Wednesday, May 13, 2020

New Music Releases: CTK, Stephen Rothhaar, Little Dragon

CTK - The 2ND Coming

Given his stage name CTK by his mentor, legendary former Earth, Wind & Fire guitarist Al McKay, trumpeter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Clarence T. Kyle perpetuates that group’s style of old school groovin’ soul/funk and builds on the era’s classic horn-fired vibe on his latest album THE 2ND COMING. A musical gumbo for the soul, with Smooth Jazz, R&B, and hip hop, CTK pulls off the remarkable feat of creating instrumental music that tells his personal story. He invites listeners into his multi-faceted life with memorable tunes dedicated to his father-in-law, his recently departed mother, trips to Japan and fond memories of his early childhood in Rhode Island and attending the Newport Jazz Festival. ~ smoothjazz.com

Stephen Rothhaar - Moments


Since graduating from Ithaca College of Music in 2018 with a degree in voice (Opera believe it or not), ultra-hip pop, R&B and jazz influenced, Pittsburgh based singer/songwriter Stephen Rothhaar has been unstoppable. He follows his indie-acoustic EP HUMANS with the engaging, pure pop, ultra-danceable debut full length album MOMENTS. Helping take Rothhaar’s spirited soul sensibilities and instincts for creating infectious light pop gems to the next level is producer Nate Harasim, who fashions a slick, multi-faceted sonic landscape full of lightly funk contemporary beats, bright jazzy guitar jangle and a sensual seductive flow. In addition to showcasing Rothhaar’s multi-faceted artistry, the album includes impressive guest spots by globally acclaimed bassist Nathan East, chart-topping contemporary jazz guitarist Nils, vocalist Monica Notaro and the popular Detroit-based rapper K-Squeez. ~ smoothjazz.com

Little Dragon - New Me, Same Us

Little Dragon's always got a great way with a tune – a way of folding together elements that are both sweet and crispy, but without ever sounding too sanded-down or sleepy – as so many others who hit this territory! Instead, there's a nice crackle to most tunes – tracks that might almost want to be pop songs, but which have more of an underground soul current – little electronic bits bubbling around next to subdued soul vocals, finding all the right spots to mesh together in the best possible way! Titles include "Another Lover", "Every Rain", "New Fiction", "Sadness", "Stay Right Here", "Where You Belong", "Water", and "Are You Feeling Sad". ~ Dusty Groove


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