By Danny Coleman
originally published: 01/25/2018
Michaela McClain currently hails from Madison, NJ but this Somerset County native has far reaching talent way beyond the borders of the Garden State. “Take A Chance,” her fourth EP, showcases that ability once again as this effort shines from start to finish.
With a, “2013 New Jersey Acoustic Music Award” for “Best Indie Act” in her accomplishments column, this “Critically acclaimed” songstress continues to wow audiences wherever she goes.
“Take A Chance” is a six song disc which illuminates McClain’s vocal and instrumental prowess over and over again. Track 1 is an acoustic guitar based beauty with a tasty bass line, beautiful backing harmonies and a fabulous use of strings called, “Never Long Enough.” McClain’s vocals are haunting and yet strong enough to make this a great opener.
Track 2 is the title cut and has a jazzy feel punctuated by the sexy piano part, “You only win when you give your love.” Pay attention at the end and get a sampling of her vocal range; very nicely done.
“Yolo” is Track 3 and is an upbeat little ditty utilizing a ukulele. This is a marked change from the first two offerings and well placed in the track order as it breaks things up nicely.
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Track 4, “Some Men Need To Hear This” is a point blank, pay attention buddy I’m puttin’ you on notice tongue in cheek look at the chess game between men and women occurring when a male has his sights set. “Just because I give a good hug that don’t mean we’re in love” and “You think we might have this vibe but I’m warning you don’t even try,” are two of the lines where this sultry tune drives the point home. Bass heavy with a great muted trumpet which gives this one a dank jazz clubs feel; it stands out and is one of the best cuts on the disc.
Next is, “The Fringe,” another upbeat jazz infused piece which shows off McClain’s edgy side. The vocals are gutsy, in your face and yet melodic and her tone impeccable as it is throughout this EP.
Track 6 is the finale and is titled, “I Will Rise.” Strings intro and lead into piano that give way to Michaela’s once again strong vocal. Minus drums, she pounds home the feel with aggressive keys and a dynamic use of the strings and her vocal phrasings.
Overall, this is a well-produced, well mixed and well done disc. This reviewer was sad to see that it is only six tracks but the six pack a lot of punch. “Take A Chance” is more than worth the price and further enhances the allure that is Michaela McClain.
To discover more about Michaela, please visit www.michaelamcclain.com.
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
This week's event listings
Alchemist & Barrister28 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-5555
Thurs. "Pasta and Sinatra Night"
Wed. 10 p.m. (TBA)
Arts Council of Princeton102 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-8777
Sat. 7 p.m. "Cafe Improv." Admission $1/$2
Backstage at Championship Bar931 Chambers Street Trenton
(609) 396-5457
Fri. 6 p.m. +Letting Go, If Not For Me, Brain Candle, Sinking Monroe, (TBA). All ages, $10
Sat. 5 p.m. Broth, (TBA). All ages, $10
Mon. 8 p.m. ""Drink And Draw" Art Chill Night. Free admission
Tues. 8 p.m. "Wild Wild West Comedy Fest." $10
Wed. 9 p.m. Mike & Qiana Present: "Poetry Slam." Free admission
Bill's Olde Tavern2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Thurs. 9 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke Contest (Cash prizes)
Ages 21+
Blend Bar & Bistro911 Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Jam
Wed. 8 p.m. "Old School Hip-Hop Night"
Bowman's Tavern1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. David Dales Trio
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Larry Taminini Trio
Sun. 6 p.m. Lorenzo
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Tues. 6 p.m. Michael Long
Wed. 6 p.m. Soul Custody
Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room19 E. Union Street Burlington
(609) 733-356
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Shorty Rock
Sat. 9 p.m. Gypsy Mother
Bung's Tavern2031 Route 130 South Burlington
(609) 499-1355
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 8 p.m. Malpractice
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Never Enough
Candlelight Lounge24 Passaic Street Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Thurs. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton, Kim Robinson, Bob Smith, Rich Gerster. $5 (Includes buffet)
Sat. 3 p.m. (TBA) $10 (cover charge/$10 Minimum includes buffet)
Tues. 6 p.m. "Tuesday Jazz Jam" Open Session feat. James Stewart / Tom Littwin Trios. $5 (Lite appetizers)
Chickie's & Pete's183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia
City Streets510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays" w/ DJ Brett Gash
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia w/ Jessie & Chelsea
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays" w/ Rich Genoval
COARadio.com125 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Chris Rockwell
Dadz Bar & Grill744 Main Street Lumberton
(609) 267-4344
Thurs. 9 p.m. DJ Jason Byrd / "Beer Pong Tournament"
Fri. 10 p.m. Phantom Trap
Sat. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dubbs
Sun. 4 p.m. Dave Weber
Tues. 8 p.m. "Game Night"
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Christine Smith
Diamond's of Hamilton661 Route 33 Hamilton
(609) 981-7900
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Grace Field
Dog & Bull Brew House810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Pop Fiction
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Funky Friday Happy Hour" (9 p.m.) Jeff Selby
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch" feat. Michael Leggerie (9 p.m.) Soul Fanatics
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Keli Vale Jazz
Wed. 8 p.m. Vince Salvatore
Fedora Café2633 Main Street Lawrenceville
(609) 895-0844
Wed. 6 p.m. Jerry Monk
Fran's Pub116 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-5539
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Honey Spot Blvd.
