"The Bird and The Fool" by Thirty Steps to Forward (Folk Artist from Michigan(MI))

Framing folk-pop lullabies with the sparest of acoustic instrumentation, the indie-pop duo Thirty Steps to Forward prove less can be decidedly more on their new CD, "The Bird and The Fool," an album of fragile and aching beauty. Filled with melodies of crystalline delicacy, "The Bird and The Fool" is that rare debut album that lands fully formed, the work of artists forsaking trends or formula to embrace their music within. Gretchen, the female half of the duo, plays guitar and cello and handles most of the singing with a voice that crosses Kasey Chambers-like innocence with the confidence of The Cardigans' Nina Persson. Seth contributes simple – but transformative, guitar and mandolin, and takes a couple turns at lead vocal, his troubadour-ish tenor providing stark contrast to his partner's breathless frailty. Highlights include CD-opener, "Respectively Swollen," title-track, "The Bird and the Fool," Gretchen's sweetly imploring "Won't You Dance" and Seth's confessional, "Bought a Ticket for a Plane," but – truly, there's not a weak song in the bunch. With a debut CD like "The Bird and the Fool," Thirty Steps to Forward – mouthful-of-a-name notwithstanding, will appeal to contemporary folk listeners, as well as indie-rock fans of performers like Bon Iver and Iron and Wine.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Thirty Steps to Forward 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Ghost Ranch" by Jeanne Kuhns (Folk Artist from Wisconsin(WI))

Singer/songwriter Jeanne Kuhns and her CD "Ghost Ranch" is an outstanding collection of folk/rock songs that centers on her sensual and soothing voice. The song, "Greyhound," is a smooth sounding folk number, with just a hint of the blues, while also featuring beautiful saxophone and cello highlights. "Halfway To Heaven" is a song in which Kuhns' vocals get a little more emphatic in a tune that shows her edgier side. "Wise Women" is a slower paced piece in which Kuhns tunefully reminisces about her mother and the advice she gave her. This album is great for those who appreciate folk music and a vocalist who projects her voice with a dynamic range and heartfelt spirit. Fans of Joni Mitchell or Bonnie Raitt will enjoy Kuhns' voice as it is charming and really complements her music well. The songs of "Ghost Ranch" would be a great addition to your CD collection as it is filled with memorable melodies.

-Sean B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Jeanne Kuhns's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Take a Picture of Me" by Nancy McCallion (Folk Artist from Arizona(AZ))

"Take a Picture of Me" is the latest album from Nancy McCallion. It's a wonderful collection of easy listening folk/rock songs that is inspired by the recent economic recession and its difficult effect upon the lives of the American poor. "Clydes Bonny Banks" is a beautiful and leisurely folk number that has just a hint of a Celtic sound, in which McCallion sings with crisp and clean vocal clarity. Another highlight, "Good Old Days," is a see-sawing folk song with a little bit of a honky-tonk influence that will get you tapping your toes with its bouncy beat and rootsy lyrics. "Cruel Thing" is a song in which we hear McCallion sing with an edgier style in more of a rocking folk song as the steady drums and power chords of the guitar compliment her voice. This album is a wonderful example of contemporary folk/rock music, which takes influences from many genres, yet always resulting in an excellent American-folk sound. If you think you would like to take in a folk/rock reaction to the recent economic recession which has affected us all, then take a listen to "Take a Picture of Me" by Nancy McCallion as you will be thoroughly pleased by this collection of folk/rock songs.

-Sean B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Nancy McCallion 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Check out Tremblay Evans, one of RadioIndy's favorite Folk artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Tremblay Evans

 

 

Band Name: Tremblay Evans
Band Location: Michigan
Sounds Like: Neil Young, Cat Stevens, CSN, John Denver, Bob Dylan, Donovan, John Prine, Moody Blues, Woody Guthrie, Gordon Lightfoot, Weavers
Visit Band's Website: click here

"Live at the Martin Theater, Vol. 1" by Lucky Mud (Folk Artist from Florida(FL))

Recorded live from the Martin Theater in Panama City (FL) for public radio station WKGC, Lucky Mud's latest CD is a showcase of original contemporary folk music that's pure down-home Americana. With only acoustic guitar backing, husband and wife duo Mike and Maggie McKinney trade off lead vocal duties over the course of 16 songs that range from Mike's beautifully melancholic "Evangeline," to Maggie's wonderful show-closer, "Ride the Pony." Opening with the infectious "Radio Intro," a short ditty for the host station that's a throw-back to old-time live radio programs, Lucky Mud sets the tone for a set long on heartfelt narratives of simple joys and bittersweet truths. Maggie's "Mississippi Queen," with its bluesy refrain, and Mike's "Born to Honky-Tonk," a Jerry Jeff Walker-ish tune complete with yodels, hint at Lucky Mud's musical reach, but it's the duo's milk-and-honey harmonies – as on the aching ballad, "Silver Spoon" – that wraps their sound up into one neat package. Presumably the 1st of a series, Lucky Mud's "Live at the Martin Theater, Vol. 1" CD is a terrific mix of tuneful and meaningful folk songs as rich as the American musical traditions they reflect.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Lucky Mud's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"a piece of it all" by Steve Eulberg (Folk Artist from Colorado(CO))

Steve Eulberg's latest album, "a piece of it all," is brimming with wonderful acoustic Folk/Americana music and cleverly slips in other genres while each component of the band is intricate and outstanding. "Porch Swingin'" is a down home Folk/Blues track with heartfelt lyrics and splashed with great harmonica riffs. Another track, "Who Am I?" is a laid back song with charming violin fills and captures the rhythm of a romantic, Brazilian Bossa Nova beat. "Rock On Rock" is a vocally appealing song in that the call-and-response harmony between the lead and background vocals is impeccable and flows very well with the sound of the mandolin. The track "A Ship May Be Safe" harkens to the Irish history in Americana music with the soothing violin, nostalgic lyrics, and the warmth emitted through the artist's vocals specifically for this song. Fans of the Dixie Chicks or James Taylor will thoroughly appreciate the relaxed and well produced songs of "a piece of it all."

