Musical Notes

All the shows are back!

2020-11-19T08:15:00.003-06:00

I keep forgetting to update this page. It's been forever and a day. All of the shows are back full time. Check out my website for Independent Share for more information on which shows, days and times.

I've taken quite a bit of time here and there to get back to this place. Lots of "life" issues over the last few years, but as Buddy Ryan (John Astin's character from Night Court) would say, "I'm doing much better now.

I'm not longer on Spreaker. While it was a great platform for podcasting, it was horribly buggy and would keep dropping live streams. Also, Spreaker does not pay musical artists for any of the streaming that is done on there. So I have made the move to MixCloud and MixCloud Live. This allows the artists to get paid and if anyone wants to also subscribe, the artists get paid more, which I loved to hear when they sold me on the service. MixCloud is still a bit buggy as well, because the live service is still in Beta. But, they are improving it all the time.

So come hang out! Listen to some tunes. Find some new favorite artists. Find some new shows. Find some new DJs. Come relax, chill, jam out and escape the world for a while. Really. 2020 has sucked in a lot of ways, but I'm trying to be here to help take the edge off for everyone.

Peace!

Independent Share and Dave's Space Place Retired

2017-07-04T14:15:00.002-05:00

I've determined that I needed to focus more on career and my future at the moment. It might be two years, but I'm hoping to be back by the time I get everything under control again.

The last shows for both are still available to listen to on Spreaker for now.

Independent Share Show 133
Dave's Space Play Show 75

Thank you everyone and peace to all of you.
Dave Davis

Independent Share And Dave's Space Place On Hiatus

2016-08-22T13:19:00.000-05:00

There comes a time when I must put several things “on hold” and focus on what matters most. Several projects need my attention at the moment and one of them is taking classes online for work related purposes (big data, data science and business intelligence). The other projects are video and music (writing) related and I need to focus on these right now.

So, what does this mean?

As of this moment and until the end of October 2016, Independent Share and Dave’s Space Place will be going on hiatus. I will be returning at that time with full shows and hopefully a little surprise or two on my show anniversary for Independent Share. I’m taking the time to organize my unorganized indie library of music which has grown substantially. I’m also hoping to take care of a bunch of backlogged items, like my websites and uploading past shows to MixCloud.

I have been struggling with this decision over the past few months. Having internet outages and health issues were not part of this decision. Thanks to Comcast for messing everyone in the Chicago area up for the last two months while they retrofit their ancient hardware to handle gigabit internet that is now available for a hefty price. Way to go Comcast. My main decisions are my present work projects and my future in the areas that I want to pursue for the rest of my career in IT. I’m very excited about this and it has renewed and refreshed my love for all things data.
This does not negate my need for all things music and radio in the future. This break will allow me to get organized and be able to maintain the shows with little or no interruption in the future. There is a method for the madness here and the surprise I am planning for the shows will be epic in my eyes. So hang in there with me.

I will be back.

Everyone have a peaceful last summer hurrah and welcome the colors of fall. I’ll see you in November.

Peace,

Dave Davis
www.independentshare.com

Stacy Swinford - Lady Avalon

2016-06-30T14:36:00.002-05:00

Okay boys and girls, let me tell you a story about a great songwriter and story teller.

Stacy Swinford is one of those indie artists that needs to be heard on a national level. She also needs to be standing on the stage at the annual Americana Music Awards. This is the kind of album that needs a statue awarded to the album, the songwriter, the engineer, the arranger and the album cover picture.

I have had Lady Avalon for quite a while now and have had it on my list to review since then. I needed the time to fully sit with the album and give my thoughts and feeling about this masterpiece. I know I've written some other album reviews that have come out since this one, but this one needed my full attention of time to sit and kind of "meditate" with each track to give you my take on it.

From the very first time I heard the opening notes I felt like a movie screen opened in front of me and stories were being played on the screen in full vivid color. Not many artists can pull this off naturally and not many have the talent for it. Stacy's voice is silky smooth and natural, with perfect vocal control and a very hypnotic and soulful quality that carries you from chapter to chapter in the tales that she spins.

Every song on this release emits a magical tone. The layers are perfectly done. The arrangements are just amazing. This is how an album should be recorded and performed. Each piece has its place and is not over powering. Each instrument plays off the other. When I hear something like this, it's not about the ego, it's about the joy of music and the telling of a tale.

The album is produced by her extremely talented husband, Steven Swinford. Steven also plays Acoustic, Electric and Nylon Guitars along with Bass, Keyboards, Percussion, Steel Guitar, Mandolin, Dobro and Backing Vocals. That just blows me away. Other great musicians on this album are:

Zoe Kohen Lee plays Cello
Laraine Kaiser Viazovstev plays Violin and Viola
Nina DeGregoria plays Violin
Mike Zrebe plays Drums
Jake Cox plays Piano and did the String Arrangements for "Jupiter", "Lady Avalon" and "Amanda"

All of the songs were written by Stacy except "Child of Steel" written by Rosanne Cash and "Wistful" written by Steven Swinford.

So come take a journey with me through the album of Lady Avalon, which can be purchased via stacyswinford.com along with other excellent music. The album is also available on Amazon and iTunes, just click on the links.

Wistful - This soulful opening sets the mood for the album. Sometimes instrumental songs starting off an album do not fit the rest of the songs on the album, but this one does. Beautiful guitar playing with an absolutely haunting melody, just takes you back to a Medieval setting.
Lady Avalon - Title track and one of my favorites on the album. Stacy takes a spin on what should be the soundtrack to The Mists of Avalon. The drums set the tone for the story when they come in after the beautiful opening. This has a cool Celtic feel throughout the whole song. In the break coming back into the last chorus the strings give me shivers (in a good way) and the ending is beautiful. I can't say enough about the beauty and smooth quality of Stacy's voice. It's very hypnotic.
Love is Magic - I love the harmonies on this song in the chorus. The hook is there and the lyrics are very cool. The little guitar solos throughout the song are just freaking awesome. The message is clear when you listen to the song. Love, magic, Illusions, smoke and mirrors says it all on a deep level.
Marionette - A haunting little piano at the beginning for a hauntingly beautiful song. This is another one of my favorites on the album. I love how this song builds over its 3 minutes and 41 seconds. The harmonies layer, the piano comes in more and more and the story seems to get a little sadder but still beautiful.
Amanda - Simple and beautiful song with a powerful message. "The sun will shine, the rain will fall, the days go by, and we won't change it at all." the messages in these stories are wonderful.
Wellington Brakeman - Storytelling at its best! Based on a true story. I love the feeling of this song. The driving guitar each time it comes in adds power to the story as it builds.
Jupiter - A song about Stacy's hometown and the need to go back home again. This is my favorite track of the album. It really is hard to pick an overall favorite, but this has been mine. I also consider this a homecoming winter holiday song. So it gets played a lot around the Christmas holiday season on my show and around the house. It just has that warm "getting back together with everyone" feeling to it and the longing that we all have for home at certain times in our life. More beautifully arranged strings here as well. You can see why I really enjoy Stacy's storytelling.
Castaway - this is a hidden little gem on the album. I'll let the lyrics speak for themselves. Love the strings on this song. I love the line "In this moment I have, found myself and I am, someone else, without you." I love it when someone finds the power to move on after being castaway. It’s a great end to the song.
Your Indifference - Another favorite song on the album. "Your lack of action speaks so loud and clear." Kind of says it all. Love the mandolin strumming away in the background and then the banjo comes in and kicks it with the piano and drums. When the beat picks up in the middle of the song, you just start singing along, whether you know the lyrics or not. When Steven kicks in with the lead guitar part, my head is bobbin (well I can't say banging, because it's not that kind of song). This has a powerhouse ending for sure.
Luanne - When I first heard this tune, I saw the tribute video that Stacy had done. I was like…whoa! I know her! I've always been a big fan of Luanne Oakes and her teachings. I had no idea that Steven had recorded her programs that I listened to. I also had no idea that she had passed away. They were really close to her and this song is a beautiful tribute to their friendship with her. This is another favorite tune on the album. It always seems to bring a tear to my eyes when I listen to it and as I write this. Beautifully written and sung. A true tribute to her teachings.
Child of Steel - Not much to say about this song, other than a stellar performance of a Rosanne Cash song. I love the arrangement here. All of the beautiful instrument layers going on are very touching.
Out of Our Hands - God, I love the lyrics to this song. Another favorite. This is very deep philosophically. The chorus is just perfect. "The wind brought you back home again." Everyone will have their own interpretation here, but I think I "get it". The sense of someone being there after they are gone form this plane of existence. Stacy can correct me if I'm wrong here, but that's what I'm feeling.
Reprise - A nice instrumental end that has such rich bluegrass feel to it that covers the main themes of the album. Sits beautifully poised to conclude this album.

So there you have it folks. My take on the journey of Lady Avalon. You can now see why this is one of my favorite albums in my indie collection. One that I carry with me on my devices so I have it to listen too whenever I need some peace and wonderful storytelling. Music is the healer and this album heals on so many levels. Takes you from love to sadness to redemption to beauty to introspection and back to love again. I hope that you find that in this music, like I do. I also hope that you pick this up for yourself. Supporting indie artists is our future. The industry is glut with under talented over paid muck. The true talent is hidden in the interwebs of music that is available to buy and support and hopefully keep artists like Stacy Swinford writing and singing and producing more beautiful music.

Stacy's written newer singles that are out on her site as well. Check them out. You won't be disappointed. Stop by Independent Share, starting the 4th of July 2016 at 8 PM Eastern Time on Show number 116, as I start rotation on this great album once again and as I do a segment I have not done in a while called Artist Spotlight where I spotlight the artist and at least three of their songs. I hope that you'll join me for this.

Here is a video for the title track "Lady Avalon":

Marketing and PR

2016-05-18T07:10:00.001-05:00

Waxing philosophical this morning. Indie music business. This is your business, your brand and you as an artist. You need to make yourself shine through all of the muck and bland stuff that is out there in the mainstream. You need to burst forth onto the scene just to get a few measly likes on your Facebook page or follows on that Twitter account. Each button push is like a trophy gathered in continual onslaught of war on music and fighting the good fight of getting your hard work into the ears of thousands to spread your message. I see it all day and every day. I live it as an artist myself. I receive a good amount of music for people crying out for airplay. You can see who is really working their music and who is not. I become amazed that some people don't give care enough to who represents them.

