Dear Folksters (and other musical/arts denominations),
We’d be delighted if you’d join us for our 13th relaxed, friendly Pick n’ Mix Online Artist Showcase tomorrow (Sunday, November 1st), 7-9pm UK (2-4pm US ET/4-6am AUS ET), live on our Online Social Club group page: www.facebook.com/groups/520925108617676
There will be exciting live sets, as follows: 7pm UK – Skinner & T’witch (2pm US ET/4am AUS ET) www.skinnerandtwitch.com 7.15pm UK – The Ciderhouse Rebellion (2.15pm US ET/4.15am AUS ET) www.theciderhouserebellion.com 7.45pm UK – Jez Lowe (2.45pm US ET/4.45am AUS ET) www.jezlowe.com 8.15pm UK – Elfin Bow (3.15pm US ET/5.15am AUD ET) www.elfinbow.com 8.45pm UK – Skinner & T’witch (3.45pm US ET/5.45am AUS ET)
We’re in the grip of an international emergency and all of our lives have changed. We’re facing new challenges, and restrictions, and it can get tough for us all at times, in different ways. With increased financial insecurity for many, many more people right now will be finding themselves in food poverty, and will be turning to the Foodbanks to help get them through this most difficult of times.
Please donate whatever and whenever you can. Every little helps. Every £1 matters. We’ve currently raised £2,930! Thank you so much for your support with this, and to all of you who have donated, so far. We truly appreciate it! See you there, and then..! NB Please bear with us if we have some technical hitches. We’ll get there!
If you’d like to play at a future Pick n’ Mix Online Singaround then please let T’witch know via email [email protected] or via Facebook Messenger and she’ll confirm your slot/note your attendance and let you have further details. There should be enough time for two or three songs each, depending on how much you chat.
The Pick n’ Mix ethos means that any genre of music will be welcomed, as will non-musical genres such as dance, poetry, comedy etc..
Skinner & T’witch have set up this Pick n’ Mix Online Social Club on Facebook, as a place for other artists and ourselves to share our music and find a new audience; for viewers to find entertainment and hopefully feel less isolated; and as a place to raise money for the Foodbanks.
In addition to the marvellous home videos that artists post on the Online Social Club page, we (Skinner & T’witch) host events, generally on Sunday nights (or at alternative times, if we are including international artists from further afield that week) from 7-9pm UK (2-4pm US ET/Mondays 5-7am AUS ET). This includes singarounds and artist showcases (in rotation), and live sessions from Skinner & T’witch.
Stay safe, folks! Together, we’re getting through this!!fb.me/e/5HGSnneaw
How are you? In this crazy, topsy-turvy world, we all need a moment of calm and serenity, to be thankful for what we have and to be uplifted and inspired to keep going.
As you know, I live in wales, UK, and we are just entering another Covid 19 lockdown. So many of my friends have been having a difficult time with their mental health. I have had some bumpy times recently too.
Feeling the urge to share my gifts of music and song, I created this meditative song of gratitude and an accompanying video.
Whatever your faith, religion or beliefs, please feel free to take a moment, relax, close your eyes, and breathe. You can choose what you ‘let in’.
It may be love, thankfulness, God, Spirit, Source, trust, healing…… whatever you need in your life right now. Please let me know if this helps you in any way. I would love to make more meditative music to raise the positive vibrations around the world and I’m sharing it with you first, because I value your opinion. And feel free to share with anyone who may need a little serenity at this time.
The youtube link for sharing https://youtu.be/x-AsUyN-RF8
Sunrise, sunrise Fills the sky with light, with light Thank you, Thank you
River, River Water flows, no end, no end Thank you, thank you
Forest, forest Roots reach down, stand strong, stand strong Thank you, thank you
Moonlight, moonlight Brings us home, to here, to here Thank you, Thank you
Can you hear it? Can you feel it? Can you taste it? Can you touch it? Do you know it? Do you hold it? Do you ket it in, let it in? Thank you, Thank you
PeacockSunrise Records is thrilled to announce that Sun King Rising‘s debut album, Delta Tales is now available worldwide as well as the Sun King Rising Bandcamp store, Delta Tales is available in three formats; CD, and digital with vinyl to follow later this year.
Sun King Rising is the professional moniker of singer/songwriter/piano player John Blangero who hails from Port Isabel, Texas. The album is produced by New York-based producer, Steven “Ace” Acker.
Blangero is steeped in the traditions of southern rock and country soul. His music, arrangements, and vocal stylings have a strong’70s vibe reminiscent of Leon Russell and Joe Cocker, while also sounding fresh and new.
Blangero’s songs are filled with memorable hooks, rocking piano, driving rhythms, a powerful horn section, and soulful female background singers a la’ Ray Charles’ Raelettes.
“I’ve been wanting to do a solo Americana/southern soul/classic rock type of album for many years,” Blangero said. “I wanted to capture some of that classic rock and soul vibe in my own songs. So, I started writing and recording solo demos of songs like Let There Be Light, Down the Delta Road, Drive Me to Nashville, In A State of Grace, and Love Turns Grey
The recording of Delta Tales was a fascinating task, spanning four months, from January 2020 to mid-May. The Coronavirus shutdown in April forced Blangero and Acker to complete the production remotely with players and singers dubbing their parts over the basic tracks in several different studios across the country.
Said Blangero, “It was a logistical challenge, but Ace did a great job organizing the players and the sessions. I am proud of this record. We captured the magic that I’ve always heard in my head with great background singers, classic horn parts, tight rhythm sections, killer guitar, funky keys, and my own acoustic piano parts. It sounds like it could have been recorded in the early 70s, which is the vibe I was going for.”
In closing, Blangero said, “I tried to capture my southern soul on this album. I hope that the overall message it conveys is one of positivity, especially in these dark times. I think we have put together strong songs that will make people tap their feet and sing along, too! For me, the song is everything.”
What the Critics Are Saying
A stellar debut from Sun King Rising that finds this exceptional unit shining on 10 delicious tracks. The tasty gumbo cooked up on Delta Tales contains chief ingredients of blues, country, and classic rock spiced up with horns and a hint of prog. Richard Lynch – Music City Nashville
“A stellar debut from Sun King Rising. The tasty gumbo cooked up on Delta Tales contains chief ingredients of blues, country and classic rock spiced up with horns and a hint of prog.” Richard Lynch – SoundPress.net
“He has that untamed quality in his voice that enables him to trek different soundscapes.” “These performances radiate confidence and adept songcraft.” Daniel Pavlica – The Rocktoligist
“This is a thoroughly enjoyable album, full of memories and great songs, in the tradition of The Band and so many others. Classic rock and soul steeped in Americana, with great songs and vocals, this album is a sheer delight from the first strike of the snare drum to the organ fade out.” Kev Rowland – ReZonatZ
“This is a stomper and a raver that’s sure to take you back even if you weren’t there in the first place. Hot stuff.” Midwest Records Entertainment
“Ten Americana and Southern Rock songs on which we also hear elements of country, soul, and blues.” “There are some great modern songs such as the rocking Milkweed And Thistle, the ballads Down The Delta Road, In A State Of Grace, and Drive Me To Nashville and the up- tempo song Love Turns Gray with a sublime horn section” Valsam – RootsTime
“From the South with love and gospel: newly prominent proponent of Americana proclaims his appearance on the scene. Lures the listener in for a soulful refreshment…John’s honeyed pipes make the low tones of Evangeline in the Morning sound hymnal” Dmitry M. Epstein – DMME
CD TrackListing
The Snake Milkweed And Thistle Down The Delta Road In A State Of Grace Take It Down Beneath The Southern Sun Evangeline In The Morning Love Turns Grey Drive Me To Nashville Let There Be Light Free Will In China Blue -Digital-Only Bonus Track
Side 1 The Snake Milkweed And Thistle Free Will In China Blue In A State Of Grace Take It Down
Side 2 Beneath The Southern Sun Evangeline In The Morning Love Turns Grey Drive Me To Nashville Let There Be Light Down The Delta Road – Digital-Only Bonus Track
PeacockSunrise Records Is thrilled to announce that Pre-sales for Sun King Rising‘s debut album, Delta Tales has kicked off today on the Sun King RisingBandcamp store, Delta Tales is available in three formats; CD, vinyl, and digital.
Sun King Rising is the professional moniker of singer/songwriter/piano player John Blangero who hails from Port Isabel, Texas. The album is produced by New York-based producer, Steven “Ace” Acker.
“Blangero is steeped in the traditions of southern rock and country soul,” “His music, arrangements, and vocal stylings, has a strong’70s vibe reminiscent of Leon Russell and Joe Cocker, yet still sounding fresh and new.
Blangero’s songs are filled with memorable hooks, rocking piano, driving rhythms, a powerful horn section, and soulful female background singers a la’ Ray Charles’ Raelettes.
“I’ve been wanting to do a solo Americana/southern soul/classic rock type of album for many years,” Blangero said. “I love the music of Joe Cocker, Leon Russell, Dan Penn, and others and I wanted to capture some of that vibe in my own writing. So, I started writing and recording solo demos of songs like Let There Be Light, Down the Delta Road, Drive Me to Nashville, In A State of Grace, and Love Turns Grey
The recording of Delta Tales was a fascinating task, spanning four months, from January 2020 to mid-May. The Coronavirus shutdown in April forced Blangero and Acker to complete the production remotely with players and singers recording in several different studios across the country rather than recording additional live, full-band studio sessions.
