Loren Davidson - Tropical Troubadour
Renaissance Island Music - 8223
Oakland's Loren Davidson creates music that is as refreshing as a pina
colada washed down with a couple of beers on a moonlit beach. As the title
indicates, there is a prodigious amount of Buffett inspired tropical vibes here,
but Loren brings much more to the table. "Hopeful Romantic" has a decided Celtic
folk feel. Modern country influences are heard on several tracks, most prevalent
in "White Trash Opera." This foot stomper's wickedly humorous lyrics are further
proof of one of the greatest assets to Loren's songwriting; his incredible story
telling abilities. "Tropical Troubadour" is a vivacious romp that can be savored
from start to finish." URL: http://www.lorendavidson.com E-mail:
music1@lorendavidson.com
Rockin' the Midwest 2004
Rock Central Productions
For the sixth straight year, Susan Masino has assembled some of the
Midwest's hardest rocking bands. "Siren Song" is the fiery result of the reunion
of Wisconsin icons Last Crack, launching the CD like a Saturn 5 rocket. Driver
13 cranks out the molten "Alignment" to the shade of Disturbed. Sin City
Injectors' wildly brash "Riot All Night" is one of the real stand-outs. The
potent guitar/drum opus "Dang!" by Masino-Cornell culminates this reminder to
the world that there is a lot of musical talent in the Heartland. URL:
http://www.susanmasino.com E-mail: ROKCENTRAL@aol.com
Andy Summers - The X Tracks
Fuel 2000 Records - 302 061 453 2
This smorgasbord of songs written in a five year span showcases a more
jazzy facet of the former Police guitarist. You do hear a waft of the influences
from his former band in songs like "Big Thing " and "Earth & Sky." Real ear
openers include the bawdy, barrel house stomp of "Boogie Stop Shuffle," and the
ethereal version of "'Round Midnight," voiced by former band mate Sting. This
disc is another highly enjoyable glimpse of how deep Andy's talent pool truly
is. URL: http://www.andysummers.com
David Alberding - Wrestling With Angels
Second Sight Productions - AP002
Maryland's David Alberding is a singer/songwriter with many personalities
weaved together by his robust, soulful voice and thought provoking lyrics. The
fiddle fueled country tinged "Mary Had a Bad Day" jump starts the CD with
fervor. Ballads like "Great Expectations" and "The Gift" show a "Nebraska" era
Springsteen touch while "Goin Down De Ocean" shows a more rocking side. Some
serious talent and potential here. URL: http://www.davidaalberding.com E-mail:
ScndSghtPr@aol.com
Fort Ancient - I Believe in Tornadoes
The four song EP from this New York fivesome combines the alt pop
flavorings of early U2 and the Pixies with a more modern touch ala Superchunk.
The moody keyboard laced eeriness melds wonderfully with a sort of raw feel and
gritty guitar work. They also interject a proper dose of comfortable hooks,
particularly in "Can't You See We're Optimists?" and "Restless." A touch more
maturity and this band could be a serious future force. URL:
http://www.fortancient.com E-mail: matthew@fortancient.com
Kotur - The Wheel
Mtkotur Music - MTKCD01
The brainchild of Dayton, Ohio's Michael T. Kotur, this inventive
instrumental trio combines rock with subtleties of blues, country, jazz and
other styles. The music fits nicely in the not heavy but still intense
territory. Michael's obvious guitar talents seem influenced by everyone from
Carlos Santana to George Harrison, but his own personality shines through. With
stellar work by drummer Scott Soife and stand up bassist Jordan Hampton, Kotur
creates seriously tasty music. URL: http://www.kotur.net E-mail: info@kotur.net
Sanctus Real - Fight The Tide
Sparrow Records - 7243 5 92998
"Everything About You" from Christian rockers Sanctus Real begins with a
U2/Police vibe and then grabs you with a gritty guitar driven chorus while
keeping the vocal harmonies intact. Passionate but intense vocals are enhanced
by various incantations of modern rock, from the pop punk Good Charlotte vibe of
"The Fight Song" to the grungy bite of "Alone." Lyrics are reverent without
being in your face Christian, creating more accessibility to their uplifting
messages. URL: http://www.santusreal.com E-mail: Hoganson@comcast.net
John White - Southern Hospitality
Major Recordings - MRD-5459
Pianist John White has turned out another masterpiece. Bringing his country
fueled mastery of the ivories to the deep, old south, John's tour of revered
classics is thoroughly enjoyable. The laid back boogie on "Delta Dawn,"
heartfelt rendition of "A Time For Us" and toe-tapping version of Hank William's
"Hey Good Lookin'" are some of the real stand outs. Backed as usual by a
talented crew of musicians, you will want second helpings of John White's
hospitality. URL: http://home.earthlink.net/~whiteJohnt E-mail:
whitejohnt@earthlink.net
Sharon Falk - Painted On Blue
SF1964
The luscious vocal timbre of New Yorker Sharon Falk enthralls you from the
first strains of "Sweet Trouble." Her fingerstyle guitar prowess is also
evident, particularly in tracks like the title song and "Streets of Wild
Horses." Lyrically, she creates heartfelt stories, mirroring the moods of the
songs with her vocal abilities. Albeit predominantly mellow, the music still has
a subtle intensity, primarily from the emotions exuded by Sharon and the
appreciation of her talents. URL: http://www.sharonfalk.com E-mail:
contact@sharonfalk.com
TM© April 2005
Heaven and Earth - self titled