<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Jonathan Blackman</title> <atom:link href="https://occhimagazine.com/author/jonathan-blackman/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://occhimagazine.com</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Fri, 22 Nov 2024 16:10:58 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <image> <url>https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cropped-Occhi-new.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1</url> <title>Jonathan Blackman</title> <link>https://occhimagazine.com</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">84044510</site> <item> <title>Out Now: ‘My Mind’ by Micah Willis</title> <link>https://occhimagazine.com/out-now-my-mind-by-micah-willis/</link> <comments>https://occhimagazine.com/out-now-my-mind-by-micah-willis/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathan Blackman]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2024 20:00:23 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Arts and Entertainment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Singer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Single]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Songwriter]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://occhimagazine.com/?p=38065</guid> <description><![CDATA[In his latest offering “My Mind,” Salt Lake City’s rising star Micah Willis delivers a]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<body><p>In his latest offering “My Mind,” Salt Lake City’s rising star Micah Willis delivers a masterclass in modern R&B vulnerability. Released on November 8th, this track seamlessly weaves silky synths and pulsating Nu-R&B beats, creating an atmospheric soundscape that feels contemporary and timeless.</p> <p>Willis, whose musical journey began alongside his Grammy-nominated father Kenny Neal, brings his rich musical heritage to the forefront while carving out his own distinctive sound. The production is pristine, with layers of electronic elements that dance perfectly with his soulful vocals, showcasing the artistic maturity of someone who’s been performing since childhood.</p> <p>What sets “My Mind” apart is its raw emotional honesty. Willis bares his soul in lyrics that explore the universal experience of regret and second chances, crafting a narrative that’s both personally authentic and widely relatable. His vocal delivery carries the weight of the song’s message, shifting between powerful runs and intimate moments that make the listener feel like they’re privy to a private confession.</p> <p>The track’s arrangement demonstrates Willis’s sophisticated understanding of dynamics, building and releasing tension in ways that reflect the emotional turbulence of its theme. Drawing from influences like Miguel and The Weeknd, while maintaining his unique artistic voice, Willis creates a sound that’s both radio-ready and artistically substantial.</p> <p>“My Mind” stands as a testament to Willis’s evolution as an artist, proving that his four Downbeat Magazine awards were just the beginning. This single not only showcases his technical prowess but also highlights his ability to transform personal vulnerability into universal art. It’s a must-add to any contemporary R&B playlist and a strong indication of the bright future ahead for this multifaceted artist.</p> <p>For further information on the track and artist, visit the following links</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://li.sten.to/huge6fwu">https://li.sten.to/huge6fwu</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/iammicahwillis/">https://www.instagram.com/iammicahwillis/</a></li> <li><a href="https://x.com/iammicahwilis">https://x.com/iammicahwilis</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/officialmicahwillis/">https://www.facebook.com/officialmicahwillis/</a></li> </ul> <div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Abigail Pryanovich provided courtesy of Sync</span></div> </body><div class="swp-content-locator"></div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://occhimagazine.com/out-now-my-mind-by-micah-willis/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">38065</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Trumpeter Zachary Finnegan Unveils ‘Guidance and Gratitude’</title> <link>https://occhimagazine.com/trumpeter-zachary-finnegan-unveils-guidance-and-gratitude/</link> <comments>https://occhimagazine.com/trumpeter-zachary-finnegan-unveils-guidance-and-gratitude/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathan Blackman]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:00:39 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[JazzArtists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Songwriter]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://occhimagazine.com/?p=36049</guid> <description><![CDATA[Zachary Finnegan is a talented jazz trumpeter who hails from Chicago, IL. He gained recognition]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<body><p></p>Zachary Finnegan is a talented jazz trumpeter who hails from Chicago, IL. He gained recognition after performing on a global tour with the five-time Grammy Award-winning artist Michael Bublé in 2023, entertaining audiences in stadiums and arenas worldwide. Zach has showcased his trumpet skills in several renowned ensembles such as the Buddy Rich Big Band, Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra, and the Blueshift Big Band. Finnegan shares ‘ Guidance and Gratitude’ this June 28th, 2024. <p>The artist states, “For me, these songs are a moment of growth – a moment of reflection, a turning point in my life for better or for learning”. This album delves into love, loss, deception, and new beginnings and reveals intimate stories from Finnegan’s life’s journey. Finnegan, for his part, played trumpet and flugelhorn on this cinematic album amidst an all-star cast of five other instrumentalists, adding a string quartet to three of the nine compositions. Finnegan acknowledges diverse influences on this album; from intimate family experiences to the mentorship of Mathew Buchman in a small town in Wisconsin, to colleagues at the Brevard Jazz Institute, and other supportive relationships shaping his unique path.