Easy Listening music is a genre of instrumental music that aims to create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. Unlike jazz, which demands full attention, easy listening music tends to fade into the background, leading some critics and listeners to dismiss it as unimportant. While there are certainly records that fit this description, there were also innovative arrangers and conductors, such as Martin Denny, Les Baxter, and Esquivel, who stood out with their unconventional instrumentation and unique arrangements. However, the defining characteristic of easy listening music, whether it’s Ray Conniff’s lush vocals or Herb Alpert’s Latin influences, is its pleasant and pleasing sound.
FOLLOW Velvet Halo VIA: The collaboration between vocalist Justina Shandler and producer David Thiele has birthed an EP, “Velvet Halo” that envelops listeners in emotional intimacy. In their aptly named project, Velvet Halo, the duo explores life’s bittersweet transitions through cinematic songs. Shandler’s poetic lyrics capture nostalgic longing with striking empathy. When she sings “I…
FOLLOW Tracy Eckstrand VIA: Singer-songwriter Tracy Eckstrand bares her soul in “Come Around,” a pivotal folk-rock track from her new EP “Who Is Gonna Rescue You.” Through relatable lyrics and lush vocals, Tracy creates an intimate bond with listeners. She draws them into her experiences of grief and self-doubt. Tracy wrote “Come Around” during a…
FOLLow Gary Dranow viA: “Floating Away,” Gary Dranow’s latest single marks a touching musical tribute to the power of friendship. His collaboration with The Manic Emotions results in a poignant folk-rock ballad that recounts a serendipitous reunion between the singer-songwriter and his old friend Harold. Propelled by steady acoustic guitar and piano, “Floating Away” unfolds…
FOLLow MICHAEL FRIEDINGER viA: On his latest single “Time Together with You,” pianist Michael Friedinger celebrates the joy of shared moments with a smooth jazz gem that spotlights his compositional and performing talents. Lifting both the mood and the feet, this upbeat track provides a taste of Friedinger’s forthcoming debut album due in March 2024….
FOLLow Mrs Jones viA: For almost 20 years, Carly and Graeme from England’s Lake District, have been rocking the music scene with their shared love of country and folk. They call themselves Pearl and the Piano, and their latest song, “Mrs Jones,” is a real heart-wrencher. This isn’t your usual happy tune. It’s a gut…
FOLLow ARN-IDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS AND ALIEN FRIENDS viA: With poise and passion, Arn-Identified Flying Objects and Alien Friends deliver a stirring rendition of the Elvis classic “Summer Kisses Winter Tears.” Their thoughtful reimagining pays respectful homage to the King’s timeless 1960 ballad while still asserting the act’s own artful musical perspective. Hailing from the heart…
Follow Ari Joshua viA: With his latest single, “Country Stroll,” award-winning guitarist and composer Ari Joshua pays homage to Americana while pushing his jazz-infused style forward. By enlisting legendary Medeski Martin & Wood members John Medeski and Billy Martin, Joshua creates an instrumental journey that traverses genres with technical precision and playful spirit. The song…
FOLLow Gianfranco GFN viA: Gianfranco GFN’s latest single, Sunshine (And I Had a Dream), is a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. The sentiment of holding on to a dream in the face of challenges is captured in the song’s upbeat lyrics and mesmerizing tunes. With its sun-kissed melody, the song opens with a…
FOLLow Vincent Krennerich viA: Vincent Krennerich, a master of chill beats, blends classical whispers, nostalgic jazz sighs, and lo-fi hip-hop hums into his latest creation, “Sommerregen.” This German word translates to “summer rain.” It captures the serene impact of rainfall on a warm day, followed by the gentle rise of steam from the pavement. The…
FOLLow THE ONE TONIC viA: Matt Soren’s electro-alt pop project, The One Tonic, takes a profound turn with “Prelude to Sunshine.” A deeply personal track celebrating the imminent arrival of his daughter. Released in December 2023, this instrumental piece is a poignant ode to the impending arrival of his daughter. Matt Soren on Prelude To…
