David Raleigh • The Equation of Love

On October 20th of 2014, I was lucky enough to be in the audience for David Raleigh's CD Release Party at The Cutting Room in Manhattan. I was joined by my sister, Kim, who rode the train with me from New Jersey to Penn Station, and then the easy walk to 32nd and Park Avenue. There we found the plush space, with a long line of fans equally eager to find a good seat to hear him performing songs from his new album, 'The Equation of Love'.

It isn't really surprising that I had both my cameras with me, and decided to share by photographs and videos here with you all. Once we found a seat, and had a yummy meal, it was time for the show. I was delighted to hear David would be singing all the songs off the album, as they were on the track list. I was pleased to hear Nathan Leigh Jones was there, representing himself as producer of the album, as well as the co-writer with David on all eleven songs. The show started with the "Technicolor Dream", a beautiful ballad that draws a vivid picture of love. I hope you enjoy David Raleigh singing "Technicolor Dream".

The next song was the first single off the album, "Do It To Me". The song also had the first music video, and was featured on this blog last fall. You can check that out on the blog post here. Following that uptempo number, it was time to go back to the ballad, with David at the piano. There is such charm and love in "Minus You", and I find it had to resist. That is followed by another ballad, the lush and gorgeous "Paradise". This is David singing it live.

After a moment to recover, my senses came back down to earth as Raleigh prepared the next song, "Sweet Love". This is a wonderful uptempo song that can make you hungry, as well as warm your heart. It certainly made me rethink not ordering a dessert after dinner. For the next song, David brought out a dear friend, one who also happened to sing "Stay" with him on 'The Equation of Love'. Rhonda Ross came out to sing, and she was ready to go. This should come as no surprise, for the daughter of Diana Ross and Berry Gordy should be special. And she is. And so is David, as they both have great fun with the sexy Latin rhythms of "Stay".

It was time to change things up, so David slowed things down with the next song, "Maybe". The song has an inherent sweetness, with just the right amount of melancholy. Raleigh switches gears again, this time taking on a thoughtful quality of music with "Lost In Time". What does time really mean, and how does love affect it? Next up is "It's Only Love", an anthemic power ballad reminiscent of the work of Dianne Warren. I love this song.

"Good Times" is up next, and strikes a note of nostalgia, in the sweetest of ways. It recalls a time before, and the music we listened to - it is amazing how music can bring us back to quickly. David ended the show just as he ended 'The Equation of Love', with the song "Thank You". The song is so earnest, so heartfelt, it always manages to touch my heart. This is David singing "Thank You".

After the show, we were all invited to the after party, and it was fun to go. I must admit, while I was standing there chatting with my sister, and in walked in Tony winner Billy Porter, I was impressed. and he looked fabulous, by the way. But soon it was time to go catch a train out of the city, so I collected my autographed copy of the album, and started walking to Penn Station. I had a great time, and couldn't wait to load 'The Equation of Love' on my iPod. You can to, for 'The Equation of Love' can be found on iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about David Raleigh, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

Spencer Day • Daybreak

I am such a fan of Spencer Day, and for so many reasons. First and foremost, he has the most wonderful voice. There is a delicious fullness, a sexy richness to the deep end of his range, and a sweet lightness to the top end. And he is a handsome man, as you can tell from the picture above. His music is also a combines the best of what Pop and Jazz have to offer.I first fell in love with Spencer when I heard his album 'Vagabond', and have been hooked since. I have seen his twice playing live, and like whipped cream on a bowl of ice cream, he is also a very kind and sweet man. And a good man who has a new album out, the newly released 'Daybreak'.

