Sadie Jemmett’s debut album, ‘The Blacksmith’s Girl’, will be released by Wildflower Records on October 25th, 2011.
Produced by Steve Lee, mixed and co-produced in L.A. by David Bianco (Teenage Fanclub/Del Amitri/Tom Petty) and mastered in London by Kevin Metcalfe (Queen/David Bowie/Kinks/Oasis), 'The Blacksmith’s Girl' is the distillation of Sadie’s astonishing life story. Mostly written over the last year, the magical, eloquently confessional songs are all about coming to terms with her extraordinary and often traumatic past. Many of them delve deep into her own sub-conscious. Yet like the best songs of Joni Mitchell, at the same time they’re far more than pages torn from a private diary.
The album is set to appear on Wildflower Records, the label run by American folk legend Judy Collins. ”I opened for Judy at a show at London’s Jazz café last year”, Sadie recalls. ”She appeared when I was sound checking, which was a bit intimidating because I’ve always regarded her as an inspiration. But she seemed to like what she heard and afterwards invited me to her dressing room, wanting to know all about me and the songs”.
At the time Sadie assumed that Wildflower was purely a vehicle for Collins’ own releases. When she discovered that the label was signing other acts, she got back in touch. Collins had not forgotten the singer and the songs that had so impressed her that night at the Jazz Café, and a deal followed.
By this time, 'The Blacksmith’s Girl' was already intact as an album. But in the meantime, of course, Sadie had been writing new songs, among them the wonderful ”Up On The Heath”, which has now been added to the album. Produced by Ed Harcourt, the track will be the first single.
”I was introduced to Ed and played him the song and he loved it and said he wanted to be part of it”, says Sadie. ”He plays on it and produced it and he got Cass Browne from Gorillaz in on percussion. We did it in a day and I sat back and let him do it. He knew exactly what to do with the song”.
“The songs are a journey of healing and coming to terms with everything that has happened to me”, she says. “I wasn’t able to launch a career until now because I had to sort my life out – and I did that through the process of writing and playing. It’s a very personal and cathartic album. It’s saying this is where I came from, this is where I am”. But it sometimes feels as if it isn’t me really who wrote the songs. Somehow they were channeled through me and I think everyone can relate to what I’m singing about because the emotions are universal”.
Salim Nourallah
Salim Nourallah is a singer/songwriter/producer from Dallas, Texas.
10 years ago, Salim and Farris Nourallah recorded their debut CD "Nourallah Brothers" on an 8-track recorder. Before it was even released the brothers had decided to go their separate ways. They have not recorded music together since.
Salim released his first solo record, 'Polaroid', in May of 2004 on WesternVinyl/Secretly Canadian. He went on to release the critically acclaimed 'Beautiful Noise' in 2005 which won Best CD/Best Song and Best Producer awards in the 2006 Dallas Observer Awards. After the German indie label Tapete Records released 'Beautiful Noise' in the spring of 2006, a headlining European tour followed. It was capped with an appearance at Hamburg's Reeperbahn Festival. Salim's 3rd CD 'Snowing in My Heart' yielded the successful single "Don't Be Afraid" which appeared on HBO's TV show "The Wire." Another European tour followed in the fall of 2007 with performances not only throughout Germany but also in Paris, Vienna and Switzerland.
In the fall of 2007 Salim still found time to produce the Old 97's successful 'Blame it on Gravity' CD.
'Constellation' is Salim's 4th solo CD. It was recorded in the spring of 2008 with singer/songwriter/producer extraordinaire, Billy Harvey. Salim and Billy played and sang everything themselves with the notable exception of guest appearances on the song "Saint Georges" by Austin musicians Bob Schneider (vocals & piano) and Bruce Hughes (upright bass).
'Constellation' is a joyous sonic return to the indie pop sounds of Nourallah Brothers while also maintaining the emotional directness of Salim's previous solo CDs. With soaring vocals, catchy melodies and evocative words it promises to be one of Salim's best efforts to date.
Look for Salim Nourallah on tour in Europe in April/May of 2009.
Sarah MacDougall
Sarah MacDougall has made quite a splash in the last few years. This up-and-coming altcountry-indie-folksinger has been everywhere and anywhere with her heartfelt songs and original style and lyrics, and has won over audiences from Vancouver to the UK to Poland. Over the past two years Sarah has toured Canada, UK and Scandinavia several times, and there isn't anywhere she has played where she hasn't left a mark on her listener. On her recent tours, Sarah has often been called a favorite at festivals, and she has been getting rave reviews for her latest CD, "Across The Atlantic", (Copperspine Records).