Research your marketing and PR. Don't buy into the promises but actually do some research on the internet for how these companies perform. Especially if they are claiming what they do offer and have testimonials. I receive a certain company's press releases every day and usually about 10 separate emails for varying artists. They send a great paragraph of what this artist is about and the links to all their sites except an actual Electronic Press Kit or somewhere I can download their release so that I can actually play them. I'm a radio station; I play music. I can't be the only one out there doing a radio show, who has run into this issue. I still open their emails every day in hopes that one day, there might be a link to the artist's EPK or dropbox. Not one link. I decided to save their emails off to a folder to count how many I have received from them over the last year. The tally is 2,193 emails this morning. All different artists paying for PR from this company. These are PR emails that are sent out to industry lists, but mainly radio. Nothing sent to people who might actually hear the music. Do I have time to chase down these 2,193 artists to hear their music through their sites and then hunt the artist down to get them to send me a track or two, so that I can play them for the world to hear? NO. My time is precious. If I were doing a show every day and was getting paid for it, I might have a tiny bit of time to go after 1% of these people. But, I don't get paid for this. I pay to do this and I do it once a week. I focus on putting together a quality show and am very picky about who I play on that show because my main resource, time, is very limited.

I work with several companies that promote and market the right way. What is that? Well, there are a bunch of ways to get the material to me.

Dropbox - or something similar like Live drive or Google drive. Where the artist can share out a folder of their album, EPK, singles, pictures, bio, one-sheets. Anything they want, to get the word out to the radio stations that can play them. Very effective.
WeTransfer - you can drop a big file on someone with this tool. Whole albums or singles. Your choice. You set expirations dates. (you can on dropbox too). But herein lies the issue with this tool. Expiration dates. Sometimes I will received these links, but I might not get to my email backlog (and it gets quite huge sometimes) for a few months. Guess what expires. I don't get the WeTransfer I don't get the download and someone isn't getting listened too or played. So please people, use this as a way to transfer files immediately, not for "hey, take a listen". I guarantee you are losing your audience with this if it's used incorrectly.
Bandcamp - I love this form of transfer. If you give the DJ a download code. They can download the album, put it in their collection and comment or review it at a later date. I do this. I download the artist. Listen to them. Pick a track or two to feature and also work through the album on the air over time. I'll go back and choose my favorite track and write a sentence about them. How not to use Bandcamp:

"Listen to our album and let us know which track you'd like" sorry, don't have time for this game.
"Please help us by buying our album and playing it on your station"…sorry, don't have the money to do this. I'm not rich. I may buy one album a month because that's all I have for disposable income. Plus, I'm a radio station, whether you think I am or not, I shouldn't have to "pay to play" your music. Nor should you have to pay to get played. This is supposed to be a symbiotic relationship.
"Our album is free, so download it here" as a Name Your Price download. Here's what's wrong with that for DJs. One, I can't put it into my collection when I go after it. It might get lost in the din of "so many downloads" that I don't get to it right away. Two, Bandcamp spams me with your future releases. They don't do that with the download codes.
"Subscribe to me for 25$ a year and you can download and air anything you want!" NO, no, No and NO.

SoundCloud - only good if you are going to include a download button. If you don't and I open it to listen to your track and this is the only link you provide in the email. You go into a folder called "follow up later". Guess what? I haven't looked in that folder in over a year. So I'm not chasing you down to get your music.
Email files. Yes! Send a track or two. Make sure I have your Twitter and Facebook page links. Facebook is a must. Twitter accounts, only if you have one. Twitter is a great way to connect for musicians and fans. I know a lot of people hate it or don't have one, but if you are serious about marketing with stations out there, you REALLY need to make the jump into 140 characters. It's the truth. Where this medium of submission fails?

a. Sending WAV files. WAV's are great. They are the best quality. But if you didn't metatag your WAV when you created it in your recording software. I don't know the album, artist, date recorded or composers. I then have to open up software to convert your WAV into MP3 so I can actually tag it for play. I have to number your entire album and tag it. How long does THAT take? About 20 minutes to convert and tag an entire album. Needless to say, I don't do this anymore. MP3 320 is the way to go. Most radio stations broadcast at 128kbps. The crap streams like BlogTalkRadio broadcast at 64 or 48kbps. They keep saying they are going to 128, but I'll believe that when I see it. Plus they are expensive!! But that's another article.
b. Sending MP3 files with no metadata. Kids, tag your music. Enough said. If I have to go and tag it for you, it's not making it into rotation for a month or so.
c. Send MP3's that are NOT locked down. I'll get files that someone who uses ReverbNation. RN locks their attributes. No metatags, no play. Because the information gets tagged in the playlist on the website and if you don't have any info, no one is going to know when you were played on the show and the only time someone is going to know is if they listen to the whole show and hear me back announce it. Most DJs don't even deal with the tagging. I try my best to tag ones that aren't tagged, but in this case, it's a waste of effort. TAG YOUR MUSIC!

Spotify links. Nope, nope, NO and a whole lot of nope. Why? How am I supposed to download that? How am I supposed to play it. Oh, I have to listen to you on Spotify, then contact you and beg you to send me a track so that I can play you. Nope.
YouTube. See Spotify. Sorry, I'm a radio station, not a TV station. People think, "oh, you can just play it over the air from the video link…" no, I can't. Plus it’s a violation of YouTube's TOS for anyone to do so, even if they have that ability. Also it's a violation of TOS if you download using a tool and then play the track. Oh and if they catch you, you bypass the 3 strike rule and your bannd for life. Not just your channel name but your IP address. Yeah.
Specialty services for promo. I love some of these. They offer great avenues of delivery. Haulix is the best. The promoters I receive Haulix links from, I love. Some have their own "home-grown" sites, which are great as well. But some also limit the time in which you can get an artist's promo, which is poor. Expire them after 6 months, not 2 weeks please. Or they don't get played. All the folks I deal with through Haulix, send out reminders for their artists every other week and their promos are available for at least two months if not six months.

So, that's a lot of information to soak in, but it's been buzzing in the back of my brain for a while. I get frustrated when I'm checking in music, because of some of these very things. I download artists and create folders for check in by date. Each artist gets a folder under the date of the check in folder and then sits there till I can put them in rotation. I may only play an artist once when I premiere them. Especially if it's just a single. Sometimes I repeat. I get so many new artists that it's hard to repeat sometimes. When I receive great support from the PR for an artist, where the PR person shows up to the shows, I will play that artist more often. If the artist themselves show up, I will do my best to play them again. My playlists are pretty set in stone for the show, because I have a lot of people to get through. But there are times that I make exceptions and play someone who shows up because I just like to make that artist feel at home on my show and I truly want to support them.

If you are a PR person and are requesting that I play your artist, that's fine, I will play them. Do I expect you to show up for the shows? How can I expect that? I think it shows that you are serious about your artist if you do. The UK folks I cut a serious break about this, because they are asleep when I am on the air. The American PR…yeah, I think you should be showing up at least once and that should be when I am premiering your artist. I've only had issue with a few PR people who have not done this. Especially when it comes to making a big deal out of me playing their artist. They might plug it once or twice on Facebook, or send out a few tweets, but nothing says support like you being there and finding out what people in the chat room are saying about the song being played. A few other tips for PR folks:

One thing that requires some finesse is feedback. Listen for responses. People in chat will usually say something about the song that's playing without being asked or coaxed into response.
Stick around a while. Don't just show up for the song and disappear.
Comment and support some of the other music being played. I get a lot of great responses from other artists in the room over people being played. It's great feedback for everyone. And great networking. Plus it builds your rep as someone who cares about the music in general and not just fulfilling an obligation to be there. I want people to have fun and enjoy themselves at my show.
The more you share on social media, the more people will at least tune in for a bit. If they tune in and like what they are hearing, they will usually come back and see what else is playing or stick around to hear more music that they've never heard before.

So there you have my take on what it's like day in and day out of running this little show I do. I work this show at least 15 to 20 hours a week preparing it; sometimes more. I love what I do. I'm passionate about it. I'm really passionate about getting new music heard. People deserve to get their art and creativity heard. Music is healing. Doesn't matter what genre. Some people heal from listening to death metal. That's why I play all genres. Everyone needs to be heard. Get it to me so I can get you heard. Just take a few minutes to get it to me in the right way so I don't have to run around getting it all together for you. I want to spend my time sharing it and talking about it, not tagging, renaming files, converting it from WAV to MP3 and all points in between.

And to those PR people that think that hiding your artist behind a wall of websites and pages and emails without getting tracks to a radio station to play them. You need to rethink your strategy. It's only hurting them and in the long run, hurting you.

Great New Releases From High Desert Sound and BlueFreya.com

2016-02-28T08:32:00.000-06:00

Straight out of the High Desert Sound studios in New Mexico this week, come three brand new releases on BlueFreya.com.

I don't say enough about these guys. From the fledgling episodes of Independent Share, to the shows that I produce today. I always have a place in my playlist for these folks. Why? Because not only does their music rock and in many cases, rock hard, but they have written some of the best metal and rock I've heard in years. The range from progressive metal to space rock to Viking metal to haunting melodies and riffs, have always filled my ears with pleasurable sounds. Yeah, I know, you're thinking, "Viking metal? Pleasurable sounds?" You know, the death metal voice might be something grating to some, but in the realm of telling the story, it really does grow on you.

They reside on BlueFreya.com. Blue Freya Media has been a home to many indie metal acts over the years and is run by Karl Lean. Distribution through BlueFreya has placed them in the major retail outlets like iTunes and Amazon as well as Spotify. Order it from anywhere, but also, you can order it directly from BlueFreya.com. This not only helps the band but helps the label thrive. When you order through the outlets, the convenience is great for some, but also takes away from the indie labels and artists out there. I have preferred to order from where it best supports the artist and the label alike. I suggest purchasing these from BlueFreya.com, always. Check out some of the other bands available on the site, because there is a lot of great music to be found outside of the four stellar releases I am going to share with you here. Three brand new and one sort of brand new release.

Onto The Releases!

First, let's talk about the super-group project of Tornatil. Formerly started as Pathless Land. This project features Richard J. Baysinger on guitars, piano, fretless bass and drums, S. Lee Baysinger on vocals, Eric Confer (aka Xaoslord) on guitar and keyboards and Daron Olson on bass. This group brings together the best of Fateless Tears (the former project of Richard and S. Lee) killer guitar riffs from Richard and S. Lee's haunting vocals and lyrical storytelling with Xaoslord's signature keyboards and lead guitars. Daron and Richard drive home the backend bass and Richard kicks the beat home on drums. "Crawling in the Aquarium" was an epic first release from these folks, but the self-titled EP being release on BlueFreya takes it up a notch in quality of playing and songwriting. "Wall" has become my favorite song on this album.

Second up is a brand new release from Xaoslord. With "Everything Dies", Eric takes us on yet another journey. Introspective at times, but a down-right sonic masterpiece again. I get lost in his music. From the sweeping synthesizers and arpy passages to the driving lead guitar stories that paint my eardrums with their voices calling out of the darkness. Eric takes me to places that are visually pleasing and audibly exciting at times and touching at other times. My first exposure to this album was via an early release track that Eric sent me called "Glide". I've played it on several different shows now. Independent Share, Dave's Space Place and Dave's Deep Space Place. It doesn't have the driving guitar of most Xaoslord pieces, but it builds over a period of time and is both meditative and soothing. I feel as if I am gliding down the musical star stream in front of me while listening to the music.

Thirdly, a brand spankin' new release from the guitar master Richard J. Baysinger. I've loved everything Richard has released. I'll say this again about him. His songs are not only beautifully written in structure and theory, but they kick ass on so many levels. In today's music market, there are a plethora of solo guitarists to choose from and listen too. Most leave me dry and empty. Not just from a song writing perspective, but from a recording angle as well. Obnoxious, tinny, poorly recorded messes of yuck. Not to mention the over exaggeration of guitar masturbation of some over bloated egos. Ugh. Enter Richard J. Baysinger's music. It's always a breath of fresh air. Killer recording as well. I also find that the melodies have me humming them later on in the day. I find myself pulling up his tracks on my phone while I'm driving, because great music helps to take your mind off of bad traffic. It really does. So, let's talk about the latest release, "Feminosity". It covers a lot of different genres. The album, itself, is a celebration to the women who have had a major impact on Richard's life. Including the 4 tracks that he has named specifically. It also debuts a great song which I have been playing for a while now on Independent Share called "Desert Sky (Susan's Song)" in which Richard sings a love song to his wife. His voice has a hint of many artists, but is uniquely his own. Something I hope that he explores more of in the future. I love the song and his vocals! Keep it up man! The rest of this album is chalk full of great music. I've only just received this a few days ago and have listened through a few times, but I know it's not only going to be a favorite release now, but will be played in heavy rotation on Independent Share.

Last, but definitely not least, is an album which was released last year by the other great project that Richard and Daron produce. Viggenblot is not just another death-metal band, it IS Viking Metal. The stories that come out of these guys are epic tales, as well they should be, because when hasn't a tale told by Vikings not been epic. The latest release to grace our ears is called "Valediction in Frost" kicks ass from the very opening track "To Breathe No More" to the last track "Cold Frailty", which is my personal favorite. The story revolves around the Svalbard Global Seed Vault and how it plays a huge role in coming global climate changes. While you're at BlueFreya.com, grab the other great releases from Viggenblot. "Barriers" and "Last Song of Sigrid" are two of my favorite albums from these guys.

To sum it all up. Four excellent releases coming out of High Desert Sound. Go grab this great music from BlueFreya.com. You won't be disappointed. Support these great indie artists so that they can keep creating and exposing the world to their talents. Music keeps the world in motion. Help keep the world in motion and these artists thriving.

Steven Swinford - Ode to Joy

2015-12-11T09:26:00.002-06:00

I love Christmas music.

I especially love when a guitar virtuoso, like Steven Swinford, does one. I'm not talking Gary Hoey; although, his Christmas albums have been descent. I'm talking about someone who knows their instrument inside and out and can make it sing like no other can. Tuck Andress has a great Christmas album and so do many other guitar players, but I'm always finding something is missing in those albums. Whether it be passion for the songs they are playing, or just going through the motions to kick out a product. I love simple and beautiful arrangements when it comes to guitar and Steven Swinford has hit the mark with this release of "Ode to Joy". I have only smiles when I listen to this gem. I have been stuck on two albums this season and this is one of the albums that I keep listening too over and over again. That says a lot, because I listen to a LOT of music not only for the shows I produce, but just for pleasure.

Track 1 - O Little Town of Bethlehem - Simple arrangement and the guitar just sings beautifully.

Track 2 - Bring the Torch Jeanette Isabella - Again, just stunning playing going on here folks. I play guitar and I so wish I could play like this. This is one of my favorite Christmas songs.

Track 3 - Hark the Herald Angels Sing - This song is elevated to another level when the strings come in. They fill in from an Americana/Folk point of view to a full string quartet, which is absolutely beautiful. Laraine Kaizer plays all of the violins, violas and cello parts on this release.

Track 4 - I Saw Three Ships - This song is hard to play on the piano, I can't imagine what it takes to play on the guitar. Then Steven, his wife Stacy Swinford and Morgen La Civita come in on vocals towards the end of the song. What a great surprise to hear them all singing together.

Track 5 - While He Lay Sleeping - This is a Steven original piece. Beautiful song. I love the percussion and what sounds like a mandolin in the background. I think the title is perfect. You get that sense that someone is watching someone silently and peacefully sleeping and the person is grateful for having them in their life.

Track 6 - Joy Medley - Yet another classic, that is incredibly hard to play on the piano and the finger picking that is going on in this rendition is masterful. A beautiful arrangement once again. A nice tie back to the original run with the harmonic. The break into Ode to Joy in the middle is perfect. I can't say that that it leans towards a Country genre. This is more like a Bard's tale or Troubadour style of playing. A Medieval court maybe? either way. I love this medley.

Track 7 - Good King Wenceslas - Beautifully plucked harmonics on this song. Another finger exercise endurance trial, but a pretty one, nonetheless and another favorite Christmas song for me.

Track 8 - Angels We Have Heard on High - Another pretty arrangement of a timeless classic. And yet another song that I love to hear played on the guitar.

Track 9 - O Come All Ye Faithful - I love the feel of this arrangement. Simple but sweet.

Track 10 - Silent Night - This track opens like it's a deep meditation and then goes into almost a "riding on the wagon trail" song. It has strings and the right percussion to make it sing. This could also be right out of the "Cold Mountain" soundtrack. It has that Civil War bluegrass feel to it. I love it. I also love Jake Tanner's harpsichord playing on this song. What a great mix!

Track 11 - Kings Medley - Oh I love this medley too. Even if I'm being a little kid again and singing "we three king's of orient are...puffing on a loaded cigar". Oh to be young again. I like the way Steven takes classic Christmas songs and intertwines them into a medley arrangement of his own.

Track 12 - O Holy Night - Another excellent version of O Holy Night. I've heard twelve new ones this year and this now this has to be one of my favorite renditions. I love when the violin comes in and makes my spine tingle and heart sing.

Track 13 - For Unto Us a Child is Born - A great rendition of an arrangement done by the London Symphony Orchestra. Beautiful guitar playing once again on this track. Plus a return of Stacy and Morgen singing on this track towards the end. Everyone singing in harmony. Just beautiful.

Track 14 - The First Noel/Joy to the World - Solo guitar. Simple and beautiful. This is the last track on the album. Last but not least.

This is a grand entry into my Christmas library. I love everything that Steven produces. I'll highly recommend any of his other releases as well. You need to go grab this one of your holiday music list. Get a CD copy while they last! It truly is a wonderful album all the way through and back again. Put this in your playlist and just press the repeat button and kick back.

Links for Steven Swinford:

Steven Swinford on Bandcamp, CD Baby, Amazon and iTunes

CD Copy while they last, are available here

Swinford Music

Here is "O Little Town of Bethlehem" from YouTube

Jennifer Thomas - "Winter Symphony"

2015-11-21T21:06:00.007-06:00

Truly an album worth owning. And I do mean that. OWNING. Add this to your Christmas music playlist and play this every year. Heck, play it all Winter long, because this is a

"Winter Symphony"

This is a fun review to be able to write. I'm writing this paragraph last as an overview. Why? I wanted to capture the emotions and feelings that I had when I first listened to this release and get them down in their raw and honest form, like I did with Jennifer's last album "Illumination". (another album, that if you don't own it, you should)

Track 1 - Angels We Have Heard On High (feat. The Ensign Chorus)

What a way to make an entrance. Seriously. From beginning to end, I have copious ripples of goose flesh. Chills and thrills and might I add some heavy WOW moments. I love the arrangement as it builds, but when the chorus enters the scene. Oh my. At one point I felt myself tearing up. Right when the theme for "Ave Maria" started to roll into the middle section, then full bloom back into "Angels We Have Heard On High". Stellar track.

Track 2 - Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

This arrangement should have been in a Harry Potter movie right smack dab in the middle of the Christmas segment. Just saying. It takes you on the whimsical journey of the Sugar Plum Fairy. I can almost see the dancers on stage. But when the track goes on a romp through a waltz-out-of-control (and that's a good thing), I see the dancers take flight across stage and everything is strewn with ribbons and bows and snowflakes falling. It's just a happy-go-lucky-whimsical jaunt through the music and that just makes me very happy. I've only ever heard someone else do a waltz-out-of-control and that's Hanz Zimmer in the soundtrack for Gladiator, in the opening battle scene with the Germans. It was perfect there and it's perfect here.

Track 3 - Carol of Bells

Well. I have to say. Carol of Bells is not one of my favorite songs. I have a friend who has done a really cool blitzed out dance version of it that made it not repetitive at all. But this version has now become my favorite version of the song and has made me like the song even more. It's a beautiful arrangement and not repetitive at all. I love the swells and rolls of the melody. Just makes me want to jump in the snow and play like a kids again. (now if you could do this to The Little Drummer Boy, Jennifer, I'd be grateful.)

Track 4 - Alleluia (feat. Felicia Farerre and The Ensign Chorus)

I just have one word for this track. Wow. I could just end with that, but I'll elaborate a little. Nothing does this track justice, but to sit, listen and envelope yourself in the angelic voices of The Ensign Chorus and Felicia Farerre. I shivered from beginning to end. The big "love" that comes through in this track is pure passion and magical all the way. Elegant, graceful, stunning, beautiful, passionate…and simply WOW. Jennifer, you have written a masterpiece here. WOW This one brought tears to my eyes several times.

Track 5 - Ice Dance (feat. The Ensign Chorus)

Here we go again. Goose flesh and some beautiful Elfman-ish chorus with stunning orchestral swells take me through woods with the snowflakes falling, while skating on the icy river. Straight out of a scene from Hans Christian Anderson. It's just what I feel folks. Everyone is going to get a different experience from this track. But if Tim Burton were to ever redo Edward Scissorhands? Yep, this would be the track to consider when he's making his ice sculptures. Again; what a beautiful arrangement. Update to this writing: When I wrote this paragraph on this song, I didn't know where it was from. I went and looked at Jennifer's liner notes on the writer. It was Danny Elfman. Ding, ding, ding. I thought at first, maybe it was from the second Batman film with the Penguin, but I went and looked it up. I WAS from Edward Scissorhands. It's been over 20 years since I've seen that movie or even heard that soundtrack. For me to pick that out of thin air, is just amazing to me. And I stand by what I said. If they ever remake that movie. Hire Jennifer to do the arrangements and Glen Gabriel to do the orchestration…oh and The Ensign Chorus to do the choral parts. Phenomenal!

