Bob Bennett – This thoughtful and articulate singer/songwriter has made a powerful impact on Christian music fans with his inspiring and challenging music for the past 30 years, and he’s offering up a beautiful piece called Brightest and Best, from his new album Christmastide.

Ken Medema – Functionally blind since birth, Ken has nonetheless demonstrated lifelong vision both in his embrace of the power of the unseen Lord and in his heart for the disenfranchised of this world. He’s been pounding out great tunes at the piano for many decades (and we’ve been fans personally since the mid-Seventies!). He’s sharing Here Is The One, from his album Watching The Sky.

The Sonflowerz – A Colorado-based “sister act”, these two lovely young ladies (Elissa and Becca Leander) have brought us their smooth-as-silk version of O Come All Ye Faithful, from their album Beautiful Miracle.

All three of these songs are available now for free download from FeelsLikeChristmas.com

Please remember to support the artists who especially touch you by visiting their web sites, purchasing CDs or track downloads, singing up for their mailing lists and catching them in concert! En-Joy!

Just three brand new songs posted so far, but we’re off to a nice start…and obviously, we still have all the great tunes from previous years.

• LaJuana Murphy-Brann – A gospel pianist who brings her own brand of soul to the classics Go Tell It On The Mountain and O Holy Night
• Silvia Fleming – A gifted jazz vocalist, sharing her take on In A Lowly Manger Sleeping, with words by legendary church hymn writer, Fanny Crosby

Come and get ‘em now…at FeelsLikeChristmas.com

And you’ll definitely want to check out a similar site by some friends of ours: ChristmasMPFree.com

Kendra’s music is now available at FreeSoloPiano.com

If you’re into labels, you’re likely to find the UK-based band In Isolation filed under Post Punk/New Wave (which may not sound appealing to you personally). All we know is that their song The Wrong Girl is great stuff. Check it out!

In Isolation’s song is now available at GreatSongsFree.com

It’s a delight to hear musicians who are comfortable in their own skin. And JJ Soul Band (hailing from Reykjavik, Iceland) are a perfect example of such comfort. We liked them so much that we’re bringing you FOUR of their songs. Their smooth, soulful jazz will remind one (at times) of a gentler, less angry Steely Dan. But, in contrast, JJ Soul’s husky voice feels much more at home in the lead vocal role than Donald Fagen’s ever did. Check out one of their videos while you’re downloading At The Mall, Front Page News, Getting Colder By The Year and I’ve Been Had Again, from their album Bright Lights.

Tulsa’s Stars Go Dim is another of those indie bands that deserves to be heard by a wider audience. The songwriting by Joey Avalos is more than capable, and their sound features standout lead vocals by Chris Cleveland. From the album Love Gone Mad, they’re sharing 3 songs with us: Get Over It, Love Gone Mad and Come Around.

Nick Daugherty will inevitably be compared to Jason Mraz, but there’s always more room in the world for quality pop music with a soulful, jazzy flair. Nick’s songwriting is substantive, and his vocals are a great fit for his appealing persona. From the album Movin’ Higher, enjoy the title track and Staring At The Sun.

Songwriters on a mission can often come off as pretentious and downright irritating, but Brant Christopher doesn’t let the message hamper the music. His personal passion for ending global slavery has provided a solid incubator for quality songwriting, and his vocal prowess and top-notch production provide a great frame for the jewel of his message. From the album, Climb, you’ll want to hear Criminal and Shoes for Margaret.

New Yorkers Christian Yorke, Mark Mangold, Jonny Cragg and Jordan Brooks created their band The Radiants just a couple years ago, but they’ve already crafted a solid, accessible sound. And we’re able to share with you their tune Say You Will from their album The Radiant 1.

Virginia’s Emmet Swimming features an easy alt-rock sound that will not only have you listening, but wanting to hear what else they’ve done. And there’s plenty to discover from this band with 7 albums under their belt. From their Bathing in the New Economy, check out Don’t Call Her.

While Iowa may not be the first place that comes to my when thinking of hotbeds of musical activity, The Nadas just might challenge your preconceptions in that regard. Their music isn’t easily stuffed into a category and dismissed. Their musical energy and creative arrangements will draw you in, while their solid songwriting will keep you listening. Satisfying stuff. From their album Almanac, check out the songs Long Goodbye and Wrecking Ball.

Straight outta Orlando, Megaphone is brimming with energy. Punchy guitars, slick vocals and solid hooks (a la Foo Fighters) drive their sound. From their album, Exit Silent Mode, they’ve brought us Write It Down to share with you.

Where will you find all this great music? GreatSongsFree.com

From the first strains of the song My Friend Luke, you’ll notice that Copper Tom doesn’t make music that sounds like “everybody else”. His loosey-goosey groove is almost reminiscent of the Sixties. His album is called Get The Beat!, and I feel like I’m already well on my way to getting it! Oh, and don’t miss the cute video of the song. [Field under C]

Tessa Pfeifer is the founder and CEO of Dancercise Kids, a successful kids’ dance and fitness business, and has been singing and dancing since she was old enough to walk and talk. Her classes, and music performed by Tessa & Dancercise Kids helps kids build strong minds and happy hearts, with an emphasis on manners, nutrition, movement and other positive themes. It’s not the least bit hard to imagine lots of kids movin’ to the groove of the song, Diggity Bone. [Filed under D]

DidiPop returns to the front page of our site again, this time with 3 more songs from her terrific self-titled album: the cool jazz feel of I Did My Homework, learning to speak French with Merci and The Cool Alphabet Song (see the video). [Filed under D]

Fern Forest is back as well…with a fun Fifties-ish song from her album called Fern, The Stars and The Planets. It’s called The Galactic Hop-Bop. [Filed under F]

A self-proclaimed “funky mother of two”, Lauren Busch Singer, was frustrated with a lack of musical variety in kids music, so she set out to do something about it…by drafting New Orleans musicians to help her create an album called Funky Kidz. She’s brought us fully-funkified versions of two classic favorites to share with you: Froggy Went A-Courtin’ and This Land Is Your Land [Filed under F]

Janyse (”Jen-niece”) is an award-winning singer/songwriter/actress (performing cartoon voices for programs like Strawberry Shortcake and My Little Pony) and the creator of The Magic of Think. The album is designed to help empower kids through self-confidence and self-respect. Tap into the rollicking fun energy of her two songs: Boogie Oogie Man and Stomp [Filed under J]

Madeline L Pots seems determined to make you hungry with her in-depth analysis of the amazing variety of noodles in Italian cuisine (fettucini, manicotti, ravioli, macaroni, tortellini and many more!) in The Pasta Song, from her album Grandpa’s Car. [Filed under P]

In addition to the French earlier, we’re also venturing into the world of Spanish-speaking children’s music this time with Argentine native Mariana Iranzi and her album Aventura Collage. She’s a Berklee College of Music graduate and brings her talents on bass, guitar and percussion to her kids music. She’s brought us a lullaby called Buenas Noches and a song about a woodpecker called Pajaro Carpintero! [Filed under I]

This great music is now available for free download from FreeKidsMusic.com. En-joy!

A native New Yorker, Jane Leslie began studying piano at age six, with a talent and love of music that eventually led to piano studies at the Juilliard School, where she earned a Masters degree…as well as a Doctoral degree from the Manhattan School of Music. Jane’s first album, Dreamsongs was birthed from an unusual experience in which a beautiful new melody appeared to her in a dream: “…a vivid dream with a melody that I could not forget.” Her latest album, Southampton Sunset, is a mix of diverse styles which include upbeat pieces, dramatic ballads, gentle new-age sounds, and soft jazz. And she’s brought us one song from each album: Dreamsongs and Joy.

Tom Van Dorn is a primarily self-taught musician who started with guitar and piano in his early teens. In time, he began composing his own songs on both instruments, although more recently focusing on acoustic piano compositions. His album, A Perfect Day, was created in an unplanned setting with nearly the complete collection of songs recorded straight through in one late-night session without a thought or care about making a recording that would later be sold. This total lack of recording pressure is clearly evident from the very first notes as the music simply flows effortlessly in a mellifluous, soothing way that leaves no doubt that this is one gifted and soulful musician. He’s sharing two songs with us: A Perfect Day and The Music Box.

Rob Fisher is a solo piano artist with emphasis on extemporaneous and impromptu performance and recordings. He was trained in classical piano, but has pulled in influences from reggae, rock, folk, blues, progressive and new age. His album is called Piano Extempore (extempore meaning “in the moment and without preparation”). And he’s brought us two songs to share with you: It Goes By and Pacific’s Edge.

Inner Version is a UK-based project featuring modern solo piano music incorporate many different influences. Some of those cited include Rachmaninoff, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Bach, Debussy, Miles Davis, Donald Fagen/Steely Dan, Aphex Twins, Ennio Morricone and Henry Mancini. If you think that sounds eclectic, you’d be right. Check out the two adventurous tunes they’re sharing with us here: Cambric Clouds and Midnight Rain.

All the above tracks can be downloaded now at FreeSoloPiano.com. Next up are some other great new instrumental tracks:

OK…so when asked about my favorite styles of music, KLEZMER isn’t usually near the top of the list. But, then again, I just heard The Alexandria Kleztet…and these guys (and a lady) from the D.C area turned my head. It definitely has “that klezmer feel” mixed in there…but it’s way more musically interesting than any klezmer I’ve heard before. And I suspect you’ll feel the same! The Kleztet is Seth Kibel (woodwinds), Helen Hausmann (violin), Tim Jarvis (percussion) and Scott Harlan (bass). Their new album is Peace, Love and Coffee…and they brought us two tunes to share with you: Bad Coffee (Builds Character) and Harmelodica Theory.

And as long as I’m in a confessional mode…I don’t tend to care a lot for most improvisational jazz, either. I like music that feels like it’s going someplace. But…once again, my preconceptions are shaken…by Sunna Gunnlaugs. For a lady from ICELAND who plays jazz piano, this is very warm music indeed…and there’s a significant “purposeful” quality to it. The instrumental performances are clear and confident…substantive rather than showy…and you truly do feel like you’re on a journey as you listen. Her latest album is Mindful, and she’s offered us the title track to share with you.

Grigor Iliev hails from Bulgaria and didn’t start to pursue music until his mid-teens…first on guitar, then discovering the piano. While his full-time occupation is computer science, his not-so-secret side passion is his modern classical piano compositions. He’s sharing a beautiful piece with us called The Lonely Ballerina.

Those tracks are now available for free at GreatInstrumentalDownloads.com. And finally, some great pop/rock/blues stuff:

Chris Kirby is one of those guy who just “gets it”. From the beginning of one of his tunes, you know you’re gonna like this. Great groove, sassy soulful vocals, infectious hooks and perfect production values. We’re very proud to introduce to this gifted artist with a tune from his new album Vampire Hotel. It’s called Lift This Fog.

And speaking of “getting it”…where has all the great good-time rock gone? Well, it appears that Loomis and The Lust has been keeping at least some of it for themselves out in Santa Barbara. Fortunately, they seem ready to spring it on the world! Their new album, Nagasha, is just a 5-song EP…but every single cut is just dripping with celebratory energy and hooks that just won’t let you go…but won’t let you sit still, either. Enjoy the “primal” tune Bright Red Chords (and check out the video, too!).

Stephen Luke knocked around music for years, but eventually life dragged him away…including the often mundane (but rewarding) task of raising a family. It took a significant hand injury to refocus him musically. He cut two tendons in his index finger while opening a box, the repair of which required surgery and months of therapy. And, wouldn’t you know it…the therapist recommended that he pick up the guitar again to help speed the functional healing of his left hand. Enter another of our Cincinnati-based featured artists…Kelly Richey (see below), who “…took me from pitiful to powerful in six months. It lit a fire. I couldn’t stop playing and started writing songs again.” Kelly then agreed to produce his first album, No Man’s Land…and you can hear that reignited passion in the bluesy tune, Long Way From Home.

Singer-songwriter Lisa Bianco brings us a resilient ballad about holding on thru the hard times, called Sideways. It’s from her new album, Post Data, which she says addresses “the new and constantly evolving relationship between people and a data-saturated world, searching for the personal connection that breathes life into humanity…and music”.

And these tracks are all yours when visiting GreatSongsFree.com. More to come soon. If you have friends who enjoy great new music, tell them to subscribe so they can stay up-to-date as well. En-joy!!

First up…

Roy Genauer is the songwriting force behind Assembly Of Dust, and as is the case with virtually all truly interesting music, it’s the songwriting that sets the band’s music apart. But they didn’t stop there, bringing in musical guests as diverse as Richie Havens, Mike Gordon (Phish), Martin Sexton, Bela Fleck and fretboard master Jerry Douglas. As you listen, you’re going to love the fact that we’re able to present three songs from this talented band, from their new album Some Assembly Required: Arc Of The Sun, Leadbelly and The Second Song. 

Roy Jay spins a hopeful tale of a man launching off in a new direction in his life with the sprawling 8-minute epic, California Grey…from his album, Lucky Guy.

Aman(da) Walther and Shei(la) Carabine met in high school music class and decided to combine their voices and songwriting talents (not to mention their names) to form Dala. They have an interesting gift for word pictures…for example: “She wears her body like a lifetime achievement…it fills the silence when she doesn’t know the words…”. Acoustic guitars, lush vocals and airy arrangements are the foundation upon which they build their brand of fresh folk/pop. We’re privileged to offer three songs from their album Everyone Is Someone: Anywhere Under The Moon, Levi Blues and Lonely Girl.

While Eastern Canada is not generally thought of as a hotbed of country music, hell hath no fury like a husband scorned…and The Divorcees are living proof. Yes, they’ve got fiery vocals and solid instrumental chops, but what sets this band apart is the truly interesting songwriting. And, you’ll be happy to hear that we’re able to present three songs from their album Last Of The Free Men: After The Storm Is Gone, Letter On The Window and Mining Man.