-Trent C. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Steve Eulberg's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Featured Single

Band Name: Zan Zone
Featured Single: Carey Won't You Sing For Me
Album: Time & Materials
Genre: Folk
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RadioIndy is pleased to present Dizrhythmia with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Recipes For Modern Life "

RadioIndy is pleased to present Dizrhythmia with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Recipes For Modern Life "

"Recipes for Modern Life" by New Zealand band Dizrhythmia is a psychedelic funk CD with a feel of Folk and a little bit of Country. All of the tracks utilize acoustic guitars put with trance-like lead vocals reminiscent of Woodstock singers of the classic sixties. On the track "Song for Nikki," harmony is employed with a violin which brings a really classy and truly sentimental element to the CD which is furthered by the articulate lyrics. The track of which the title was based, "A Recipe for Modern Life," is a "feel good" track that incorporates a fluid-sounding trumpet with the steady high hat and snare drum tempo that takes the listener for a walk on an easier side of life. "Burlington Street" is a groovy track that will get the listener moving to the catchy lyrics and sharp rhythm. All around, this album is excellent for those who enjoy easy listening music with good instrumentation and meaningful lyrics.

-Trent C. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Dizrhythmia 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Blackbirds with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Endlines and Punchrhymes "

RadioIndy is pleased to present Blackbirds with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Endlines and Punchrhymes "

"Endlines and Punchrhymes" is the latest release by the talented, Modern Folk group Blackbirds. Right from the start this album will take you to a place where you can relax and enjoy the emotive lyrics and soft percussive beats. Lead vocals are rich and pure as you can hear on songs such as "This Street, That Man" and "Can't Find My Way Home." Heartfelt lyrics reflect memories of times past on the song "Hometown Heroes" while acoustic guitar gently swirls around this interesting melody. As an added bonus, check out the terrific remakes of "The Mighty Quinn" (original by Manfred Mann) and "Cinnamon Girl" (original by Neil Young) as these songs offer a great nostalgic throwback. Superb production as the instruments come across clean and crisp and never overpowers the laid-back vocals. If you're a fan of Folk music, then take a ride and listen to the wonderful compilations of the terrific album, "Endlines and Punchrhymes."

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Blackbirds 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Dead Fox with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Dead Fox "

RadioIndy is pleased to present Dead Fox with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Dead Fox "

The charming, self titled CD, "Dead Fox," is the first, full length acoustic album by singer/songwriter Cynthia Brando. Confidently alternating a mixture of styles, such as country, blues, and folk, Brando projects her voice with a relaxing and ambient quality. Her well written lyrics speak of strong emotions with lyrical charisma. Simple and free flowing, "This Love," is lovely with its folksy guitar accompaniment. A touch of country flavor comes to mind when hearing the delightful tune, "Driven By Angels." The Bluesy blend of the strong and powerful vocals shines on the song, "What a Beautiful Dream" as this catchy melody will have your toes tapping to the passionate beat. A distinctive treasure of songs, "Dead Fox," is filled with generous helpings of acoustic Folk material and is well worth listening to.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Cynthia Brando 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Featured Single

Band Name: Jan Thomas Peters
Featured Single: Cold Seattle Morning
Album: These Waters
Genre: Adult Contemporary/Progressive Bluegrass
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"Raise It Up Bring It Down" by Beth Schafer (Acoustic Artist from Florida(FL))

Fittingly, Beth Schafer reaches new heights on her latest CD, "Raise it Up Bring It Down," a spirited and engaging 14-track album that finds the accomplished singer-songwriter continuing to hone her craft with the skill of a confident artist. With contemporary folk and California-esque folk-rock (a la The Eagles, Shawn Colvin) underpinnings, Schafer's honey-toned voice delivers original songs of deep faith and abiding hope that are as tuneful as they are meaningful. CD-opener, "Raise it Up", kicks it off with a mid-tempo rocker featuring meaty lead guitar licks and the kind of hook Melissa Etheridge used to reel off in her sleep. The solemn and beautiful, "Prayer of the Workin' Man," is stripped down to bare essentials, but no less powerful in its message and delivery. "Modim Anachnu Lach" trades off between a Hebrew chorus and English verses in a lively song of spiritual triumph, while "Adama" is like a modern sing-along, reminiscent of - but more rhythmic, than campfire standard, "Wimoweh." With catchy, smart and uplifting compositions, a wonderful voice that never wavers in its commitment to the song, and a band that's as tasteful as it is proficient, Beth Schafer's new CD, "Raise it Up Bring It Down," is a winning combination of artistry and sheer talent.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Beth Schafer's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites