The RGM Inbox: April 2023
Welcome to the latest edition of the RGM Inbox. For this instalment, we check out four singer/songwriters. Two are still at the start of what will be successful careers; one has an Ivor Novello award on the shelf, while our final artist has sold millions of records and earned multiple Grammy awards but is still probably best known for his skills as a guitarist. They may work in a range of genres, but the one thing they all have in common is impressive new music to share.
Having heard Mikhail Laxton’s 2021 EP ‘Real’ and seen an impressive live showcase at the AMAUK festival earlier this year, I was keen to hear where Mikhail was going musically. The Australian-born, Canada-based singer/songwriter has a terrific voice and great songs. Judging by the heartfelt, steel guitar-drenched, gospel-influenced ‘Dying To Let You Go’, Mikhail has a real (no pun intended) knack for a country tune. The delivery might have evolved from the ‘Real’ material, as Mikhail finds his place in the world musically, his emotive songwriting ability remains, which will have been apparent to anyone who’s caught him live or checked out his many solo performance videos. ‘Real’ had soul, as does ‘Dying’ and follows in the footsteps of the excellent ‘Wasting Our Time’ a standout from the EP. Definitely, one to watch.
Now I’d be the first to admit that I’ve been led astray by many a press release in my time, but when one adds the tag FFO: Gregory Alan Isakov, Lord Huron, and Darlingside it’d be foolish to not take a listen. In this case, I’m so glad I did because ‘Nevermind’ by Adam Monaco lives up to the comparisons. Born in Long Island and now rooted deeply in the Philadelphia music scene, Adam Monaco is a singer/songwriter, nationally touring multi-instrumentalist, and composer, producing music for commercials, television, and various musicians. Monaco has dedicated much of his time helping the Philadelphia music scene grow through projects and events involving his own and other non-profit organizations. You rarely stumble upon an artist whose music is so fully formed and structured as this first single from an album due later this year. A beautifully arranged and produced slice of string-laden acoustic loveliness, ‘Nevermind’ is a true gem and leaves the listener desperate to hear more.
No stranger to Red Guitar Music, Ivor Novello award-winner Scott Matthews has a new album ‘Restless Lullabies’ set for release on April 28th. Following on from his adventurous 2021 offering ‘New Skin’ which found the acclaimed singer/songwriter expanding his musical boundaries into the realms of Eno-esque electronica, ‘Restless Lullabies’, allows Matthews to reevaluate and reimagine ‘New Skin’. Check out the video for ‘My Selfless Moon’ below. To quote the press release ‘Restless Lullabies is the Yin to New Skin’s Yang, so obviously interconnected and yet somehow possessing an entirely different force.” Scott also has a run of UK shows, littered throughout 2023, commencing today, April 14th, in Selby.
Steve Lukather (c) Alex Solca
Last, but far from least, in this latest RGM inbox feature, we’ve a new single from Steve Lukather ‘When I See You Again’ taken from his ninth solo album ‘Bridges’ due June 16th via The Mascot label group. Steve surely needs no introduction, but for latecomers, the guitarist is an original member of Toto, still leading the latest incarnation of that legendary band, and has played guitar on many of the most important records ever released (his list of credits is endless). All this has tended to overshadow an impressive solo career that runs the gamut from melodic rock/AOR (Lukather) to harder-hitting jazz and blues offerings (Candyman) and all points in between. ‘When I See You Again’ certainly whets the appetite for ‘Bridges’; wonderfully melodic, nice concise guitar break, spot-on harmonies and with Toto members past and present; Joseph Williams – Keys, BG Vocals, David Paich – Keys and Simon Phillips – Drums along for the ride, it ticks every box.
Welcome to the latest edition of Sounds on Sunday, an occasional series where we showcase new and upcoming releases perfect for a relaxing Sunday (or any other day, for that matter). For this episode, our musical choices seem to be centred in Canada, with a nod to Norway and the Middle East. So join us as we listen to, and hopefully learn more about, Justine Giles, Drea Lake, Marthe Halvorsen, and Tenise Marie.