Now and Then’s eventful journey to fruition took place over five decades and is the product of conversations and collaborations between the four Beatles that go on to this day. The long mythologised John Lennon demo was first worked on in February 1995 by Paul, George and Ringo as part of The Beatles Anthology project but it remained unfinished, partly because of the impossible technological challenges involved in working with the vocal John had recorded on tape in the 1970s. For years it looked like the song could never be completed. But in 2022 there was a stroke of serendipity. A software system developed by Peter Jackson and his team, used throughout the production of the documentary series Get Back, finally opened the way for the uncoupling of John’s vocal from his piano part. As a result, the original recording could be brought to life and worked on anew with contributions from all four Beatles. This remarkable story of musical archaeology reflects The Beatles’ endless creative curiosity and shared fascination with technology.
It marks the completion of the last recording that John, Paul and George and Ringo will get to make together and celebrates the legacy of the foremost and most influential band in popular music history.
After the recent successful release of her single “Farewell My Friend,” Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Kat Greta is showing the world she is just getting started, with another release fast approaching. Her latest single, “Season To Believe,” is out now.
As a natural-born musician with a lifetime of experience, Greta has only just begun presenting herself as a singer-songwriter. Having previously gone by drummer-songwriter, “Farewell My Friend,” the first track to feature her voice, is the song that changed it all. After years of not quite having the confidence to be a full-fledged singer, she is done holding herself back. It’s clear she is in a pivotal transition period in her music career, one where she is flourishing and letting her voice tell her stories. Her upcoming release of “Season To Believe” sings to the tune of exactly what she is living, and will, of course, feature her tender vocals at the forefront of the track.
With a true 70s pop funk feel, “Season To Believe” is about having faith in who you are and allowing yourself to be vulnerable. The feel-good tune relays a message to live out life to the fullest and that the season to believe is now. “I hope to inspire others to follow their dreams and to also listen to their inner voice and be authentic,” says Greta.
The multi-instrumentalist has never followed what is popular nor expected in today’s music world and “Season To Believe” is no different. In true Kat Greta style, her soon-to-be-born single features the soul-filled groove her listeners know and love.
The Australian-born artist is defying what it looks like to be a modern-day musician. She remains in her own lane, holding a constant appreciation for the melodies and chord progressions from the 60’s and 70’s. For her own songwriting, she pulls inspiration from the likes of Simon & Garfunkel, Fleetwood Mac, and the Carpenters.
“Season To Believe” compliments her previous releases with a small twist. The track emits self-discovery and evolution as an artist. Now, with a combination of her well-seasoned multi-instrumental talents and newly born vocal confidence, “Season To Believe” is her latest flair-filled work of art.
The skillful songwriter was brought up by music with her first melodic memory being from when she was only two years old. Surrounded by the encouragement and praise from family and friends, Greta explored numerous different instruments, undoubtedly one of the shaping factors that has led her to be the versatile artist she is today. Now, Greta has found her calling in songwriting and performing—something that brings her back to being a joy-filled child free of today’s worries.
“Season To Believe” is the product of an artist who wholly believes in their craft, their vision, and their abilities, and Greta does exactly that without fault.
Toronto-based jazz virtuoso Fuat Tuaç, celebrated for his eclectic repertoire and captivating performances, has once again entranced the music world with his latest single, “Chez Moi,” featuring Kim Richardson. This masterpiece seamlessly integrates with his highly acclaimed album, Immigrant. Fuat Tuaç’s music is a globetrotting exploration of jazz history, blending Canadian urban poetry with Turkish street flavour.
Before pursuing his passion for jazz, Fuat Tuaç worked as a lawyer in Istanbul, France, and the UK. However, the allure of jazz eventually took precedence, leading him to Montreal in 2011, where he studied jazz at Concordia University and honed his craft.
“Chez Moi” holds a special place in Fuat Tuaç’s heart, originating from his vocal jam sessions at the Montreal Jazz Club, Diese Onze. Hosting these sessions was the remarkable vocalist Kim Richardson, who Fuat used to open for with this very song. Their seamless chemistry and profound connection led them to choose “Chez Moi” for the new album.
Fuat Tuaç’s album, Immigrant, released in 2022, weaves a musical tapestry transcending borders and languages. With songs sung in English, French and his native Turkish, this album deeply reflects Fuat Tuaç’s experiences as an immigrant living in Toronto. It delves into the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned throughout his journey, offering a heartfelt narrative. In Fuat’s words, “I want the songs on Immigrant to resonate with people from all backgrounds. I believe the eclectic nature of the album makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of their country of origin.”
Underpinning this album are exceptionally talented musicians, including Eric St-Laurent on guitar, Kevin Turcotte on trumpet, Eric West on drums, and Jordan O’Connor on double bass. Alongside Fuat Tuaç, celebrated vocalist Kim Richardson and renowned Turkish singer Yesim Akin lend their voices to create harmonious duets. The album was recorded at Kensington Studios in Toronto, but Fuat travelled to Montreal and Istanbul to record the duets, ensuring that every note was flawlessly collaborated and crafted.
Fuat Tuaç is a Toronto-based jazz vocalist with a unique and diverse repertoire. He brings together his multicultural background and experiences as an immigrant to create music that transcends borders and languages. Fuat’s music explores themes of life, love, and the human experience, all set to the enchanting rhythms of jazz. His latest album, Immigrant, is a testament to his artistry and the universal language of music.
Singer-songwriter Doug MacNaughton is back with his latest single, “Energize,” the fifth release from his highly anticipated album Old Enough To Know Better, scheduled for a Fall 2023 launch.
“Energize” is a mesmerizing vocal and guitar-driven tune that invites listeners to find moments of tranquility in the midst of life’s chaos. The song encourages us to connect with our inner peace while trying to look through life’s challenges and everyday monotony. With a mellow melody and MacNaughton’s distinct jazzy folk sound, the song creates a soothing atmosphere that allows listeners to embrace the quietude within themselves.
“I wrote this in 2020 while riding my bike around the back roads near Guelph, Ontario,” says MacNaughton. “The tempo changes between the verse and the chorus are like what happens when you keep the same speed as you go from the flats to riding up hill.”
MacNaughton’s airy and experienced vocals, coupled with his technical guitar skills, shine in “Energize.” The indie single is skillfully complemented by the rhythmic blend of drums and percussion by Jessica Stuart and Ryan Granville-Martin that finishes a Celtic-themed backing to the song.”
“This also comes from a time when I had just started studying Carnatic music with Professor Trichy Sankaran, and the idea of that music’s rhythmic complexity in a form where the time signature and the tempo don’t change was something I was thinking about constantly,” says MacNaughton.
MacNaughton, originally hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, is known for his eclectic musical influences including the likes of Joni Mitchell, Cassandra Wilson, Frank Zappa, and more. With a background in performing, a love for rock and jazz, and a deep passion for storytelling through music, MacNaughton has been a prominent figure in the Toronto music scene.
In his upcoming 8-track album, Old Enough To Know Better, MacNaughton delves into the complexities of life, including themes of loss and adversity. Nevertheless, he emphasizes that love and human connection can conquer all obstacles, making it a central theme in the album.
With a diverse musical background that includes musicals, operas, orchestras, tribute concerts, and more, MacNaughton’s extensive career has led him to this pivotal moment. Having penned his first songs in 2017, the singer-songwriter is now on the verge of releasing an album that has been long-awaited by his fans.
While the complete album is nearly here, “Energize” is already available for fans and new listeners alike. It serves as a compelling preview of the musical journey that awaits in Old Enough To Know Better.
Fans of the late great Rhinestone Cowboy will delight in this extensive anthology of live recordings capturing Glen Campbell at the height of his popularity.
Al Kooper’s 50th Birthday Live at The Bottom Line in NYC, 1994 was a momentous celebration of a musical legend’s half-century mark, filled with unforgettable performances and cherished memories.
