Cathy Hutch – Free Wheelin’

Cathy Hutch – Free Wheelin’

YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvUzQxjA_psxvjSoHezp6R7oJfTxtN1fh

It’s only her second album and with it comes a wide range of ability and strong artistry. Free Wheelin, the newest album from Saint John, New Brunswick, Canadian singer/songwriter Cathy Hutch is a carefree, enjoyable journey of country music and blues-rock. There are hints of Christian music and a whole lotta love. Simply put – she’s entertaining.

Of the 11 tracks on Free Wheelin, the majority are solid showcases for a strong female singer. Hutch’s voice is at times pop-flavored. Other times she’s angelic and folksy. And, she changes things up shifting nicely into a rock realm a la Pat Benatar. Her official biography compares her to Pat Benatar meets Melissa Etheridge meets Tanya Tucker. She’s full of spunk when she needs to be, and Cathy Hutch holds the listener’s attention with every note, spark, and strutting guitar.

“Know It All” is one of the standout songs on Free Wheelin. I also really enjoyed the title track. Both seem to have an edgier vibe and Hutch comes across playful and spirit. As she sings about her “story to tell” in “Know It All,” Hutch is a distinctly different vocalist than in the previous tracks “Carry You Along” and “Good Friends Like You.” While the two differences might sound at odds, Hutch carries the listener through it all in a positive and loving way. Perhaps that’s the most rock and roll thing to do – her voice certainly has the range.

She mixes things up again with the slow moving “Reflections” and “In My Life.” Hutch’s voice holds such hope, and love. It’s a beautiful presentation when she’s locked in with the country guitar – it’s not too twangy, but just enough to frame your mind into sounds of yesteryear like Patsy Cline or even Joni Mitchell. When she gets back into the heavier groove with “Sweet Dave” you’re ready to crank up the tune and spend the night out on the patio. “Sweet Dave” just embodies the sound of summer and under a blanket of stars.

The piano work in “To Say Goodbye” is gorgeous. This song feels very classic country to me, and there’s a hint of steel guitar. It’s very faint, but it’s there.

It’s evident from her words and her talents that Cathy Hutch supports non-profits and champions those on the Autism spectrum. Her music has a simple message, yet, a profound joy. She sets a fine example and it will be a pleasure to continue to follow her career. While she might keep listeners guessing on the genre, listeners will be certain that they are getting all the love and passion from this Canadian songstress.

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/album/3I9D9Vg1VgNHdP6s2vAPQF

Anthony Yazzie

Conor Gains – Compass

Conor Gains – Compass

URL: https://www.conorgainsband.com/

Like a portraitist behind an easel, Conor Gains masterfully paints us a picture of anticipation, innocence and divine orchestration on his new album, Compass, available now everywhere independent music is sold. Carefully navigating through churning somber reflections and breakaway purgative chorales, Gains uses the majesty of his voice to create a cushion of warm harmonies for the listener to find solace in.

A lot of people take for granted listening to new music in a modern age that has traded in the physical format for the instantaneousness of digital downloads. It used to be that when an artist dropped a new album, there were months of anticipation and waiting for the release date to come before we could even get a taste of what we were paying for. Obviously we’re living in a different time now, but good music nevertheless still sounds better when there’s a hint of tension involved. Therefore, when spinning Compass for the first time, I suggest you shut down your computer, turn off your television and find a nice block of time to really sit and appreciate just what Conor Gains has put together for us here. Unlike some of the trite LPs that have been gracing the Billboard charts this past year, Compass is a dexterous, fascinatingly colorful full length that will demand your focus more and more as it progresses through its ten songs.

The record opens with the stellar “I Know,” which melds jazz and smoky vintage beats to create an instantly catchy piece. There’s a sense of fearlessness that drives “I Know,” lyrically referencing a dare to be different attitude and reaffirming our intuition as the true God guiding all of us side by side. “Walking Alone” follows it up in no short measure, adding a dash of Stevie Ray Vaughn-style blues and confident swagger to the mix. This evolved style wouldn’t have been possible for earlier generations, not because of any sort of inaccessibility, but simply because the ingredients weren’t on the table yet; Gains, in all actuality, is expanding on a lot of the sonic themes laid out by Hendrix on Electric Ladyland, but which have mostly sat dormant in the almost five decades that followed. There’s so much to be excited about with Compass that it’s almost limiting to try and describe its sound without comparing it to such high ranking classics.

For fans who aren’t familiar with Conor Gains’ already well-accomplished songbook and approach to the studio, Compass is a great jumping off point. For if you find yourself not able to relate to its epic melodies and explore its complex arrangements with intense enthusiasm, you just might not be able to appreciate good music, as there truly is something for everyone’s taste on this record. Check out more music from Conor Gains on his official YouTube channel, which includes the video for Compass’ first single, “I Know,” and visit his website to receive updates on upcoming releases, live performances and more from this burgeoning poet and songwriter.

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/album/6MEtNcfczN0L8lAbmGzo7a

Kim Muncie