The cultural topography of Africa and Europe collide in the musical spirit of Ola Onabulé, a vocalist with a hot and liquid baritone who is able to pour his lyrical vocalastics into higher registers with masterful elasticity so that he has command of three and a half (we're told) registers in all. But merely being able to reach great heights and impossible lows is one thing; to be able to do so with great poetic skill is quite another and this is exactly what Mr Onabulé is capable of and does with the greatest of aplomb. There's plenty to be thrilled about on this 2019 recording Point Less where Mr Onabulé negotiates the repertoire revealing exactly what it means to have the kind of vocal flexibility with which he has been blessed as well as his gift for phrasing as well as delivering the music, muscularly and rhythmically deliberate in places but with oomph and gravitas in the big, vocals apostrophes. This vocal project has a very special feeling of authenticity about it. That's largely because of Mr Onabulé's extraordinary vocalastics but one must also acknowledge, at the very outset, the most sympathetic and imaginative of accompanists, especially the pianists, bassist, drummers and percussionists who weave their magic with astounding colour, balance and timing. Their accompaniment of Mr Onabulé and the interpretation of his music are of a consistently elevated standard – bassist Phil Mulford, in particular setting down a high marker with his exceptional playing throughout. Meanwhile, throughout Mr Onabulé judges the balance between words and music to perfection anchoring his art with typical clarity and swirling dramatic twists and turns, every once and a while adding African style ornaments and wailing protamentos making for a poignant delivery that can only be described – as Heine would – as the "poetry of emotion". Beauty of tone is often melded into dramatic interpretation of text – such as in "I Knew Your Father" – and always Mr Onabulé emerges as the silent actor of night who promotes a theatrical sense of space throughout the song. The vocalist dueling with guitar and percussion is the driving force throughout. Mr Onabulé velvet tone brings dramatic intensity to this piece as well as to "Tender Heart" that follows a short time later. It is in these pieces, particularly, that Mr Onabulé's refined naturalness of delivery is highlighted as is his phrasing which is crafted with elegance and the gentlest of glimmering vibratos at the ends of these phrases and lines. This is a striking piece of recorded work from a prodigiously gifted musician with a very special vocal instrument. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #4d4d4d} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #4d4d4d; min-height: 14.0px} READ THE FULL JazzdaGama REVIEW

This is an exceptional musical masterpiece from Sharon Fendrich, particularly when you consider the fact that this is her debut album. The eleven selections on this album are very beautiful, expressive and passionate, and are genuinely memorable musical masterpieces. Sharon Fendrich is an extraordinary composer, with an opus of very well crafted and beautifully arranged musical creations. The performances from pianist Sharon Fendrich, four world-class Dutch musicians, and the stunning Russian soprano Anna Emelyanova are outstanding, heartfelt and nothing short of breathtaking! The well-balanced and varied combinations of piano, cello, violin, flute and voice paint a vivid picture on "Red Sky Prairie". I find it really hard to pick a favourite among the pieces on this album, as every song stands out brilliantly on its own. But as a collective they form a musical treasure trove of sound, colour, character and beauty. Red Sky Prairie is certainly one of the best albums in the new age/neo-classical genre to be released this year. And I would definitely place Sharon Fendrich in the same extraordinary class of musical artists as Secret Garden, David Lanz, and Loreena McKennitt. This album is an absolute must have for all lovers of heartfelt new age or neo-classical music!  SEE 95.9 PAGE

In the episode n ° 882 of "ANIMAJAZZ", conceived and conducted by BRUNO POLLACCI , aired TUESDAY 3rd September at 20.30, on PUNTORADIO, also in streaming on www.puntoradio.fm and in immediate podcast is Laurence Hobgood's  "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" from his new album  't e s s e t e r r a.' We remind you that "ANIMAJAZZ" can be heard TUESDAY at 8.30 pm in an immediate podcast on http://animajazz.eu and in streaming on www.puntoradio.fmand the "DOWNLOAD" of the episode can be made, free of charge, from the "ANIMAJAZZ" website, podcasts area. Good listening. "ANIMAJAZZ" is in collaboration with the PISA ACADEMY OF ART.  SEE Punto Radio - animajazz PLAYLIST p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #4d4d4d} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #4d4d4d; min-height: 14.0px} p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #4d4d4d}