Last Friday, May 16, 2014, Day released his latest, 'Daybreak'. The ten-song collection is a combination of original songs and amazing covers. As a matter of fact, the songs are split 5 each, with three for #1 hits, and two former #2 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 from the 1960s. There are also five originals songs written by Spencer, which flow seamlessly with the hits, a true tribute to the quality of the songs. 'Daybreak' begins with the original song "Missing Tonight", the song made available when you placed the pre-order. It is a an invitation from Spencer to join him on a trip, which I would accept anytime. That is followed by "Naturally", another original with a sweetness and innocence that drives me to snap my fingers with a smile in my heart.It's a little bit Country, a little bit Pop-licious. Speaking of snapping fingers, the first cover leads off with just that. Lee Hazelwood wrote the next song for Nancy Sinatra, who had a #1 hit with it in 1966. Yes, Spencer tackles "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'", and that made me a very happy boy. Day offers us great range, from a seductive whisper to a growling shout. That leads to "Don't Let Me In", the third original song, and one of my favorites. There is a soft sensuality to the song that just draws me in from the first bars through the to the last. This is Spencer Day singing "Don't Let Me In".

In 1967, The Association has the #2 song on the Billboard Hot 100, and #1 on the Cashbox Top 100 Singles Chart. "Never My Love" was written by brothers Donald and Richard Addrisi, and given a soft and dreamy feel by The Association. While that recording might have felt a big Adult Contemporary, Spencer adds more gravity, and I feel like he could sing with with Lulu. When your hands start to clap involuntarily with the opening of "Wait Till I Get You Alone", rest assured you are not alone. The original song has a wonderful and sexy energy, and i find it impossible not to wish he was plotting to get me alone. Next up, Day offers us another hit from 1967. Written by band members Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati, The Young Rascals has a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks with "Groovin'". Spencer retains the Folk/Pop feel, but still gives us a Jazz edge with some cool vocals. The calendar pushed forward to 1969, when Creedence Clearwater Revival scored a #2 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Bad Moon Rising". The song was written by frontman John Fogerty, Spencer pulls it from Psychedelic Rock to Acid Jazz, flirting with several genres. In the final cover song on the album, Spencer sings a song by the iconic writing team of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Peter and Gordon recorded the song, and it went to #1 on both the Billboard and Cashbox Hot 100 Pop Song charts. I love the laid-back feeling of Spencer Day singing "World Without Love".

The album ends like it started, with a beautiful original from Spencer Day. "You Don't Know You're Lonely" has a wonderful energy, and once more I find myself unable to resist it. There is joy, love, and strength to be found, a combination that is nothing but win. I love the album, and think it might actually top Day's 2013 release, 'The Mystery of You'. I love both albums, but there is something intrinsically loving about 'Daybreak', I just find myself listening to it time and time again. I cannot get enough, and I am starting to feel like I am an addict, and this album is my crack. I can't really pick a favorite cut - if forced, I'd most likely pick the last song I heard, for they are all so damn good! You can purchase 'Daybreak' from Bandcamp. For some reason, it is available for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon, and not delivered until June 3rd. I'm glad I went to Bandcamp, and have it on my iPod now! To learn more about Spencer Day, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter. Be sure to check out his touring schedule, and go if he is playing near you. I promise you, you will love it!

Tom Goss • Wait

I have been 'waiting' for this day for some time, and it is finally here. The latest from Tom Goss is now available! That is 'Wait', a striking new 13-song collection that has been on my radar for a couple of months, when Tom allowed us a glimpse of his time in the studio via a webcam. That taste only made me more excited, and the time as come!

Between working on 'Wait', making his big screen debut in the film 'Out to Kill', and his recent European tour, it is amazing Tom has the energy left to release an album! Yet somehow, he not only has the energy, but the skills to make an amazing album! It kicks off with "It Only Takes Once", which brings the album off with an uptempo blast. There is something so sublimely Poptastic about this song, I found it instantly irresistible. Tom continues to positive party with "Take A Chance", and I can only tell you, I've been willing to take a chance on Tom and anything he is working on for several years now! I am not sure there is a better communicator for love, for Tom does it so well. Next up, we have the title track, and it starts off with a little Rockabilly sound, allowing Tom to take the mantle of the new Carl Perkins or Elvis! And when you listen to "Wait", he fits the bill like few could. And speaking of love, Tom once again reminds us that love doesn't mean only seeing the best in your partner. With "Worst of Me", he looks to love every side of someone, and finding the truth that is love.

