opposite sentiment, something that says “don’t stop now, you can do this!” Which is where Bonita Adele’s new single “New Mountain” comes in.

The piece is really structured around strong electric piano, sensual saxophone and of course, Ms. Adele’s smooth and powerful alto voice. Trading lines and places in the forefront, the song is really well recorded, the standout sound (outside of Bonita’s lovely voice) really has to be the first-rate saxophonist who takes a fantastic solo in the middle of the song.

It will be interesting to see what new mountains Ms. Adele seeks in the future. Musically, she’s already conquered this one.

Tony Watson: "My Still Small Voice"

Perhaps you’ve heard it before; “art can’t do anything.” There is a notion that if it isn’t immediately productive from a capitalistic standpoint, it is without value. However, those involved in raising charity/social-ill awareness would disagree both with their voices and with their music. In that mindset, Tony Watson’s anthem “My Still Small Voice” is a powerful call to action for homeless awareness.

The info on his YouTube video reads “this video is dedicated to all the homeless and displaced people in the world. Let’s hope our children and all of us learn how to give them a hand, pay it forward.” Which is something with which I could not agree more. Mr. Watson reminds us that through music and art we have the ability to bring to the forefront a common goal of improving our communities, and in that spirit, I hope you will give his lovely song more than a few listens. 

Zalex: Come Alive EP

Thick electronic sweeps in the bass underpinning a breathy voice and balance of themes are all aspects that dominate this newest release by electronic music artist: Zalex. Perhaps what is so enticing about these two tracks is the sheer musicality of the numbers. I feel wholeheartedly confident in saying that the combination of notes/melodies could be just at home using organic instrumentation – of course, the fact that it is electronic gives it an extra sonic quality not easily assessable in the natural world.

Both tracks reflect a level of craftsmanship that is more than admirable – but it is really the first one in his SoundCloud lineup that is the real star (Let You Fall). Energetic and sentimental, perfect for dancing, or for chillout it navigates a greyspace not easily found in a genre primarily associated with party and drug culture. Zalex reminds us that art comes in all forms and breaks many of the stereotypes we often associate with this chosen medium.