Track 6 - I Saw Three Ships

This arrangement starts off with a great Celtic feel and just continues through the entire song. What a great genre fit to this classic songs. Could almost see a River Dance going on. Or Mr. Fezziwig dancing around his company party with young Ebenezer celebrating in early life. Beautifully done. This is a favorite holiday song for me.

Track 7 - Breath of Heaven

Another beautiful rendition of a gorgeous song. Made famous by Amy Grant; this Chris Eaton song has always been a favorite one for me. Beautiful arrangements on the orchestra and piano. Not much to say here, but to tell you just to sit back and listen and enjoy.

Track 8 - Theme from Home Alone (Somewhere In My Memory)

Stunning arrangement here. Jennifer's arrangement and Glen Gabriel's orchestrations. Nothing more to say here other than…BRAVO! Standing up and clapping at the end. Brilliantly done. Takes me back to when I first saw this film in the theater. An amazing soundtrack and a perfect selection for this album.

Track 9 - What Child is This (feat. Taylor Davis)

The violin solo by Taylor Davis is stunning. This is a beautiful and haunting arrangement. Jennifer is playing the violin harmony on this track as well. Shivers when both are playing. A wonderful Celtic feel here as well. Pulling the original English Folk style into the solo violin is truly beautiful.

Track 10 - Silent Night (feat The Ensign Chorus)

Oh my, again. One of my favorite Christmas songs. Such a beautiful piano arrangement, but then when Noel kicks in it sends a chill right up your spine and into your heart, you feel the warmth. Especially when the chorus kicks back into Silent Night again. Gorgeous!

Track 11 - Winter Symphony

We're not off this ride yet folks! Hang on to those reigns as the horses kick into gear on the sleigh and the ride kicks into overdrive. Barreling through the snow laden roads of the forest and then over the hills into the open, you see a field ahead with a marvelous castle in the distance and realize that you are heading for greatness and what a ride it is. This is the title track and it will take your breath away. I hit repeat on this 4 times, because I wanted to make sure the feeling I was getting was the same each time. A masterpiece pure and simple.

Track 12 - O Holy Night

Another favorite Christmas song of mine. Played with such passion and grace that it will make your heart melt. If you've have a stressful day of Christmas shopping or just the fact that work might be getting on your nerves. Just sit for a minute. Close your eyes and kick back. If this doesn't put you into a feeling of "reason for this season", then I'm not sure anything will. This is a season of love, peace and good will towards all. As the end of end of this song explodes, just feel that power of love enter your heart and share that with every one you meet this holiday. Remember what it's like to be human and be peace. It's not about the toys, it's all about LOVE.

Wait…playback is over? Twelve beautiful tracks. There. Right there. There it is. The replay button. And there. Right there, is the play button. And, ahhhhh….there. Track 1 starting all over again…and there…there it is. There's all the feels.

Go buy this. There are still physical CD copies available through Bandcamp at the time of writing this review. You won't be sorry. Enough of reading me ramble. I'm going back on the journey again and again and probably all weekend too.

You can get this at iTunes, Google Play and Amazon as well. Check out the preview video here at YouTube.

Support indie music this holiday. You'll get awesome music and you won't be disappointed that you did.

Angela Predhomme - Will

2015-08-06T19:27:00.000-05:00

I have played Angela Predhomme on my show for a while now. Every release out does the last. "Will" is the latest to step up Angela's talent to a whole other level with great new music. She never ceases to amaze me with her song writing and silky beautiful voice.

I receive a lot of music submitted to me for the show and there are just those few special artists who stand out and make you go "Yeah, this one." "Will" evokes that feeling for me. This album is stellar with every song having hit potential.

From the opener "Friday Morning Sunrise" taking me on a musical journey, to the haunting melody of "Let Her Go" and closing out the album with a beautiful heart-melting song "I'm Not Ready"; about watching your child grow up and not being ready to let them go out into the world just yet; I have to highly recommend this album.

Angela's smooth and soft voice singing through the melodies is like sweet cream in your coffee. "Will" is one of those special albums that do not come around very often, so pick this up. Takes a lot to me to well up with tears in my eyes while listening to a song and "I'm Not Ready" did that to me.

Purchase "Will" by Angela Predhomme from CD Baby

Visit Angel online here: http://www.angelapredhomme.com/

Like her Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Angela-Predhomme/32121454905

Follow her on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/AngelaPredhomme

A longer review for "Will" is being worked on, because I want give my take on the beauty of each song.

Karen E. Reynolds - Paper Castles

2015-03-12T20:44:00.001-05:00

The release for "Paper Castles" says this from CDBaby:

"Another collection of of original songs by Award winning Singer Songwriter, Karen E. Reynolds, all delivered in her tender yet powerful voice and containing her signature style of 'Americana Heart & Southern Soul'."

Karen does many things outside of writing, recording and singing great music. She has a radio show called Writer's Block Online. She runs a consulting business, helping artists and writers find their songwriting voice. She runs large groups of writer forums in local venues throughout Knoxville, Tennessee and she gets involved in music and songwriting festivals all over the South along with sorts of events and client in Nashville. I read all that happens via her Facebook page and am just floored that she has time for it all and still be able produce a stellar CD like this one. She is a true powerhouse in music business.

What I like about Karen's writing style is her unique ability to stand out in this cookie-cutter Country industry. Karen is a true artist, who tells stories with powerful messages from her heart and soul. There aren't too many Country singers that have unique voices out there. Most end up sounding like someone else. You might say she "well she sounds like Cheryl Wheeler or Linda Ronstadt or Mary Chapin-Carpenter", but the truth is, she sounds like Karen. There is such true happiness in her voice when she sings and a rip-roarin-gospel-soulfulness when she digs in.

So let's take this excellent album track by track. I interpret tracks sometimes differently than the artist, but here I'm hoping that I'm getting the messages from her lyrics.

Highway 81 - Killer start to the track. Rolling-down-the-highway style song. The guitar takes you there instantaneously. Song talks about heading home down highway 81 to the love of her life. One line says it all "my destination's you..." Love this tune. Strong first track. In fact folks, I could not only hear this on mainstream radio, but would listen to this song anytime. It's in my Epic Playlist in my iPod.

Little Itty Bitty East TN Town - Nice mellow start with some great mandolin. This song is about growing up in a little itty bitty East Tennessee Town. One of life's greatest lessons: "You have more love than you need cash." Catchy hook in the chorus and very memorable. I find myself wanting to visit this little itty bitty Tennessee town just to see the picture that Karen paints here.

Alabama Moon - Nice upbeat love song with some awesome banjo pickin'. A song about remembering a certain time on the beach looking at a million dollar view of the Alabama Moon shining in your lover's eyes. Ah, sweet memories. Again a great catchy and memorable chorus.

She's Not Lonely - Love the opening slide guitar on the acoustic. This is old time Country Western music. Good story here as well. Another great chorus and I love this little lead guitar parts with the slide between the verses. "There's no promise of tomorrow." yet another powerful lesson here. I love that Karen teaches the lessons of life with her music.

Cold River Poem - A short poem. Awesome organ behind the spoken word. Love this poem, because it supports the next track.

Down By The River - A song about cleansing your soul in the river. We all go through suffering and heartaches, but we can always cleanse ourselves in some way. Karen's cleansing hers in the river. Killer organ is continued throughout this track. She's preaching it old school gospel style in this song. Another strong life message. I love the break in the end, with the background gospel singer whaling in response to Karen's soulful chorus. I do believe that by the end of this track, her soul is getting soothed, down by the river.

Pretty From a Distance - A nice beautiful and mellow beginning to this track. Love the lyric to this song. "Some thing's are only pretty from a distance, but sorrow's always hiding in plain sight." A message about how things like child abuse might be hiding in plain site, while the family looks to be normal from a distance. At least that's the message I'm getting from this lyric.

A Love Like This - This song starts off with a catchy melody. A great love song here. Nothing more, nothing less. Except that it should be on the radio. And I don't mean some other artist performing it either. Karen should be on the radio. Seriously. This song is THAT good.

God Thing - Man, I love the fiddle at the beginning of this track. Here is one of the other top tracks of the album. You know, I can't really say that, they're all top tracks. This is about seeing God in everyone you meet and see. So many things prove the existence of God. You don't have to go to the good book to prove it, just look around you and see God in everything.

Paper Castles - Here is my favorite track on the album. The title track. What a great guitar lead in the opening. This is a great song about writing songs and sharing messages from the deepest depths of our souls as songwriters. It shares how fragile we are to open ourselves up in when we write music. We also see that when we write something that it keeps us moving forward on our path to help heal others with our music. That's my interpretation of this powerful song. So go build your dream with paper castles. "It's the song that's everlasting." (a favorite lyric)

The Best Part of My Day - a nice mellow love song. Love the djembe for the drum. This is a great song to dance slow too. Just getting lost in each other's eyes. Beautifully written and love the chorus here. "The best part of my day is tonight, dancin real slow by candle light" yet another great lyric.

NOLA - How else would you start off a song about New Orleans, other than with an accordion. It's a must! Zydeco baby! A love song to the city of New Orleans. Perfectly written and beautifully sung. Yet another great chorus that is memorable. The hooks on this album are so well written and have me thinking about them long after I've heard the song.

Little Man - You never know what God's plan is for you or someone that is born into your life. That child might be taken due to heart conditions, ill health or cancer. Sometimes that child passes from Sudden Infant Death. In tough times like these we lean on our faith to help us through the loss and know that the child is back home and at peace and wrapped in God's love. Yeah folks, this song made me cry the first time I heard it and again while I review it. It's a true gift of a song writer, when they can tug on your heartstrings so well, that you can relate to the story that they are sharing and the tears begin to flow. If you're not tearing up on this song, then I'm not sure what might touch your heart.

And last, but definitely not least in my book.

E S & D (Ghost Track) - Here is one of my favorite bonus tracks of all time! The message is perfect. I'll go no further with the meaning here because I feel that you can pick that out yourself. I play this song when I'm feeling "the need". It makes me laugh and smile and I know that Karen has a great sense of humor and won't take crap from anyone. This should be a Country Anthem!! I love the sing-along at the end with the crowd. Perfect ending to a perfect album.

In conclusion: Buy this. I have had a lot of albums come across my desk this year that have been too good not to buy. I'm going to be saying this a lot over the coming months, because I have so many great albums and singles to review. Buy this, because you won't be disappointed. Great Country/Americana. Great messages. Phenomenal artist and songwriter.