Said Blangero, “It was a logistical challenge, but Ace did a great job organizing the players and the sessions. I am proud of this record. We captured the magic that I’ve always heard in my head with great background singers, classic horn parts, tight rhythm sections, killer guitar, funky keys, and my own acoustic piano parts. It sounds like it could have been recorded in the early 70s, which is the vibe I was going for.”
In closing, Blangero said, “I tried to capture my southern soul on this album. I hope that the overall message it conveys is one of positivity, especially in these dark times. I think we have put together strong songs that will make people tap their feet and sing along, too! For me, the song is everything.”
CD TrackListing
The Snake Milkweed And Thistle Down The Delta Road In A State Of Grace Take It Down Beneath The Southern Sun Evangeline In The Morning Love Turns Grey Drive Me To Nashville Let There Be Light Free Will In China Blue -Digital-Only Bonus Track
Side 1 The Snake Milkweed And Thistle Free Will In China Blue In A State Of Grace Take It Down
Side 2 Beneath The Southern Sun Evangeline In The Morning Love Turns Grey Drive Me To Nashville Let There Be Light Down The Delta Road – Digital-Only Bonus Track
A stellar debut from Sun King Rising that finds this exceptional unit shining on 10 delicious tracks. – Daniel Pavlica: The Rocktoligist
This is a thoroughly enjoyable album, full of memories and great songs, in the tradition of The Bandand so many others. Classic rock and soul steeped in Americana, with great songs and vocals, this album is a sheer delight from the first strike of the snare drum to the organ fade out. – Kev Rowland: ReZonatZ
This is a stomper and a raver that’s sure to take you back even if you weren’t there in the first place. Hot stuff. – Midwest Records Entertainment
Watch the First Official Video from Delta Tales Here.
Steve Bonino’s first release on PSR is his fourth solo album “The Most Beautiful Feeling” written during the COVID – 19 lockdown and follow up to his well-received album: Progress which was self-released in 2016.
The Most Beautiful Feeling is Steve’s pandemic album. Written and recorded while staying safe at home, it is a stylistic departure from much of his earlier work. Introspection and quiet reflection were the motivating factors in this very personal expression.
Tracklisting
A Song For Everyone 03:45
Superman (George Reeves 1914-1959) 04:32
The Day The World Stopped 04:01
Colors Of You 04:05
Instrumental 03:23
The Most Beautiful Feeling 04:52
Put Out The Flame 03:55
We Are Gonna Be All Right 03:25
Ready to Learn 03:35
Random Acts Of Kindness 04:30
Why 02:18
Reaper’s Call 03:32
All songs, performances, mixing, mastering, and production: Steve Bonino Vocal engineer for A Song For Everyone: Peter Matuchniak Front Cover Art: Bob Lioy (Rochester, NY) Special thanks to Sheryl Cameron for her valuable advice listening to the album as it was being recorded and mixed.
Inside photos: El Kaye, Sheryl Cameron, Tony Romero, Brittani Keegan, and several others whose names have faded with time. Thank you all.
Whats being said
“Bonino has a knack for writing perfect pop songs that contain depth and musicality,’ -Kev Rowland, ProgArchives
“‘His best work to date’ -Robert Craven, Independent Music Review
The Snake is the first official music video from Delta Tales by Sun King Rising a solo project of singer/songwriter John Blangero from Port Isabel, Texas. Steeped in the tradition of Americana and fueled by southern rock and country soul, his debut album Delta Tales will appear on PeacockSunrise Records in 2020.
THE SNAKE SESSIONS
John Blangero – Lead Vocal, George Perilli and Andy Taravella – Drum,s Jeff Bremer – Bass, Hermie Granati – Electric Piano, David Granati and Ace Acker – Guitar & Production, The Cold City Horns – Horn Section, Shawn Mayer – Background Vocals, David Granati – Engineer
Q:John could you please tell us about the video and how it came about?
A: The Snake video has an interesting genesis. It was the idea of my producer, Ace Acker, who also brought this wonderful soul song to my attention and convinced me to cover it. He thought The Snake had thepotential for a good video so, he got his old friend—renowned Marvel Comics illustrator (creator of “Howard the Duck” and countless others), Austin resident Val Mayerik—to get involved.
It was Val’s idea to use snake imagery as a broader metaphor rather than strictly adhering to the lyric narrative. Val brought in Christopher Cooksey to direct the film. They did a great job working together and I am very happy with the project’s artistic aspects. I especially love the campy snake animation! The most difficult thing for me was my own lip-sync performance, through which Christopher so generously guided me. I kept forgetting the lyrics and needed a prompter! I also learned a lot about sync-licensing and the legal component of that. Overall, it was a fun experience and I look forward to doing more videos in the future. I hope you enjoy it!
–John Blangero
Click On Logo to Watch
From the upcoming PeacockSunrise Records release, Delta Tales by Sun King Rising Release Date: 10.2.20 Format: LP, CD and high-quality digital formats
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