This Swedish- born, Canadian based songwriter has been compared to great singers like Eliza Gilkyson, Buffy Saint Marie, Joan Baez, Tracy Chapman, Feist, Johnny Cash, Danny Michel and Christine Fellows, just to name a few.
"Across he Atlantic" is Sarah's first official release (released on Vancouver indie label Copperspine Records). This raw but polished and richly textured album features ten songs with serious stick-in-your-head melodies and poignant, sometimes quirky lyrics. Shifting back and forth between driving up-tempo ditties and bittersweet ballads, it is an album that celebrates train hopping and dancing in the rain. It also tackles heavy subjects such as having to leave someone across the Atlantic, and poverty. Sarah writes simple yet multi-layered songs that sometimes make you want to tap your toes and sing along. Sometimes they will break your heart.
Sarah's stamp is everywhere on this record, as a performer, producer, and audio engineer. 'I wanted to write an album that sticks in your head and grabs a hold of your heart', says Sarah. 'And I also wanted to prove myself as a producer and audio-engineer, because I am incredibly passionate about sound!'
And she certainly has proved that she could produce, write and record an album that is both heartfelt and elegantly produced. Herizon magazine described "Across The Atlantic" as having 'a heart that beats strongly - unique in this day of over-produced music for the masses - a self-produced album that is restrained and elegant in execution, "Across The Atlantic" highlights an emerging talent breathing new life into old musical forms'.
Sarah's music has been heard on CBC (including Vinyl Cafe), BBC (including Bob Harris), as well as on Lufthansa airplanes! She has played everything from coffee shops to theatres, along with small and large festivals in Canada and the UK. She has shared stages with Todd Snider, James Keelaghan and Kimmie Rhodes, and toured Canada with Kate Reid and Joanna Chapman-Smith, and the UK with fellow Canadian band Po'Girl.
Sarah most often tours solo or with trusted friend and virtuoso lapsteel player Tim Tweedale (Headwater, Viper Central). She is currently working on her upcoming album, which should be available for the world's ears somewhere in 2010.
www.sarahmacdougall.com
www.myspace.com/sarahmacdougall
Savana Lee
"I would like to say a few words about this album that I feel is worthy of mention. It was produced by Anthony Crawford who did an amazing job.
Anthony has a gift of capturing unique and beautiful views and recently took the cover photo for Neil Young's 'Chrome Dreams II'-album. His work has been featured in the fine galleries of L.A. and San Francisco.
The photos of the 'Redbird'-album were taken by Anthony at Neil Young's ranch in California while rehearsing for the 'Chrome Dreams II'-tour. The album was also mastered there.
There are some incredible players on this album including Anthony Crawford (Neil Young/Steve Winwood), Rick Rosas (Neil Young/Joe Walsh), Phil Jones (Tom Petty/Joe Walsh/Rolling Stones/Roy Orbison/Bob Dylan), Spooner Oldham (Aretha Franklin/Bob Dylan/Neil Young) and Waddy Wachtel (Everly Brothers/Bonnie Raitt/Jackson Browne/Linda Ronstadt/James Taylor).
I thank everyone who was involved with this project and truly hope that the world will get to hear it. It holds a piece of my heart." ~ Savana
www.savanalee.com
www.myspace.com/savanalee
Scott Kirby
Scott Kirby released his new CD, “Row Me Home” in late September, 2009. The new recording is Kirby’s sixth release and features 11 brand new songs by the artist known for his laid back “beach folk” style. Originally from Concord, New Hampshire, Kirby has lived in Key West for the better part of twenty years, but still spends much of his time on the New Hampshire Seacoast when not touring. His songs are a mainstay on 'Radio Margaritaville', the popular station heard nationally on Sirius and XM satellite radio.
“Row Me Home” was produced by veteran drummer/producer Russell Kunkel in his Los Angeles studio and mixed by his son and Emmy-winning engineer Nathaniel Kunkel. In addition to his extraordinary drumming career, Kunkel has produced a number of well known artists such as Dan Fogelburg, Carly Simon, Aaron Neville and Graham Nash. He also produced six Jimmy Buffett-albums and has numerous co-writing credits with Buffett and many others, and co-wrote four of the songs on Kirby’s latest CD. Kunkel also released his own Jazz album, “Rivage”, last year, on the Chateau Beach label.
In addition to producing, Kunkel played drums and percussion and was joined by longtime rhythm section partner Leland Sklar on bass, legendary guitarist Dean Parks on pedal steel, dobro, acoustic and electric guitar, and keyboardist extraordinaire Jay Oliver on piano and organ. Gabe Witcher played fiddle on several cuts and Gary Meek filled out the band on saxophone.
