“Crows” by James Moore (Folk Artist from New Jersey(NJ))

"Crows" is a great four-track EP that nicely fuses folk with alt-country from New Jersey singer/songwriter James Moore. Drawing from a variety of influences, Moore creatively and skillfully blends slide guitar with great folk guitar work, great guitar and drum rhythms, and sincere lyrics. At his vocal best, Moore sounds like Jim James from My Morning Jacket, but he has such a range that he is also reminiscent of David Gray. His lyrics are honest, personal, and often saddening, well-suiting the arrangements and vocal styling. Though "Crows" was recorded by Moore on a digital four-track, it sounds impeccably clean. The title track, "Crows," has a nice acoustic and drum arrangement, a superb Jim James-esque delivery from Moore, and great lyrics. "One Way To You" is the type of song you might sway to at a concert, holding a lighter high in the air and features a great vocal delivery and heartfelt lyrics against a slow acoustic progression. Overall, "Crows" is well done, its four tracks leaving you anticipating what Moore could do with a full length release. Fans of folk, alt-country, and talented singer/songwriters should check out James Moore.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out James Moore 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

“Solo Parts” by Chris Holiman (Folk Artist from Arizona(AZ))

"Solo Parts" is an acoustic-driven folk rock album from talented singer/songwriter Chris Holiman. This album is filled with moody songs that reflect the time and place in which he wrote the songs – during a dreary European winter just after his father's death. Through great lyrical imagery and a sorrowful delivery reminiscent of Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, Holiman invokes his sadness with each note. Though the arrangements on "Solo Parts" mostly rely on Holiman's acoustic guitar performance, the album also features nice electric solos from Holiman, solid work from Tom Larkins on drums, and great cello and stand-up bass work from Calexico's Joey Burns . Together they have crafted twelve great folk rock tracks that do Holiman's lyrics justice. This album is well-produced and sounds professional and clean. "My Father's Son" is an acoustic tribute song that tells the sad tale of Holiman's strained relationship with his father, concluding, "Sometimes I try to hide it/But I can't deny/I'm my father's son." "Leaving Europe Today" is another sad acoustic track that features Joey Burns' haunting cello progressions in the background. Overall, "Solo Parts" is an impressive solo debut from a well-rounded musician. Fans of moody folk rock and great singer/songwriters, check out Chris Holiman.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out Chris Holiman's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites