Klef Notes

When have you put on an album in today’s world of music, in 2023, and you were speechless? Completely moved or totally frozen by emotions in your mind that were asleep?  For me, it’s been a minute.  In comes Swedish multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Jambrains with his latest album Land of Weary.  This album is alive with poignant stories that go in the ears, on to the soul, and end up in the mind.

Land of the Weary contains eight songs:

1. Land of the Weary
2. Walk Away
3. A Brand New Stage
4. Lift the Weight
5. Turn of…

It all starts with a piano ….

The “The Traveller” is a song by Czech Republic singer/songwriter Yana.  Featuring Maurice Culligan (from the Irish band Interference), “The Traveller” (‘s) storyline is an homage to Fergus O'Farrell, the late front man of Interference. The lyrics are about how one continues to live on through the music, the stories, the love, the friendships, and the experiences of one’s life.  Rarely does a song feature only a piano, or a sole instrument, to accompany lyrics.  But when it is…

It is award season for music.  When I attend a music award show in person, or from my couch, what I love seeing the most are the bands that have longevity - those bands that have been bent by history’s roller coaster called living but who are not easily broken.  Honestly, these bands are few and far between.  In 2019, I introduced my readers to a Pop Rock band from New Jersey USA who follows the mantra of music being about the BAND and the talent.  The Wag is their name - the players are: Brian Ostering –…

“You Save Me” is a beautiful ballad written by Jessica Lynn and sang by Lynn and Liam Wakefield.  In this song, “music” is the hero.  Coming out of the heart of Lynn, she used descriptive words to support the song’s storyline of how music has a positive impact on mental health, thus healing whatever is wounded, sorrowed, negated, or misunderstood.  The lyrics sing:  

When I’m breaking 

Your lyrics and melody save me 

All I can do is just sing along 

And you lift me 

Out of the depths 

When I’m sinking 

And…

It’s been a long time since I have heard an artist really use their vocals to define a moment and clearly get the emotional aspect of the song’s message across to their listeners – finally, I heard it with SJ Mortimer. 

SJ Mortimer is a singer songwriter from the UK.  SJ usually fronts the Country-Rock band entitled Morganway, but how delighted we are to be hearing a single from this exceptional vocalist.  Her single is called “Hear Me Lover” a song that illustrates that snippet in time when chance meets…

"California Sun" is a song by American singer-songwriter, musician, actress Trinity Bliss that features an amazing guitar melody that musically threads the entire piece as well as a refreshing vocal - a vocal that is addicting. 

The lyrics are a reminder to harness childhood humility, innocence, and confidence and use it way into adulthood when things become serious. 

As music journalists, we come across many young artists who share their talents between music, acting, modeling, and even sports, but very…

A great song can say what needs to be said without apology.  A skilled songwriter can break a heart, heal a sorrowed soul, or even celebrate a victory all with a great lyric.  In the current industry, there are few songwriters penning songs that are memorable and moving.  That is why I was delighted to place my ear on Lola Huckel - a singer-songwriter from the UK, whose lyrical compositions are filled with infectious Pop instrumentation and clear storylines. 

Her latest release, "Out of Touch" does not…

“Carry You” is a Rock song by singer, songwriter, musician, Krissy Matthews, and it is 4 minutes of amazing music – in short, this is not your typical everyday lament.  A single off of his album Pizza Man Blues, the song begins mellow and then builds into a roar.  The storyline speaks about being that “other” for someone you care about when they are in need – the lyrics sing:

There's a sickness that hides and it lurks deep inside, behind shadows that secretly stir. But outside, you are still smiling,…

Are you ever deep in thought after something happens in your life where you think “but, this was perfectly planned, what just happened?” Or “now what?” Many find themselves in that frame of thought, and it’s hard to bend and not brake when life throws the unexpected your way.  Yes, in life, things happen – there is a cause and an effect - there is change.      

Czech Republic singer/songwriter, Yana, clearly puts the above words into deeper perspective with a song called “Funeral of Life” the lyrics sing:  

Mumbai, India-born, London, UK-based singer/songwriter Jamie Kudo’s latest release explores the topic of love being like a supernova.  Filled with layers upon layers of awesome synths and very descriptive lyrics, this Pop song is very transportive and emotive.  

With a literal supernova being the “explosion of a star” (NASA) which is brilliantly bright and strong, Jamie Kudo creatively chose to show how love is much like a supernova in his song "Supernova."  To illustrate this concept, "Supernova" starts…