With the opening chords of "I Think I", I got the feeling of some great old Punk song, like 'Parallel Lines' era Blondie. There is an energy that is infectious, and I just love that. While it might be bold and brash, it is still something I instantly put on repeat. Tom slows it down with "In Time", reminding us he is, at heart, a boy with a guitar. There is a lovely ethereal beauty to the song, capturing a sweetness that I love to hear and feel. There is a delicious treat in "Deeper Shade of Blue", a wonderful Pop confection sweet enough to eat fresh from the oven. "Breath and Sound" returns to a quieter and softer sound. There is an amazing beauty in the song, and it really touched my heart. And as I hear the layered vocals over the acoustic sound, I am quite taken by the song. Singer/songwriter Matt Alber offers some vocal support on this one. There is a sweet build to "This is Real", taking it from a mid-tempo song to an urgent plea. Next up, we have the simple beauty of "Illuminate the Dark", and we are lucky enough to have it as the first music video from 'Wait'. This is "Illuminate the Dark" by Tom Goss, directed by Michael Serrato.

There is a simple reflective beginning to "Falling", with a rising intensity in the music that is matched by the singer. With "What We've Found", Goss returns to more familiar territory, a simple love song that is not nearly as simple as Tom makes it sound. He captures love with such a freshness, and a realness that is so seductive. The last track on 'Wait' is "You and Me", which starts of with a surprising harshness, but soon rounds off the edges with a wonderful transition in the chorus. This song takes some surprising turns, showing how the strength of love, of being a couple, that can help build a home, a safe place for love to flourish.

'Wait' not only lived up to my expectation, but surpassed them. This is a great album, combining the best of Pop, Folk, and Rock into a great aural blend. The album is wonderfully balanced, Tom's strongest and most polished collection to date. Tom's work with Producer Tom Ofca of Innovation Studios continues to allow Goss to grow as an artist and performer, allowing his songwriting skills to shine. You can purchase 'Wait' from iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. You can also buy the physical CD from Tom's online store. To learn more about Tom, visit his official website. You can also follow him on Twitter, or like him on Facebook.

Brett Gleason • Imposter

Brett Gleason is less than a week away from releasing his first full-length album, and to get us all ready, he has shared with us the first music video shot for the occasion. It features the song "Imposter", and it offers a vision of Brett's work by director William Murray. The video is shot in a stark black & white, With that in mind, when the screen splits I cannot help but think of the age-old struggle of yin and yang, visiting the duality of our personalities, and how there are parts of us that are so much alike, while other parts could not be any more different. So check out the inner struggle of 'Being Brett Gleason', where I think Brett exposes a bit of himself, and if I am not mistaken, we get a sneak peak of his 'Id'...

The album 'Brett Gleason' will be available on May 6, 2014. You can pre-order it from iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp. In fact, if you order it from Bandcamp, you will get a track now, and not have to wait until May. For more about Brett, you can check out his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter and 'like' him on Facebook.

Carole Bayer Sager • Carole Bayer Sager

Sometimes I can be quick to think there was a moment, or an artist that began my infatuation with the singer/songwriter I now hold so dear. To be honest, I am not sure when that switch was flipped, and I discovered the honesty of a performance that comes deep from within when the songwriter delivers their own music. I know I have long listened to people who fall under that umbrella, and still am proud to say do. But one thing I do know for sure is that, at some point while in college, I discovered the music of Carole Bayer Sager. I found it first when discovering her name on the songwriting credits for the music of Melissa Manchester. In fact, she had credits on some of my favorites sung by Manchester, including "Midnight Blue", "Come In From The Rain" and "Home To Myself". So it is no surprise I purchased her first self-titled album, released in 1977.

I have to be honest and say I wasn't on the album right away, but a couple of years later. I was so into that album, I quickly went out to purchase her second album, the adorably titled 'Too...', but before her third and final album, the 1981 release 'Sometimes Late At Night'. But back to the first album. I had no idea what to expect, but purchased it on the basis of her songwriting. I was certainly not disappointed. Beginning with the first track, written by Bayer Sager and Melissa Manchester, "Come In From The Rain" opened the collection with a heartwarming moment. The song was sung by Manchester as well as the Captain and Tennille.

While I love all ten songs on the album, I had to pick out just a few so share with you, and least in this post. One of the things I decided to go with is to pick four songs, each with different co-writers that I really respect. That is most certainly the case with the next song, "Aces". I fell in love with this song from the very first time I listened, and felt it touch me. "Aces" was written by Carole and Bruce Roberts, another amazing writer. In fact, on the strength of some of his songs with Carole, I went out and purchased his eponymous debut, another one I love. Please enjoy "Aces".

I knew I had to include at least one of Bayer Sager's collaborations with the late, great Peter Allen, but wasn't sure which I would choose. For those who might not know of Allen, he was the flamboyant Australian singer/songwriter/performer who was discovered by Judy Garland, who added him to her tour. It is then he met Liza Minnelli, and subsequently was married to her for seven years. After they divorce, Allen came to terms with his own homosexuality, and became known on his own. But when I sat down and gave another listen, I decided to go with the beautiful "I'd Rather Leave While I'm In Love". I have always been touched by this song and performance.

Now after having three beautiful ballads, I had to offer an up-tempo song, right? And there might not be a better one that "You're Moving Out Today", written by Carole, with her friends Bruce Roberts and Bette Midler. In fact, it was also recorded by Midler, and after listening, you will know why. This song is just a complete delight, from start to finish. Enjoy "You're Moving Out Today".

Through the years, Bayer Sager was known to have relationships with a few of her collaborators. One of her more high-profile relationships was with songwriter extraordinaire Burt Bacharach. The duo were married for much of the 1980s, and even adopted a son together. In the 1970s, she had a relationship with the late Marvin Hamlisch. In fact, she not only wrote songs with Marvin, they also wrote the Broadway musical 'They're Playing Our Song' based on their own relationship. For more about Carole Bayer Sager, visit her official website. You can purchase her hard to find debut album on Amazon. That is to purchase of a physical CD, for I don't find her music on any of the digital download systems. But if you enjoyed the music from this post, it would be well-worth the purchase!

Matt Doyle • Contant EP Released

Matt Doyle has released his latest EP, Constant. This is a lovely companion piece to his 2011 EP, Daylight. As with the first, Constant is a collection of original songs, written by Doyle and Will Van Dyke. And once again, Matt doesn't rest on his matinee-idol good looks, instead offering up a meaty selection of songs that will keep me happy and wanting more from this artist. Although I haven't heard this out artist singing live, every time I listen to either of his recordings I want to that much more. He has such a beautiful tone to his voice, with a sweet depth.



While Daylight was a soulful production, Constant veers more on the Pop side, but still delivers heartfelt honesty. After a simple and straightforward opening to "What You Stole", the slips into a bluesy beat as if it were a warm blanket, and it picks up momentum, much like the the young love he sings about. Soon we hear the opening to "Don't Wait", the second track. This is an interesting mixture of of soul and pop,driving yet understated. It almost has the feel of a great Country crossover hit. Next we have the storytelling of "Can't Stay Here". With talk of dreams, innocence and life moving on, with or without you, the song lifts you up as it builds, then caresses to a conclusion. There is a nostalgic feel to "Can't Have You", a blues song that sparkles with a sequin feel. But that doesn't stop Doyle from reaching down to give a little growl from time to time. That was the perfect segue into the call and response sexiness of "Love Ain't Making Me Right". Doyle's voice adds another level of sexiness as he reaches deep down for strong emotional truth. For the final cut off the EP, he returns to the Pop sound on "Walls". It seems love is still a strong inspiration for good music, and once again Doyle makes a delivery straight from his heart.



To get a taste of this yummy EP, watch this video for "What You Stole" at the Constant release party, taped at Bon Soir Mondays at the Pink Elephant earlier this month.



You can purchase your copy of Constant from iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby.

B.Slade™ • Deep Purple • Available Now

The amazing B.Slade™ has released more music available, and Deep Purple is another example of his outstanding work, offering up the very best of R&B and Hip-Hop seasoned with just the right amount of sauciness. The out and proud musician offers this 14-track album that delivers over an hour of music, starting with "Mama Jaila's Intro." The music had me ready to move, first while in my chair. It wasn't long before I was out of the chair, dancing around the room. Check out the second cut off Deep Purple, "PHONy PONy," featuring Jaila Simms, Trevon James & DDM.



