Reviews by Mark E. Waterbury

The Rising - Future Unknown
Maverick
Aussie Michael Lee relocated to Atlanta, formed a band in L.A. and recorded this killer debut. Like a harder rocking Coldplay or a more mellow Creed, The Rising's music blend's hooks and more ambient melodic passages with explosive power at just the right spots. The title track has a beautiful type of intensity, showcasing Michael's Bono-meets-Kurt Cobain voice. "Cradle" pulses just below the surface before bursting forth with brilliant fervor. Future known: watch out for this band. URL: http://www.therising.com E-mail: acaganpr@aol.com

Ellis - Tigers Above, Tigers Below
Rubberneck Records
With her fourth CD, Ellis proves there's still plenty of life in the Twin Cities' music scene. Combining her passionate voice, a bit like Joni Mitchell but with further dimensions, with her mastery of the acoustic guitar and the talent of the players on the album make the perfect vehicle for her thought-provoking lyrics. Ranging from the moody alt folk ballad "All Over The Map" to the lovely but haunting piano laced "Looking For the Good" and the tempered light rock hook of "Freedom," the songs really showcase the welcome variables in her vocal interpretations. With very strong songs, Ellis could be a force to be reckoned with.

URL: http://www.ellis-music.com E-mail: ellisinfo@yahoo.com

Amaze Me: Songs in the Key of Peace - Various Artists
Rubberneck Records

Thirteen independent female artists from across the nation have provided a CD full of songs that are mostly not politically motivated, rather being passionate pleas for people to be more aware of what is happening. Primarily mellow and acoustic oriented, the songs harken more to the early protest days of the Vietnam War, when love was preached as the ultimate reason for peace. The songs are also all flat out great music, including the snappy folk vibe of "Kindness" by Erika Luckett to the hooky alt rock of Patrice Pike's "Tic Toc America", the edgy ballad "This Voice" by Brenda Weller and the powerful vocal plea "Great Peace March" by Holly Near. This is music that will make you search you heart and soul, and if more people do that, maybe more will realize that peace is always the most viable alternative. URL: http://www.peacecd.com E-mail: info@peacecd.com

Elam KcKnight - Braid my Hair
Big Black Hand

Tennessee vocalist/guitarist/harmonica player Elam McKnight plays a rockin' style of blues a bit like Johnny Winter and Walter Trout with influences steeped in the muddy Delta. Elam's prowess on guitar and harmonica add spicy flavor to the songs, and his songwriting puts unique slants on classic blues hooks. The lyrics on the title track as well as other songs are a bit tongue-in-cheek, sung with gutsy fervor. One of the freshest sounding blues rock purveyors out there. URL: http://www.bigblackhand.com E-mail: bigblackhand@aol.com

Memphis the Band - Last of the Cadillac Days
SActually from Chapel Hill, NC, this six piece act combines groove, rock, a bit jam band and some southern influences. Think Cowboy Mouth meets Squirrel Nut Zippers at a Black Crowes concert. "Forty Five Rekkid" has a revved-up vibe that contrasts to the swampy blues fueled "Sunshine." The many facets of roots music weaved with solid song crafting, catchy lyrics and snappy rhythms will help you strap on your boogie. URL: http://www.memphistheband.com E-mail: memphistheband@hotmail.com

Evolocity - Six song demo
Hot alt rock and metal hybrid from the "hot" town of Phoenix. Elements of Stereomud, Voivod and even a bit King's X can be felt in songs from the gritty "Quitz" to the bottom heavy groove of "Homebody" and the seething power of "Below Me." Intense vocals with a uniquely harmonic slant are driven by powerful but not overbearing guitar work and monster rhythms. Very solid potential here. URL: http://www.evolocity.tv E-mail: evolocity2001@aol.com

The Paul Hemmings Trio - In & Out
Leading Tone Records - 03-001

Talented New York instrumental jazz guitarist of the smoky club variety, with subtle grooves backing his intricate picking nodding in the direction of a more free spirited George Benson. The sweet bluesy melodies of "Georgia," the improvisational groove of "Reverend Reed" and the rollicking "Calypso Couscous" show diverse musical tastes. These are just wonderful songs, with stunning musical talent you can kick back and listen intently to. URL: http://www.paulhemmings.com E-mail: paulhemmings@yahoo.com

Katie Barbato - The Tapestry Room
Boston singer/songwriter displays rich vocal qualities backed by mostly acoustic rock and folk with subtle intensities. Katie's emotive vocal timbre is impressive enough to carry the ballads as well as the alt blues of "Brown Sugar" and the more rocking "Walking Backwords." She displays her and her bandmates instrumental talents as well, combining it with keen lyrics and songwriting to create music that is slyly unique and comfortably enjoyable. URL: http://www.katiebarbato.com E-mail: katieb@mymailstation.com

Three Degrees of Freedom - Vacilande
Jammin' Music

Sophomore effort from this Denver quartet features delicious guitar licks with funk beats that have a spirited island like vibe. A bit in the Blues Traveler and Dave Matthews vein with it's own unique groove and stellar harmonic vocals. The folksy "No Strings" the blues boogie of "Breakin' Down" and the jamming romp "Different Rhyme" showcases a band creating music that is fun but makes you appreciate their talent as well. URL: http://www.threedegreesoffreedom.com E-mail: gg11g@cs.com

Genie - Wildflowers
Something unexpected from the music mecca of Brentwood, TN. Genie Nilsson provides mellow but extraordinarily luscious new age piano gracing her delicately passionate vocals. The musical equivalent of looking at a beautiful painting and taking the time to absorb both its soothing and artistic qualities. The lyrics are often touching and the way they are presented locks you into their emotions. URL: http://www.geniesongs.com E-mail: angels@nilssonmedia.com