Top Tracks: Matt Blais – Set Me Free

/ James Fenney

This artful Americana artist cherry-picks all the finer points of the genre in this incredible new track. With splashes of slide guitar, bursts of blistering blues harmonica and simply fantastic gritty vocals that tell of a mis-spent youth and a life on the road, Matt Blais has pulled off a faultless song. ‘Set Me Free’ has an inescapable likeability thanks to the rich musical backdrop, the wild and rebellious vibe and Matt’s own apparent down-to-Earth nature. It’s like Neil Young’s greatest hits condensed into just a few short minutes. Looking at the video however you’ll see that Matt has something that Neil doesn’t; an air of effortless cool, wandering the desert in his shades complete with a classic car and some glorious vintage cinematography. This is roots rock at it’s finest, the perfect way to sum up what it’s all about.

Greg Lake passes away

/ James Fenney

greg-lake

I think 2016 will always be remembered as the year the music died, and the latest, and hopefully last, music legend to be taken from us is prog pioneer Greg Lake. This follows just a few months after the death of his dear friend and bandmate Keith Emerson. First gaining notoriety as part of the original line-up of King Crimson he was a key player on their landmark debut In The Court of the Crimson King, which is widely considered the first ever progressive rock album and influenced everyone from Pete Townsend to Kanye West. He later formed the prog rock supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer and went on to release such other successful albums as Tarkus and Brain Salad Surgery.  His work had a powerful impact on the course of music and he will be sorely missed.

Spotlight!: Taylor Jahn

/ James Fenney

Oregon born singer/songwriter Taylor Jahn is on to a winning formula. His grand and assured piano driven balladry show off his exemplary crystal clear vocals and his introspective yet infectious lyricism. His latest single ‘Hide Away’ is a billowing ballad offering an honest and heartfelt message of solidarity, whereas the bright and bubbly ‘All We Need’ is perfect guilty pleasure material with its irresistable positivity and jaunty melody. ‘Slave to Your Love’ couldn’t be more romantic if it scattered rose petals from your speakers, and is sure to have couples swooning and swaying together across the land. The addictive rhythm and big build towards a captivating climax makes ‘Light Inside’ possibly Taylor’s best work. It’s the kind of song Chris Martin of Coldplay would give anything to have written. Lyrically and emotionally however Taylor’s finest hour is ‘Keep Moving On’, a letter to a lost loved one that is heartbreaking and hopeful in equal measures. Few songs I know of paint such a potent portrait of loss as this. An immensely talented songwriter, it’s clear that Taylor Jahn gives all of himself into every gorgeous track that he crafts. It goes without saying that the pop world needs plenty more people like him, though artists this good are hard to find.

Fans of Rhodes, John Legend, Christina Perri and Belwood favourite Jonny Carroll should keep an eye out for Taylor’s debut EP Hide Away out 27th January 2017.

Top Tracks: Five Mile Smile – Beg Borrow or Steal

/ James Fenney

This Belfast based band deal exclusively in heady doses of hard rock heaven. Recently reformed after breaking up back in 2003, their latest comeback single ‘Beg Borrow or Steal’ is a no-nonsense, in-your-face rock anthem. Complete with chunky riffs, splashes of southern rock slide guitar and hints of ‘Sympathy for the Devil’ in the backing vocals, Five Mile Smile have all the right classic rock influences pulling their strings. The band stick to their guns on this down-to-Earth and dependable track. It does exactly what it says on the tin and provides a full-blooded foray into an energetic back to basics approach with nods to The Who, The Rolling Stones and Oasis. A simple yet effective formula that seems to be working wonders.

Top Tracks: Caleb Nichols – Close My Eyes

/ James Fenney

With a lengthy and enviable resume that includes working with such Bay Area bands as Port O’Brien, Release The Sunburst and WATERS, Californian singer/songwriter Caleb Nichols has recently released a new solo EP. Entitled 90 Days in New York, it is a 4 track voyage through an honest and autumnal folk landscape, all based around his experiences of going to, and eventually leaving, The Big Apple. It is a gorgeously rural ode to city life. Belwood Music is proud to premiere Caleb’s latest video for ‘Close My Eyes’. A cover of a track by oft-overlooked experimental singer/songwriter Arthur Russell, it stands as a heartfelt message from one LGBTQA artist to another and fits perfectly with the poignant and peaceful atmosphere of the EP.

Top Tracks: Hayley and the Crushers – Jaywalking

/ James Fenney

There’s a lot to be said in music for charisma and character, something that Hayley and the Crushers clearly have in abundance. With their quirky debut album Jewel Case this Californian trio have created their own unique grit and glitter blend of 50s rock’n’roll with a punk attitude, like an alternate universe inspired by Marty McFly’s wild performance from Back to the Future. Belwood Music is proud to premiere the music video for the band’s latest single ‘Jaywalking’. Equal parts endearing and empowering; the charming tale of frontwoman Hayley Cain’s rush to rehearsals is an unlikely yet perfect match for the frantic drum fills and fierce, full-blooded bass line. Striking the perfect balance between style and substance, and with hints of classic Joan Jett, this slice of garage rock goodness is a sure-fire way to make your day. Get on board and embrace the crusherverse.