February Program Titles Released This Week:
Tommy Emmanuel & John Knowles – Heart Songs CD/LP (CGP Sounds)
Heart Songs is a new collaborative album from two of the world’s greatest guitarists, Tommy Emmanuel and John Knowles. Both are masters of their instrument, honored by the iconic Chet Atkins with the rare designation of CGP (Certified Guitar Players). Their early journeys were dissimilar. Emmanuel began his in Australia, grew up on the road with his family’s band, settled as a teenager in Sydney and left his rock band to launch a spectacular solo career. Knowles followed a more academic path, eventually earning a PhD in physics from Texas Christian University but then electing to pursue his true love of music. Inevitably they would cross paths, become friends and perform on stages and clinics around the world. Their styles are distinctive but for that very reason they mesh seamlessly, with Knowles generally creating sophisticated but compelling foundations over which Emmanuel’s guitar soars in astonishing yet always musical flights.
CDs + Vinyl:
Afterlife – Breaking Point CD/LP (Hopeless)
Metal act Afterlife emerged from West Palm Beach, Florida, at the tail end of 2016 with a clear vision of what they wanted to bring to the world with their music. Finding the intersection between Slipknot, Linkin Park and modern hip-hop, the band set out to create something both fresh and familiar.
The Brian Auger Piano Trio – Full Circle – Live At Bogie’s CD/LP (Freestyle)
Brian Auger’s very first jazz piano album of his illustrious and award-winning career marks a return to the instrument and the music that first entranced and enthralled him as a young boy. His musical journey, which began in austere post war London, and on which he absorbed so many varied styles of music, has indeed come full circle. Features tracks from a selection of Brian’s musical influences, heroes and friends.
Jacob Banks – Village CD/LP (Interscope)
New release from the Nigerian-born/UK-based singer/songwriter. Inspired by the proverb it takes a village, the record explores human experiences, both good and bad, that universally shape our lives. Jacob became the first unsigned act to ever appear on BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge. His music is influenced by a range of genres including soul, R&B and hip-hop.
