Chris Riffle • February

I wanted to welcome February in with a warm hug, and maybe even a bit of a cuddle. And that made me think of music that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy when I listen, and the music of Chris Riffle fits that bill perfectly. Riffle is a a very talented man, and been playing music either solo or in bands since high school in the Pacific Northwest. He continued making music while going to college in Washington state. In 2010, he released his first album, 'Introducing Chris Riffle'. The album was met with great reviews, and had many anticipating any follow-up music. In 2011, Chris released 'I Am Not From Here', once again earning critical praise.

And it was on 'I Am Not From Here' that I heard the first song in the post, "February". The track has a mystical quality to me, a moody feel. But it also feels hopeful, as well as uplifting. Which is a reason I thought I would welcome the month of "February" in with Chris Riffle.

At some point, Riffle made the move from the Pacific Northwest to New York City. In 2012, Riffle released another EP, 'Another Dream'. The six-song collection is yet another handcrafted aural treat, a delicate combination of honesty, heart and soul. The first track is called "All That We Hold". It is another moody track that sawys back and forth between hope and melancholy. At a recent show at New York City's Living Room, Riffle performed the song, featuring support from Miranda Zickler.

Have I mentioned that Chris is also an out and proud man? Well, he is, and never seems to run from that fact. And while he generally performs his own songs, every so often he will take on a cover song. And he takes a page out of the Lennon-McCartney songbook when he sings "And I Love Him" on the 'Another Dream' EP. There is a wistful air to the song, marrying Riffle's breathy vocals with a Bosssanova beat. Here is a clip of Chris performing the song from the same show on the Lower East Side of Manhattan at The Living Room.

I find myself often listening to Chris Riffle's music, often playing both EPs back to back. For more about Chris Riffle, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, or 'follow' him on Twitter. You get get his latest EP, 'Another Dream', from iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby and Bandcamp. You can also order the physical CD directly from the artist at his online store.

Great EPs in 2011

Clockwise: Matt Doyle, Chris Riffle, Stewart Lewis, Andy Moore, and Shaun Hague.

This year several Eps were released from some great musicians. EP stood for Extended Play Single, a single with a few supplemental tracks. Now, they are more of a demi-album, a smaller collection of songs put out by an artist. It can be more affordable for all concerned - the independent artist who has to pay the costs, and the fan who can get new and fresh music at a lower cost. Take, for example, Broadway star Matt Doyle, who is an out singer/songwriter when not appearing on stage. Currently, he is featured in the New York production of War Horse. But earlier this year, he released the EP Daylight. It is a wonderful collection, beautifully written and sung. Check out this clip as he sings If Morning Can't Wait.



You can find Daylight on iTunes and Amazon.

Though he was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Chris Riffle now calls New York City home as he pursues his career in music. Earlier in the year, the out performer released I Am Not From Here, a strong acoustic collection of songs song from the heart. Here he sings the title track from the EP, I Am Not From Here.



You can find I Am Not From Here on iTunes and Amazon.

Stewart Lewis sings Shine from the album In Formation. Earlier this year, he released the EP Stumbling For Truth. I have seen the out singer/songwriter perform a few times, and have loved him every time. The five-song collection is filled with honesty and love, a welcome addition to any collection.



You can find Stumbling For Truth on iTunes and Amazon.

I have been fascinated with the music of Andy Moore since I saw her performing with Eric Himan many years ago. So I was quite thrilled to hear she was releasing new music, and had to buy it right away. 5 In Common is a beautiful group of songs, sung with a simplicity and beauty that is hard to match. I have the first two album from the out lesbian, and love them both. Check out as she sings Cemetery off the EP.



You can find 5 In Common on iTunes and Amazon.

I first heard of Shaun Hague when Jake Walden announced they would be touring together. When I went to see them, I wasn't sure what to expect, but was blown away by him and his music. Shaun adds a bluesy touch to his Rock-infused Pop, with plenty of heart and soul. Watch as he sings Make It A Great Day from the EP The Time Is Now. I took this video at the show at the MilkBoy Coffee this summer.



You can find The Time Is Now on iTunes and Amazon.