Monthly Archives: December 2019

Warm, down-to-earth lyrics guide the dance track “Here” by San Francisco-based producer @officialSawGent featuring singer Cammie Robinson @UKCammie

SAW GENT and CAMMIE ROBINSON, “Here”

“Here” has an interesting blend of lyrics and music which is atypical to the dance music genre.  For me, it’s a terrific song first and foremost, with touching lyrics that are brought to life warmly with yet another fine vocal by UK singer Cammie Robinson, who you know from songs by MonoVerse and Blinded Hearts.  It’s augmented by futuristic synth work and beats courtesy of San Francisco-based producer Saw Gent.  While only appearing in 2019 as a dance music artist and lead act, Saw Gent is a music industry professional after many years in the biz during which time he ‘ghost’ produced several songs.  That expertise and prowess really gets a showcase in “Here”.  And as much as dance music lovers will enjoy this one in clubs, I’d love to hear an acoustic version of it.

“Lost To The Night” is a heartfelt tribute to reconciliation by singer/songwriter @CShirock

C.SHIROCK, “Lost To The Night”

“Lost To The Night” is a compelling song that asks the question: What would you say to a loved one in your immediate family who you haven’t spoken to in many years?  The answer lies in the chorus “brother, come home”.  Chuck Shirock is a singer/songwriter who divides his time between Nashville and Los Angeles, but “Lost To The Night” is hardly what I would call conventional of either music city.  Influences here come from U2 – C.SHIROCK sounds a lot like Bono at times – Coldplay, Peter Gabriel, and too many others to think of, particularly from the 80’s.  The big production in contrast to the emotion of the song is consistent with U2 or Peter Gabriel records.  C.SHIROCK’s vocal will definitely move you, and a good companion song to it is the recent and deeply personal single by Cobi called “Island In My Mind” which I wrote about a few weeks back.  C.SHIROCK definitely holds a lot of promise and with songs like “Lost To The Night” clearly has a lot to offer.

“Starlight” is a smooth and silky R&B ballad from Germany’s ZEROBADDAYS @ZBDmusic and NYC-based singer/songwriter Victor Perry @wallflowerperry

ZEROBADDAYS and VICTOR PERRY, “Starlight”

In their second collaboration together, German producer ZEROBADDAYS (also known as Mr. Stan Sax from the duo Saxity) and New York-based singer/songwriter Victor Perry have concocted a smooth and silky retrotastic R&B ballad with the original “Starlight”.  This one has many shades of 80’s R&B/pop present recalling songs like Smokey Robinson’s “Just To See Her” and Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love”.  Perhaps “Starlight” is a sign of a mini-revival of those delightful songs, which in turn were succeeded by the styles of Toni Braxton and Mary J. Blige, and many other less popular singers in the 90’s.  I could go on naming names, but Victor’s golden voice hanging on to every note under the lovely lyrics is so suited to the sparse arrangement with ZEROBADDAYS’ saxophone of course holding court.  Create your own private quiet storm with “Starlight”.

UK soul singer @DannyToeman has lively ‘wow’ factor with “Give It All Up (Mr. Showtime)” and new video “She’s Got Something About Her”

DANNY TOEMAN, “Give It All Up (Mr. Showtime)” and “She’s Got Something About Her” (video)

Offering up old-school styled soul with in a vibrant and fresh way, UK singer Danny Toeman brings you two new songs for your immediate attention!  First up is “Give It All Up (Mr. Showtime)” (above), where the singer’s voice recalls the tones of Al Green via Bobby Womack with a theatrical side that likely comes out loud and clear in concert.  You can easily get lost in the song through his performance which just doesn’t let up.  Next up is another original, “She’s Got Something About Her”, and in the video (below), Danny courts a trio of lovely ladies only to meet his comeuppance at the end.  The song is fresh and funky and will appeal to those who like Danny’s larger than life vocal with Sly Stone and Prince-ly undertones.  Music like Danny Toeman’s never goes out of style, and he will only build on these and other releases to tap into the audience at large that will be taken by his songs.

“Wow” by NYC-based producer @NeilJacksonNY and rapper @Daytonaofficial surprises with infectious fusion of hip hop and bass house

NEIL JACKSON and THE KID DAYTONA, “Wow”

While there are many performers finding an interesting path with mixes of hip hop and electronic music, there are only a few that cut their way through a lot of similar-sounding songs and create some tantalizing fresh vibes.  Such is the case with “Wow” by NYC-based producer Neil Jackson and hip hop artist The Kid Daytona, which I must admit takes a few listens to appreciate where the song is heading.  Just when you think it’s getting comfortable in a contemporary hip hop style at the start, Neil turns the song almost sideways with big bass beats and synths while The Kid Daytona’s flow gets amped up and wraps itself tight around the electronic rhythms.  By the time the song reaches just under the 2 minute mark, there is no turning back, the groove is secured, and the convincing is over.  Bass house is one sub-genre you don’t usually find locking horns with hip hop but Neil Jackson and The Kid Daytona definitely have a winning combination that will appeal to fans of both styles.