This Sunday will mark the debut of a new record label, True Capture Records. The label is the brainchild of baritone Matthan Ring Black, and he created it to empower emerging talent to create new art. For this first album Black approached soprano Elyse Anne Kakacek, who has recently been making her mark in opera, oratorio, and contemporary music. Black suggested that Kakacek prepare an album of modern art song for his label. Kakacek, in turn, decided that this album would be devoted to the music of composer Valerie Saalbach, who has, to date, composed three song cycles. This provided sufficient content to fill a CD album, and the result bears the title Untethered. The good news is that there is a crystalline clarity to Kakacek's voice. Attentive listeners are likely to recognize quickly that two of the Emily Dickinson poems on the album have been set by other composers (Aaron Copland and John Adams) and will probably have no trouble negotiating the delivery of the words. Furthermore, Saalbach clearly knows how to keep the piano from getting in the way of the vocalist; and the chemistry between Kakacek and pianist Christopher Fecteau could not be better. READ THE FULL Rehearsal Studio REVIEW

This month, KBOG spotlights acclaimed pianist, Jae-Hyuck Cho. He is one of the most active concert pianists in Korea, making over sixty appearances on stage annually. He has been described as "a pianist who is nearing perfection with extraordinary breadth of expression, flawless technique and composition, sensitivity and intelligence, insightful and detailed playing without exaggeration. On this Sony Classical release, Cho performs three of Beethoven's best-known piano sonatas: the Pathétique, the Appassionata, and the Waldstein.  Have a listen to his flawless rendition of the Pathétique on Bandon Radio page

Women Warriors: The Voices of Change multimedia concert performed by Orchestra Moderne NYC, under the direction of Amy Andersson, features the music of eight renowned female film composers and presents 800 years of women fighting for human rights and equality. This 80-minute interactive experience is a socially and culturally relevant world premiere concert which includes historical visuals from the past to present day. Women Warriors: The Voices of Change celebrates the strength and heroism of female global activists fighting for human, civil, and minority rights, environmental causes, and gender equality. Orchestra Moderne NYC and Conductor/Producer Amy Andersson team with composers Nathalie Bonin, Miriam Cutler, Anne-Kathrin Dern, Sharon Farber, Mandy Hoffman, Penka Kouneva, Starr Parodi, and Lolita Ritmanis, who together have created a rich and cinematic orchestral experience in seventeen world premiere pieces that inspire hope and courage for women and girls around the world. Special guest artists include; Afghan rapper/songwriter Sonita Alizadeh, fifteen year old singer/songwriter Isolde Fair, and violinist Nathalie Bonin. Iranian human rights activist and author Masih Alinejad is the honored guest speaker. Featured Podcast for Week 9.1.2019 is 'Chapter 8: 'Our Truth is Our Power' with music by Mandy Hoffman, Nathalie Bonin & Penka Kouneva. Chapter Eight - 'Our Truth is Our Power' highlights activists fighting trafficking, child marriage and FGM. Mesmerized by Amy Andersson's passion and concept for 'Women Warriors,' film and television composer Mandy Hoffman collaborates with the young Afghani rapper; Sonita Alizadeh on her song; 'Daughters For Sale.' Depicting the heartbreaking tale of how child brides are still sold in Afghanistan everyday, Alizadeh, almost a child bride herself, luckily escaped, came to America, and became an activist who is now about to attend college. Hoffman worked with Alizadeh's 'Daughters For Sale' producer in Iran to translate their digital composition into Hoffman's 71 piece orchestral arrangement. Intense and emotional, Nathalie Bonin's memoriam to victims of honor killings; 'Prayer' illustrates a moment of mourning, reflection and hope. When Bonin composed this piece, she wanted to create a very sacred mood where we feel the loss and the pain, but also the hope shining through. Penka Kouneva's impulse as a composer is to always write music that transcends space and time. For the 'Our Truth' chapter, Kouneva's composition; 'Starry Way' addresses women around the globe who have overcome profound traumas in their lives and yet are role models for their communities, leading by example. The music is not overly "ethnic" but has overtones of curiosity and humanity. Join us at New York's Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center - September 20 2019 at 8:00pm for this historical and stunning concert experience which celebrates the strength and heroism of female global activists fighting for human and civil rights, environmental causes, and gender equality. Narration by Max Horowitz and the opening theme music for this podcast was provided by Penka Kouneva. This content, as well as the related podcast, are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) for redistribution and adaptation.