The music is just amazing, sporting a delicious sheen, just waiting for me to lick it like frothy whipped cream. It was a perfect listen over the holiday weekend, from the smoothness of "TwerK" to the yumminess of the title cut, which recalled the best of Janet Jackson's musical spirit. Give a listen to the sixth cut off Deep Purple, "2 Get 2."



I swear that B.Slade sows seeds of great music to make such strong new music. Listening to the album is like planning an exquisite meal for someone you love. With each cut, you feel it can't top what you have already heard, but quickly you feel the salivary glands kicking in, and you just want to take in some more. I find myself standing up, my hips moving and my fingers running through the hair. I open my eyes to discover I've been moving around the room, turned around from where I started. Take "Never Love This Way," another great cut. It sends me out once again, ready to dance with the rest of the world.



Yeah, that one recalled some of the greatest pop ballads of the 80s, without ever feeling dated or nostalgic. Deep Purple is filled with just joy, such heart, you can help but be touched by it, from beginning to end. B.Slade is in top form, making amazing music I find impossible to resist. Give a listen, and I don't think you will be able to resist, either. For more about B.Slade, visit his official website. You can purchase Deep Purple on iTunes and Amazon.

New Music • Matthew Duffy

This morning marks the date of the release of the latest album by gay electro-rocker Matthew Duffy. Spunk Pumpers Unite! is now available worldwide on any number of musical outlets. With the 9-song collection, Duffy attacks the music with a gusto, combining the electronic sound of the dance floor with a sharp vocals, leaving the songs with a razor edge. Check out, for instance, the fifth song offered up, Homosapien. The song was written by Pete Shelley, the title track for his 1981 debut solo album. I had gotten to know Pete as the frontman for the British Punk band Buzzcocks. Shelley, who was somewhat notorious in the early 1980s for his declaration of his bisexuality, at a time when even Elton John was married to a woman, although claiming to be bisexual. Gave new meaning to the Buzzcock songs when you go back to listen. The song is a great one, and Matthew does a great job updating and making it his.



And you know, I just loved Pete Shelley and I loved the Buzzcocks. Matthew's work does remind me a bit Shelley's songs as well as others from the Punk and New Romantics of the 1970s and '80s, with a frankness in the lyrics, and they way they both combined a real edge to the inherent "Pop" nature of the songs. I recently featured the first video for this collection, for the song Man Out of U. The video features the sexy model/actor Ronnie Kroell.



I like Matthew Duffy's music, and can't wait to spend some time with this release. I haven't been able to give it a few listens like I would like, but love the two songs above, so that means something's right about the album. To find out more about Matthew, check out his official website here. You can also find him on Facebook. To check out or purchase Spunk Pumpers Unite!, the album can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon.

Tom Goss • Lost Songs & Underdogs

This is so exciting, Tom Goss is getting ready to release a new album on April 3, 2012, but you can preorder it now and get an electronic download to you can hear it now! Instant gratification, you've got to love it! The new album is Lost Songs & Underdogs, a 10-song collection showcases Tom's talent as a songwriter, with an honesty that is hard to match. Tom has an uncanny ability to sing from the heart about matters of the heart.

Here is what Tom has to say about the new album. "Lost Songs and Underdogs is my most intimate album ever," he said. "Direct and honest. The product of isolation and soul searching. I holed myself into a one-room cabin in rural Virginia with no internet or phone—only my computer, keyboard, guitars and a handful of mics to keep me company. Eventually I emerged, a different musician and a stronger person. This is my story." Part of that story is the song Me And My Dinosaurs, which you can hear in this video from Tom.

That is a great song, isn't it? Well, you can make it yours, and play it right away. To place your preorder, click here. There you are met with three choices, and you know, having choices is good! You can order an autographed copy of Lost Songs & Underdogs, so be shipped March 20th, and get an immediate download so you can listen to it right away! All for you $25. You can get that, as well as a limited edition print Lost Songs & Underdogs t-shirt, for just $50. Are you looking for the electronic download, 5 personally autographed copies of the Deluxe Edition of the CD, and a private show in your hometown for you and up to 30 of your closest personal friends? That is fantastic, and you can purchase that too! To order, click here!

Jay Brannan • Rob Me Blind

The time is now, people, the time is now. The ever-so-talented Jay Brannan has a new album coming out, titled Rob Me Blind. In my own humble opinion, you can never go wrong with a purchase of Jay's music. Rob Me Blind is due out on March 27th, a date you should have marked on your calendar. I know I have. However, you can get a jump on things, and pre-order the album. And being the guy that Jay is, he has not only made it easier to do, but offers a couple of alternatives from which you can choose. But before we get to that, I am going to offer the first video from the album. Here is Jay singing the amazing Beautifully, the first single.



I love Jay's music, and have had the thrill of seeing him performing live, in Philadelphia and Annapolis. He is every bit as good live as he is recorded, something I just love. I have all his music, and just love it all. Now, Jay has made it easy to order Rob Me Blind on his website here. There are a couple of options, from pre-ordering on iTunes, to three other different packages that include various music and other Jay-related treats.





For $10, you can get the album from iTunes. For $12, you can get the new album and a specially produced live album. For $25, you can get Rob Me Blind, Live at Eddie's Attic, and a fantastic t-shirt designed and produced for this offer! And, for $40, you can all of the above, plus autographed liner notes, and a canvas poster, and, get this, a limited edition lip balm! No, really! I have placed my order, and you should, too. Wait, you need more convincing? Really? How about a sneak peak at another song on the album? Here is the song Greatest Hits.



And isn't he just so damned handsome on the covers of these records? So, you can get all of this through the website here. You can get to the iTunes per-order here. You can get the single version of Beautifully on iTunes here and on Amazon here.

Constant Crows by Matt Alber Available!

Matt Alber has a voice that is hard to describe, other than just glorious. There are times when I am listening to him that his voice just takes my breath away. His first album, Hide Nothing, is a constant in my iTunes rotation. And I suspect that the new release, Constant Crows, will be as well. Oh, hell, it already has... Constant Crows is a 10-song collection that feels different that Hide Nothing; it is more intimate, more personal. I feel as thought Matt is letting us peak behind the curtain, and see the true soul of the singer. It opens with a simple piano playing with Matt's voice on Velvet Goldmine. The mid-tempo song has a real joy in the chorus. The second track, The River, also starts with a piano, but in a few bars, the keyboard is joined by other instruments. Here is a clip of Alber is performing it live.



On Constant Crows, The River manages to maintain the intimate quality, while having a bigger, epic feel. Tall Tales has a softer, more confessional feeling. There is a a light Folk/Pop to Tightrope, which made me think of Joni Mitchell the first time I heard it. The fifth cut, Wallingford, gives me reason to recall the Monarch song off the first album. There is a sprawling beauty in the orchestral arrangement. Seldomly lends a light touch to a dreamy lyric and the sassy Bossa Nova beat. With Brother Moon, there is a return to the Folk/Pop feel, maybe a bit more Crosby, Stills, and Nash this time, with lilting harmonies. The opening phrases of Old Ghosts have a solitary feel, like we have returned to the confessional. The simplicity of his voice with the piano accentuates the aching in his voice. There is such a depth and beauty to The Kiss, I could put it on endless repeat. Finally, Constant Crows ends with Take A Bow, written by Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and the original performer, Madonna. There is something truly lovely in the pared-back arrangement, allowing Alber's voice to just soar.



So that is my thoughts on Constant Crows, nothing short of amazing. I can't tell you how happy listening to it makes me, how much joy it brings. You can find Constant Crows on iTunes here. You can check Matt out on his website here. As hard as it is for me to admit this, I still have yet to see Matt Alber playing live. I hope that is taken care of once he is out on the road. I did have tickets to see him in Washington, DC, with Tom Goss, but we were hit with Snowmagedon, and there was no way to make it. Now I hope no other acts of nature try to keep me from this goal!

B.Slade™ Releases DIESEL Today

B. Slade releases his latest album, DIESEL, today. About three weeks ago, I told you about the album's availability for pre-order here. I don't know about anyone else, but I placed an order then. So I was quite pleased to hear I could get my download, and give it a listen. Man, is it good - has the depth and beauty of great old R&B classics, but doing so in a way that is not dated or sounding old. It's just great music. In that earlier post, I gave you a chance to listen to two songs. Here is another, this one called I'm Done, B.Slade™, featuring Yummy Bingham.



