April 3, 2024 - Music Observer

Gabriele Guma Releases New Single, “Day One’

Music Observer Staff on April 3, 2024

By: Katie Power

A husband-and-wife duet about genuine love, Gabriele Guma has released his highly anticipated single “Day One” featuring his wife Tiffany Tesfa Guma. Gabriele Guma is a Philly-based artist who is also a renowned dancer, musician, educator, and songwriter. He prides himself that guitar for him is more of a second language than an instrument, and he uses it to tell unique stories from his perspective. Guma takes inspiration from a number of genres, from blues to reggae, and artists from Jimi Hendrix and Steve Vai, he is able to cultivate a sound that is truly all his own. Alongside being a solo artist, Guma is also known for his lead guitar work in Philly based bad GAB GUMA and Tangible Truth, as well as hip hop group Tangled Thoughts and rock band grind. During his career, he was already invited to sing the National Anthem at the Wells Fargo Center for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Spotify Listening Link: https://open.spotify.com/track/2ppZMr30FgRvEof0EPtr6q

The track kicks off with soulful electric guitars and captivating vocals. The vocals have a layer of reverb that is almost mimicking a choir singing about this true love that has been found. The violins cascade down the melody and add this increasing romance and larger than life feeling. The song has a magic ability to pace itself in a way that it gets bigger and grander with every measure. Whether or not you knew Tiffany Tesfa and Gabriele were married, they have a clear connection and passion in their duet, with a beautiful blending of their voices. “Never in a million years / thought that I’d be standing here today / telling everybody about you / I’ve always loved you,” the chorus sings, before launching into an epic guitar solo. The lyrics in this track are perfect for a wedding or any kind of romantic gesture, as the couple pours their hearts out about their lasting love. He talks about how he is driven by his ambition to reach new musical heights, and he definitely finds new heights in this release

The electric guitar solo is a standout part of the track. The solo has a nice deal of grit that breaks up the heavenly softness of the song and adds an impressive and surprisingly needed element of edge. It allows a layer to the single that again allows Guma to have this amazing unique sound to him. The balance that the single has is truly remarkable, with the ability to blend all of Guma’s influences like blues and rock and turn it into a sound that is all his own. The singer shares his passion for guitar, and it is very cool to see how he showcases it in his music.

This song is a grand romantic gesture that really does capture those feelings of finding that rare “love at first sight” person. He showcases his talents of lyricism and guitar playing in this beautiful love song. It is even more magical that he was able to have his wife sing the song alongside with him on the track. It is very cool to see how Guma is able to infuse so many genres and his love for playing guitar into a song with a lot layers and levels. It is rare to find a love song as rich as this one, and even sweeter knowing the back story. Overall, all the elements of the track just really ooze with passion. It is remarkable to see an artist like Guma and how versatile he is as a musician and an artist. Go give “Day one” a listen and check out the rest of Guma’s music!

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Published by: Khy Talara

Cliff Beach’s Jazz Odyssey: You Showed Me The Way

Music Observer Staff on April 3, 2024

By: Monet Anais

Soul-infused beats, a capacitor of swing, and the redolent echoes of jazz imbibe the latest auditory tapestry woven by Cliff Beach. A mirror of complete dedication to authentic music-making, “You Showed Me The Way,” is his newest contribution, provoking listeners to chart the depths of musical luminary’s endless creativity.

Washington, D.C.-born Beach is no stranger to the profound enchantment of harmonies. Rooted in a devout household, Beach embarked on his journey with music through church choirs and acapella groups. Devouring rudimentary lessons of piano at a tender age, the starlet honed his skills through countless recitals, ensuring his voice and the piano became instruments in seamless symphony.

An alumnus of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, this spectacular musician combines grit, imagination, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Decamping to Los Angeles in 2003, Beach embarked on his professional odyssey, surmounting initial struggles to then sway audiences with magnetic performances, backed by his 7-piece ensemble and background vocalists.

For Beach, the semantics of genre is secondary, with every musical conception rooted in American culture. The vocalist’s prime concern is the potency of his message, ensuring his music appeals diverse audiences.

His music catalog is an eclectic blend fashioned over a decade, matching the flavor of each year and the vagaries of his musical inspiration. Debuting in 2013 with “Who the Funk is Cliff Beach?” he made an explosive entry on the scene, garnering nominations for several L.A. Music Awards, including Record of the Year, Jazz Artist of the Year, and Urban Music Artist of the Year. Renowned publication Alpha Magazine once lauded Beach’s distinctive style, praising his soulful music and superior musical abilities.

Beach’s expansive arsenal boasts an enviable podcast, sterling performances on radio and television, and a thriving record label – a true testament to his versatile talent. His melodic concoctions broadly traversed in the realms of jazz, soul, R&B, funk, and neo-soul, with his tracks amassing over 1,000,000 streams on Spotify. This musical maestro also boasts an array of awards, including the coveted John Lennon songwriting contest Grand Prize.

Cliff Beach's Jazz Odyssey: You Showed Me The Way

Photo Courtesy: Sheldon Bolter Photography

“You Showed Me The Way” is his melodic tribute to jazz; the entire compilation devised from Ella Fitzgerald’s monumental songbook. Each track invokes nostalgia for a different era of the illustrious queen of jazz. This album diverges from his previous offerings, focusing on renditions rather than original compositions.

In a riveting departure, Beach did not take to the piano for this album. Instead, he entrusted the task to television and film composer Munenori “Moon” Kishi. His cadre of musicians includes the talented Evan Mackey, Rubén Salinas, Sam Williams, Luis Cárdena-Casillas, Satoshi Kirisawa, Andy Moresi, Leah Concialdi, and Joe Ferruzzo.

From the seductive tones of “That Old Black Magic” to the illustrious notes of “Round Midnight” and “How Long Has This Been Going On,” every song is an homage to jazz’s transformative power. His allegiance to the art form remains unwavering, even in his original piece, “The Gift of the Blues,” which aptly closes the rendezvous with yesteryears.

Reflecting on Ella Fitzgerald’s influence, Beach muses, “I’ve been so inspired by her not only because she was an amazing improviser, but she also delved into different types of music later in her career. She did songs by the Beatles, Ray Charles, Jobim, and others.”

Commanding and emotive, Beach’s voice transforms these standards, breathing a contemporary ethos into snippets of jazz history. The album stands as a testament to his respect for the past and the possibilities of the new.

Catch a glimpse of Cliff Beach’s unyielding pursuit for musical mastery by following him on Instagram @cliffbeachmusic. Hear the new album here.

Published By: Aize Perez

Inas X: Crafting Divinity Through Music – A Palestinian-American Pop Sensation’s Ascendancy

Music Observer Staff on April 3, 2024

By: Monet Anais

In the vibrant tapestry of contemporary pop music, a new goddess is rising, her name resonating with the powerful echoes of divinity and resilience. Inas X, a Palestinian-American artist, has carved a unique niche for herself, merging her rich cultural heritage with the universal allure of pop stardom. Her journey from a young girl with dreams bigger than her surroundings to a chart-topping sensation is not just inspiring; it’s a beacon for aspiring artists worldwide.

Inas X’s musical odyssey began in the modest confines of school plays, choirs, and bands, where she honed her craft with unwavering passion. Despite growing up in an environment that often stifled artistic ambitions under stringent cultural norms, she dared to dream. At 18, she made a life-altering decision to pursue music professionally—a testament to her indomitable spirit.

Her quest for musical recognition saw her auditioning for renowned platforms like The X Factor, among others. Each step was a sacrifice, laying bricks on the path toward her dreams. It was her debut single, “Love Is,” that catapulted Inas X onto the Billboard charts—an achievement that was beyond her wildest imaginations.

Following this success, singles like “Playing with Fire” and “Disposition” further cemented her position in the music industry by securing spots on the iTunes charts. Her latest offering, “Nonstop,” showcases an evolved artist who adeptly blends her Palestinian roots with global pop sensibilities.

The influences shaping Inas X are as diverse as they are iconic. Drawing inspiration from Arab pop legends such as Nancy Ajram and Western powerhouses including Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga, Inas aims to embody the prowess and charisma of these figures while forging a distinct identity as the “Arab Aaliyah.” Her music is not just sound; it’s an assertion of strength from women who unabashedly own their space.

Navigating through cultural barriers has positioned Inas X as an avant-garde figure—a Palestinian woman making waves in an industry that rarely sees such representation. This journey hasn’t just been about personal growth but about breaking stereotypes and setting precedents for countless others to follow.

Her influence extends beyond music; Inas X has shared stages with luminaries like Post Malone and Fetty Wap and graced festivals across Los Angeles. But perhaps more impactful is her venture into entrepreneurship and acting alongside active participation in charitable endeavors—especially those supporting multiple sclerosis (MS) awareness—a cause close to her heart due to her personal battle with MS.

Inas X: Crafting Divinity Through Music - A Palestinian-American Pop Sensation's Ascendancy

Photo Courtesy: CWT Photography

Inas’s commitment to philanthropy resonates deeply within her brand ethos. “I have multiple sclerosis,” she shares candidly, “and so I like to take opportunities to be part of non-profit events, charities, and organizations where I can help other MS survivors.” This integration of personal challenges into her brand narrative not only humanizes Inas but also amplifies the voices of those battling similar struggles.

The release of “Goddess” on March 22nd marks another milestone in Inas X’s illustrious career. More than just a single, it symbolizes an entire philosophy—one that venerates the divine feminine and invites listeners into an empowering realm curated by Inas herself. With plans for an EP designed to immerse fans further into this vision, Inas X continues to redefine what it means to be a modern-day goddess in the world of pop music.

As she strides forward, blending ambition with altruism, Inas X remains steadfast in celebrating her dual heritage while pioneering spaces where women can shine unapologetically. Her story is one of transcendence—of transforming adversity into artistry—and stands as an emblematic reminder that within every woman lies a goddess waiting to unfold.

Connect with this trailblazing songstress through stories of courage and creativity by following her journey on Instagram @inasx. Here lies not just music but movements; here stands not merely an artist but an advocate—a deity crafting divinity through harmony.

Published by: Martin De Juan