SUNDAY SLOWDOWN - 01/05/2022
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SUNDAY SLOWDOWN - 01/05/2022


 

NUMBER 1

Sano Hill - Starting Over

Galway, Ireland


Credit - EL Putnam

Sano Hill is a singer-songwriter based in Galway (Ireland) currently recording his debut album. His songs are inspired by life, love and loss and he has played to audiences in the US and Ireland with his work released already to critical acclaim on compilation albums, including 'Origin: See the Light', 'New Horizons', and 'Inundations' (which also featured music from leading international acts, including Josh Ritter, Ron Sexsmith, Lloyd Cole, Damien Rice, Mundy and The Frames). "Starting Over" is the second single from Sano Hill's forthcoming debut album which charts the course of a relationship from hopeful beginnings, to emotional crises, breakup and recovery. "Starting Over" is a song of overcoming, reconciliation and renewal. It combines reflective and hopeful lyrics with an engaging and varied full-band musical accompaniment. It was recorded at Dublin's legendary Windmill Lane Studios with award-winning producer Larry Hogan.




 

NUMBER 2

Sky Canyon - Wijic

Boulder, United States


A veteran of over 50 years in music, Sky Canyon is a composer, producer and artist strongly rooted in the world of jazz as well as rock, classical (he was a principal percussionist in symphony orchestras), Latin, and new age music. His love of jazz since an early age, and having studied with jazz vibraphone master Terry Gibbs, inspire his current musical creations. Sky produced best-selling albums in the new age genre with Watercourse Media, but is back to his roots these days, releasing jazz originals and classic standards. This original is in the classic swing jazz feel, with a quartet headed by Sky Canyon on vibraphone, with A-list players Justin Adams on piano, Ron Bland on upright bass and Mike Marlier on drums. It's upbeat, a catchy melody, great solos and overall a terrific groove.



 

NUMBER 3

Kat Kennedy - Unpacking

Los Angeles, United States

Credit - Vinsint

Tnis artist came in at Number 8 in our top 10 Acoustic finds this week and so we felt that it was only right to bring her into our Sunday shout outs too! Kat Kennedy began performing around her home state of Connecticut at the age of 7, sparking a love of music and performance that led her to Berklee College of Music in Boston. It was there that she found her current singer/songwriter, pop style. At Berklee, the young musician was taught by renowned teachers like Grammy-nominee Paula Cole, Livingston Taylor, and Jon Aldrich; and guests such as Ernie Isley from the Isley Brothers and Noam Pikelny from The Punch Brothers. The Boston-based artist doesn't stay in one place too long: she has performed at venues from Alaska to South America including the world-renowned Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Club Passim of Boston, Bem Dito of Rio de Janeiro, and many more. She has also made appearances on The Folk Revival (90.5 FM,) Tiny Desk Series (95.9 WATD), Under The Covers (WEMF), The Armadillo (107.1 KPUR) and Gramma's Attic Music Review (Metro Cast Ch 24.)



 

NUMBER 4

Hanover Park - I Was A Little Past Sad

Dallas, Texas, United States



Credit - Kibblé

Hanover Park send their track over to us this week and we felt to chilled out after hearing it. I Was A Little Past Sad is a track for empathizers and sympathizers, people who have experienced sad times and can relate to the sad times that others experience. The story behind it is that Puppy goes to downtown Chicago, Illinois, to decompress while expressing himself to his friend. Though Puppy was a little past sad, he found himself decompressed because his friend expressed empathy and sympathy for him. What Puppy feared the most happened to him, which caused him to be a little past sad, but because Puppy had his friend with him, he could decompress and move forward. We love the story behind the piece and the sad but dreamy feel of the production!