Buy Direct from Karen
(also Merchandise!!!): https://squareup.com/market/KerOnlineStore

Website: www.karenereynolds.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenEReynoldsMusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenereynolds

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/karenereynolds

Sell music on Amazon at ReverbNation.com

Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli - "Lifted"

2015-03-04T18:36:00.001-06:00

Every once in a while, you come upon that album that hits all the right descriptive words that you are looking for in an excellent release. Stunning, stellar, beautiful, graceful, peaceful, exciting... you get the picture. Lori's voice and piano are so smooth and natural as is Fred's guitar playing. But what is amazing about this musical couple, is how well their voices play off of each other. Truly a gift. Music is always an interpretation of the artist and the listener. Sometimes the listener hears different things than the artist. I like to dig into the music and the lyrics here and what I offer is my interpretation of the song's message as I hear it.

First a little background on this musical couple, coming from their website at LDFAmusic.com. "Lori & Fred met on MySpace in 2007. Their songs explore the many facets of the human condition with hope and an esoteric sensibility. Fans of Norah Jones, Sarah MacLachlan and Joni Mitchell, quickly become fans of Lori and Fred as they explore Jazz, Acoustic, Folk, Pop, Gospel and Blues influences and gently infuse them into their own fresh and original style."

This third release for Lori & Fred, "Lifted", is an album that can not only be heard through the ear, but through the heart and soul. It really is a special album. Since it came into my hands last week, I have listened to this album 15 times. I just could not get this out of my CD player. I recently made a playlist for my phone, so I could listen on the driver to work and at my desk. I have a lot of music come across my desk in the last few months and "Lifted" stands out above crowd as one of the best releases I have heard in the last year.

I feel that the genre that these two artists would be lumped into would probably be Adult Contemporary. I'd like to reclassify this release as Jazz or even New Age. I have only come upon an uplifting musical album once, in the last 10 years outside of the Religious Music genre. The artist was Jana Stanfield, who writes inspirational songs that make you feel good and look inside to see the beauty in you. With Lori & Fred I feel that I have come upon another gift of this very thing that I love; inspirational music about love, life and the goodness in everything.

This album is loaded with powerful stories, messages and an uplifting spirit. A true gem in the jungle of the music industry. Really, this is an album which I feel needs to be heard and played over and over till the messages sink in and are enjoyed by everyone who hears it. So without further ado, I will walk you through the album track by track.

"Lifted" by Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli

Always There - Opening tracks for me, are key to the pace of the album This track sets the tone for the whole release. Exquisite harmonies and a beautiful melody throughout. A love song for two people finding their way in life. I could see this song being used as a wedding, anniversary or memorial song. When you listen to the lyrics, you'll see who this song reminds you of and then I guarantee, you'll have a tear in your eye.

Way Back Home - We have a great uplifting song here about finding your way through any of life's challenges and ending up back home. The metaphors here are positive and beautifully laid out in the lyrics. It's almost like a meditation mantra for positive affirmation and self talk. A wonderful way of saying "you can do this!" Love the melody of this track and the chorus is so catchy and memorable. I have had this chorus running through my mind the last several days and it takes a lot for a song to get that space in my brain to do so. Trust me; it does.

Dreaming - I find myself on the beach in this song. It has a very tropical Bahamian feel to it. Almost like a Bossa Nova. I get lost in Lori's voice and piano playing. Something about this is very reminiscent of Sade and I hear some Astrud Gilberto and Stan Getz falling gracefully into the feel of "The Girl From Ipanema".

Lifted - We start here with Fred singing with Lori coming in on the harmonies. Again, a wonderful and uplifting song. A powerful message about being together and lifting each other up in love. It's about being a rock for each other and allowing each other to soar like an eagle in the relationship. "I know I'll go higher with you." is how it ends. A truly happy ending.

The Outside - Lori sings a story from her youth to a lady that she has met along the road. The lesson of "it's never worth the price you pay when the beauty is on the outside." Strong message. Beautifully told in another hook-laden chorus, with a killer acoustic lead from Fred in the middle of the tune. Love this tune. Powerful lesson.

Good Harbor - Fred's guitar in the beginning builds with Lori singing lead and Fred coming in on another beautiful harmony. A song about renewing and rejuvenating a relationship and living a renewed life. The water will carry this couple's troubles far away. A peaceful lyric.

Castle - Starts with a beautiful piano and then the smooth beautiful voice of Lori. I'm focused on listening to the lyrics of this song while I'm writing this and I just had to pause and get lost in this song again. Seriously, it's hauntingly beautiful. Powerful message again about looking for the good things in life. I still think there can never be enough daydreaming in our daily lives, but sometimes we have to come down to Earth. Why would you want to come down from that castle in the air anyway? I'd probably stay there if I could too. You'll get what I mean when you hear this song.

Wayfaring Stranger - Back to the Bahamas again. This song paints a picture of going back to home. At least that's what I'm pulling in from the lyrics. I'm lost in Fred's lead guitar and Lori's piano playing. Stellar! The organ that comes in after the lead guitar part is a nice addition and takes the song into a Gospel feel with a full harmony of backup singers. This song just keeps building and taking me away from my daily grind. I find myself swaying back and forth in my chair as I get lost in Fred's second lead guitar part. This is SO good. Santana, Joe Walsh; eat your hearts out, this is excellent guitar work!

OM - Lori singing a wonderful mantra. "Peace is in my heart." If we all sang this on a daily basis, I think the world would be a better place. In fact, this may now become a beautiful daily meditation for me. It's a nice reminder to be fully engaged in the moment of life. What a better way, than to sing this out loud every chance you get. When they break into "Joy is in my soul" I get shivers. Big shivers. And finally, the last message I'll let you ponder. It's the teaching of many Eastern traditions, "God is Who I Am". Again, powerful messages throughout.

So there you have it. Track by track and I really can't paint the picture enough. The album is worth of listening too over and over again. Absorb the messages and feel the positive energy that this album exudes.

A portion of proceeds from Lori & Fred's CD sales goes directly to www.NEADS.org. NEADS is a great organization that supplies dogs for deaf and disabled Americans. What a great organization to give too, and what a better way to give to this organization by buying this album. Support Independent Artists like Lori & Fred. Keep this positive music alive!

In conclusion. I'm not sure what else to say to get you all to go order a copy of this gem. I will say that if I had read a review like this and heard song samples of each track, I would buy this in a heartbeat. This is the kind of music and songwriting that I live for.

You can sample the above tracks through Lori & Fred's ReverbNation page or listening through the ReverbNation Widget below.

Learn how to get your music noticed at ReverbNation.com

Visit Lori & Fred at these locations

Resurrection of Musical Notes

2014-10-14T22:51:00.000-05:00

This Is My Resurrection

It's been almost a year since I've posted that I have been working on a new independent artist radio show called Independent Share on Spreaker Web Radio. I finally had time to do an actual website for the radio show and have decided that it's time to resurrect what this site was meant for; reviewing great indie music.

I'll be reviewing artists that I play on the show. From full album releases, single and EPs to their entire body of work to date. I'm really looking forward to getting back into sharing my reviews of these great artists with you. You'll learn why I love their music to why I play them week in and week out. So stop back to the resurrected Musical Notes - Independent Share and follow what I'll be writing. I'm hoping to get one artists done per week, maybe more if time allots.

Peace,
Dave Davis

Independent Share for 11-18-2013 - Show #2

2013-11-20T17:26:00.000-06:00

Show # 2 is in the can this week, you can now go and listen to it on the Spreaker Radio web page or through the embedded player below.

I hope that you enjoy this week's artist.

One new artist this week includes Jennifer Thomas, who I wrote a review on this blog not to long ago.

Jennifer Thomas - Etude for the Dreamer
http://jenniferthomasmusic.com/
Jennifer's Facebook Page

Gloria Taylor - Please Believe
Gloria's CD on CDBaby

John Visconti - Wanderings
johnviscontimusic.com
http://risingstardogtraining.com/
http://dogtrainerconnexion.com/

Sarah Donner - Treeline
http://www.sarahdonner.com/
Sarah's Facebook Page

Ian Kenny - The Magic Guitar
http://www.iankennymusic.com/
Ian's Facebook Page

Morgen La Civita - Pretty Marie
morgenlacivita.bandcamp.com
Morgen's Facebook Page

Steven Swinford - Grasslands
http://swinfordmusic.com/
Steven's Facebook Page

Stacy Swinford - Marionette
http://stacyswinford.com/
Stacy's Facebook Page

Zach Phillips - Crezy Kind of Love
http://www.zachphillips.com/

Mari Jackson - Bring It On
www.jacksonsoul.co.uk
Mari's Facebook Page

Liz Miller - Couch
Liz's Facebook Page
Liz's CD on CDBaby

Jimmy the Dog - If This Old Horse Could Talk
http://www.jimmythedog.com/
Jim's Facebook Page

Spacekat - Afternoon Shade
Spacekat's SoundCloud Page

Yves Jean - The Sun
Yves' Facebook Page
http://www.yvesjeanmusic.com/

Stickman Bleeding - All Alone
http://www.crazypeoplemusic.com/

Fateless Tears - Music
http://www.bluefreya.com
Fateless Tears' Facebook Page

Xaoslord - Newtown
http://www.bluefreya.com
Xaoslord's Facebook Page

Sad Alice Said - Open Your Eyes
http://www.bluefreya.com
Sad.Alice.Said Facebook Page

Bellusira - By Your Side
http://bellusira.bandcamp.com
Bellursira's Facebook Page

Loveblast - When We Were Young
Loveblast's Facebook Page
http://loveblast.bigcartel.com/

Seventrain - Change
Seventrain's Facebook Page
http://www.reverbnation.com/seventrain

Wayland - On My Knees
Wayland's Facebook Page
http://www.waylandtheband.com/

Deepfield - Don't Let Go
Deepfield's Facebook Page

A Lonely Crowd - The Fall
http://alonelycrowd.bandcamp.com
A Lonely Crowd's Facebook Page

Prassein Aloga - Under Surveillance
Prassein Aloga's Facebook Page

Rock Sugar - Dreaming Of A Whole Lotta Breakfast
Rock Sugar's Facebook Page
http://www.rocksugarband.com/

Nils Rurack - Fat Cat
Nils' Facebook Page
Nils' CD on CDBaby

ERIC GALES - The Spice
http://www.ericgalesband.com/
Eric Gales' Facebook Page

Mike Sherrill - Mike Sherrill - Celebration circle
W.T.A.U. Pea Ridge Nation Spreaker Page
Mike's Facebook Page

Jonathan Coulton - Code Monkey
Jonathan Coultan's Facebook Page
http://www.jonathancoulton.com/

Troy Castellano - Out of Time
http://troycastellano.com
Troy's Facebook Page

Anna Lombard - Why Did You Leave Me
http://annalombardmusic.com
Anna Lombard's Facebook Page

Stacy Swinford - Your Indifference
http://stacyswinford.com/
Stacy's Facebook Page

Ian Gould - Photographs and Memories
http://www.iangouldmusic.com/iangould/Welcome.html
Ian's Facebook Page

Malika Esdelle - Barricade
Malika Esdelle's Facebook Page
http://www.malikaesdelle.com/

John Visconti - It Won't Be Christmas Without You
johnviscontimusic.com

Sweet Diezel Jenkins - You Give Love a Bad Name
http://www.sweetdiezeljenkins.com/
Sweet Diezel Jenkins' Facebook Page

Spacekat - Spacekats Theme (1:50)
Spacekat's SoundCloud Page

Jennifer Thomas - Requiem for a Dream
http://jenniferthomasmusic.com/
Jennifer's Facebook Page

Don Duck Landes - Spare Dreams (3:06)
Quackhouse Radio
Duck's ReverbNation Page

David Bruce Davis - Crimson Bubblin Blues
www.davidbrucedavis.com
David's Facebook Page

Independent Share

2013-11-12T17:57:00.002-06:00

It's been a long time since I've written any reviews or articles about Independent Artists, well, that's about to change. This week I ran my first successful radio show on Spreaker.com.

