Great New Music Posted Today (8.16.09)

Tim Neumark isn’t new to our site, but selections from his new album, Influence, are! It includes tracks dedicated to people and places that have inspired his music. Pieces were written for a former teacher, his wife, church congregations, his parents…and even a dog. Two tracks are for his favorite composer, Antonin Dvorak, using familiar themes of Dvorak’s music. These pieces range from contemplative to energetic, from classical to contemporary. He’s sharing two songs with us this time: On My Way and Thurman.

A native New Yorker, Jane Leslie began studying piano at age six, with a talent and love of music that eventually led to piano studies at the Juilliard School, where she earned a Masters degree…as well as a Doctoral degree from the Manhattan School of Music. Jane’s first album, Dreamsongs was birthed from an unusual experience in which a beautiful new melody appeared to her in a dream: “…a vivid dream with a melody that I could not forget.” Her latest album, Southampton Sunset, is a mix of diverse styles which include upbeat pieces, dramatic ballads, gentle new-age sounds, and soft jazz. And she’s brought us one song from each album: Dreamsongs and Joy.

Tom Van Dorn is a primarily self-taught musician who started with guitar and piano in his early teens. In time, he began composing his own songs on both instruments, although more recently focusing on acoustic piano compositions. His album, A Perfect Day, was created in an unplanned setting with nearly the complete collection of songs recorded straight through in one late-night session without a thought or care about making a recording that would later be sold. This total lack of recording pressure is clearly evident from the very first notes as the music simply flows effortlessly in a mellifluous, soothing way that leaves no doubt that this is one gifted and soulful musician. He’s sharing two songs with us: A Perfect Day and The Music Box.

Rob Fisher is a solo piano artist with emphasis on extemporaneous and impromptu performance and recordings. He was trained in classical piano, but has pulled in influences from reggae, rock, folk, blues, progressive and new age. His album is called Piano Extempore (extempore meaning “in the moment and without preparation”). And he’s brought us two songs to share with you: It Goes By and Pacific’s Edge.

Inner Version is a UK-based project featuring modern solo piano music incorporate many different influences. Some of those cited include Rachmaninoff, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Bach, Debussy, Miles Davis, Donald Fagen/Steely Dan, Aphex Twins, Ennio Morricone and Henry Mancini. If you think that sounds eclectic, you’d be right. Check out the two adventurous tunes they’re sharing with us here: Cambric Clouds and Midnight Rain.

All the above tracks can be downloaded now at FreeSoloPiano.com. Next up are some other great new instrumental tracks:

OK…so when asked about my favorite styles of music, KLEZMER isn’t usually near the top of the list. But, then again, I just heard The Alexandria Kleztet…and these guys (and a lady) from the D.C area turned my head. It definitely has “that klezmer feel” mixed in there…but it’s way more musically interesting than any klezmer I’ve heard before. And I suspect you’ll feel the same! The Kleztet is Seth Kibel (woodwinds), Helen Hausmann (violin), Tim Jarvis (percussion) and Scott Harlan (bass). Their new album is Peace, Love and Coffee…and they brought us two tunes to share with you: Bad Coffee (Builds Character) and Harmelodica Theory.

And as long as I’m in a confessional mode…I don’t tend to care a lot for most improvisational jazz, either. I like music that feels like it’s going someplace. But…once again, my preconceptions are shaken…by Sunna Gunnlaugs. For a lady from ICELAND who plays jazz piano, this is very warm music indeed…and there’s a significant “purposeful” quality to it. The instrumental performances are clear and confident…substantive rather than showy…and you truly do feel like you’re on a journey as you listen. Her latest album is Mindful, and she’s offered us the title track to share with you.

Grigor Iliev hails from Bulgaria and didn’t start to pursue music until his mid-teens…first on guitar, then discovering the piano. While his full-time occupation is computer science, his not-so-secret side passion is his modern classical piano compositions. He’s sharing a beautiful piece with us called The Lonely Ballerina.

Those tracks are now available for free at GreatInstrumentalDownloads.com. And finally, some great pop/rock/blues stuff:

Chris Kirby is one of those guy who just “gets it”. From the beginning of one of his tunes, you know you’re gonna like this. Great groove, sassy soulful vocals, infectious hooks and perfect production values. We’re very proud to introduce to this gifted artist with a tune from his new album Vampire Hotel. It’s called Lift This Fog.

And speaking of “getting it”…where has all the great good-time rock gone? Well, it appears that Loomis and The Lust has been keeping at least some of it for themselves out in Santa Barbara. Fortunately, they seem ready to spring it on the world! Their new album, Nagasha, is just a 5-song EP…but every single cut is just dripping with celebratory energy and hooks that just won’t let you go…but won’t let you sit still, either. Enjoy the “primal” tune Bright Red Chords (and check out the video, too!).

Stephen Luke knocked around music for years, but eventually life dragged him away…including the often mundane (but rewarding) task of raising a family. It took a significant hand injury to refocus him musically. He cut two tendons in his index finger while opening a box, the repair of which required surgery and months of therapy. And, wouldn’t you know it…the therapist recommended that he pick up the guitar again to help speed the functional healing of his left hand. Enter another of our Cincinnati-based featured artists…Kelly Richey (see below), who “…took me from pitiful to powerful in six months. It lit a fire. I couldn’t stop playing and started writing songs again.” Kelly then agreed to produce his first album, No Man’s Land…and you can hear that reignited passion in the bluesy tune, Long Way From Home.

Singer-songwriter Lisa Bianco brings us a resilient ballad about holding on thru the hard times, called Sideways. It’s from her new album, Post Data, which she says addresses “the new and constantly evolving relationship between people and a data-saturated world, searching for the personal connection that breathes life into humanity…and music”.

And these tracks are all yours when visiting GreatSongsFree.com. More to come soon. If you have friends who enjoy great new music, tell them to subscribe so they can stay up-to-date as well. En-joy!!