MUSIC CITY SONGSTAR AWARDS-COMMENT FOR "BEHIND THE EYES IN THE MIRROR" - Compelling opening lines. Good song concept. Some good visual/descriptive lines .
ARIA- PROFESSIONAL REVIEW
Overall Impression: Opening somberly and transforming wildly, Jacques Skutt's new Rock Instrumental Aria is an auditory adventure of its own. In Aria, Skutt displays a knack for compositional development. He seems to thrive in transitions and in the growth of the music. This is particularly evident when multiple guitars are sharing the spotlight. While the guitars are careful not to step on each other, there seems to be an endless supply of melodies working together. But it is during the solos that the tune's true essence is revealed. There is a wealth of expression emanating from Skutt's fingers that walks the line between improvisatory and preplanned. This is the sort of tune that sounds wildly different no matter where you drop the needle. Overall, Jacques Skutt has wasted no time in creating this cool new instrumental tune.
Strongest Point(s): As mentioned above, Aria is a continual development. New ideas emerge, and shades of old ones stick around. This allows for a continually exciting listen. It also reveals a truly personal voice by Skutt. He is not following a tried and true formula, but is instead allowing himself to come through the music.
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Instrumental Rock will enjoy Aria by Jacques Skutt.
Artist target suggestions: Santana, Eric Clapton, Gispy Kings, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Snarky Puppy, Alec Berlin, Julian Lage, Donna Greenberg, Raging Embers, Mason Williams, Derrick Sena, Acoustic Soul, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin
About The Reviewer: Zachary Larson is a professional touring guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. Getting his start in high school rock bands, he has since toured as a classical chamber musician, onboard luxury cruises, and with the Broadway musicals Finding Neverland and Escape To Margaritaville. His recorded work spans from classical works and pop tunes, to mind-bending experimental music. His arrangements of orchestral music are published through Clear Note Publications. Classically trained, he holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Denver.
Professional Song Review
SONG REVIEW-1970
Overall Impression: Grooving slowly side to side, 1970 by Jacques Skutt instantly pulls at the listener's core with a dark, Bluesy sound. This tune by Skutt has been in hibernation but is definitely ready to be awakened. Skutt bears his soul with his vocal performance in 1970. He does a fine job carrying the tune and leading the listener through the song's emotions. Sadness permeates the lyrics and follows Jacques as he tells his heartbreaking story. The guitars do a fine job accenting and punctuating the emotional moments, and offer essential snapshots of relief. In general, there is a weight hovering above the song that slowly increases the pressure. It is not until the very end that this pressure is released and the listener can sit back in their seats. It is a very cool and highly effective idea that is perfectly fit for the Blues.
Strongest Point(s): Jacques Skutt has a very cool song under his hands with 1970. It is so raw and powerful. The mood and atmosphere it casts immediately envelopes the listener and holds them captive. Skutt's vocals also bring a very cool quality to the story. He avoids going crazy with vocal stylings and instead lets the heaviness of the lyrics do the work. It creates less distraction and really allows the listener to focus in on the lyrics.
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of the Blues and Blues Rock will enjoy Jacques Skutt's tune 1970.
Artist target suggestions: Jack White, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, George Benson, Stevie Wonder, Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker, John Mayer, Howlin' Wolf, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix, Ray Charles
About The Reviewer: Zachary Larson is a professional guitarist in New York City. Getting his start in high school rock bands, he has since toured the world as a classical chamber musician, onboard cruise lines, and with several Broadway musicals. His recorded work spans across Classical, Pop, and Experimental music. His arrangements are published through Clear Note Publications. Classically trained, he holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Denver.
If I Knew Then
Overall Impression: Radiating the energy and feel of a parade, If I Knew Then by Jacques Skutt instantly washes the listener in a vast spectrum of color. The march-like introduction imprints the image of floating stages as the guitars respond to one another. This instantly hooks the listener and prepares them for the remainder of the tune. As the vocals come in, the energy level becomes more subdued and introspective. This is especially fitting for the lyrics, which question whether knowing what the future holds would make any real difference in our individual outcomes. The thoughtfulness of the lyrics is reflected in the music, particularly in the guitar work. Luckily for Skutt, and his listeners, there is just the right amount of musical exploration in If I Knew Then that will keep fans sticking around for more.
Strongest Point(s): The music in If I Knew Then shines the brightest. Ideas seem to cascade over one another and the changes in feel and mood are incredibly intriguing. It is the sort of tune that sounds different no matter where you drop the needle, which lends for a very enjoyable listen.
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Blues Rock and Rock will enjoy If I Knew Then by Jacques Skutt.
Artist target suggestions: Queen, My Chemical Romance, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, Velvet Revolver, Soundgarden, Audioslave, The Talking Heads
About The Reviewer: Zachary Larson is a professional touring guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. Getting his start in high school rock bands, he has since toured as a classical chamber musician, onboard luxury cruises, and with the Broadway musicals Finding Neverland and Escape To Margaritaville. His recorded work spans from classical works and pop tunes, to mind-bending experimental music. His arrangements of orchestral music are published through Clear Note Publications. Classically trained, he holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Denver.
FAN COMMENTS FOR: "IT ENDS WITH BLUES"
I think the intro to this song is really good and I feel like it's just so relaxing. I find myself being able to close my eyes and take in the music. This is really good.
The song has an interesting, moody sound. The guitar has a brilliant vibrancy and the piano adds an extra bit of depth while giving a slightly haunting sound.
Really sexy sound. This artist is a very talented musician. I can imagine this track being used for film and/or television. Good stuff. Very talented.
Great song! Reminds me a lot of They Might Be Giants. The music is fun as well as beautiful. Lyrics are well written.. Not overly repetitive like most music these days.
This song is unique in its well blended tone. I love the lyrics and feel they fit with the melody. This song is also very relaxing, I would share this with my friends
I really enjoyed the vocals of this song. It's very original. I enjoy the instrumental as well it meshes well with the vocals. Lyrics are clear and understandable
I really like the name of the song and the topic presented. The vocals are really good and carry the lyrics well. The instrumentals also match the vocals.
The melody on this track is quite catchy and memorable from the start. Lyrics fit perfectly with the music and create a dramatic soundscape that is great.
I like the sound of your music. It is unlike anything I have ever heard. I sounds very unique, keep up the good work and I look forward to hearing more.
Very nice song I love this song I like this audio sweet voice and I love this music and lovely song beautiful song I like few time this song very nice.
I did not only like the clarity of the song, but also its lyrics and chorus. Further, I liked the melody, harmony, and rhythm.
I love this song and make me to feel good and listen again and again wow what a song just amazing loved it wow what a song.
I like the persons voice and I think that they can go far in their music career and overall it is great to hear him.
Professional Reviews from Radio Airplay
Song: Cry for Me
Overall Impression: Guitars lead the way in Jacques Skutt's new blues tune Cry For Me. Working over a blues progression, the slow groove uses raw emotion and style to capture a particular mood. Each solo and riff brings its own shade to the tune, layering on color after color. Leaning into that blue feeling, the lyrics question how a man who has it all can still feel lost and confused. They cast a shadow, fitting for the blues, that is mirrored by the strain in the guitar solos. They are sung with intensity and a pained tone to deliver that final ingredient. Overall, Cry For Me by Jacques Skutt is a passionate tune that cuts deeply and uses the blues to heal.
Strongest Point(s): The guitar solos in Cry For Me dive hard into that blues sound. They have a lot of feel and some killer tone.
About The Reviewer: Zachary Larson is a professional touring guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. Getting his start in high school rock bands, he has since toured as a classical chamber musician, onboard luxury cruises, and with the Broadway musicals Finding Neverland and Escape To Margaritaville. His recorded work spans from classical works and pop tunes, to mind-bending experimental music. His arrangements of orchestral music are published through Clear Note Publications. Classically trained, he holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Denver.
Vocals: Strength
Lyrics: Strength
Instrumental Performance/Execution: Strength
Melody/Rhythm: Strength
Arrangement/Flow: Strength
Song: Preacher's Daughter
Overall Impression: "Preacher's Daughter" is a downtempo, low-key new release from Florida based recording artist Jacques Skutt. This sprawling indie blues number features twin electric lead guitars, shimmering organ, and a slightly shuffled groove that serves as the ideal backdrop for Skutt's distinctively earnest and intimate vocals as he recounts a tale of a misspent youth and love lost. Jacques Skutt's "Preacher's Daughter" should appeal to indie and roots rock fans, particularly those who possess an affinity for the blues, peppered with a hint of psychedelia.
Strongest Point(s): Solid production and a decent mix. Has a very saturated, lo-fi quality to it that suits the nostalgic, melancholic atmosphere. Very laid back, relaxed energy. Good song structure, classic early rock/RnB chord progression that's firmly rooted in the blues. Excellent clean tones and reverb on the leads, and some great melodic playing. The dual leads form a nice dialogue with one another. The loose, plodding rhythm section adds to the general mood of the piece. Lyrics create a fully formed narrative, with a beginning, middle and end. I felt the vocals worked well within the context of the song, more on that in the next section. Overall, it's a terrific song and a fine finished track. Very nice job!
About The Reviewer: Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre, from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent among the next generation of musical explorers
Vocals: Strength
Lyrics: Strength
Instrumental Performance/Execution: Strength
Melody/Rhythm: Strength
Arrangement/Flow: Strength
Recording Quality/Overall Mix: Strength