Parma Violets pick of the week: XamVolo

Happy Spring music lovers!

For those of you who aren't in the UK, we have finally reached springtime! 🎉🎉 However much like the rest of British weather it is rather disappointing and so it's actually still pretty cold. But never fear, I've got you guys covered because this new artist I've got for you is hot!

INTRODUCING Mr XamVolo:
People... I can't, I cannot even begin to articulate to you how good this guy is, he's got this whole sexy electro-jazz thing going and I am 100% here for it! XamVolo's voice can vary between a hoarse kind of deep tone into a smooth silky voice. (Yeah I know - the talent runs deep!) The song I've chosen for this week is called "Down". This is the kind of song I usually describe as "musical alchemy". It starts off slow and smooth, like a cool kind of metal and drips from your headphones into your ears like liquid gold, then it just explodes. I can't explain it - that connection with a song, it's kinda like falling in love. The song surrounds you and fills your head and there's nothing but you and the music... and you're left in a dreamy, melting state of bliss as the song ends. ( I hope you can imagine that! lol ) It's  the closest you'll get to hearing colours.

Anyway, I think we're gonna be hearing a lot more from this artist in 2017 and personally I can't wait! Here's theYoutube audio for his song "Down" below! 

XamVolo is available to listen to on Youtube, Spotify, and Soundcloud so check him out!

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/xamvolo

Album Review: Maxwell - blackSUMMERS'night (2016)

Well hello music lovers!

So I thought it's finally time to review Maxwell's new album. Maxwell is one of my all-time favourite artists ever, an R&B/ jazz/ soul legend. Since "Urban Hang Suite" and "Embrya" to now, his music style has changed but still stayed true to his Jazz roots. Where do I even start with this man? I actually love him. Like...guys. His vocal range- I just can't...for a writer his music renders me speechless and pratically illiterate - as you can probably tell.

I'm doing something a little different today as I am still listening to the album as I write ( like I always do) but this is the first time I'm doing this with an album I've never heard before.

 My first impression on the first track "All the ways love can feel" ...dissapointment. It's still Maxwell and he still has the jazz undertones but his beautiful voice is lost underneath synth pop and some mad autotuning. His 2nd track is a slight improvement, less autotuning which is nice. The song has a good beat, a sort of tribal feel to it, more Free-funk, not exactly a dancing song but close. Track 3 has got my head bopping! This song bangs. The third track, conviniently called "III" has got a modern feel to it and is definitley one to get you dancing. Track 4.  Finally some typical Maxwell mood-setting music. "Lake By The Ocean" is sexy, easy and of course it's lyrically beautiful. I often find his songs are a smooth bridge between music and poetry. I haven't heard the rest yet but this is probably my favourite track. "Fingers Crossed" is a song about a man who is caught up in unrequited love and is desperately wishing for her to love him. It's actually quite a sad song and this is felt by the piano and the underlayers of classical music and the third stream.

I don't want to type whilst I'm listening to "Hostage" (track 6)  because honestly the song is just trippy and is asking for my full attention. This is a song (again) about love, that will allow you to get lost in it. The second part of the album is definitley more of the Max we know and love. "1990x" and "Gods" are both purely vocal, smooth jazz tracks. Similar to the style seen in "Now". Just when I think the album is now going to all be smooth jazz, the 9th track "Lost" throws a curve ball, this has more of a blues genre and the story of the album is becoming clearer. At this point in the album the man from earlier is experiencing a heartbreak making this the perfect break-up song. I'm on the last track called "Listen Hear". I stopped typing because I was just enjoying the album too much - sorry not sorry, it is what it is :) I thouroughly enjoyed it and the album ends with the sound of crashing waves.

Overall I would say this album is another success... let me not lie - I'm in love with this album! Seriously it's so good. Maxwell did not dissappoint - except the first track. But even that is made up for by the 3rd to 11th track's.

blackSUMMERS'night is available to listen to on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6pjoIUNpMtQaSJvRUmsnSh

Parma Violets pick of the week: Jeff Buckley

Happy New Year!
A new year, new music, new artists.

Firstly, I'd like to give a big thanks to every one of you that supported me and has continued to support this blog - you mean the world to me. This year I aim to share even more great music with you and radiate even more of those good vibes 😊💮☮

It's a new year and there'll be plenty of posts about fresh new musical talents on the scene. However, old is the "new" new so I wanna throw it back to some 90's indie with a little bit of Jeff Buckley's "Everybody Here Wants You". Servers suggestion: With this parma violets pick I suggest you get yourself some satin pillows and a red wine by the fire-place. This song is a good one if you're trying to unwind and relax. Jeff's velvety voice and romantic lyrics on this track is guaranteed to help slow the pace on a stressful day.

So sit back and enjoy!

A Musical Gift: LUCY ROSE

Music lovers! The year is almost over, however in the spirit of Christmas I've bought you all a present - trust me, this gift is not one you'll be wanting the reciept for! I present to you: Lucy Rose. 