 

NUMBER 5

Bineal Roy - Maybe

Sydney, Australia


Credit - Georgia Ginnivan Photography

Bineal was part of Sydney based band 'Adaptors'. 'Maybe' is his first solo release that differs from his band in its more mainstream approach yet still touching on similar themes (perspective, duality) and strives for diversity and melodicity. This is a laid back guitar infused dream with the most in your feels guitar solos that I've heard in a minute. Relfective, funky, sexy and chilled out. I can't wait to hear more of his solo projects, I'm so down for his energy. Get it on repeat and don't forget to get it added to your playlists! Perfect for a Sunday!


 

NUMBER 6

Jessy - Pilgrimage

Tamworth, United Kingdom


Pilgrimage is another worldly song, pulling on the human condition with all the struggle and beauty that comes with it. A story of redemption, this track is one we all need to hear. Jessy began playing music at a young age as her mother was a piano teacher. She grew up playing in her church youth band. She then felt called to pursue a career in music and is now just finishing her songwriting degree at BIMM Birmingham UK. Influenced by Steffany Gretzinger, Sara Bareilles, Lauren Daigle, Rachel Platten, and Adele we hear how these come into play in her vocals. Click the link below.


 

NUMBER 7

Charlie Noiir - Beside Me

Toronto, Canada


Credit - Dusty Loops

Charlie Noiir is back with his brand new track titled 'Beside Me'. Charlie Noirr impressed us this week as he made our Top 10 RnB finds. Following closely on from recent single ‘Masters’, Toronto based royalty Charlie Noiir picks up the pace returning just weeks later with second 2022 single, the unguarded and intimate ‘Beside Me’. Peeling back the layers, Noiir showcases his true versatility as he takes it down, unearthing deeper levels of authenticity underlined with complete artistic prowess. This is a track you NEED to hear! Soft and soulful and full of feeling, this one will get you in your feels for sure! A true confession of love is found in this piece.



 

NUMBER 8

Nina Chiodin - Cherries And Pearls

Berlin, Germany


Credit - Charlie Alvernhe

This track is a whole vibe. Having made our RnB Top 10 this week we had to include this track in our Slowdown Sunday news posts this week. 'Cherries And Pearls' was written last summer, when Nina experienced a sensation of love and admiration for someone like never before. This song is an expression of adoration, desire, and affection for a person. With the mostly steady bassline and drum pattern she wants to represent the safety she felt in her lover's arms. The vocal and harmony lines, as well as the mellow and gentle keys and guitar parts mimic the softness and tenderness of their love. This is a real beautiful song that is enhanced by the smoothness of the instrumental. REPEAT!! Click the link below to hear it. LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS! Well done girl.



 

NUMBER 9

Scott Lloyd, Waterlands

Manchester, United Kingdom

We had the pleasure of reviewing Scott Llyod's album this week. Hailing from the north of England, Scott Lloyd has been navigating a new path on his quest for happiness. He's swapped the urban noise of Manchester for the sweet serenity of Derbyshire's countryside and is rediscovering his creativity with a soundscape and lyrics inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds him. New record Waterlands feels introspective yet relatable as it journeys unapologetically through genres from folk to 70s inspired rock and sees Scott explore themes of growing up, mental health and loss against a rural backdrop, like the romantic poets before him.



 

NUMBER 10

Ben Pratt - Reflections

Stoke-On-Trent, United Kingdom

The 5 track EP “Reflections” by Singer/Songwriter Ben Pratt is a testament to his songwriting prowess. Each song has their own story but comes together to form a much broader depiction of what love can look like. Ben is in his final year studying a song-writing degree at BIMM Birmingham. A passionate trombonist and singer-songwriter, Ben Pratt has performed as a soloist across the Midlands, as well as nationally alongside the RAF. Ben's influences lay within the pop and gospel genres but takes inspiration from across the industry from film and orchestral music to funk and jazz. Ben Pratt is a real romantic who is in touch with his feelings, his demons, and the skills that those things bless him with. Ben Pratt - you are now my favorite songwriter. This EP tells the story of a man who isn't afraid of his own reflections.



 

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