Freedom Verse Café

Epiphany Castro, an entertainer hailing from Berkley, Ca continues to stretch the boundaries of her art.  Best known as the host of “Epiphany’s House” online radio show, bridging community artists from all over the world; she has inspired a great many in the way of poetic expression, also rocking those who know her well with her debut album “Soul Flower” released in 2009.

Now Epiphany has given the world her second release, a highly anticipated and long awaited second album.  She has been reputed as the “love poet” by the nature of her expositions in poetic form; almost as a subject matter expert she eloquently laces the tracks with therapeutic vocals.  Her second album titled “The Alchemist” is head-and-shoulders above the 2009 release.  The first thing you’ll notice is the musical accompaniments compliments her well trained and better seasoned delivery, it seems that the relationship between music and poems are a perfect match.

If you love ambient beats and love/erotic poetry with a delicate storytelling vocalist, The Alchemist is your delight.  There are a few explosive breaks from the love theme with idylls and dithyrambs, but they bring you right back to the affair of this body of work; Epiphany’s fluency, love poetry.

Get this long awaited release now available at http://epiphanycastro.bandcamp.com/

Released by:

Freedom Verse Café™

So of course you all already know that I am in the business of promoting spoken word artists globally, right? Well about two weeks ago I was in a chat room at someone’s online radio show when a poet whom I have come to respect and enjoy his poetic works made mention that he was preparing for an album release and was running pre-sales; well I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to check out the works of this Oklahoman Poet. Mannie the Poet was just preparing for his sophomore project “Reinvention” and he makes good on his commitment to do so as this is a transformation from his debut album “Openly Crying” which was released under the moniker “Defiant Sun”. Now Mannie is no new kid on the block when it comes to the spoken word thing; he has left his words on stages from the NY to the big O.<o:p></o:p>

So let’s get to it. I spent the better part of a week slowly listening to Reinvention; track by track, breaking down the poetry, studying the music, and letting it swish around a little bit before swallowing it whole like a shot of good bourbon. Let me say, I called Mannie several times every time I found something new that caught my mind and to talk about what I was listening to. This project is filled with pain, love, suffering, overcoming, and struggle….life! It is laced with beats that you can ride to and some you can chill with, but all compliment their story. As indie artists—particularly in poetry—this is really important and I think Mannie and his engineers got it!

My Take<o:p></o:p>

Arrangement and Engineering: From beginning to end this CD is well arranged; it has continuity, good transitions, and a full storyline from track one to eighteen. Oh yeah, eighteen tracks with some bonus stuff for those who buy the hardcopy. From poetry enthusiast to those who like the hip-hop beat, this is a project that will indeed leave you happy. <o:p></o:p>

Lyrical Depth & Value: I find that the storytelling and poetic message that Mannie provides in this project to be relevant and even the most well versed individuals can learn a lesson or two from the messages in and between the lines of this poet. I expect to hear more of his work hitting podcast shows, and poetry circuits.

Edutainment Factor: This project both entertain as well sustains thought for the listener to ponder and reflect on life and world issues. The one thing I noticed about this project is that there are no comedic poems, so it tells me that this poet has something serious to say and that it is no laughing matter. So, prepare to be moved mentally and spiritually. Contains: Politics, Love, Sensuality, Consciousness, and Erotic contents.

Replay Value: High, I have listened to this CD 5 times in the past week and it is currently in my car waiting to be fired up again as I drive to work tomorrow.

Price: at $12.99 (CD format) this is a decent price value for this amount of work.

BUY NOW

Have a listen to "Because of You" (one of my favorite tracks thus far)

*Note. the reviews are based on personal value and opinion, and is non-biased. FVC receives no benefits for its reviews and are not designed to sway artist sales.<o:p></o:p>

Freedom Verse Cafe is a venue focused on positive development and entertainment. To find out more on Freedom Verse Cafe visit: website: www.freedomversecafe.com email : freedomversecafe@gmail.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/freedomverse

You know what it’s like walking down the street finding $5 at feet just at the moment of deciding on how to pay the bills and needing something to eat? Maybe not, but I do and I think you get the idea. I was absolutely and presently ignited as I listed to the melodic rhythms of Rachel’s work, I mean I found myself humming the lines of “Beautiful Memory” which reminded me of that feel-good and soulfulness of a Karen White, Chante Moore, or even the 411 days of MJ, but she has a pizzazz that makes her stand out from the two.

What I love so much about “Walk with Me” is that it covers and praises love, life, and pain without being to cumbersome on the soul, but rather a refreshing touch that you will easily be singing the hooks in your car and around the house and alone I hope.

My Take
Arrangement and Engineering: From beginning to end this CD is well arranged and professional, it even has that polish of a major label, but is of course from and indie artist. In all I think you’ll be left wanting to rewind and repeat this album.

Lyrical Depth & Value: In these times of lyrical dilution and auto-tune it really hard to listen to music without cringing or getting irritated a little. Well “Walk with Me” is a definite relief to your pain. Song-to-song the content is very captivating and is perfect for the car and office.

Edutainment Factor: This album is a spinner and the work has far more than entertainment to it, it contains material that touches the emotions and proves to be delectable to the soul.

Replay Value: Extremely High, I have listened to this CD 4 times in just the few hours I have had it today.

Price: at $8.99 (download) this is an awesome value for this quality of work.

BUY NOW

Have a listen to "Beautiful Memory"

*Note. the reviews are based on personal value and opinion, and is non-biased. FVC receives no benefits for its reviews and are not designed to sway artist sales.

Freedom Verse Cafe is a venue focused on positive development and entertainment. To find out more on Freedom Verse Cafe visit: website: www.freedomversecafe.com email : freedomversecafe@gmail.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/freedomverse