Richard Cortez • [rec]ord

Handsome and charming out singer/songwriter Richard Cortez has released a new EP, and you really should add it to your music collection. Richard combines Folk, Rock and Pop to make an enticing meal of music on [rec]ord. Starting with the first cut, The Poor Man's Love Song, Cortez has a charming conversational style that makes the song so intimate, so confessional, you can't help but love it. Here is a version Richard leading a group of kids from the Cooper City Community School Theater Camp.



No, that isn't the version that is on the album, but you can just tell by the warmth factor it is one you'll need to hear with your iPod on repeat. Hopefully, there will be a video coming soon that I will share with you all. The next cut is another charming song, A La Mode. It has a slice-of-life feel, with a stream-of-consciousness factor that reminds me what new love is all about, even when sitting at Denny's late on a weekend. There is a bouncy charisma to The Next Best Thing. I am telling you, I am listening and thinking about Burt Bacharach and Hal David, but know they having written anything this contemporary. The song has both whimsy and heart. The fourth track, Going Gone, has a sexiness that packs heat. It tells of the liberation of come to terms with yourself, and coming out. The final cut is Patsy Cline, a song that captures those moments Patsy always sang about, and so heartfelt. And it is a great way to end the EP, with such a strong song. Here is a preview of the songs on [rec]ord.



For more about Richard Cortez, visit his official website. You can also find him on Facebook. You can purchase [rec]ord from iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. To see my other posts featuring Richard Cortez, check out the post from 2010, his "It Gets Better" post, or the post from 2011. And don't forget to buy your copy of [rec]ord.

Declan Bennett Releases New Album

The amazing and gifted Declan Bennett released his latest musical offering, Record:Breakup, on Tuesday, April 25th. I, of course, had to rush to iTunes to buy it, since I could never think I would be patient enough to wait to get a physical copy delivered. My pocket review will tell you it is glorious, layered, emotional and rocking journey through a tough time. Allowing Declan's beautiful and textured voice to guide us on this psychological trip is a total bonus, a total treat for the ears and soul. One only needs to watch the video for the first single off the album, Freer, to get a feel for the album.



I know, it is great, isn't it? My scary thought? Not even my favorite song off the album. Sure, it is up there, but with songs like The Longer I Leave It, Straight In Your Face, Not Allowed or Love Wins, Bennett delivers with one track after the other. Everything More is anthemic in its desire to live life to the fullest, in a very urban, 20-something way. Part of Declan's brilliance is his ability to fuse the rock and pop sensibilities in his music, while seamlessly utilizing some jazz progressions to up the ante. His music is also a direct line to the heart, with a heightened emotional link to the music is transmitted clearly to the listener, plugging directly into the soul.



Declan Bennett has been making music since 1999, and since 2001, he was making it in his native England under the name Sumladfromcov. He came to my attention she he was cast in the National touring company of Rent, taking on the lead role of Roger. Soon he was brought to Broadway to play the role. He is also a member of the original cast of the rock music, American Idiot. For more about Declan Bennett, check out his official website here. You can also find him on Twitter here. But, most importantly, you can find his music on iTunes here, on Amazon.com here, or on MusicIsHere here. One day I hope to get a chance to hear him play live. I'd also love to interview him, for I find his music so affirming, so full of life. I couldn't recommend purchasing his music any more highly.