</p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center">The project features the talents of Zachary Finnegan (Compositions, arrangements, trumpet, flugelhorn) Lenard Simpson III (Alto saxophone, soprano saxophone), Matt Gold (Guitar), Julius Tucker (Piano), Ethan Philion (Bass) and Camila Mennitte Pereyra (Drums).</p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center">For further information on the artist, please visit the following links:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/zacharyfinneganmusic/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel">Facebook.com/zacharyfinneganmusic</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/zacharyfinneganmusic/?hl=en">Instagram.com/zacharyfinneganmusic</a></li> </ul> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ZachFinnegan_Final-2056.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-36052 size-full" src="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ZachFinnegan_Final-2056.jpg?resize=640%2C482&ssl=1" alt="" width="640" height="482" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ZachFinnegan_Final-2056.jpg?w=891&ssl=1 891w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ZachFinnegan_Final-2056.jpg?resize=300%2C226&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ZachFinnegan_Final-2056.jpg?resize=768%2C578&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a></p> <h6>Images, courtesy of Chris DiGirolamo/twofortheshowmedia</h6> <p></p> </body><div class="swp-content-locator"></div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://occhimagazine.com/trumpeter-zachary-finnegan-unveils-guidance-and-gratitude/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">36049</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Saxophonist and Composer Alex Madeline Releases Debut ‘Unexpected Direction’</title> <link>https://occhimagazine.com/saxophonist-and-composer-alex-madeline-releases-debut-unexpected-direction/</link> <comments>https://occhimagazine.com/saxophonist-and-composer-alex-madeline-releases-debut-unexpected-direction/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathan Blackman]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 14:10:32 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Critically Acclaimed Musicians]]></category> <category><![CDATA[entertainment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[JazzArtists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Songwriter]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://occhimagazine.com/?p=36012</guid> <description><![CDATA[Alex Madeline is a saxophonist and composer who produces music that tells stories. He fell]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<body><p></p>Alex Madeline is a saxophonist and composer who produces music that tells stories. He fell in love with the saxophone when he was 14 years old and has been playing for over 17 years. His music is a unique blend of jazz and classical influences that takes listeners on a journey, evoking new places and emotions. Alex received a European scholarship, which led him to study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he learned from some of the best jazz musicians in the world. <p>He has performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall in New York and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC and has won several awards, including the Paul Wagner Award in 2015 and the Queens Council on the Arts New Work Grant in 2022. Alex is known for his ability to blend American jazz with French flair. His debut album, “Unexpected Direction,” will be released on June 14th. The album’s first single, “Balance,” is already available on all music platforms and showcases Alex’s unique approach to jazz and his talent for navigating unexpected rhythms and time signatures.</p> <p>For further information on the artist, please visit the following links:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063940542251&mibextid=JRoKGi">Facebook.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexmadelinemusic/">Instagram.</a></li> </ul> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Alex-Madeline-1.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-36015 size-large" src="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Alex-Madeline-1.jpg?resize=640%2C640&ssl=1" alt="" width="640" height="640" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Alex-Madeline-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Alex-Madeline-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Alex-Madeline-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Alex-Madeline-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Alex-Madeline-1.jpg?resize=24%2C24&ssl=1 24w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Alex-Madeline-1.jpg?resize=48%2C48&ssl=1 48w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Alex-Madeline-1.jpg?resize=96%2C96&ssl=1 96w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Alex-Madeline-1.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a></p> <h6>Images provided by Chris DiGirolamo</h6> <p> </p> <p> </p> </body><div class="swp-content-locator"></div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://occhimagazine.com/saxophonist-and-composer-alex-madeline-releases-debut-unexpected-direction/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">36012</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Drummer Tom Maor Gets Set To Release “Dunes”</title> <link>https://occhimagazine.com/drummer-tom-maor-gets-set-to-release-dunes/</link> <comments>https://occhimagazine.com/drummer-tom-maor-gets-set-to-release-dunes/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathan Blackman]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Arts and Entertainment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[JazzArtists]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://occhimagazine.com/?p=35940</guid> <description><![CDATA[Tom Maor is a versatile musician known for drumming, composing, and producing. He has a]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<body><p></p>Tom Maor is a versatile musician known for drumming, composing, and producing. He has a wealth of experience in a diverse range of genres, including jazz, fusion, pop, and extreme metal. He began his music career at the young age of 17 with Xenolith, a progressive metal band, and has since become a highly sought-after performer in Israel. Tom’s talents positioned him to receive a scholarship to Rimon School of Music in Israel where he studied at the Rimon’s Jazz Institute and shared the stage with notable artists such as Frank McComb (2022) and Hadrien Feraud (2023). His passion and musical aptitude have led him to many creative work opportunities producing music with different artists and as a session drummer in recording studios. <p>In 2023, Tom received a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where he currently majors in Contemporary Writing and Production. Alongside his solo work, he performs with the Black Metal band Mortuus Umbra. His commitment to musical exploration and education positions him as a rising talent in the global music scene.</p> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dunes-Album-Cover2.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-35941 size-large" src="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dunes-Album-Cover2.jpg?resize=640%2C640&ssl=1" alt="" width="640" height="640" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dunes-Album-Cover2.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dunes-Album-Cover2.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dunes-Album-Cover2.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dunes-Album-Cover2.jpg?resize=768%2C768&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dunes-Album-Cover2.jpg?resize=24%2C24&ssl=1 24w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dunes-Album-Cover2.jpg?resize=48%2C48&ssl=1 48w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dunes-Album-Cover2.jpg?resize=96%2C96&ssl=1 96w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dunes-Album-Cover2.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a></p> <p>Tom is set to release his debut album, “Dunes,” this May. The project showcases a blend of jazz, world music, and post-rock and draws influence from other genres. Discussing the project he shares, ” This project is deeply personal to me, as it’s a culmination of my experiences and inspirations from a life-changing journey I took through Asia, as well as a collection of stories and melodies inspired by significant moments in my life.”</p> <p>For further information on the artist, please visit the following links:</p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tomaormusic/">https://www.facebook.com/Tomaormusic/</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tommaormusic/">https://www.instagram.com/tommaormusic/</a></p> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Tom-Maor-06-Large.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-35943 size-full" src="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Tom-Maor-06-Large.jpg?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1" alt="" width="640" height="360" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Tom-Maor-06-Large.jpg?w=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Tom-Maor-06-Large.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Tom-Maor-06-Large.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Tom-Maor-06-Large.jpg?resize=768%2C432&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a></p> <p> </p> <h6>Source/Images provided by Chris DiGirolamo</h6> <p> </p> <p> </p> </body><div class="swp-content-locator"></div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://occhimagazine.com/drummer-tom-maor-gets-set-to-release-dunes/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">35940</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Award-Winning Artist Brent Birckhead Presents ‘Cacao’</title> <link>https://occhimagazine.com/award-winning-artist-brent-birckhead-presents-cacao/</link> <comments>https://occhimagazine.com/award-winning-artist-brent-birckhead-presents-cacao/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathan Blackman]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 22 Feb 2024 20:00:19 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Spotlight on Jazz]]></category> <category><![CDATA[JazzArtists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Press]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Songwriter]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tweet My Album]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://occhimagazine.com/?p=35632</guid> <description><![CDATA[Brent Birckhead is an award-winning artist, who provides an amalgam of traditional and popular styles. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<body><p></p>Brent Birckhead is an award-winning artist, who provides an amalgam of traditional and popular styles. The Baltimore native’s approach to woodwind artistry is driven by his willingness to take creative risks alongside an admirable work ethic. Educated at Howard University (BME, MM), the artist was named best blues/pop/rock soloist and outstanding instrumental jazz soloist by Downbeat Magazine as part of the annual Student Music Awards. In 2011, Brent was named “Best Alto Saxophonist” by the Washington City Paper. Talent earned him the honor of performing and touring with legendary artists including Lauryn Hill, Nas, Wale, Eric Benet, Larry Graham, George Duke, and many more. The multi-instrumentalist, producer, arranger, and composer, presents Cacao—an album that chronicles his journey of expansion and self-reclamation. This 9-track sophomore release serves as a testament to his evolution as both an artist and a person. <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Brent-Birckhead-2.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-35635 size-full" src="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Brent-Birckhead-2.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1" alt="" width="640" height="427" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Brent-Birckhead-2.jpg?w=2000&ssl=1 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Brent-Birckhead-2.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Brent-Birckhead-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Brent-Birckhead-2.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Brent-Birckhead-2.jpg?resize=1536%2C1025&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Brent-Birckhead-2.jpg?w=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Brent-Birckhead-2.jpg?w=1920&ssl=1 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a></p> <p>Born amidst the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, Cacao reached completion as societies around the globe emerged from their collective hibernation. Four years after his eponymous solo debut, this harmonious masterpiece represents Birckhead’s courageous decision to forge a new path guided by the rhythmic beat of his heart. It is an album engineered to inspire those brave enough to create their road as they walk it, and Birckhead ensures that the path he has paved is impossibly smooth. During the historic pandemic and the ensuing solitude of quarantine, the Downbeat Award-winning artist chose to abandon the geographic and stylistic elements that once defined his musical identity. In a spiritual and physical exodus from New York City, he rediscovered his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.</p> <p>In this unexpected journey, Birckhead found a wellspring of growth. The forced isolation refined his creative process, transforming him into a one-man band driven by a relentless pursuit of productivity, experimentation, and dynamism. Birckhead shares, “Sometimes, we find ourselves clinging to habits and experiences that no longer serve us, instead of embracing the discomfort that accompanies growth.”</p> <p>A studio overhaul provided him with a streamlined workflow, enabling him to become a more prolific composer and giving him the confidence to operate as both maestro and accompanist within a single record. Simultaneously, his physical relocation allowed for the deepening of personal relationships with immediate family members and the community that had supported him since childhood. With Cacao, Brent Birckhead invites listeners on a transformative musical journey. It is an album that encapsulates his evolution, passion, and resilience—a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft and his unyielding spirit in the face of uncertainty. The album, due for release this April 5th, features Mark Meadows (Piano I Fender Rhodes) Romeir Mendez- (acoustic Bass | electric Bass), Dashiell 111- (drums), Deante Haggerty-Willis (guitar), Matvei Sigalov (guitar), Corey Wallace (trombone) ,Theljon Allen – (trumpet/ flügelhorn) and special guests.</p> <p>For further information, please visit the artist’s social media links:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/brentbirckhead/">https://www.instagram.com/brentbirckhead/</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/brentbirckhead">https://www.facebook.com/brentbirckhead</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX0JbZw9pUSwlXNRgOL07fw">https://www.youtube.com/</a></li> </ul> <p> </p> <div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe title="BIRCKHEAD Live at Crab Shack Music Cacao" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6x25x0qDeTU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <h6>Images provided by Chris DiGirolamo</h6> <p align="center"> </p><p></p> </body><div class="swp-content-locator"></div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://occhimagazine.com/award-winning-artist-brent-birckhead-presents-cacao/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">35632</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Saxophonist Stephen Philip Harvey Gets Set to Share ‘Library Card’</title> <link>https://occhimagazine.com/saxophonist-stephen-philip-harvey-gets-set-to-share-library-card/</link> <comments>https://occhimagazine.com/saxophonist-stephen-philip-harvey-gets-set-to-share-library-card/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathan Blackman]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jan 2024 16:00:26 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Spotlight on Jazz]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Arts and Entertainment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[JazzArtists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Single]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Songwriter]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://occhimagazine.com/?p=35325</guid> <description><![CDATA[Composer, arranger, and educator Stephen Philip Harvey has worked with various musicians across genres, composing]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<body><p></p>Composer, arranger, and educator Stephen Philip Harvey has worked with various musicians across genres, composing for solo instrument to wind ensemble, jazz combo, and large ensembles. <p>Touring throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions of the United States, the artist has led ensembles with a drive to explore a vast array of avenues in improvisation and composition. These include his chordless trio SPH+2, his electric quintet, Sphinx, his mid-sized jazz combo, the Stephen Philip Harvey Octet (SPH8), and his large ensemble the Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra (SPHJO). As an educator, Stephen has held instructional positions at all levels of education in diverse areas of music education.</p> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SPH-Sitting.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-35337 " src="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SPH-Sitting.jpg?resize=357%2C535&ssl=1" alt="" width="357" height="535" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SPH-Sitting.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SPH-Sitting.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SPH-Sitting.jpg?resize=768%2C1152&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SPH-Sitting.jpg?w=939&ssl=1 939w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 357px) 100vw, 357px" /></a>He has four full album releases: Suite Childhood (2016, Self-Released) and Smash! (2022, Next Level an imprint of Outside In Music). Elemental (2023) and his recent eponymous quintet release, Sphinx (2023). The latter two releases were released on Harvey’s label, Hidden Cinema Records. His latest offering is Library Card, is an original collection of music inspired by children’s and young adult literature. Each title is a nod to different works by authors Dr. Seuss (2-3), Rick Riordan (4), Margaret Wise Brown (5), Mary Pope Osborne (6), and Bill Watterson (7). These original pieces are headed by the popular Rodgers and Hart standard with an apt title.</p> <p>This release coincides with National Reading Month as they jointly celebrate reading as a vehicle for learning, imagination, and social-emotional development. (Much like music and improvisation!) It’s Harvey’s goal to pair this release with educational performances to encourage both interest in music and reading to the next generation.</p> <p>The release features Harvey on tenor & soprano saxophones, Max Murray on bass, and Jordon Stanley on drums. Watch out for two promotional singles, “I Could Write a Book” and “Son of Poseidon” (released 2/9/2024). The album is due for release this March 1<sup>st</sup>.</p> <p>For further information on the artist, visit</p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/stephenpharveymusic">https://www.facebook.com/stephenpharveymusic</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stephenpharvey/">https://www.instagram.com/stephenpharvey/</a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Library-Card.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-35340 " src="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Library-Card.jpg?resize=640%2C640&ssl=1" alt="" width="640" height="640" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Library-Card.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Library-Card.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Library-Card.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Library-Card.jpg?resize=768%2C768&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Library-Card.jpg?resize=24%2C24&ssl=1 24w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Library-Card.jpg?resize=48%2C48&ssl=1 48w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Library-Card.jpg?resize=96%2C96&ssl=1 96w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Library-Card.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a></p> <h6>Images provided by Chris DiGirolamo, courtesy of the artist</h6> <p></p> </body><div class="swp-content-locator"></div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://occhimagazine.com/saxophonist-stephen-philip-harvey-gets-set-to-share-library-card/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">35325</post-id> </item> <item> <title>NYC Vocalist-Flutist Audrey Silver’s Soulful, Jazz-Inspired Tribute to Oklahoma</title> <link>https://occhimagazine.com/nyc-vocalist-flutist-audrey-silvers-soulful-jazz-inspired-tribute-to-oklahoma/</link> <comments>https://occhimagazine.com/nyc-vocalist-flutist-audrey-silvers-soulful-jazz-inspired-tribute-to-oklahoma/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathan Blackman]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 05 Oct 2023 14:00:36 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Critically Acclaimed Musicians]]></category> <category><![CDATA[JazzArtists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Press]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Review]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Single]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://occhimagazine.com/?p=34228</guid> <description><![CDATA[Growing up in a musical family, Audrey Silver was born and raised in New York]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<body><p>Growing up in a musical family, Audrey Silver was born and raised in New York City. Originally trained as a classical pianist and cellist, she loved jazz at an early age and co-founded Brown University’s first coed, jazz a cappella group, The Higher Keys. She began her singing career in earnest in 1998 when she teamed with Jon Raney, son of pianist Jimmy Raney, and produced her first demo with the help of Ronnie Zito (Woody Herman, Bobby Darin) and Jay Leonhart (Judy Garland, Tony Bennett). She went on to hone her craft through private study with Shelia Jordan and Mark Murphy. She has performed at some of New York’s best-known jazz clubs and music venues, including Zinc Bar, Jazz at Kitano, 55 Bar, and Cornelia Street Cafe. Nationally, she has performed at large festivals and venues nationwide, including the Tanglewood Jazz Festival and the JVC Jazz Festival. Silver is also an accomplished songwriter and was a semi-finalist in the 2016 edition of the International Songwriting Competition.</p> <p>Silver has loved musicals since she was little. As a child, she went to Broadway shows, watched movie musicals, and listened to her father’s collection of soundtracks. One of her favorites was “Oklahoma!” So, on her latest recording, Oklahoma, she naturally re-visits her early love of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical with ten of her own jazz interpretations of songs from the show.</p> <p>This is Silver’s fifth CD as a leader and follows <em>Let Me Know Your Heart</em> (2019), <em>Very Early</em> (2016), <em>Dream Awhile</em> (2009), and <em>Here in My Arms</em> (2004) Silver set her sights on creating an album with an intimate, jazz chamber music feel, employing a line up of some of the best musicians in town. The album features the notable talents of Bruce Barth (piano) Peter Bernstein (guitar), Adam Kolker (alto flute, bass clarinet), and Kahlil Kwane Bell (percussion). Silver is also accompanied on three tracks by a string section comprising Sarah Zun, Adda Kridler, Kaya Bryla, and Maria Jeffer.</p> <p>It is a noteworthy album that continues the qualities we’ve grown to expect from her previous offerings, Oklahoma is set for release on October 6, 2023</p> <p>For further information on the artist, visit <a href="http://www.audreysilver.com/">www.audreysilver.com</a></p> <h6><em>Source: Mouthpiece Music</em></h6> </body><div class="swp-content-locator"></div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://occhimagazine.com/nyc-vocalist-flutist-audrey-silvers-soulful-jazz-inspired-tribute-to-oklahoma/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">34228</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Alyse Korn and Robert Kyle Release ‘Tuesday’s Child’</title> <link>https://occhimagazine.com/alyse-korn-and-robert-kyle-release-tuesdays-child/</link> <comments>https://occhimagazine.com/alyse-korn-and-robert-kyle-release-tuesdays-child/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathan Blackman]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 20 Mar 2023 22:00:24 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Spotlight on Jazz]]></category> <category><![CDATA[JazzArtists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Songwriter]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://occhimagazine.com/?p=31778</guid> <description><![CDATA[Saxophonist, flutist, and composer Robert Kyle is known for his unique warm sound, melodic style,]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<body><p></p>Saxophonist, flutist, and composer Robert Kyle is known for his unique warm sound, melodic style, and his ability to harmoniously cross musical borders. With performances & collaborations with the likes of Gino Vannelli, Cee Lo Green, Natalie Cole, Michael McDonald, Johnny Mathis, Jason Mraz, and Chaka Khan, his musical lyricism and passion are apparent in the variety of genres including Jazz, Blues, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, R & B and Classical. <p>Alyse Korn is a Doctoral candidate in Jazz Studies at the USC Thorton School of Music, with an academic field in MuEd and electives in Music Technology and Composition. Whilst teaching at Suzuki Summer Institutes and workshops across the US, Canada, and Brazil, the accomplished artist performs on a regular basis with her Los Angeles-based Jazz, Brazilian, and Latin Jazz quartet. She is famously featured on the CD recording “Light of the Sixth Sun” with Chilean composer and guitarist Waldo Valenzuela.</p> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tuesday-Child.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-31780 size-full" src="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tuesday-Child.jpg?resize=640%2C576&ssl=1" alt="" width="640" height="576" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tuesday-Child.jpg?w=1000&ssl=1 1000w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tuesday-Child.jpg?resize=300%2C270&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tuesday-Child.jpg?resize=768%2C691&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a></p> <p>The new album Tuesday’s Child, produced by Kyle, brings the musical qualities of two accomplished artists to the fold, creating perfect listening for that moment of personal space and calmness. Their debut album is available from March 24th.</p> <p>For further information, please visit the following link:</p> <p><a href="https://armusic.org/home">https://armusic.org/home</a></p> <div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe title='"ARmusic" Promo' width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b27szMdC44g?