The Direct Buzz offers reviews by a team of professional music critics. Any AirPlay Direct artist or label interested in being considered for a review should contact us. Choose three songs from your DPK, and we’ll give you our opinion of them. We can’t guarantee a rave review, but we can assure you that it will be honest and constructive. We will try to honor all requests, but it might take awhile. As such, your patience is appreciated.
James Kahn
Valerie June
AirPlayDirect.com/JamesKahnManW...
AirPlayDirect.com/ValerieJune
James Kahn takes you out on the town. If you want to know what to wear, don’t get dressed up, because we are going to one of those warm little watering holes that only a few know. It is not the flashy kind of place that you need to be someone to feel at home. “Man Walks Into A Bar”, is the party you did not even know you were missing. The music is simple, warm, and friendly. Once his smoky voice tells the story of the bar, you just want to hear more. Using a honky-tonk blend of Americana, Bluegrass, meets Blues, meets Pop/Rock you slide into that home feel of the bar. Each song is a solid stand alone tune. After listening to each song you don’t feel as if you have heard it all before. Imagine Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, and James Taylor all rolled into one and you will find James Kahn. My favorite’s are “Delores Quits Dancing” with its sexy sax, and the bluesy riffs, “Through a Glass Darkly” with its tasty Hammond B3 chops,“Light Blue” talking to you with the Trumpet, and harmonica flavored “The Bartender”. I would make this Bar my new favorite home. Don’t forget to tell them Barye said the next one is on me. Barye Cassell
Valerie June could be the next big thing among female vocalists, and her new Pushin’ Against a Stone is going to be hard for anyone of any genre to beat this year. The album’s opening track, “Workin’ Woman Blues,” combines such unlikely elements as Americana finger-picking ala Christopher Paul Stelling with Freddie Hubbard-inspired trumpet to complement a vocal that is equal parts Odetta and post-Supremes Diana Ross. Willie Dixon’s ghost lurks in the shadows of “You Can’t Be Told,” while the title track has the sonic presence of a 1960’s Curtis Mayfield production.With guest players like the legendary Booker T. Jones and former Squirrel Nut Zippers member Jimbo Mathus, and recorded in Los Angeles, Nashville and Budapest (yes, as in Hungary), Pushin’ Against a Stone is truly an international, multi-genre influenced affair by an awesome talent. Produced by the Black Key’s Dan Auerbach, and Joshua Radin’s producer Kevin Augunas, Tennessee native Valerie June draws from a striking range of influences, from Robert Johnson to old-time Gospel, from Billie Holiday to Appalachian country, from Memphis R&B to pure jazz, resulting in a recording that is a joy to listen to. Rick Moore
Man Walks into a Bar
Pushin’ Against a Stone
Buck Owens
Buck ‘Em! The Music Of Buck Owens (1955-1967) AirPlayDirect.com/BuckOwensBuckem
The late, great Buck Owens and his group The Buckaroos helped to create what has become known as the Bakersfield Sound. This sub-genre of country music is defined by its catchy melodies, sparse instrumentation, twangy guitars, hillbilly edge, and rock and roll attitude. Lyrically, the story lines are simple, engaging, and memorable. Omnivore Records has just released a 50-track compilation of Buck Owens material that includes rarities, alternate versions and mono versions of hit singles. Are we pleased with the results? Buck yeah! Buck’s career initially took off in 1959 and he enjoyed major success for the next five decades as a singer, songwriter and television host. Owens had 21 number one hits throughout the years, and the scope of his influence is vast. A wide variety of younger musicians have covered his music, ranging from country artists like Dwight Yoakam and The Mavericks to indie-rockers like Ben Gibbard and Mark Lanegan. Of course, The Beatles most famously covered “Act Naturally.” For music fans who are not familiar with Buck Owens, this collection is the perfect introduction. For the die-hard fan, it’s got enough rarities to make it well worth the purchase. Ryan Smith