Independent Share is now live and running. It will be a weekly show focusing on Independent Artists and their brilliant music that needs to be heard. I have set up a web address that points to our Facebook page where I will share videos and artist links during the week. I'll be using this page as a launch point for the radio program and shows that will be running. Over time this may turn into a website and it may focus on other genres and full albums for promoting CD releases.

We cover all genres on the show.

This week on 11-11-2013 I had my inaugural show. The link is below and you can listen streaming, to the whole show, right here. You can also follow the link and visit the show website and download it to play on your phone or iPod later on. These are all true independent artists that are either on indie labels or run their own digital and CD distribution out of their homes.

Support these artists. If you like their music, don't pirate it, buy it. Most of these people work jobs other than their music. Some are musicians professionally, who perform almost daily to make ends meet. They love what they do, they have passion for it and they have the passion to get their music heard.

That is where I come in.

Being a musician and independent artist for more than 20 years, I've struggled to just get people to listen to my music, because what I write is a genre that is often overlooked or just not listened too (New Age Piano), like it used to be in the 90s. I've self promoted the heck out of music and get a few plays here and there. I had very minor success on iTunes back in 2003, but that didn't last more than a week. I have one song that successfully was shopped to a TV program by the Discovery Networks, for which I have yet to be paid and it's only performance rights. The show is The Bad Girls Club. Not exactly the venue I wanted to see my music in, but it's getting heard. I've had a few nibbles here and there, but there is always someone more tenacious and aggressive to get the gig and a lot of times, their tracks are better than mine. My story is nothing compared to some of the hardship some people go through with getting their music heard and out in the public.

Hence the formation of Independent Share.

I wanted to share these folks, who are working so hard to be heard. I wanted to give them a forum to share their music with the world and have people appreciate what they do. Validation of our craft is one of the greatest gifts we receive when we create music. Mostly we create music for ourselves and if others like it, then the residual effect is that we feel good about. It does feel good to hear your song on the radio.

I will be scouring the Internet for artists that need to be heard. It is my hope that some of these artists find me, so that I can play them on my radio show. It is also my hope that my listener base on Spreaker.com grows to a mighty following and that we can get these folk some hits, likes and purchases to help support there income and keep them making excellent music.

Join us at www.independentshare.com and http://www.spreaker.com/show/independent_share for the show, every Monday night from 7 pm to 10 pm CST

You can listen to the show from 11-11-2013 below, and I'll include the list of every artist shared below the show. Every week now I will post the latest show here and also post album and artist reviews on folks that will be featured.

April Henry - New Day
   www.aprilhenrymusic.com
   April's Facebook

Morgen La Civita - Who I Am
   morgenlacivita.bandcamp.com
   Morgen's Facebook

John Visconti - A Dog's Life
   johnviscontimusic.com
   http://risingstardogtraining.com/
   http://dogtrainerconnexion.com/

Sweet Diezel Jenkins - James Brown Get On Up
   http://www.sweetdiezeljenkins.com/
   Sweet Diezel Jenkins' Facebook

Ian Gould - Stay
   http://www.iangouldmusic.com/iangould/Welcome.html
   Ian's Facebook

Stacy Swinford - Lady Avalon
   http://stacyswinford.com/
   Stacy's Facebook

Zach Phillips - Alchemy
   http://www.zachphillips.com/

Bruce Niemchick - A Soldier's Request
   http://www.durablemusic.com/
   Bruce's Facebook

George Sladek - If I Was You I'd Fall In Love With Me
   http://www.reverbnation.com/georgesladek

Steven Swinford - Habana Real
   http://swinfordmusic.com/
   Steven's Facebook

Liz Miller - Roanoke
   Liz's Facebook

Mike Sherrill - Mike Sherrill - Fire circle
   Mike's Spreaker Show WTAU Pea Ridge Nation

Gloria Taylor - It Just Is What It Is
   Gloria's CD on CDBaby

Spacekat - Inner Light
   https://soundcloud.com/spacekattommy

Fateless Tears - Madness
   http://www.bluefreya.com
   Fateless Tears Facebook

Xaoslord - Dreaming In Stereo
   http://www.bluefreya.com
   Xaoslord's Facebook

Richard J Baysinger - Hollow
   http://www.bluefreya.com

Stickman Bleeding - Heroes
   http://www.crazypeoplemusic.com/

Troy Castellano Group - Day in the Sun
   http://troycastellano.com/main/
   Troy's Facebook

Jo Davidson - Kiss Me There
   http://www.zentertainment.org/
   http://www.zentertainment.org/store.html

Wax Audio - Careless Rebel
   http://www.waxaudio.com.au/
   Wax Audio's Facebook

Steven StoneBear Bartha - The Thrill is Gone
   Tom Bock

Nils Rurack - Frantic (feat. Ad Smit)
   Nils' Facebook

Pie Q - Squares
   http://pieq.bandcamp.com/
   Pie Q's Facebook

A Lonely Crowd - Bipolar Bear
   http://alonelycrowd.bandcamp.com/
   A Lonely Crowd's Facebook

Distant Sun - I've Moved On
   https://www.reverbnation.com/distantsun4
   Distant Sun's Facebook

Protilius - Apocalyptic Customer Service
   http://protilius.com/
   Protilius' Facebook

Bellusira - Cachango
   http://bellusira.bandcamp.com/merch
   Bellusira's Facebook

Franck Carducci - Alice's Eerie Dream
   http://www.franckcarducci.com/
   Franck's Facebook

Stereoside - So Long
   http://www.stereoside.com/
   Stereoside's Facebook

Protilius - Catfight
   http://protilius.com/
   Protilius' Facebook

Dar Williams - It's Alright
   http://www.darwilliams.com/
   Dar Williams' Facebook

Ian Gould - Out of the Blue
   http://www.iangouldmusic.com/iangould/Welcome.html
   Ian's Facebook

Morgen La Civita - Bound
   morgenlacivita.bandcamp.com
   Morgen's Facebook

John Visconti - It Won't Be Christmas Without You
    johnviscontimusic.com

Stacy Swinford - Love is Magic
   http://stacyswinford.com/
   Stacy's Facebook

Anna Lombard - All for You
    http://annalombardmusic.com/
   Anna's Facebook

Sweet Diezel Jenkins - No Diggity California Love
    http://www.sweetdiezeljenkins.com/
   Sweet Diezel Jenkins' Facebook

It Won't Be Christmas Without You - John Visconti (featuring Jeff Twardzik)

2012-12-08T18:18:00.001-06:00

A lot of people know that my dear friend John Visconti and I, have collaborated on some music and videos in the past. For a long time now, I've been wanting to work on a video for him for his Christmas song, "It Won't Be Christmas Without You", featuring the golden voice of Jeff Twardzik, and this last week, I've quietly pieced together this little video to tell a story with this song. :) John, just released his newest mix of the song today, and I asked him to send it over so I could wrap the video I was already working on, around it. He had no idea, till a little while ago, that I was doing this for him. Sometimes I love surprises. So, here it is and I hope that you all enjoy it! It's become one of my favorite Christmas songs. :)

Jennifer Thomas

2012-08-01T17:15:00.001-05:00

Jennifer Thomas - Illumination

Independent Spotlight

In my 30 years of playing piano and listening to beautiful piano music, I have come across many piano players that have dug deep into the inner recesses of my soul and brought me to a peaceful place where I can escape the daily grind. Okay, so that was a little melodramatic, but the point is that there is nothing like a good piano CD to take you on a journey and away from your cares and woes. This album tops them all. Don't get me wrong, David Lanz, Robin Speilberg, Peter Kater, Kostia, Secret Garden, Kevin Kern and Yanni all have their place in my heart, but there is a new brilliant and wonderful player taking place at the top of the list: Jennifer Thomas.

I don't know how to describe the magic that I heard in every piece of music on the album "Key of Sea". Its like a journey played through a beautiful phrasing that crosses over classical boundaries into the New Age and World Music genres. I recently went to Jennifer's Facebook page to see what was going on with her new release. I listened to samples of her upcoming 2012 release, "Illumination", and was floored.

I was first introduced to Jennifer back in 2010 when I heard a song that she had posted on OurStage in one of their instrumental competitions. Immediately I was hooked. Sadly, it was a time when I was out of work and could not afford CDs or MP3 albums. I had put her album on a wishlist at that time. Seeing and hearing the upcoming release reminded me that I had it on a wishlist for almost 2 years now. So I purchased the album around the April time frame and had wanted to write the review around "Key of Sea" but time gets away from you sometimes when you want to write. It is now late July and I had just purchased "Illumination" from Amazon. I downloaded the album from Amazon in the parking lot of my favorite breakfast spot right onto my phone and hooked it up to my car stereo. When I pressed play and put the car into gear and started driving away from my parking spot, I was transported from the daily grind of an hour car ride to work, into a whole other world. I literally don't remember the drive into work. All I remember is this album. I purchased this on Friday the 27th, and its is all I have listened too since that date. Both albums are amazing, and I have to give the tracks to "Key of Sea" some light of day at some point, but I just can't stop playing this new release. It's that good.

Two words to describe this album: Epic passion!