A group of veteran LA-based singers provided the background vocals including Windy Wagner, Ken Stacey and Dorian Hollie, in addition to Sweet Pea Atkinson and Harry Bowens, who were on break from the Lyle Lovett tour. Coral Reefer Peter Mayer sang on “Row Me Home,” a tune he also co-wrote.
“Russ deserves the credit for assembling this stunning array of talent and I’m forever grateful.” said Kirby. “These are all folks Russ has worked with over the years in his own amazing career and there was such a comfort level in the studio that it put me at ease in what otherwise could have been a daunting experience. This was more like old friends getting together to hang out and make some music in a casual and often comical atmosphere, which is my favorite and most effective way to work!”
www.scottkirby.com
www.littleflockmusic.com
www.myspace.com/scottkirbykw
Scott McClatchy
As the onetime singer-songwriter-guitarist for Philadelphia's The Stand, Scott McClatchy guided The Stand through a successful run that included being named ‘Best Unsigned Band’ by both East Coast Rocker magazine & WMMR FM.
McClatchy’s music blurs the lines between all styles of American music. Rock, folk and country are all touchstones of his songwriting. McClatchy and his band have worked nationally with acts as Steve Earle, John Hiatt, Confederate Railroad, BoDeans and Little Steven. McClatchy also performed acoustically with artists like T Bone Burnette and Corey Glover of Living Colour.
McClatchy left his native Philadelphia for New York City to join forces with Scott Kempner and Manny Caiati of The Del Lords. In 2000, McClatchy and Kempner paired up as artist and producer on McClatchy's debut CD: “Blue Moon Revisited”. With the follow up CDs; “Redemption” and “Burn This.”
McClatchy has just finished mixing the tracks for his next CD; “A Dark Rage” with Nashville songwriter & producer, Billy Lee. McClatchy and Lee have also co-written songs for the Nashville market.
McClatchy has toured extensively since the last CD. He has traveled as guitarist for Rock N Roll Hall of Famer, Dion ["Runaround Sue"] and with The Brandos’ Dave Kincaid. Three of Scott's songs can be heard on the soundtrack of the independent film, ‘God, Sex & Apple Pie’, which won the ‘Award For Best Picture’ at the 30th Parallel Film Festival.
Seth Swirsky
"Watercolor Day" is the new album from Seth Swirsky, hit songwriter and member of The Red Button,who took the indie pop world by storm two years ago with their debut, "She's About To Cross My Mind".
"Watercolor Day" is what Nick Lowe would call "pure pop for now people". Just listen to the songs. It's as if Brian Wilson and Paul McCartney decided to make a record together in 1971 and asked members of 10cc and ELO to join in!
Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles digs it, saying "'Watercolor Day' is a sonic bouquet of delicious melodies, melt-in-your-mouth harmonies and warm butterscotch guitars that jangle and shine. Fantastic!"
The influential music blog, Powerpopaholic said: "This disc is pure summer sweetness distilled and I am proud to list it in my year end top ten". Enjoy!
www.seth.com
www.myspace.com/sethswirsky
www.facebook.com/pages/Seth-Swirsky
Shane Alexander
The dynamic collection of ten new songs was recorded over two weeks during late September/early October in Los Angeles. Shane Alexander once again teamed up with critically acclaimed LA production duo, Heroes & Villains, with whom he made his 2006 release Stargazer. Also returning from Stargazer: drummer Charlie Paxon (James Blunt, Colin Hay), Billy Mohler (Macy Gray, Liz Phair) on bass, piano, keyboards and electric guitar and Kim Bullard (Goo Goo Dolls, Tori Amos) on Hammond organ. Chad Crawford on bass and Jeff Friedl on drums also appear. Veteran producer/engineer/mixer Toby Wright (Alice In Chains, Wallflowers, Chris Whitely, Trey Anastasio) mixed the record.
Stylistically, the new album has a sound all its own and features some of Alexander’s best studio performances to date. There are more up-tempo songs than his previous effort, including the anthemic opener “Amsterdam”, the driving “Difference of Opinion” and the groovy “Outside the Lines”. After touring so much as a solo acoustic artist, Shane obviously sought to get back to a “band sound” and something that could get a crowd moving. However, there are still Shane’s trademark acoustic ballads - the title track is a delicate, infectious song with soft finger-picked guitar and doubled vocals that whisper “all is as it should be” and the sunshine-infused “Coffee Kiss” will be sure to please fans of songs like “Valentine” and “Front Porch Serenade” from his two previous efforts.
In 2007 Shane Alexander performed for the biggest audiences of his career when he opened for SEAL’s U.S. tour, in addition to his own touring in the US, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, France and Belgium. Nearly all of the songs from Stargazer were licensed for television, including: ABC’s Brother and Sisters, Big Shots and What About Brian?, FOX’s Bones, MTV’s Real World and Laguna Beach, CBS’s Criminal Minds, ABC Family’s Wildfire, and shows and movies for both Nickelodeon and Lifetime – exposing Shane’s songs to millions worldwide.