Women Warriors - Chapter 8 - 'Our Truth is Our Power'

'Migrations' provides a generous view of Derek Bermel's superb craftsmanship and eclectic style, in which classical forms, world music, jazz, blues and American folk music create a mix that reaches directly into the body and the heart. Commissioned by Wynton Marsalis, 'Migration Series' has its roots in African American music, its impeccable counterpoint and biting rhythms expressed through orchestration that sounds like a city coming to life. 'Mar de Setembro' was inspired by Luciana Souza's bell-toned voice and the intense feelings of Portuguese saudade, while 'A Shout, a Whisper, and a Trace' honors Bartók's last years in New York, referring to the Concerto for Orchestra as well as to jazz and Balkan music. Luciana Souza, vocals Derek Bermel, clarinet Ted Nash, saxophones Juilliard Jazz Orchestra Albany Symphony David Alan Miller, conductor   p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #4d4d4d} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #4d4d4d; min-height: 14.0px}

The combination of string quartet and classical guitar works so well that I'm surprised it hasn't been done more often. The variety of the pieces on offer here also adds to the appeal of this new recording featuring multi-award winning guitarist Sharon Isbin and the Pacifica Quartet. The earnest intricacies of the Quintet by Castelnuovo-Tedesco commissioned by Andres Segovia, the bright sparkle of the Vivaldi, the warm Spanish character of the Turina and the grace and nobility of Boccherini's Quintet, all make for a continuously interesting program. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #4d4d4d} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #4d4d4d; min-height: 14.0px} READ THE FULL Classical Music Sentinel REVIEW

Women Warriors: The Voices of Change multimedia concert performed by Orchestra Moderne NYC, under the direction of Amy Andersson, features the music of eight renowned female film composers and presents 800 years of women fighting for human rights and equality. This 80-minute interactive experience is a socially and culturally relevant world premiere concert which includes historical visuals from the past to present day. Women Warriors: The Voices of Change celebrates the strength and heroism of female global activists fighting for human, civil, and minority rights, environmental causes, and gender equality. Orchestra Moderne NYC and Conductor/Producer Amy Andersson team with composers Nathalie Bonin, Miriam Cutler, Anne-Kathrin Dern, Sharon Farber, Mandy Hoffman, Penka Kouneva, Starr Parodi, and Lolita Ritmanis, who together have created a rich and cinematic orchestral experience in seventeen world premiere pieces that inspire hope and courage for women and girls around the world. Special guest artists include; Afghan rapper/songwriter Sonita Alizadeh, fifteen year old singer/songwriter Isolde Fair, and violinist Nathalie Bonin. Iranian human rights activist and author Masih Alinejad is the honored guest speaker. Our 2nd Featured Podcast for Week 8.26.2019 is 'Chapter 7: 'Mother Earth Protectors' with music by Nathalie Bonin, Penka Kouneva & Miriam Cutler Nathalie Bonin's composition 'Tender Dismay' for Chapter Seven 'Mother Earth Protectors' honors Biologist and environmentalist Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring. The light melody and multiple layers of string effects create an innocent and sensitive mood within an unearthly and somewhat disturbing texture. Amy Andersson felt this piece was perfect to accompany the eerie footage of mass DDT sprayings in US of cities during the 1950's and 60's. The feelings Penka Kouneva had watching the 'Standing Rock' media coverage were rage, anger and disgust. Water is the most precious resource on our planet. Human life would be impossible for more than three days without water. Yet, millions of people around the world have no access to clean drinking water and so many preventable deaths around the globe happen because of contaminated water. Kouneva's music in this chapter was inspired by the minimalism of Steve Reich. The piece features pounding chords and drums capturing the rage at the unjust violence against the peaceful protestors at Standing Rock. 'Climate Revolutionaries' is meant to underscore the very real connection women have with the earth, and the understanding that we need to heal ourselves and our planet. Miriam Cutler understands the reality that we now must come together on a global scale to fight for earth justice and life itself. Join us at New York's Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center - September 20 2019 at 8:00pm for this historical and stunning concert experience which celebrates the strength and heroism of female global activists fighting for human and civil rights, environmental causes, and gender equality. The opening theme music for this podcast was provided by Penka Kouneva. This content, as well as the related podcast, are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) for redistribution and adaptation.