Al Kooper : Keyboards, Guitar, Vocals,
Jimmy Vivino : Guitar, Keyboards, Background vocals,
John Simon : Piano,
Steve Katz : Guitar , Harmonica, Vocals.
Danny Kalb : Guitar, Vocals,
Harvey Brooks : Bass,
Will Lee : Bass,
Anton Fig : Drums,
Sheryl Marshall & Catherine Russell : Background vocals,
Randy Brecker & Lew Soloff : Trumpet,
Fred Lipsius : Alto Sax,
Lou Blue Marini : Alto Sax,
Tom Bones Malone : Trombone,
UPTOWN HORNS and more.
In 1999, Hollywood enthusiasts were tantalized by the prospect of a remake of the classic film “The Incredible Mr. Limpet,” starring the irrepressible Jim Carrey. Test footage for this ambitious project hinted at a whimsical and imaginative reimagining of the beloved tale. However, for reasons that remain a mystery to this day, the project ultimately never saw the light of day. Nevertheless, this tantalizing glimpse into what might have been remains a subject of curiosity for film aficionados and Carrey fans alike, reminding us of the endless potential and creativity that can often be found in the cutting room.
Too many of us know what it’s like to feel like you’re building a relationship with someone, only for that person to burn it all down. Montreal-based folk-pop artist Clare Siobhan offers a clever, heartfelt take on the situation with her new single “I Built a House with an Arsonist” – available now – from her forthcoming EP Seek the Sun.
“I wrote the song as a playful exploration of bad habits, and my own rose-coloured-glasses, benefit-of-the-doubt tendencies in my personal life,” Clare explains. “The whole feeling of the song for me is that sometimes you’re so ready to jump into a new adventure that you don’t stop to consider you might burn a few houses down along the way.”
Oh, I built a house with an arsonist
And I let him pick out the rugs
They went up so fast, somehow I was aghast
When I met him, he seemed nice enough
Clare was conscious of creating a Sara Bareilles-type feel, with heartbeat-reminiscent drums among the pianos and vocals and harmonies. And though the song mostly looks on betrayal with humor, it also conveys deep empathy. In fact, when Clare posted a portion of the song to TikTok before it was finished, the reception was overwhelming.
“People really loved the song, and were relating it to really challenging situations in their lives: breakups, divorces, difficult relationships, and feelings of personal betrayal from loved ones,” Clare recalls. “What the audience was connecting to was completely different from my own inspiration for the song – I’d written it with a much lighter heart and hadn’t infused any of my own heaviness into the lyrics when I wrote them.”
The TikTok reception ultimately influenced the song in its final form, with Clare honouring the personal stories people had shared with her. “In the final version, I feel you can hear some of that: the driving drumbeat, the swelling harmonies, the emotion I tried to release in the vocals. I really appreciated the feedback from the audience in those early stages of writing, and it helped breathe new life into the song during the final arrangement.”
The song is the third release from Clare’s forthcoming EP Seek The Sun, following “Flare” and “3/2 (Loves Me),” a work that, as its title suggests, is about optimism and finding a way out of the darkness. It’s a compendium in which Clare reflects on her life so far, meditating on her twenties and that decade’s joys and challenges.
“Seek the Sun” is a kaleidoscopic folk-pop experience for the modern age, blending genres effortlessly through masterful production and musical collaboration. With the mainstream appeal of Lizzy McAlpine paired with notes of Feist, Joni Mitchell, and Lucy Dacus, Clare delivers her message in a voice all her own.
Clare Siobhan is a genre-blending East Coast artist with a voice beyond her years. With her distinctive, rich alto voice, she paints pictures of love and loss, hope and fear, stillness and change through her deeply personal and introspective lyrics. Accompanied by solo piano, a full band, or a choir of her own harmonies, Siobhan’s music is a folk-pop-soul exploration of movement, growth, and light.
Her single “I Built A House with an Arsonist” is available now.