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p></p> </body><div class="swp-content-locator"></div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://occhimagazine.com/alyse-korn-and-robert-kyle-release-tuesdays-child/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">31778</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Alex Apolo Ayala’s Bámbula: A Memorable Album, Rich with Rhythmic Complexities</title> <link>https://occhimagazine.com/alex-apolo-ayalas-bambula-a-memorable-album-rich-with-rhythmic-complexities/</link> <comments>https://occhimagazine.com/alex-apolo-ayalas-bambula-a-memorable-album-rich-with-rhythmic-complexities/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathan Blackman]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 23 Feb 2022 20:00:36 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Spotlight on Jazz]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Critically Acclaimed Musicians]]></category> <category><![CDATA[JazzArtists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Review]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Songwriter]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://occhimagazine.com/?p=27110</guid> <description><![CDATA[The cross-pollination between jazz and music from Latin America has been ongoing for well over]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<body><p></p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/alex_apolo_bambula_cover_square-1.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26961" src="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/alex_apolo_bambula_cover_square-1.jpg?w=640&ssl=1" alt="" loading="lazy"></a> <p>The cross-pollination between jazz and music from Latin America has been ongoing for well over a century now, with some of the most beautiful music being born as a result. The blending of jazz harmonies with the rhythms of Africa has excited listeners and continues to do so, but beyond the music, it is also a glimpse into the complex history of the Americas. One such project that encapsulates all of this rich history is bassist Alex Apolo Ayala’s, <em>Bámbula</em>!! Rich with the rhythmic complexities of bomba, which permeates the whole of the album, it is an album that is exciting to listen to, an album that makes one reflect on social issues, and it’s one that teaches us about the beautiful history of Puerto Rican music.</p> <p>On this venture, the bassist extraordinaire is joined by fellow Puerto Rican brethren Ivan Renta on Alto and Soprano saxophone, Fernando García on drums, Nelson Mateo González on percussion, and special guest vocalist Anna Louise Andersson.</p> <p>The sonoric melody of the opening track, “Bámbula (to my ancestors” conjures the spirit of the diaspora with the African rhythms that flow underneath the melody played by Renta. Ayala’s solo on this opening track shows his mastery of the jazz language and that of his native Puerto Rico, with both merging into a voice that holds the past, present, and the future of the music. “Jíbaro Negro” has a seductive groove to it that draws you in with its swing that has that “Spanish tinge” to it! With undertones of the blues mixed in with the traditional harmonic layout of Latin jazz, it makes for an alluring composition that is sure to be an earworm for everyone. The quirky and enigmatic “Bozales” captures the listener’s attention at once and takes them into uncharted territories. The ensemble playing here is second to none as the dialogues occurring are on full display. Anna Louise Andersson guest appears on “Café y bomba eh” and in the words of Ayala, “Anna Louise is like a breath of fresh air. Her voice is clean, her intonation is remarkable, and her vocal range and skill are incredible.” Her ability to blend with the ensemble and come out the texture when required is amazing and her vocals definitely make this composition something extra special. “Matriarca” pays homage to Ayala’s grandmother and it is a beautifully melancholic melody that is sad, and yet full of joy at the same time. The heartfelt memories Ayala must feel for his grandmother truly come through in each note. The virtuosity displayed on “Agosto” is remarkable with both Renta and Ayala calling upon all their musical language and not holding back at all. Ayala’s opening cadenza on “Ma, bendición” is a beautiful tribute to his late mother, and it goes through an array of emotional landscapes. Fernando García takes a phenomenal solo that takes the listener to a higher spiritual plane. The final track sees Ayala paying homage to his ancestors clearly with an amazing arrangement of the Puerto Rican classic, “Las Caras Lindas.” And somehow the entire ensemble elevated their playing to the next level, which was already in the stars since the beginning of the album!</p> <p>This album was inspired by the personal losses of Ayala as well as the social climate of America after the George Floyd tragedy, and while these circumstances are tragic, they have given birth to a shining diamond in the form of <em>Bámbula</em>. Alex Apolo Ayala is a conscientious artist with deep knowledge and understanding of who he is as a person, as an artist, and an understanding of the direction of his music. After watching the <u><a href="https://occhimagazine.com/bassist-alex-ayala-discusses-his-album-bambula/">interview that Alex did with Occhi’s own Darryl Yokley</a></u>, I knew I HAD to talk about this album and I hope you all will check this out as well. Alex Apolo Ayala is on a mission and it’s off to a great start!!</p> <p> </p> </body><div class="swp-content-locator"></div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://occhimagazine.com/alex-apolo-ayalas-bambula-a-memorable-album-rich-with-rhythmic-complexities/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">27110</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Music Review: Sara Serpa’s ‘Intimate Strangers’</title> <link>https://occhimagazine.com/music-review-sara-serpas-intimate-strangers/</link> <comments>https://occhimagazine.com/music-review-sara-serpas-intimate-strangers/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathan Blackman]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2021 15:00:09 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Review]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Singer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Songwriter]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://occhimagazine.com/?p=26511</guid> <description><![CDATA[The intrinsic relationship between words and music is perfectly embodied in Sara Serpa’s Intimate Strangers. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<body><p></p>The intrinsic relationship between words and music is perfectly embodied in Sara Serpa’s <em>Intimate Strangers</em>. Combining the musical compositions of Serpa along with excerpts from the works by Nigerian author Emmanuel Iduma, we are presented with a mesmerizing landscape that tells of the varying experiences of immigration and travels through the world. Just as the compositions each have a unique character so too are the experiences articulated by Iduma. The hypnotic “First Song” sets the stage for this spectacularly recounted journey of Iduma through his travels in Africa. Serpa’s compositions and lyrical introductions to the spoken text are nothing short of amazing. Accompanied by vocalist Sofía Rei, Aubrey Johnson, pianist Matt Mitchell, and modular synth player Qasim Naqvi – all amazing artists in their own right, are a perfect supporting cast for these meticulously constructed compositions as demonstrated in “How do you know where to go?” Throughout each selection, the rhythm with which Iduma speaks is that of a seasoned storyteller expertly wrapping his poetic wires around the audience’s ears. <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Cover_Serpa_Iduma_Intimate_Strangers_S.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-26513 alignright" src="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Cover_Serpa_Iduma_Intimate_Strangers_S.jpg?resize=458%2C458&ssl=1" alt="" width="458" height="458" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Cover_Serpa_Iduma_Intimate_Strangers_S.jpg?w=636&ssl=1 636w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Cover_Serpa_Iduma_Intimate_Strangers_S.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Cover_Serpa_Iduma_Intimate_Strangers_S.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Cover_Serpa_Iduma_Intimate_Strangers_S.jpg?resize=500%2C500&ssl=1 500w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Cover_Serpa_Iduma_Intimate_Strangers_S.jpg?resize=275%2C275&ssl=1 275w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Cover_Serpa_Iduma_Intimate_Strangers_S.jpg?resize=24%2C24&ssl=1 24w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Cover_Serpa_Iduma_Intimate_Strangers_S.jpg?resize=48%2C48&ssl=1 48w, https://i0.wp.com/occhimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Cover_Serpa_Iduma_Intimate_Strangers_S.jpg?resize=96%2C96&ssl=1 96w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 458px) 100vw, 458px" /></a>The experiences that are spoken about in the haunting “Bamako” are enough to chill anyone to their core. As in “Bamako,” “Lejam” paints the picture of the trials and tribulations of the African immigration experience. Just as intense as the words that Iduma chooses to speak are the harmonies which Serpa uses, not shying away from dissonance, but rather immersing the words in it to capture the severity of these events. Moroccan-based Cameroonian poet Onesiphore Nembe recites a poem on the piece called “The Poet” and the melancholic reflections of the piece come across despite the difference in language. “God’s Time” has a melodic figure repeated in the piano that permeates the piece and undergoes a slight metamorphosis before returning to its original form.</p> <p> </p> <p>The sounds are very Schoenberg-esque and the tune is an earworm that puts the listener in a trance. “Kidira” tells the story of a police experience that could be transplanted to America and the narrative would not need to change and it would be all too real. While I have given a prequel to almost all of the thirteen compositions that make up this suite I don’t want to give too much away… as always!</p> <p>I want you to enjoy the thrill of listening to this amazing tapestry of speech and sound and feel its effects– and I have no doubt you will!! Serpa and Iduma are award-winning critically acclaimed artists in their own artistic disciplines and it is a pleasure to behold the magnificence of the work they have created. It resonates on a level that goes beyond admiration of the aesthetic of the art of itself, but rather one must marvel at how it penetrates the soul of the human being and calls upon us to reflect upon the world in which we live.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h6><em>Sara Serpa photo by Da Ping Luo_© 2019</em></h6> <p></p> </body><div class="swp-content-locator"></div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://occhimagazine.com/music-review-sara-serpas-intimate-strangers/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">26511</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>