Kevin Hammond

So usually on Tuesdays, I'm trolling iTunes to see what's new and what's out. I click through, listen to samples and so forth. Usually not much strikes my fancy, but today was different. I just randomly clicked on some guy named Kevin Hammond. Never heard of him before, we'll see what he's got. First of all, that voice. It is a mixture of Gavin DeGraw and Jason Mraz, yet distinctive enough to catch your attention. He can instantly go into his falsetto and back again seamlessly. Having quit his day job, traded in his car for a van, and took to the road to become a "musical nomad." Quite a risk, but one I bet has paid off in spades.

Hammond's demo on iTunes called Maybe is acoustic pop/rock with a hook around every turn. His style is very blue-eyed soul meets acoustic rock. Upon searching for more of his stuff, I came across probably the best rendition of Gnarls Barkley's Crazy, possibly ever. Many of his original songs though are quite catchy and deserves your attention right now. Look for his debut album to hit stores sometime this fall.

Kevin Hammond- Myspace
Broken Down-

Jer Coons

There I was looking around in Hollister, trying to find some clothes. I waved off the annoying helpers, squinted in the low light, and banged my broomstick on the ceiling to tell those crazy kids to turn down the loud music. (Yep, I carry around just a broomstick) But just as I was about to shuffle out at 4:00 to eat supper, this song came across the speakers. It made my size too small heart grow and actually made me stay in the store until it was over.

At first I thought Jason Mraz had a new song out, but after some searching I found that he doesn't. Jer Coons (what a name!) could definitely be Mr. Mraz's voice twin. But where they differ is that Coons has a... ok they don't differ. Both sing laid back summery songs. Both have a soothing tone to their voice. I heard the song Legs in the store, which is a warm acoustic ode to losing the one you love to someone else. Another highlight is the catchy Secrets, which just has one of those great melodies. Jer Coons is not Jason Mraz but if doesn't get the credit he deserves it might be because radio already has their Mraz.

Jer Coons- Myspace

Legs-

George Stanford

Every once in a while you find that band or artist that just has the goods. George Stanford is one of those finds. I remember hearing about him last year, and somehow he didn't register on my radar. But now is the time to correct that.

George Stanford specializes in music that is a blend of blues, rock, and piano driven melodies. His first LP, Big Drop features Stanford's pure simple vocals on true to the heart songs. The title track is the best with laid back verses that lead into a bombastic chorus. My Own Worst Enemy is a great track as well, a simple song that sounds like it came out of a saloon. (If that makes any sense.) Stanford relies on his amazing musicianship (he plays the freaking trombone) and that voice of his. Check out this guy if you're a fan of Jason Mraz; that's the only person today I can compare him to.

George Stanford- Myspace
My Own Worst Enemy-