Freddies Tavern12 Railroad Avenue Ewing
(609) 882-0978
Sat. 8 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues Band
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Joe Vadala
Grover's Mill Coffee HousePrinceton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction
(609) 716-8771
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Anker
Havana New Hope105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 9 p.m. "College Beat The Clock Night"
Fri. (8:30 a.m.) Bigg Romeo (12 a.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (3 p.m.) "Magical Musical Afterparty" feat. Roxy Ballet Company, Eastern Hellbenders, The Karmic Repair Company (8:30 p.m.) Jumper (12 a.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sun. 6 p.m. "Steely Dan Tribute" w/ Countdown To Ecstasy
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. "Live Original Music Showcase" Hosted by Pat Foran feat. Rick Barth & Jesse Elliot
Hopewell Theater5 South Greenwood Avenue Hopewell
(609) 466-1964
Sat. 8 p.m. Willie Nile. All ages, Doors at 7:15 p.m., $25-$120
Hopewell Valley Bistro & Inn15 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 466-9889
Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Hopewell Valley Vineyards46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Thurs. 6 p.m. Chris Singh
Fri. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Pocket Full Of Soul
Sat. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Acoustic Road
Sun. 2 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Piano, Bass and Jazz
Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(267) 914-4517
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul Kircher
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula & Sam
Iron Plow Vineyards26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6 p.m. Frank Stagliano
Sat. 1 p.m. Gail Dennis
Sun. 2 p.m. Bob O & Jess
Ivy Tavern3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 9 p.m. Accelerator
Sat. 9 p.m. Einstein Bridge
All shows 21+
Jake's Eatery869 Bustleton Pike Richboro, PA
(215) 322-6787
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Ladies Night"
Sat. 9 p.m. (TBA)
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia Night
John & Peter's96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Mike DiAlto's Comedy Night
Fri. 9 p.m. Sicman of VA
Sat. (3 p.m.)Desoto Rust (7:30 p.m.) Cowbell Superstar
Sun. 3 p.m. "Miss Pumpkin's Drag Show"
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic.
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Jo Jo's Tavern2677 Nottingham Way Mercerville
(609) 586-2678
Sat. 10 p.m. The Suspects
Killarney's Publick House1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Sat. 9 p.m. El Ka Bong
King George Inn102 Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA
(215) 788-5536
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Alex Otey
Lambertville Elks66 Wilson Street Lambertville
(609) 397-4210
Fri. 7 p.m. Pat Foran
Laurita Winery85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Fri. 6 p.m. "Roaring 20's Murder Mystery"
Sat. "Laurita Winter Fest" feat. (1 p.m.) Gregg Parker
Sun. "Laurita Winter Fest" feat. (1 p.m.) Rick Winow
Logan Inn10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2300
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Brian Folone
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Ian Lander
Sun. 11 am "Jazz Brunch" feat. Dave Dales Trio
Mama Flora's Trattoria & Catering1750 North Olden Avenue Extension Ewing
(609) 434-1188
Sat. 6 p.m. Bryan Hill
Mamma Rosa's572 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 588-5454
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Richard Schneider
McGuinn's Place1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence
(609) 392-0599
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+
McStews Irish Sports Pub5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ RV & MC Slim
Fri. 9 p.m. "Ladies Night" w/ DJ OGEEZ
Sat. 9 p.m. All Lit Up
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Kirchner Entertainment
Millhill Basement300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase
Mojito Cuba Caribe90 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(267) 740-2900
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Chris
New Hope Winery6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Fri. 8 p.m. John Hall Band. Doors at 7 p.m., $50 (Advance)
Nook's PourHouse2043 Route 130 South Florence
(609) 447-0927
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Tuesday w/ Quizoholics
Nottingham Tavern9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square
(609) 587-6623
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Super Dave
Fri. 9 p.m. John & Maggs
Sat. 9 p.m. Radio Fiction
Wed. 5 p.m. "Weekend Warm-up" w/ DJ Chris Barlow
Ages 21+
O'Connor's American Bar & Grille1383 Monmouth Road Mt. Holly
(609) 261-1555
Sat. 6 p.m. "Murder Mystery" Presented by the team of the New Jersey Renaissance Faire.