Lucy Rose Parton is 27- year-old singer/songwriter from Warwickshire in England. (and she's amazing)

Anyone that truly knows me knows just how much I love Lucy Rose. She was the first real artist that reminded me of the Parma Violet days. People listen to music for different reasons, some to pump them up before a party, some to make them dance or to relax; I listen to music as a form of transportation. When I listen to Lucy Rose, I can close my eyes and breathe, the melody is anasthetic. The lyrics paint a type of watercolour scene in my head- moving, dancing, soaring and I'm there for 4 minutes until the song is over. Lucy has one of those unique voices that you can't forget and has some great covers too! Her genre is mostly indie folk/ indie pop however she her dabbles in indie rock and sometimes uses elements of basic hip hop. She's an all rounder and a great talent!

 Lucy has her fans at heart and travels all around to the most remote parts of the earth to perform in gigs at very affordable prices. I've actually spoken to her a few times and she is so down to earth and friendly! Her music is partly responsible for getting me through the most stressful times of my life (throwback to exam period and study leave 😐 ) as well as being the soundtrack for some of the best memories. My personal favourite album is "Like I Used To" released in 2012 , which features songs such as "Shiver" and "Bikes". However her most recent work includes her new album "Work it Out" and a cover of "Merry Christmas Everyone" which you might of heard on a BBC advert recently. Lucy Rose is available to listen to on Youtube, Spotify and Soundcloud as well as her own website: http://www.lucyrosemusic.com/

Need something to get you in the Christmas spirit? Check this out:

And from me, Have a magical Christmas and a wonderful new year, roll on 2017!

lots of love, Miriam xx

Long time no see...but I come bearing gifts : (KAMAU)

Hey guys!

 I know I've been M.I.A. in terms of my blogs. Summer was busy and school is even busier but I promise I'm making more time for delivering precious music to you.

Anyway, what better way to return than with a bang? or rather a  KAPOW in the form of KAMAU. Okay that may have been a little cheesy but if you listened to his song "Gaims" you might get the reference ( hint* hint* go listen). This musician is a man after my own heart. He has a gift for interpretation with popular covers such as "Hey ya" and " Hometown Glory". He manipulates the structure of a song with such finesse, breaking the boundaries of conventional composition and rhythm. As well as this he has the ability to merge genres into one skillfully, with clear influences from hip hop and classical music as well as traditional African/Carribean music most noteably seen in songs such as "Jusfayu" from his EP "A Gorgeous Fortune".

(listen here:) Kamau- Jusfayu

Not only does he create music he also has a good eye for visuals/film. An example of this is the video for his song "PohLease" which translates his views on Police brutality and the injustices and grievances in and of the black community.  This song has a voice and a message of it's own which reflects the concerns of an increasing number of African-American men. Nina Simone once said : "As far as I'm concerned it is an artist's duty to reflect the times". In my opinion the need for artists like Kamau to reflect matters that are not only relevant but important is constantly rising. I have a personal appreciation for artists like him that make matters relatable through music, a way of having one's voice heard in a manner so that almost everyone can understand.

Despite his clear and open stance musically, Kamau is quite mysterious, choosing to conceal his eyes, presumably so the listener is less interested in his looks and more his music and what he has to say. Either way I'd look out for him!

Kamau is available to listen to on Spotify, Soundcloud and Youtube so get your headphones on! #YEBO

Parma violets pick of the week: Yuna - Crush ft. Usher

Hi guys, a quick one from me as I select the track of the week! If you're looking for calm vibes today, I've got you covered. This sweet combination of Yuna's soft voice and Usher's smooth soul make music worthy of Apollo himself. It's a real sunset song and I absolutely love it so give it a listen!

Look out for: MURA MASA

Hello music lovers, Welcome back to my blog!

PRE WARNING: [ This blog may sound a little delirious because it's mad hot right now in the UK. I'm talking 33° up in this joint. Basically it's really hot. Also I am jamming out to this EP as I'm writing it because the vibes are unreal. So if you catch any typo's it's due to the fact that I'm dancing like crazy in front of my laptop.]

Anyway, warning over - I am so happy to finally introduce you to this up and coming new artist Mura Masa. If you haven't heard his music already, crawl out from under that rock and get some headphones on because you're missing out!
Mura Masa is in fact the stage name of 20-year-old, Alex Crossan. It is clear to me that this man is multi - talented. Apart from being a skilled and artful musician, songwriter and composer, he is also a producer and owner of his label "Anchor Point Records".

Before listening to Mura Masa I had very little interest in Electronic or House music but I've officially been converted. He incorporates other genres such as hip hop, R&B, rap and even jazz into his music in a way that almost creates a new genre. Occasionally threading in elements of Caribbean style into tracks, using sounds such as panpipes and steel drums (seen in "Lovesick" and "What if I go?").  I would say his music is the sort you could get lost in or listen to on repeat for hours.

The level of pure  musical genius coming from this artist is amazing, with a style that is refreshing. I'd definitely give "Someday Somewhere (EP)" a lsiten. If one thing is for sure he is certainly one to look out for!


Mura Masa is currently on tour: http://www.muramasa.me/live-dates/