We Speak Music

RONNIE BELL RELEASES NEW ALBUM MOMENTS IN TIME PT. 1: COOKOUT CLASSICS

Published

1 year ago

April 7, 2025

A Soulful Celebration of Life’s Defining Moments Told Through Southern Soul, Blues, and R&B

Southern Soul singer and songwriter Ronnie Bell returns with a heartfelt and groove-filled new album, Moments in Time Pt. 1: Cookout Classics—a musical tribute to life’s most memorable moments, blending bluesy storytelling, smooth R&B vibes, and good old-fashioned soul.

More than just a collection of songs, Moments in Time Pt. 1: Cookout Classics is a living, breathing soundtrack to the human experience. Each track reflects a universal milestone—from love and heartbreak to family gatherings and hard-won triumphs. With his signature falsetto and unmatched Southern charm, Ronnie Bell brings listeners into his world, offering a nostalgic journey that’s as joyful as it is healing.

“This album is about celebrating the moments that shape us,” says Bell. “Whether you’re dancing at a family reunion, learning a hard lesson in love, or reflecting on the people you’ve lost—these songs are here to remind you that you’re not alone.”

Tracklist & Themes Include:
“Family Reunion Groove” – A celebration of togetherness, capturing the magic of summer cookouts and the energy of multi-generational love.

“Birthday Blues” – A reflective, soulful number about growing older and embracing the wisdom that comes with it.

“Lotto Love” – A fun, upbeat track about finding the jackpot in love, not just luck.

“Lesson in Love” – A ballad on heartbreak, healing, and the growth that follows.

“Barbecue & Blues” – A laid-back groove paying homage to the simple joys of food, music, and fellowship.

“First Slow Dance” – A tender ode to young love and unforgettable firsts.

“Uncle’s Wisdom” – A storytelling song filled with life advice from a beloved elder.

“Winning Season” – A triumphant anthem about rising above struggles and stepping into your purpose.

“Sunday Morning Redemption” – A gospel-infused message of hope, grace, and new beginnings.

“Goodbye Ain’t Forever” – A powerful tribute to lost loved ones and the enduring nature of love.

A Love Letter to Southern Culture
Deeply rooted in the Southern Black experience, Moments in Time Pt. 1: Cookout Classics feels like sitting on the porch with family, smelling ribs on the grill, and reliving your life through song. Ronnie Bell masterfully intertwines vivid storytelling, infectious rhythms, and generational wisdom into a project that resonates across age and background.

Born and raised in Walker, Louisiana, Ronnie “RnB” Bell’s music journey began at just five years old singing in church. Influenced by legends like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, and John P. Kee, Bell developed a style rooted in tradition yet brimming with fresh energy. From performing with George Perkins and the Voices of Harmony as a teenager to collaborating with Southern University’s Marching Band and Concert Choir, Bell’s early experiences laid the foundation for a remarkable career.

He gained national attention with his breakout hit “Cotton Candy”, and has since shared stages with the likes of Patti LaBelle, Erykah Badu, The Manhattans, Sir Charles Jones, and Brian McKnight. Since 2019, Bell has been a mainstay on the Blues Is Alright Tour, known for his soul-stirring performances and undeniable charisma.

We Speak Music

Christian Balvig releases gorgeous new album ‘Find And You Will Seek’ in collaboration with Ensemble Hermes.

Published

29 minutes ago

June 2, 2026

Don Reed

Acclaimed composer and arranger Christian Balvig is known for his work with an array of artists and bands like Jade, Efterklang, Lowly, When Saints Go Machine and Mew, as well as his work with some of the most acclaimed orchestras like Royal Northern Sinfonia (BBC Proms), The Royal Danish Orchestra, Copenhagen Phil, London Contemporary Orchestra, The Danish Radio Broadcast Orchestra and The Norwegian Wind Ensemble.

The cinematic sound on his new album might echo Balvig’s work in the world of film and TV music. Scoring the 2025 Oscar shortlisted short movie ‘Eternal Father’ and the Danish hit series ‘Cry Wolf’ (Ulven Kommer), which has been shown on television in more than 30 countries around the globe, including Channel 4 in the UK. He was also nominated for a Harpa award for ‘Best score’ last year at the Berlinale for ‘The Son and the Moon (Min Arv Bor I Dig)’.

Balvig’s new album, ‘Find And You Will Seek’, backed by Danish string group Ensemble Hermes, grew organically out of this background of experiences and is music that appeals to listeners seeking original, immersive music with space for reflection and contemplation.

‘Find And You Will Seek’ is a collection of chamber works that explore the combination of piano and strings in new ways. Recent single ‘The BirdSuite II – Praesentia’ is part of a 3-part Suite running throughout the record, written and performed on a custom made “Keybird” piano, which is an una-corda (one string pr note) piano that gives a more subtle and intimate sound. On top of it is a lush and emotional string ensemble arrangement with Ensemble Hermes in multiple layers fluctuating in and out of the keybird piano.

Balvig’s second single from the record is ‘What Happened To The World’, an ultra transparent neo-classical inspired piece, with slow melodic structures, a simple chord progression and emotional performance starting with a floating viola solo. It is written from the feeling that the world sometimes goes backwards, and you feel left on the platform wanting to take the train in a different direction.

From film music inspired pieces to experimental chamber music over piano concerto inspired movements, to more neo-classical productions with almost orchestral sounding dubs of strings, ‘Find And You Will Seek’ flows with emotions and lush sound worlds, always with a tangible organic texture.

Find Christian Balvig and Ensemble Hermes on tour in Denmark:

27.5 Ansgars Kirke (Odense)

28.5 Folkegaarden Festival (Aalborg)

29.5 Gnisten (Ry)

30.5 Musikhuset (Aarhus)

1.6 Basement (Copenhagen)