"Bondi Blue (Music from the Underwater Bondi Experience" by John Simmons (Electronic Artist from Australia)

The terms lush, orchestral, mysterious, soothing & atmospheric all come to mind when referring to John Simmons' new CD, "Bondi Blue (Music from the Underwater Bondi Experience)," a thematic, New Age-like album built on overlaid synthesizers and electronica-framed soundscapes. All 11 instrumental tracks of "Bondi Blue" are titled to reflect the deep sea experience (the music was composed specifically for the Underwater Bondi Experience in Australia), and Simmons is more than up to the task of fitting music to the images his song titles evoke. CD-opener, "Into the Surf," with its lush, melodic sweep, suggests the ambience of a windswept ocean at dawn; "Deep Rocky Reef," more jagged & imposing, hints at the dangers that lurk in unfathomable depths; "Blueness" explores limitless shallows & its intrinsic natural beauty; and "Underwater," with its orchestral strains of epic proportion, calls forth the sea's mystery and its inscrutable wonder. For fans of instrumental, chill out and New Age music, John Simmons' CD, "Bondi Blue (Music from the Underwater Bondi Experience)" is as timeless as the sea it celebrates.

-Rice B. & the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out John Simmons's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Charlie Comes First" by Artificial Happiness (Adult Alternative Artist from England)

Displaying a keen penchant for grand rock 'n' roll dramatics reminiscent of Jim Steinman's seminal productions (Meat Loaf, Bonnie Tyler), Artificial Happiness stakes its claims to rock glory on their 1st full-length CD, "Charlie Comes First." With a studied feel for rock's capacity as a robust storytelling vehicle, the UK band mixes guitar-laden rock with electronica flourishes & over-the-top, hook-filled choruses in a 10-song collection that's as memorable as it is immediate. "Baby to Have You I Have to Leave You" opens the CD with a Peter Gabriel-like vibe that bursts open in a chorus that's danceable & sing-along catchy; "Unknown is Her Name" is a terrific slice of classic 3-chord guitar rock that recalls Prince at his best; & "Patient Patient Love" employs Ray Davies-like theatrics to provocative & winning effect. Elsewhere, the propulsive dance track, "Pray for Me in Jesus' Name," shows the band's dance grooves are as potent as their rock thunder, & "Maria Let Me In" proves they are equally adept with a moving power ballad. With each song its own fertile & well-crafted mini-drama, Artificial Happiness' terrific CD, "Charlie Comes First," will delight on many levels, not least as a straight-up rock manifesto.

-Rice B. & the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out Artificial Happiness's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Prophecy Say" by Phil Joseph & New Wave (Reggae Artist from England)

Phil Joseph & New Wave, release four versions of the titled song "Prophecy Say," an excellent Reggae based CD. With over twenty five years in the music industry, Phil Joseph is no stranger to the music scene as he is a well rounded singer, songwriter, and performer. The first three versions feature Joseph's vocals which are polished and crisp while his melodic lyrics reveal emotive issues. The lead in on the drums adds a building momentum while the harmonies add a touch a flavor to this catchy tune. The musicality is solid as the syncopated drum beats swirl around the sharp guitar riffs and bright organ chords. As the last version is an instrumental only, this would make a fine background score for anything needing a nice bouncy beat. Reggae fans will want to hear the smooth vibes of "Prophecy Say," as it is a finely crafted, spirited song.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Phil Joseph & New Wave's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Lost in Time" by John Walter (Jazz/Piano Artist from England)

Jazz pianist John Walter's debut CD, "Lost in Time," was a long time in the making, but more than worth the wait. An accomplished player of skill & sensitivity, the London-schooled, Devon-based Walter has been performing & teaching in England since the 80s, building up a resume that has included stints with acclaimed UK soloists like Andy Sheppard & Paul Dunmall. Displaying an affinity for the kind of lyricism & lush chords of a Keith Jarrett or Bill Evans, "Lost in Time" is a 12-song collection of original, piano-only jazz compositions filled with quiet intensity. "There Will Be Peace" & "Song to An Empty Room," with their solemn & moving melodies, are highlights of Walter's expansiveness, each clocking in at over 6 minutes, as the composer explores every nuance of his themes. The more up-tempo "Wosa" hints at pop sensibilities before drawing back upon its jazz roots, while title-track, "Lost in Time," works the upper registers in an other-worldly performance of real beauty. As overdue introductions go, John Walter's "Lost in Time" CD is a much-appreciated look at an artist stepping out of the shadows as an accompanist to spotlight his own considerable talents as a composer & jazz pianist.

-Rice B. & The RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out John Walter's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Echoes" by Journeyman (Easy Listening Artist from The United Kingdom)

Journeyman, who is artist /composer Nick Constant, releases his first solo CD, "Echoes," which is comprised of melodic and interesting collections of Classical/World Fusion flavored with an exotic flair. Constant's travels have taken him to Africa and the Middle East and he has creatively crafted a collection of easy listening songs using the various tones and sounds of his experiences. His song titles reflect the beautiful mosaic of arrangements Constant delivers throughout his album. A soft, calming effect imbues "Sunrise," as the sounds of slow flowing water cascades around an acoustic guitar playing a sweet lullaby melody. An angelic voice on the title track, "Echoes," delicately rises above the chiming church-like bells in a relaxed, orchestrated production. Creatures of the jungle come to life in harmonious sync on "Equator." Take a journey to the Middle East on "Sands of Time" and become a part of the syncopated rhythm and relax to a soothing voice. Unwind and enjoy the peaceful sounds and melodies of Journeyman's CD, "Echoes," as it will take you to a place of quiet serenity.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Journeyman's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites