Friday, June 27, 2008

"Gary Gates Band Acoustic Live At The San Gregorio Store" by Gary Gates (Folk/Reggae artist from California)

"Gary Gates Band Acoustic Live At The San Gregorio Store" by Gary Gates is a live acoustic country folk rock album with no shortage of personality. The addition of mandolin mixed with the laid back arrangements really gives an island feel that makes for an almost hypnotic quality. Gary and his friends deliver well-harmonized vocals with a sense of being in the moment. Being a live recording, the quality is surprisingly good; simply by listening, you feel as though you are in the room with these guys. Even the sound of bottles clanking together is crisp. Highlights include "All Around This World," which will lull you with its nice layers and quirky vocals. Their covers of "No Woman No Cry" and "Friend of the Devil" are great takes on classics. "Heart River" has an attention-grabbing intro and a nice mandolin line throughout. Fans of heart-felt acoutic/folk tunes with vibrant personality will enjoy this collection.
-William
Check out Gary Gates's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Thursday, June 12, 2008

"Still Burnin" by John Batdorf and Mark Rodney (Folk Artist from Los Angeles, California(CA))

"Still Burnin" is an enjoyable acoustic rock album brought to you by John Batdorf and Mark Rodney. These guys have a long history in the music world and their experience is evident with this collection of upbeat tunes. John has a great rock voice, a great range and his performances are noteworthy. Mark is the ideal partner for John. He is a wonderful player, great arranger and adds dimension to the vocals. Together they give you a great bunch of catchy, acoustic songs with a timeless quality. Highlights include "Me and my Guitar," with a beautiful melody, nice guitar changes and a standout chorus. "One Day" is a jazzy little number featuring more great performances and a hopeful message. "Oh Can You Tell Me" is an intimate number with a nice guitar progression and a warm vibe. If you enjoy outstanding singer/songwriters and acoustic pop/rock, you'll love this wonderful CD.
-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team

"Turn Me Around" by Siya Jika (Folk Artist from Washington D.C.(DC))

"Turn Me Around" by Siya Jika is a lively Afro-fusion album brought to you by a very talented group. Singer Enid Holden's voice has a tone similar to Joni Mitchell with a little Edie Brickell thrown in. Mix in a well traveled ethnic quality and we get a refreshingly innovative sound. The players accompanying her are diverse and energetic, and the arrangements are complete. You'll hear an American- and Balkan-folk quality to the sound as well as various world influences. Overall, the album has a very "live" sound to it and is easy on the ears. HIghlights include the opener "Sizo Bonan," which presents a very upbeat vibe, and at the same time, relaxes you with its calming vocals. "Floated" is aptly titled. It is a classic lounge tune with a bit of Latin and world influence. Moreover, the vocals are very sultry. "Deserter" features the fine voice of husband-collaborator, Asim, and is an inspiring tune. If you enjoy the tonal quality of Joni Mitchell and the soothing vibe of Afro-jazz, you'll enjoy this one.
-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Siya Jika's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

“Blue Sun (It’s Still You)” by Jack Douglas & Phyllis Brock (Folk Artist from Colorado(CO))

"Blue Sun (It's Still You)" by Jack Douglas & Phyllis Brock is a CD that nicely delivers guitar-based folk rock with charm and variety. The CD features outstanding guitar work Jack's gravely vocals, which effectively give strength to the lyrics. Jack's vocals are nicely complemented on certain tracks by Phyllis's smooth voice, adding enjoyable variety to the tracks. The songwriting on the CD is outstanding, with strong choruses and well-considered lyrics. The CD begins with a semi-spiritual praise of love and appreciation for that love with "It's Still You," which features melodic harmonica work, outstanding lyrics, and a nice backing vocal counter-melody in the memorable chorus. Jack adds tasteful vocal flavor to "Hear that Train," which includes some sweet slide guitar fills. "Give It A Day" features a tight, infectious groove and a generally rebellious attitude regarding the general events of the day. "Arabian Hearts" includes a driving beat and wicked guitar licks, to nicely accentuate Jack's emotional vocal performance. If you enjoy big name artists such as Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits, you'll enjoy this excellent CD.
-L. Plumier and the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out Jack Douglas & Phyllis Brock's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sitesa

“Blue Sun (It’s Still You)” by Jack Douglas & Phyllis Brock (Folk Artist from Colorado(CO))

"Blue Sun (It's Still You)" by Jack Douglas & Phyllis Brock is a CD that nicely delivers guitar-based folk rock with charm and variety. The CD features outstanding guitar work Jack's gravely vocals, which effectively give strength to the lyrics. Jack's vocals are nicely complemented on certain tracks by Phyllis's smooth voice, adding enjoyable variety to the tracks. The songwriting on the CD is outstanding, with strong choruses and well-considered lyrics. The CD begins with a semi-spiritual praise of love and appreciation for that love with "It's Still You," which features melodic harmonica work, outstanding lyrics, and a nice backing vocal counter-melody in the memorable chorus. Jack adds tasteful vocal flavor to "Hear that Train," which includes some sweet slide guitar fills. "Give It A Day" features a tight, infectious groove and a generally rebellious attitude regarding the general events of the day. "Arabian Hearts" includes a driving beat and wicked guitar licks, to nicely accentuate Jack's emotional vocal performance. If you enjoy big name artists such as Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits, you'll enjoy this excellent CD.
-L. Plumier and the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out Jack Douglas & Phyllis Brock's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sitesa