Track Review:

Étude for the Dreamer - This song makes me want to put on my running shoes and get back in shape. Why? Because it motivates me. It's epic nature makes me want to reach for that goal that I am aspiring to reach. This is great theme music for life and the pursuit of happiness. Every time I listen to this, it puts me into the right frame of mind.
After the Storm - As I see the clouds parting, the rain ending and the sun shining through again onto someone who is standing atop a cliff looking out over the ocean and pondering life. Again, another visionary and powerful song. I feel like I'm transported onto a movie set at the end of a happy moment in time.
Illumination - This is the title track. Very strong and emotive again. I can nature blooming all around me, everything awakening, life in all of its glory. This song and this album are a grand re-awakening. This is one of those experiences that will move you, if you are open to it while listening. Listen within the music, not to its structure, but its passion and emotion.
Gymnopedie No. 1 - This is the most beautiful version of Erik Satie's music, that I have ever heard.
New Life - This song starts out so tender and soft. I love the mix of violins with the piano climbing and the mild percussion in the background. Its painting another picture of a child being born. From the moment of anticipation to the birth at the end. The child pauses and connects with the mother and then takes in the world around them. Brilliant.
Beyond the Summit - I feel like I just climbed to the top of the mountain and am now looking out over the grand vistas and the eagles flying through the valley rising up to the sky again. What a great picture this paints.
Into the Forest - I love the female vocals on this song and the didgeridoo that floats in from time to time. I feel like I'm running through the forest as the rest of the forest runs and plays with me.
Secrets - The first time I heard the opening to this song, I had shivers running down my spine. Very romantic, very touching and it hits an emotional side of getting in touch with your inner self. Then it takes you down the rabbit hole and into a whole other world that just bursts with color and sound and all sorts of fantastic creatures playing. It paints a beautiful storybook world for me.
Toccata and Fugue - Again Jennifer takes me on a journey and turns a grand Bach piece into an epic interpretation.
Rainforest - Birds flying between the branches of the trees, spider monkeys jumping from branch to branch, tribal rhythms showing their love and respect for Mother Earth, rain falling heavy, flowing from creek to stream to river. Life ebbing and flowing. Awesome song.
Fire Dance - I'm being transported to Spain, to a flamenco dance being performed by two very talented dancers throwing their hats into the ring and squaring off with each other, till they twirl and dance their way into a passionate embrace. Very romantic and powerful at the same time. Taking a breath for only a moment before ending in a fury of fire.
Pachelbel's Canon (a Duet) - an enjoyable and beautiful version of this popular song. I like the addition of the drum and how the theme builds, and then the change occurs at the two minute mark. This transports me to the more traditional and builds upon itself. Around the three minute mark it turns into an epic piece of music. I've never really been a huge Pachelbel Canon fan, but this takes me to different places within the structure and has actually brought me into liking this piece of music again. Not since I heard David Lanz do his rendition on "Return to the Heart", have I heard a version of this song that has made me feel "at home" again.
Across the Starlit Sky - The first time I heard this song, it actually made me tear up. Getting lost in the beauty of our sky at night, out in the middle of nowhere, brings peace to anyone's world. It makes all the problems of our lives fade away, when we realize just how tiny we are in this existence we are in. You can feel the wonder and love in this song. This has become my favorite track on the album.
Requiem for a Dream - This song has always been a favorite and even more so now. What a grand version! I love her interpretation of this theme. Its so moving and perfect.
Sonata Minore - Another very emotional piece of music that is just so pretty and moving.
Eventide - while Across the Starlit Sky has become my favorite track, this is right alongside it. I say these two tie for first. Again, the peace that this song brings, is indescribable. Kelley Marie Johnson plays some of the most beautiful violin I have heard in a long time on this song. This is just a stunningly beautiful song. Tugs on the heartstrings within the first couple of notes and all the way through the song.
New World Symphony - What a way to end an album. Jennifer plays an awesome violin solo on this track that takes my breath away. Just one simple word: WOW. Just kick back and listen and take it in. WOW.

All the tracks of the album are just heavenly. I can't say this enough, buy this release, support independent artists like Jennifer Thomas. Attend their concerts when they are performing and help them bring new music to the masses by turning other people onto their latest releases. Go to jenniferthomasmusic.com and click on the link to purchase her CDs or MP3s and get lost in the paradise of her compositions. Oh and make sure you pick up "Key of Sea" as well!

Seasons Come

2012-04-07T15:25:00.001-05:00

Seasons Come This is my latest album. Its a preview. Not finished yet, but listen and enjoy. :)

Nils Rurack - Slightly Off Center

2012-03-29T16:30:00.002-05:00

Nils Rurack - Slightly Off Center
Independent Spotlight

I was first introduced to Nils when I heard him collaborate with two other friends of mine from Broadjam, Peter Olach (JACK the Blues) and Morgen La Civita. He struck me as a very talented lead guitarist and composer. I heard some great blues and hard rocking leads out of Nils that were very powerful, but there was this underlying genre trying to peek out from behind the rock roots.

Recently, Nils tagged me in a post on Facebook asking me to review his latest effort. A collection of Jazz and Jazz Fusion instrumentals that he had recorded recently and over the years. If anyone knows me, I love to review music from people who love to make music. So I waited for the appropriate time to listen and when I could give full focus to the material. And while listening to this album, I finally figured out what genre was peeking from his other tracks. This is where I heard the true beauty of Nils' talent shine through and I can't recommend this collection highly enough. I know that he is planning to release this album as a release soon, so I will update information on here at the time of that release, as to where you can purchase this CD/MP3 collection when it comes out.

I have been a huge fan of the band Gamalon for years. Especially their release entitled "Ariel View" which I have written about on this blog. Another favorite Jazz fusion album from my past is Rob Mullins "One Night In Houston", especially the song "Polka Dot Dress". What I hear in this album from Nils is both of these fusion powerhouses. I've listened to plenty of jazz and jazz fusion since the 90s, but nothing has sparked my love of the genre since these two albums, like this album from Nils has. The skill of playing, the great compositions of the songs, the power behind each track, is just incredible. Can you tell I loved this?

Below is my track by track review of the album.

World of Phreaks - What a great feel this track has. Brilliant fusion. Very original and driving. Great opening track. Strong and vibrant.

Al Dente - I'm digging the clean and sustained lead. I always love songs that have a composition like they are climbing to a peak of a mountain. Scaling...pardon the pun. Great track. I love how Nils' ends this song.

JC - This song features the excellent saxophonist Dave Frank. The keys are awesome. The song is nicely constructed. I'm definitely hearing flavoring of Rob Mullins in here. I hear some Steely Dan and Larry Carlton too, and that's a good thing. I love the heavy lead guitar toward the end. A kick ass song!

Rhodes Rage - This one flows in an extremely funky way. I really dig the Rhodes. Strong snare driving the beat and just another great track. I love how Nils pieces together the phrasings in his songs. One section leads to another and each flows in its distinctive Jazz mix. This takes me back to 70s Jazz/Funk/Fusion.

Eleven - This kicks some major ass all the way through. Pure and simple. One of my favorite songs on this album. No other words here, except, just listen and enjoy.

Fishies - I love this track. Very smooth intro with the drums kicking a nice groove. This one definitely takes me some place outdoors, cruising along a beach highway, convertible top down, sun setting in the distance... yeah, I need a glass of wine with this one. The mix is perfect and the tonal quality of the guitars is excellent.

Funky Farm - Again, Dave Frank is kicking my ass with that sax. Nice runs together with the guitar. This song kicks ass! :) There are some seriously powerful moments in this song. Another favorite track on this album.

Wok - Nice drive back to a groove. I love the way this goes back and forth between driving guitar and softer jazz guitar. This also has become a favorite track. I had to listen to this 4 times before I moved on to the next one.

October Day - This is a great title for this track. It takes me to an October day. Fall colors, leaves falling, winds picking up, temperatures changing, darker days, it captures it nicely. I love where this goes.

It's All Wrong - No, its all right. This guitar sings, no, really, it does. Nice breaks between the sections, and nice tie-backs with the drum breaks. Loving the wah/tremelo on the backing guitar. The lead not only sings, it walks and talks.

247365 - I like this song. Strong opening. I love the switch-up and then to the bass break. Great chicken strut (Jagger style) at the halfway point.

I think this is some of the best Jazz I've heard in years and I've listened to a lot of stuff in the last 20 years.

Update 2-23-2014:
The album is now available for purchase and download from CDBaby: Here is the link to this great album. Please go and buy this, and support independent artists who work very hard at releasing their material, like Nils has. You can also purchase his latest release "Thrillseeker" at CDBaby as well. Another stellar album that deserves a review from me soon.

"Slightly Off Center" (CDBaby)

"Thrillseeker" (CDBaby)

2012-02-10T22:30:00.001-06:00

Shy - Shy

As I sit here and listen to this masterpiece of melodic metal, I can't help to think what a tragedy befell this band in October of 2011. The guitarist extraordinaire, Steve Harris (not to be confused with the bassist from Iron Maiden), died from a brain tumor. He leaves behind a 13 album discography that spans almost 30 years. I loved this band in the 80s and still do. When I heard this latest offering last year, I was floored. The songwriting on this album is well crafted. Great lyrics with excellent guitar playing and the powerful voice of Lee Small.

Some of the greatest highlights from this album are, "Save Me", "Sanctuary" and "Blood On the Line". The latter being one of my favorite tracks. This song just rocks from beginning to end. The riff at the end of the song is just killer as well as the chord structure in the last few minutes. You'll find yourself banging your head up and down with the horns up in the air as they come out of that last solo. "Sanctuary" is an epic song, from beginning to end. The bluesy lead guitar work through the whole song and the fist pumping power after the intro, just remind me of standing in front of a stage at a concert and screaming songs like this at the top of my lungs, banging my head to the band.

All of the songs on this release are great and the hooks in each track are reminiscent of the glory days of the late 80s, when this style of music ruled the airwaves and it took us away from our everyday worries and cares.

If the band or the family ever reach this little review, I hope they know how much this album means to one of its fans. Steve will be sorely missed, but his legacy lives on in a masterpiece that I will listen to quite a bit over the rest of my years. I just love this album! RIP Steve Harris, thank you for rocking us all!

Please support Shy by purchasing their music from Amazon or iTunes

Visit their official website.

Blood On the Line

Sanctuary

Seventh Wonder - The Great Escape

2012-02-10T20:43:00.002-06:00

Seventh Wonder - The Great Escape

This is one of my favorite progressive rock releases for 2011. Hands down, some greatest songwriting, storytelling, singing, arranging and musicianship I have heard in years. I have listened to this album a countless times this year. There are some moments of grandeur here that just shine an immense brightness on this band. "Alley Cat" is one of those tracks that has a catchy progressive rock hook that I have not heard in a chorus in a very long time.

The talent in this band is very technique oriented with a strong sense of emotion. This is something that is lacking in some progressive rock bands who chase the "angry chipmunk" with their flashy chops. Not with this band. The bass player, Andreas Blomqvist, is a monster on the six-string bass and Tommy Karevik has one of those voices that just pierces the veil when he sings. I don't know how else to describe his vocal style, except that he is one of the purest tenors I've ever heard sing outside of Jon Anderson of Yes.