Old Town Pub135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 291-9232
Sat. 9 p.m. (TBA)
Palermo's Of Hamilton310 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. You Never Know
All shows 21 +
Patriots Crossing1339 River Road Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Fri. 8 p.m. Just Us
Sat. 8 p.m. DJ Bobby Jones
Parx Casino (360 Bar)2999 Street Road Bensalem, PA
(888) 588-7299
Thurs. 9 p.m. Latin Night
Fri. (5 p.m.) Witzend (9:30 p.m.) Shot Of Southern (10 p.m.) DJ Paul Desisto
Sat. (5 p.m.) Tuesday's Gone (9:30 p.m.) John Eddie (10 p.m.) DJ Eric Vanderslice
Sun. 4:30 p.m. 40 North Country
Pete's Steak House523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Charles Laurita & The Mischief
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Plumsted Grill469 Route 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 758-5552
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Ernie White & Tom Reock
Randy Now's Man Cave134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Check web site for upcoming events
Rossi's Bar & Grill2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 890-2004
Thurs. 7 p.m. (TBA)
Salt Creek Grille1 Rockingham Row Princeton
(609) 419-4200
Fri. 8 p.m. Party Of 3
Sat. 8 p.m. Tim Brent
Small World Coffee14 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-4377 x2
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Eddie West
Starbucks Coffee2673 Main Street Lawrenceville
(609) 414-3320
Fri. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Anker
1867 Sanctuary101 Scotch Road Ewing
(609) 392-6409
Fri. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night. Free admission
Sat. 8 p.m. Stephen Yee Quartet. $20
Tara's Tavern1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 10 p.m. The Quattro
Sat. 10 p.m. Peanut Butter Bridges
Tavern On The Lake101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. Vince Sasso Band
Sat. 9 p.m. Asylum Choir
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
Temperance House5 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8050
Thurs. 7 p.m. Blues Open Mic Hosted by Steve Guyger
Fri. 7 p.m. Ed Wall
Sat. 7 p.m. John & Maggs
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Righteous Jolly
Wed. 7 p.m. "Jazz Night" w/ John Sheridan and BCCC
The Cool Cricket216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. Black Brant
The HOB Tavern146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020
Fri. 9 p.m. Sir Xerri
Tues 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 8 p.m. (TBA)
The Ivy Inn248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. Polish Nannies
Sat. 10 p.m. Jam Lab
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron
The Pines Tavern6217 North Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA
(215) 788-1659
Sat. 9 p.m. Sister Blue w/ Mark Fuhrman
Sun. 3 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Bill Monach Jr.
The Raven385 West Bridge Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2081
Thurs. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (10 p.m.) All Male Revue
Fri. (9 p.m.) Michael Ferreri (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
The Record Collector358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Please check web page for upcoming events.
The Roost181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Sat. 9 p.m. (TBA)
The Sticky Wicket2465 South Broad Street Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Throwback Thursday" w/ DJ Chillio
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke
The Cure Insurance Center81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events
The Sycamore Grill255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA
(215) 908-6326
Thurs. 8 p.m. Bob Rotondo
Fri. 8 p.m. Catch
Sat. 8 p.m. Idlewoodsman
Tir Na Nog1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Sat. 9 p.m. The Williamsboy
All shows 21+
Trenton Buzz702 Pine Street Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic.
Sat. 10 p.m. "Buzzed Saturdays" w/ Bockman
Trenton Coffee House and Records750 Cass Street Trenton
(609) 379-0549
Sat. 7 p.m. "Antigone" A Staged Reading. All ages, Doors at 6:30 p.m., FREE
Trenton Social449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 5 p.m. "Happy Hour" w/ Jay Kountree (Live DJ all night)
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Benny P
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Fri. 10 p.m. The Lawsuits & Friends. $5 (cover charge)
Sat. (1 p.m.) "Beef 'N' Brew" (10 p.m.) Kirby & the Vibe Tribe. $5 (cover charge)
Sun. (1 p.m.) "Chili Cook Off" (7 p.m.) Open Stage Night. (Sign ups at 6:30 p.m.)
All shows 21+
Triumph Brewing Company138 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 924-7855
Fri. 10 p.m. (TBA)
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn2572 Pennington Road Pennington
(609) 773-2392
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock Night
Mon. 9 p.m. "Moonshine Mondays" Trivia
Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled “Rock On Radio” airing Sunday evenings at 7:000pm EST on multiple internet radio outlets where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
