Summer Storms

Clockwise: Album covers from Long John Baldry, Declan Bennett, Jake Walden, and Jeremiah Clark.

Here on the East Coast of the United States, we've had some weather moving through. Yesterday, today, and possibly tomorrow, there have been flash storms, with wind, rain, thunder and lightening that have been moving all around. So far, we've been pretty lucky, and the worst has missed us, but as summer progresses, you don't know what will happen. So I thought I would offer up this post to the weather Gods, and see if singing about storms will suffice. There are four entries for this post, and they all have their own sounds, and a different feel. I will begin with a personal favorite of mine. I am a huge fan of Long John Baldry, the legendary Blues and Rock man I still love to hear. My first offering is Long John singing "Stormy Monday Blues". This is from a performance in 1968.

The song can be found on his album 'On Stage Tonight: Baldry's Out!'. You can find the album on iTunes and Amazon. Next up, I have another favorite. I am still just as crazy about Declan Bennett as I was when I first discovered him a few years ago. Declan recently finished a stint on London's West End, starring in 'Once, the Musical'. I wish I could have made it to England to see him! I thought he was a perfect guest to invite to the party, so this is Declan Bennett singing "Storm" off his album 'An Innocent Evening of Drinking'.

For more about Declan Bennett, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. You can find 'An Innocent Evening of Drinking' on iTunes and Bandcamp. I first discovered the music of Jeremiah Clark through Tom Goss, and I can thank Tom for that. I do enjoy Jeremiah's music, and listen to it still. This is Jeremiah singing "The Storm Song" off his wonderful album 'Just Another Sad Song'.

For more about Jeremiah Clark, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. You can purchase 'Just Another Sad Song' on Bandcamp. And for the final offering to the Gods, I have another of my musical favorites. Jake Walden is a sweet and talented man, and I am a big fan. I didn't think I could do this post without including his song "The Storm", off his album 'Alive and Screaming'.

For more about my buddy Jake, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. You can purchase 'Alive and Screaming' from iTunes and Amazon. I hope I have appeased the Gods, and we all get some mild weather for the next few days.

Jake Walden • The Line

Just thought as I have not featured Jake Walden on the blog lately, it was about time I did. And while I am hoping to relax and get my back better, I would post one of my favorite songs by the handsome and talented singer/songwriter. "The Line" can be found on Jake's debut album, Alive And Screaming. Released in 2008, the album effortlessly combines storytelling and music, as Jake's brusk voice slides up and down his range with ease. This is a wonderful live performance that also includes Tom Goss on guitar.

Just a little over a year ago, Jake released another disc of love, Same Something Different. While few thought it possible, the new release was even stronger than the first, seeming more personal, confessional. While Jake's voice hadn't changed, the vocals were even more nuanced, caressing your heart with a softer touch. Take, for example, the beautiful "Almost Brave", one of the many favorites available on the album.

For more about my buddy Jake, visit his official website. You can find Alive And Screaming on iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. You can also find Jake's latest, Same Something Different, on iTunes CD Baby, and Amazon.

Free Download from Jake Walden

The benefit of lending your support from an independent artist like Jake Walden is the free goodies you can get along the way. One such bonus was the clip of Jake singing his favorite song by the Eagles, Desperado. He certainly gives his own take on the song, with a delivery that is distinctly Jake. Since I am posting this during the day, I guess I should mention that those who watch through to the end truly receive a special treat. Yes, Jake does bare his, um, soul for his fans. Make it easy to get behind him.



And I mentioned a FREE download, well, here it is. The song is the never heard or released version of Alive and Screaming LIVE from the Hotel Cafe (2009). You still have time to join in the support of his latest studio effort, Same Something Different. You can join in here.

Same Something Different - Jake Walden

Jake Walden, at play and at work.

Announcing he is in the planning stages of a new album, a follow-up to the amazing 2008 release Alive And Screaming, Jake Walden has started a fundraising effort to help with the costs of recording. Before I get too much further into that, let me remind you a bit about the artist. Handsome, out and proud, the singer/songwriter sings highly personal and beautiful songs, his voice at times aching, at other times reveling in life. Take, for example, the song We Are in a live performance.



The title cut from Alive And Screaming is not only a great example of his work, but also was heard on the soundtrack of an episode of the show Scrubs. It is a beautiful song with amazing layers and textures, all shown beautifully by Jake's vocal performance.



And here is a video of the song Same Something Different at a show in Las Vegas. The song shares a name with the new album, so it might just give you a little insight into the music to come. I was lucky enough to see him perform this live at a show in Washington DC. He was there with Tom Goss.



As I said, Jake has started to raise money for his next album, and the first goal is at the end of the month. As with many independent artists, the cost of studio time and promotion of new music is all left to the artist, and is a heavy burden. When you come across talented out artists like Jake, and enjoy their music, what better way to ensure they continue to enrich your life with that music than with your support? So, if you could, take the time to stop by his page on Kickstarter here and watch his video, and see the options available. You can donate anything from $1 to, well, whatever, and for donations over $12, you will get something in return. Most of all, remember the quality of the music on this page alone, just these three songs, and realize this is an artist worth supporting. Need more convincing? Go to Jake's official website here, join his mailing list, and get a free copy of the single Alive And Screaming. Give it a listen and I am convinced you will be a fan.