"The Great Escape" is an epic prog-tale of 30 minutes which is an ode to a dying Earth. The song starts with our Earth Mother singing her song of sorrow to us as we leave her behind to die. Just that piece of the song alone has a power in its lyrics that bring a tear to your eye. I kid you not. I loved the melody line so much when I first heard this piece, that I had to look up the lyrics. When I read the story behind the album and this song, it brought a tears to my eyes. A very profound statement on how we are destroying our planet and for what.

I can honestly say that there is not a bad track on this album. The harmonies are excellent as well as the music itself. I look forward to listening to this album many more times in the future and cannot wait for new music to come from these gentlemen. Please support bands like this and purchase their music.

Official Site: Seventh Wonder

Buy this album at Amazon.com or iTunes

The Great Escape:

Alley Cat:

Gamalon - Aerial View

2010-09-07T15:01:00.000-05:00

Gamalon is my favorite jazz fusion group! Some would consider this more of a progressive rock/metal album. I was turned on to this instrumental masterpiece back in the early 90s by a very good friend of mine. Its been in my CD case ever since then. Like an old friend I get hooked on this CD over and over again.

I know its been out of print for a while now and I am hoping that its re-released via MP3 version or even CD again someday.

The first track off of the CD, called "Beat the Heat". It sets the pace for this album of great music.

The title track off of the CD "Aeiral View" I have always wanted to do an animation video with. Picture an alien strolling through the air trying to figure our world out, not paying attention and then getting seen by a jet airliner. The airliner reports him to air traffic control and a couple of Air Force jets are sent to investigate. The alien has no idea he's being followed, until its too late, because he is still taking in the beauty of what he sees with the buildings and sky scrapers. All of a sudden, he notices the two jets chasing him (when the drum solo starts) and the music kicks back in, he revs his jump engines and starts to pull away from the jets and launches into space and hyper speed at the end, flying away. The last scene, is the alien whisking the sweat from his brow goin...whoa. I will create this someday.

The ninth track on the CD is called "The Lost Ghost" and is probably one of my favorites. It has an intense bass track with one of the coolest keyboard, electric violin and guitar runs ever done. The track is so catchy, I can see it being used in a Scooby chase scene.

Gamalon still does shows, from what I am seeing posted on YouTube. I have uploaded these tracks in hopes of turning people onto this excellent group. Go find this CD and buy it. Its worth every penny.

I've always liked their first (Gamalon) and third (High Contrast) albums too, but this one, to me, is their masterpiece. Every song on it is perfectly written and executed. If any of the band stumbles upon my post here, please know that I am a HUGE fan and always have been. I really wish I could see them live sometime. There are some videos out on YouTube of the reunion concert, which is really cool. There are also some videos with Nori Bucci, that are amazingly good and I would love to see more footage of those shows.

These tracks that I've posted here I have done a small amount of remastering too. I widened them and added a little spacial feel as well. It was mastered with a high amount of treble in the mix on the original, so I brought that into balance as well. I hope that you all enjoy these tracks as much as I do. Please click on the links I have here as well to check out information on the band, their members over the years and some of the other videos out on YouTube of them. Most of all, if you see their recordings for sale online or in the store, support them, purchase the CDs or downloads.

Spock's Beard - Say Goodbye To Yesterday

2010-09-06T14:55:00.001-05:00

As I sit here this morning, I think about all the videos that I've shared out on Facebook lately and wondered to myself, why haven't I just put them on my blog like I was wanting too last year when I started writing this stuff. :) Well, this is the first one of the myriad of songs that have been going through my "sharelist" lately.

Spock's Beard. An incredible band formed in 1992 by brothers Neal and Alan Morse. The name came from the alternate Universe episode of the original Star Trek series where Mr. Spock had a beard and when they presented the list of names to call the band, Alan thought it would be funny to throw the name on the list and the band chose it.

I love every album this band has released. Some are better than others, but they have progressed so well, even after the departure of Neal Morse in 2002. Neal left to pursue his own solo career and calling in the Christian community and has quite a successful career and following in that genre. The band had varying belief backgrounds and kept their lyrics very spiritual in meaning but never preachy. They remain so in the absence of Neal, with Nick D'Virgilio as the bands main singer now and they continue on in the same vein as the band progresses into more heavier and intricate pieces on their last two CDs.

This is one of my favorite songs from this band. There are too many to list here, but this is one of my favorites. "Say Goodbye To Yesterday". I think one of the coolest tracks on the V CD for its meaning. Very deep and introspective, my favorite line is "Do you have your baggage or do your bags have you?"

If you can, please check out songs like "June", "Distance to the Sun", "The Doorway", "Waste Away", "Thoughts", "Gibberish", "The Good Don't Last", "Day For Night", "The Light", "At The End of the Day" when you have a moment. If you like them, then support them by purchasing their tracks or a CD.

Here is "Say Goodbye To Yesterday" in it's entirety:

Is There Anybody Really Listening?

2010-07-29T16:44:00.006-05:00

I started my company Is There Anybody Listening, Inc. back in 1996, incorporating as a consultant who did contract programming on a machine called an IBM AS/400. A shift of events happened in that next two years that led me to the client I was at for the last 12 years; Abercrombie & Kent, Inc.

When I initially set up my company, I had ever intention of working towards multimedia or music. The name comes from a song by the heavy metal band Queensryche, from their album, "Empire" and the song that just fit my life story to the fullest, "Anybody Listening?". I thought, "what a great company name. It will fit consulting, music, video, art, photography and whatever I can do to have someone listen to the dreams and goals and for me to help provide a service to them to help them with that.

Are they truly listening? Maybe not on the receiving end so much, but I am.

Lately, I've been gently shoved into rethinking my future, who I am, what I want to do when I grow up. Programming pays the bills, but had I lost the edge it required to keep up with a fast paced world? Was my heart in it to win it anymore? Was I truly listening to my own higher-self and finding peace deep inside with wanting to do this for a living anymore? The answer is yes. Do I need to retool my skills and bring them up to speed? Yes. Do I need to pick myself back off the ground, dust myself off, let go of the past and move on? Yes. Do I still want to follow my dreams of someday, having my music in film and TV? Yes. All of the questions are answered with YES, when I ask myself these questions.

So am I "in it to win it." as Guy Feiri would say on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives? You bet I am.

See, I lost myself somewhere along the way in the last 12 years. I needed a shake up of sorts, I think, to get back being me. To get back to the never-ending creative side of myself that cranked out 4 CDs worth of music in 2 years time. To get back into the photographer, artist and designer side of me that found joy in creating something that I can still look at to this day and go "Wow! I did that?" But most of all, to get back to the solid business person I once was, who could kick ass and take names when it came to coding, problem solving and being there for a company that I believed in.

I think everyone needs a little "awakening" from time to time. It a good cleanser for the soul. "Some times you have to hit them in the head to get their attention!" -Carol King from Scrooged. It's a death of the old self and a rebirth from a cocoon that had been holding me too tightly into comfort and conformity where I was at.

So, its time to let all that go and move on.

Universe! I'm ready, bring on the next step of my career please. Its time for me to dig in and have some fun again in my work life. I love the creative side of programming. Its creativity on a whole other level that I forgot how much I loved and that this was what I got into it for in the first place.

Here's hoping everyone is doing fine and hanging in there and having a wonderful Summer! Hey, if you aren't doing anything and your reading this before the 1st of August and you're in the Chicagoland area, please, come out and see the band that I have been playing bass and keys for. Syrens are playing Sunday August 1st, 2010 from 8 pm to 10 pm at the Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club Festival in Chicago at Irving Park Road and Rockwell in the park! Its supposed to be beautiful outside that day, so come on out and see us.

Peace and love to all of you. Thank you for your prayers, suggestions, concerns and thoughts through this bump in the road that we have been going through. Its greatly appreciated. I'm truly grateful for the friends that I have.

Dave

"You and I, long to live like wind upon the water. If we close our eyes, we'll maybe realize, there's more to life than what we have known. And I can't believe I've spent so long living lies I knew were wrong inside, I've just begun to see the light...."

- Lyrics by Queensryche - Empire - "Anybody Listening?"

If the embed on this video ever disappears, here is the EMI version. The don't allow embedding.

Time for a new release.

2010-07-02T02:15:00.000-05:00

I remastered a CD I created a few years ago, today. I have been wanting to get this ready for licensing for a few years now. I figured it was time to start actively seeking my dream, to get my music in film and TV and to someday make a living doing just that. This is the first installment over the next few days. I'll share my other CDs as I release them.

The CD is called "Making Sense From Chaos" and you can listen to it at the link provided below.

ReverbNation Tunepak

You may purchase the CD directly from ReverbNation or through CD Baby in a few weeks. Digital downloads are available through ReverbNation, Broadjam and soon through iTunes and all the other wonderful stores on the Internet. :) Thank you so much for your support.

The Rock'n'Roll Machine Forges On!

2010-06-05T00:24:00.000-05:00

Canada has produced some powerful rock groups over the years. From the progressive rock of Rush, to the power pop group Trooper all the way to the top 40 pop rock styling of Chilliwack, The Great White North has produced one talented group after another. Triumph is no exception. From their early career to the departure of Rik Emmett and beyond, this band has always produced some of the most influential music in 70s, 80s and 90s rock. Now with Rik back in the band, we're all hoping that the next generation of Triumph music will do us fans proud.

We all know that there is still great music to be written by this trio.

This newest release of their greatest hits is amazingly well done, remixed and remastered.

I haven't heard such a great remixing and remastering job since a group of Australian sound engineers remastered the greatest hits of Steely Dan.

From the opening of the greatest hits starts with Allied Forces all the way through to the Rock'n'Roll Machine, it sounds like these songs were re-recorded with today's technology and mastering software. The cover song of Love Hurts, by Nazareth, I was not too keen on. I've only ever heard that song done right by one other person and that was Tony Harnell of T.N.T. in his side project, Morning Wood. (Another great CD)

So, if you are a Triumph fan, pick up this re-masterpiece today! You won't be disappointed one bit.

A side note: I'm starting to post links on where to get these through Amazon as an associate. There are many places to purchase a lot of this music that I list. Amazon has some of the better prices, but for imports you might want to check into online places where I shop for some better prices.

NEH Records out of Colorado is one choice and has a great selection of CDs and DVD concerts. There was a great store in my area that was in the Chicago suburbs, called Impulse Music. He has also moved to Colorado recently and does a huge amount of business through his online store front. There are many other places to shop that you can get to through Melodic Rock, one of the best websites for new information on groups from the past to present, along with some excellent CD reviews. So stop and visit these sites and keep them in business. If you want to click on the Amazon links above, it helps me pay a few bills as well. :)