The Wonderful World Of Music

As I was preparing this week’s edition of ‘Under The Lights’, a press release passed over my desk announcing the new signing of Blackmore’s Night to Frontier’s Records!  You’all remember Ritchie Blackmore?—the guitarist extraordinaire from Deep Purple fame?  For the past thirteen years plus, Ritchie has explored musical expressions from the Medieval period, with his outfit ‘Blackmore’s Night’, along with his wife Candice Night. 

The result has always been a superb collection of authentic medieval musical musings that lighten the heart.  The group formed in 1997 and really hasn’t looked back since, with each release gaining critical recognition and winning awards from various musical organisations. 

“Dancer And The Moon” will be no exception.   Ritchie and Company continue to explore the Medieval and Celtic musical styles, melding them into a modern progressive rock frame.  Candice has developed into a very fine Songwriter and her contributions to all of Blackmore’s Night’s journeys have been thoughtful, deep and staying true to the period from whence she gathers her inspiration.    The album is set to be released in both North America and Europe around the first of June…very worthwhile looking for!

If you are a regular reader of this column, you have read time and time again, how I am constantly amazed at some of the assignments I receive.  On numerous occasions I am faced with a task of hearing for the first time fantastic Artists from around the world.  This has happened once again on an assignment I accepted from my Italian editor/publisher:  I had the very special opportunity to explore a new AOR project; “Charming Grace”, one that has simply blown me away with their set of beautiful music!  Below is a Review of their debut album, and hopefully in the next couple of weeks, I will have an in-depth Interview with one Pierpaolo Monti,  

better known throughout European Music circles as Zorro.  Now, Zorro is no stranger to the musical stages, he is also involved with ‘Shinning Line’ and has played with numerous heavyweights.  His musical vision is unique and inspiring…

A recording project originated by Pierpaolo Monti with the express concept of writing in a classic “AOR” styling and developing unique vocal duets with Davide Barbier. A tall order and one that works!! “Charming Grace” is an assembling of some of the Europe’s top players and vocalists that put their heart and soul into this effort. From the opening track “Everytime You Touch My Heart” you are set upon an exquisite journey. You will find yourself floating on a sea of emotive, fulfilling musical currents that swell to greatness! The players? Their musicianship is outstanding. The Vocalists? Their deliveries will stir you, calm you and fill you with amazing harmonies! With musicians and singers of this caliber, the production must be top notch; and it is. Let’s hope that this is not the only effort from these grand musicians. “Charming Grace”… The magic created is simply beyond belief, unquestionably a charmed and graceful listening experience! Bruce Atkinson (91/100)

 

Since the turn of the century, this man has released nine independent Recorded Works!  A hard working individual, sharing his musical dream with thousands, Steve Jones keeps himself humble.  You can hear it in his originals, heartfelt musical journeys that catch your ear and capture your heart.  Steve and his band, The Steve Jones Band, are preparing for a busy Spring and Summer.  The group are busy deciding what to include on a new album, revising their performance set and getting ready to Rock the Valley!  Combining Original material with Classic Rock anthems, The Steve Jones Band will perform at a local fundraiser later this month.  On April 28^th, get ready for Steve and company to rock out at the BC-SPCA fundraiser in Penticton!  Tickets are only $10! and we can enjoy not only the new sounds of the Steve Jones Band, but a Silent Auction, 50/50 Draw and Bar-B-Q!  Tickets are available through the SPCA shelter and I imagine through the members of the band.  Mark this important date on your calendar, a fantastic way to spend a Sunday in the Valley! The group will be appearing at more venues throughout the Summer, and we’ll have an update for you in next week’s column!    

This week, I’d like to leave you with the latest from Voodoo Circle, from their latest album “More Than One Way Home”, enjoy:

 

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Upcoming Club/Concert Highlights:

97^th Street Pub:    Wheelhouse:  April 12^th & 13^th

The Blue Gator:   Zamboni Brothers:  April 11^th   The Young Uns:  April 12^th  13^th    Zamboni Brothers:  April 19^th & 20^th

The Grateful Fed:     Joelle Fuller & Guests:   April 12^th   Jennyfah:    April 13^th     Paperboy:  April 20^th    J.D. Edwards:  April 26^th  

  The Streaming Café:   Dubai:  April 13^th              

Notable Concerts:    

South Okanagan Events Centre:   Motley Crue:   April 20^th   Alan Jackson:  August 3^rd

 Kelowna Community Theatre:   Randy Bachman:   April 20^th     

Prospera Place:  Sting:    May 30^th   Kiss & Shinedown:    July 8^th 

Vernon:  Funtastic---Honeymoon Suite:  June 28^th  Sweet:  June 29^th  Julian Austin  Aaron Pritchett:    June 30^th   

Summer Stomp ’13 (Sicamous)---Headpins  July 20^th 

Dancin’ Barefoot Music Festival- Peachland :  Nick Gilder & Sweeney Todd: July 20^th                 

Peach Festival  Penticton:  Honeymoon Suite:   August 8^th                 

 

…if you have a musical story or news and would like me to write something… drop me a line at:  [email protected]  and let’s celebrate Kelowna’s rich and varied music community together!!.....

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.