Tyler James - It Took The Fire (2010)

Never has the world seemed smaller than when I discovered that Ten Out of Tenn artist Tyler James (who I was introduced to via Andrew Belle) was also keyboardist for Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. Considering that the two artist collectives are radically different, I was intrigued as to what Tyler James' solo recordings might sound like. Combine that curiosity with Noisetrade offering it up for free and it didn't take long for Tyler James' debut It Took the Fire to end up in my music library. I don't know what I was expecting but still It Took The Fire managed to shatter them. From lead track "All I Got" it's obvious this isn't going to be your standard singer/songwriter fare.

Tyler James manages to channel his multi-instrumentalism into a fusion of brilliantly soulful piano-pop. Its one of those fusions that combines enough elements as to be ultimately undefinable for all the good reasons. Add in remarkable choices in instrumentation and arrangement, and Tyler James creates a truly enjoyable experience. Get a taste of Tyler James with the music video for "All I Got":

Justin Branam teams up for charitable iPhone Sessions

Using the same formula that allowed Justin Branam to raise money to record his next album, Branam teams up with a bunch of friends to help raise money for charity. The homeless in Nashville to be exact. On iPhone Sessions Hope Vol. 1, these Nashville based artists do what they do best: play lovely stripped down sets where allows their talent to truly shine. The seamless recording via iPhone helps to provide an intimacy you might expect in a small bar. The compilation features several Ten Out of Tenn artist like Andrew Belle, Katie Herzig, Tyler James, and KS Rhoads, as well as several artists I personally never encountered before like folsky quintet Neulore, lovely singer/songwiter Amy Stroup, harmony-weaving duo Elenowen, bluesy crooner Seth Philpott, ethereal siren Alva Leigh, and sweet-voiced Steve Moakler. The compilation is available here at a pay-what-you-want rate but before you think to download it for free, think about helping the artists raise money for Nashville Rescue Mission and People Loving Nashville. You'll be glad you did. And for more info on the compilation, the artists and the charities go here.