Women Warriors: The Voices of Change  releases; Chapter 7 - 'Mother Earth Protectors'

Pianist and composer Sharon Fendrich offers eleven warm, delicate, and delightful pieces on her new album Red Sky Prairie. Her lavish compositions are a mixture of contemporary themes with just a hue of cinematic undertones.  Many of the tracks feature the rich, melodic voice of Anna Emelyanova. She gives the album a touch of the seraphic. In addition, joining Sharon's delightful piano arrangements are Helen Hendriks on flute and Ies Muller on Irish flute. Joep Willems plays cello and Wilfred Sassen plays violin.  Overall, the light ensemble pieces are a testament to the texture and beauty that make up the fabric that is America's heartland. Each of the works are vignettes that were created by memories in Sharon's life. Through her amazing music, we are witness to her deepest thoughts and most vivid impressions. L'Dor Vador is a musical chronology. It is the history passed on from one generation to the next, sometimes in stories, sometimes in song. This time it is song. Sharon not only connects with her past in this soaring ballad, but perhaps, her future as well. A Secret's Song is an inviting piano foray into places unknown. The cello in the background is like the voice of an old friend. The mysteries of the memory, the yearnings of the heart, or the very soul of a lover can be discovered by the connection to the music. Sharon's song is nostalgically warm and sublimely comforting. Within Whispers is a slow, calming piece. Flute and cello balance with the piano in a spiraling number softer than the wind, but stronger than breath. The introspective tune is contemplative in its complexity. The music has movement, like a river of thought running through your mind. Unhindered, clear, ever flowing. A clap of thunder, a storm in the distance and the title tune Red Sky Prairie begins. Through Sharon's magnificent melody, you can imagine endless plains, clouds that take on the vermillion hues of dusk, and if you listen closely, you can hear her joyful tidings on the wind. Fendrich's neo-symphonic tale is bold, breathtaking, and perfect for getting to know the stories of her heartland journey. Never Alone is a prayer. Simple and from the heart, it is sung in Spanish, English, and Yiddish. "Help us and Save us. I Beg You. Guide us to safety." Even the most simple of prayers requires a fervent heart and this prayer has that in every note. Sharon's tune is solemn, making Emelyanova's voice reverent and with tremendous passion. Any reference to September is obvious in our history here in the United States. Sharon's tune, That September Day is sad. Not quite two decades later, tears still fall, hearts remain unmended, and memories are still etched with an acid so much stronger than grief. This heart wrenching song is a lamentation with a modicum of hope, something we need each and every day. I liked all eleven cuts on Red Sky Prairie. There is a gentleness about the album as if every song was touched by a special kind of love. It is something rare these days. The mix of vocals and instrumentals offered enough variety that made you not only listen more, but also listen more closely on the next go around for every nuance that Sharon Fendrich tenderly cached in the notes.
       – R J Lannan, Artisan Music Reviews

Ludovico Einaudi has played piano on an Arctic glacier, performed at huge pop music festivals, and become the most-streamed classical artist in the world, but the composer and pianist's new album may be his most ambitious project yet. On March 15 2019, he released the first episode of a seven-part new album called Seven Days Walking (Decca Records/Universal), before embarking on a North American tour at the end of May.  On this week's Classic FM Chart, The latest instalment in Einaudi's ‘Seven Days Walking' album series is here – and it's straight in at No. 2. Einaudi rules the chart with eight entries p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #4d4d4d} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #4d4d4d; min-height: 14.0px} SEE THE CLASSIC fM CHART

A 50th anniversary edition of Frank Sinatra's classic album, My Way, is being released with several bonus tracks – including a duet with Willie Nelson – on October 11, via Capitol/UMe and Frank Sinatra Enterprises. Released on Reprise in March 1969, and produced by Don Costa and Sonny Burke, My Way features a varied collection of contemporary pop songs, including "Yesterday," "Mrs. Robinson," "For Once in My Life," and the iconic title track. Recorded on December 30, 1968, in just one take, "My Way" long considered one of Sinatra's signature songs, peaked at just #27 in the U.S. (It stayed on the U.K. charts for a record-breaking 75 weeks.) The My Way 50th anniversary set features four bonus tracks, including a live version of the title track, recorded at the Ahmanson Theatre in 1971.  READ THE FULL Best Classic Bands ARTICLE