You can find it on iTunes here, and on BandCamp here. You can also find it on Amazon.com here.

Pre-Order for Matt Alber Begins

Singer/songwriter Matt Alber has begun accepting pre-orders for his next album, due out by Thanksgiving. I have to say, Matt Alber has a magnificent voice, and makes just intoxicating music that transports you to different places in the mind and in the heart. He has magnificent control of his instrument, and uses it beautifully. Speaking of beautiful, he is also a very good-looking man. And while I didn't know it before, it seems Matt has a great sense of humor, as you can see in this video he made for the pre-sale. We also meet his father and his hunky boyfriend, and discuss Tom Goss' underpants. Just watch...



To Pre-order the album, click here. For just $25, you will get an immediate download of two rough recordings of two songs he is working on, as well as a bit of an explanation from Matt. You will also receive digital download of the completed album one week before the official release, and an autographed hard copy of the CD sent to you once released. For $55, you will get all that plus a limited-edition 11 x 17 silkscreen handmade by Matt himself! For $255, you will receive all of the above - the downloads, the autographed CD, and the silkscreen, as well as one of the 10 remaining copies of Matt 2005 album, Nonchalant. There are only 10 remaining, and you can't even get it on iTunes! I don't have it, and wish I could afford to get it here! This offer ends on July 22nd, just about a week from now. You need more help to make up your mind? How if I post his video for End Of The World, from his album Hide Nothing?



Matt is already hard at work on the new album, an it will be ready by Thanksgiving. The money he makes now will help him finish the album, so once again, you can consider it an investment in your own future, your own aural pleasure, perhaps even your own sanity. I know when I put on his music, I instantly find a more serene place. But you'd like more? How about him performing The River live, dedicating to his boyfriend?



I know after listening to those clips, you wont to pre-order, right? Click here. You can also visit his official website with that same click. You can find him on Twitter here, and on FaceBook here. If you'd like to check out his album Hide Nothing, visit him on iTunes or on Amazon.com.

Kickstart Jason Walker's New Album

Now, if anyone has been paying the slightest bit of attention to what I type in here, you know that I am a huge fan of recording artist Jason Walker. I just love his voice, and the music he is putting out. He''s worked with some of the top producers, like Babyface and Junior Vasquez. He's topped the Billboard Dance Charts on more than one occasion, his voice a clarion call to the dance floor for many. His voice just seems to grow in volume and intensity, feeling the driving beat and feeding off it. Check out one of his hit songs, Can't Stop.



But with the last album, Leave It All Behind, he proved to be way more than a disco belter. Sure, he can still get that done, but he can also sing with the nuance and deft touch of a true chanteuse, draining your emotion with a whisper when needed. Like he did in this live performance of Changes.



I've said it before, and I will say it again: I am a selfish bitch. I want more Jason Walker music, and you should too. Music this good is hard to come by - something made evident just by listening to the radio for a couple of hours. To get more of his music, I made my pledge on his Kickstarter page. Why, you might ask? Well, I'll let Jason tell you.



Also, from my vaults, comes the other thing I say all the time. If you enjoy having great out singers/songwriters/musicians/artists, then you have to support them. Whether they are Ricky Martin or Declan Bennett or Jason Walker, they have bills to pay, rent that is due. They must get paid for doing their job, making music. How would you like showing up to work on today and finding out you aren't getting paid? That is what you are doing when you find that free or illegal download. Instead, why not jump on board early, and place your pledge with Kickstarter, and, for $10, get music you will love in return? Or pledge a little more, and you might get a call from Jason singing Happy Birthday. Or maybe a chat on Skype? Or be a special guest at the next show in your area? Or would you prefer to appear in the liner notes of the album? Maybe you would like a private concert in your home? All this could be yours. Just click on the widget below, and it will take you to Jason Walker's Kickstarter page, where you can make a pledge, an investment in your future happiness.

Go on, I know you wanna do it.