Sandy Hurvitz was born in 1948 in Philadelphia (USA) and to define her musical career as prolific is an understatement. Self-described as a “flower child”, Sandy Hurvitz changed her name to Essra Mohawk during the 70’s. Her first work was released in 1964 under the name Jamie Carter, the song was called “The Boy with the Way” which showcases Essra’s vocal range and unique style. Essra also wrote songs that were recorded by The Shangri-Las and Vanilla Fudge. Essra grew up listening to a vast array of musicians and bands like Nina Simone, The Coasters, Little Anthony & The Imperials, which inspired her eclectic and charismatic music.
Essra was also the first female member of The Mothers of Invention and was best known by the “Uncle Meat” moniker. She was only 19. In 1969, she recorded her first solo album, “Sandy’s Album Is Here at Last!” through Zappa’s Bizarre record label. The album was unproduced but is filled with 70’s psychedelic charm since it was released during the apotheosis of the psychedelic era.
A year later, her second album “Primordial Lovers” was released by Reprise Records, her unusual vocal style is at its prime and the album was later (in 1977) considered by Rolling Stone as one of the “Top 25 albums of all time”. The record is quite charming and captivating. Essra continued making music and writing songs, some of which were recorded by artists such as Cindy Lauper and Tina Turner.
Esrra passed away last year, December 11 2023 but her music and talent shall remain.
Magical and electrifying release by the duo Lightning Bolt. Originally a trio in the 90’s, Lightning Bolt became a duo made up of Brian Chippendale on drums and vocals and Brian Gibson on bass. They have been throughout the years, an institution of noise rock fused with some elements of free jazz, punk, speed metal and who the hell knows what more that creates an authentic and unique kind of sound. Fantasy Empire slashes through all the way with simmering and frantic energy that is both enchanting as it is relentless. Sublime savage drumming meshed with vocal loops and manic riffing make up for the epic songs that lay within the 2xLP. Incredible.
Rockwell is the alias of Kennedy William Gordy the son of Motown records founder Berry Gordy. The artist changed his name and signed on to Motown records without his father’s knowledge, all of it to avoid claims of nepotism. Even though, his persistence, his two studio albums, “Captured” (1985) and “Genie” (1986) were not hits and slipped under the radar. This single contains the most approximate thing to a hit single that Rockwell had, called “He’s a cobra”. Side A features the song “He’s a cobra” with some harmonizations and melodies reminiscient of Michael Jackson who actually collaborated in Rockwell’s first single “Somebody’s watching me”. “He’s a cobra” has the typical 80’s electronic funk vibe to it and Rockwell’s vocals are harmonious enough. Side B features an instrumental version of the same song and “Change your ways” a more mellow kind of tune. All in all a pleasant single from an artist who disappeared into obscurity.