Brad Hammonds built his early musical reputation on his guitar prowess as part of the duo Brazz Tree. But while those chops are fully on display, he’s added some creative melodic approaches and jazz sensibilities, plus an almost hypnotic vocal style to create quite the musical stew on Through It All, from the album of the same name.

Jennings came to focus on music in an unusual way. After the death of her mother, her father (a former musician) gave her a choice: go thru therapy to deal with the grief…or record an album. Her choice might be somewhat obvious, as she brings her fresh vocal delivery and a pop/electronica groove to Falling Higher, from her album Femtastic.

It’s not often that you hear someone say, “That girl can flat play the guitar!”. But as blues legend Albert King told Kelly Richey when she found herself on stage with him some 20 years ago, “That guitar is like a gun: if you pick it up, you better mean to use it.” Kelly clearly took those words to heart, and has continued to develop her growling blues-rock stylings over the years and something approaching a dozen albums. She’s sharing two songs with us: Talks All Over Town from the Eyes Of A Woman album, and Now You Need Me from Sending Me Angels.

Doug Folkins brings his rootsy musical sensibilities to his story of longing, featuring Italy (the country) and Emily (the girl)…and you just know he’s planning to stay there for as long as it takes for her to show up…watching the flow of city life pass by him as he scans the crowds for her face. It’s a story well-told. The song is called Streets Of Rome, and it’s from his self-titled album.

All those songs are available now for free download at Great Songs Free. And now, on the instrumental front:

The National Guitar Workshop features instruction by some truly amazing players. And you’d better be prepared for a master-class in the Blues before downloading Mr. H’s Blues, performed by Harry Jacobson. It just gets sweeter as it goes on…so be sure not to just file it away for later reference. Don’t miss the section between about 3 and 4.5 minutes in.

Cincinnati’s Kelly Richey Band is fronted by a flaming-red-haired woman who plays a flaming blues guitar…and no, it’s not Bonnie Raitt. You’ll love her blues-rock guitar chops, honed over more than 20 years of live playing. From the album Speechless, check out Is There Any Reason and Only The Bird Knows.

And these tunes are all available at Great Instrumental Downloads.

Have fun!

The Pimps of Joytime are one of those bands that leave you satisfied, but at the same time, wanting more. Incredibly infectious rhythms and grooves borrow liberally from multiple musical genres, including latin, hip-hop and jazz. From their debut album, High Steppin’, they’ve brought us two songs to share with you: Bonita and Joytime Radio.

Chris Huff is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer specializing in hooky retro-pop songs that combine different genres. From his album Death and Texas, he’s sharing his song For The Trees.

The above songs are all available right now for free download from Great Songs Free. Next up, in instrumental music:

At only 21 years of age, Ólafur Arnalds is Iceland’s latest export. Having already sold out The Barbican Hall in London, toured major European festivals and opened for Sigur Rós on their most recent European tour…the future seems bright for this extraordinary talent. Arnalds’ music can only be described as achingly beautiful. He creates a world of delicate symphonic compositions. His music scales the heights perfected by the romantics. Yet by mixing strings and piano with loops and edgy beats it remains equally engaging to the contemporary ear. Check out 3055 and Ljósið from his self-titled album.

These instrumental tracks are now available at Great Instrumental Downloads.

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And finally…

Active as a musician since early childhood, Terry Lynn Tschaekofske has performed in numerous rock and blues bands in Utah and Northern California. As a private teacher, he has given thousands of lessons to eager students. He’s recently released his debut solo album, Illusions, and he’s brought us two songs to share with you: Who Was She and The Other Side of Paradise.

And these songs are available right now for free download at Free Solo Guitar.

8 Ball Aitken hails from Far North Queensland in Australia, where he spent his adolescence as a farm laborer on a banana plantation. As a hard-partying 19-year-old, it was a conversation with an Aboriginal elder that caused him to rethink his path and rechannel his energy into a more constructive lifestyle. Pouring himself into his music, he’s emerged on the world stage with a hard-driving alt-country sound. From his album Rebel With A Cause, he’s sharing two songs with us: Cyclone Country and Yellow Moon.

Jessie Murphy In The Woods is a trio that combines indie pop with dark humor and classical sensibilities, consisting of Marcia Webb (flute, pan pipes, and clarinet, Wurlitzer electric piano, vocals), Amy Stratton (horn, flute, vocals, percussion), and Jessie Murphy (lead vocals, acoustic guitar). All are accomplished musicians in their own right…together, they create unique soulful stylings. There’s an infectious joy in the new album, Eight Belles, that sweeps the listener in its wake. By turns ethereal, mystical, spiritual and haunting, the NYC-based trio plays with a sense of wonder and discovery that makes them one of 2009’s singular new acts to watch. Check out New York City Lights.

All these songs can be downloaded now from GreatSongsFree.com

Find this song for free download now at GreatSongsFree.com!