In 2006, Alexander was asked to open two US tours with Jewel and one US tour with Lisa Marie Presley – armed only with an acoustic guitar; he won over thousands of new fans night after night.
In 2005 the debut album The Middle Way earned accolades and abundant regional airplay in the states. The song “The Open Road” received national airplay in the Netherlands which led to a distribution deal in Holland and Belgium with Lucky Dice Music. Playboy Netherlands gave the record 4 stars - this would happen again in 2006 with Stargazer.
Shane Alexander’s The Sky Below is scheduled for a February 19th release with a full band international tour to follow.
The Shiner Twins
In the many reviews that appeared after the release of the Shiner Twins’ second album 'Southern Belles', the band has been hailed as the hottest roots-band from the Netherlands, and some reviewers even described the band as the best roots-band in Europe, judging the album as “a milestone in the genre”.
The band’s unique blend of southern soul, rhythm & blues, country, traditional gospel, New Orleans funk, texmex and singer-songwriter oriented material makes them anyhow stand out in the widely varied Dutch roots- and americana-circuit. That’s one of the reasons why the band was invited to play at all the important festivals in the Netherlands and Belgium in the spring and summer of 2009.
The initial roots of the Shiner Twins are located in Austin TX. When founding bandmember Jack Hustinx was living there in 2001/2002 he was asked to put together a European touring-band by Austin’s legendary powerhouse-singer Malford Milligan (ex-Storyville), and so he did. After three very successful European tours and one tour in and around Malford’s hometown Austin - to celebrate the release of the critically acclaimed 'Sweet Cherry Soul' album - this co-operation came to an end. Because the remaining bandmembers agreed that there was this “undefinable chemistry” every time they played together they decided to continue as a band, the Shiner Twins, with their own material, written by both Jack Hustinx and Richard van Bergen, the band’s two lead-vocalists and guitarists. Richard is considered to be one of the most talented roots-guitarists in the Netherlands, probably the best slide-player in the country, heavily influenced by co-players like Bonnie Raitt, Lowell George, David Lindley and Ry Cooder.
In October 2006 the band’s debut-album 'All In Store' was released, and almost instantly this CD was hailed by every magazine and website as one of the most excellent and original roots-CDs ever to come out of the Netherlands. The CD entered at a #2 position in the Euro Americana Chart and gained a lot of airplay on national radio. The name Shiner Twins was put on the map, and the band played almost continuously in the many clubs, theaters and festivals throughout the Netherlands and Belgium. This definitely contributed to the outstanding live-reputation of the band, not only through their solid musical craftsmanship and haunting vocal-harmonies, but also as being one of the most honest and intensely playing rootsbands you will ever see. All four Shiner Twins members are true, convincing and experienced roots-junkies that have been playing and recording with many different bands and artists for more than 25 years.
Two years after the release of their debut the Shiner Twins launched the eagerly awaited follow-up entitled 'Southern Belles', an even stronger mix of styles, adding more traditional southern gospel to their music, featured in 13 new intriguing Shiner Twins originals.
In their native Netherlands every rootsmusic-fan is proud that this soulful roots-combo is coming from their country, now it’s up to the rest of Europe to get to know the Shiner Twins…..
www.myspace.com/shinertwins
www.youtube.com/user/shinertwins
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s3VmPsnEZ8
Simon Elvnäs
Simon Elvnäs says that the music has always been there in his head. It was there before he learned to play a musical instrument.
Perhaps not surprisingly Simon grew up in a family where music had an important focus. His father played the accordion and entertained the local community at dances when Simon was young. His path to true musical discovery was born out of necessity. Simon’s father decided one day that he needed drum accompaniment for his performances and put the young Simon in front of a set of drums and taught him how to play. This would continue until the age of 14.
It was then that he wrote his first song, a song he says that he simply had in his head. Most of us would probably consider this quite remarkable, but Simon talks about it as if explaining how it was to tie his shoelaces for the first time. The transition from drums to guitar was still many years away.
The subtle push towards musical expression continued when Simon’s older brother decided to start a band with Simon, Simon’s girlfriend and a couple of friends who not only knew nothing about music but had never actually seen one as Simon tells it. Still bitten by the music bug, Simon continued to play the drums and write music in his head, cranking out a total of three songs as the drummer.
Simon’s evolution into a true singer/songwriter came when he was 21. It was then that he bought his a second-hand guitar, his first, and a how-to book on playing guitar. Not long afterwards Simon found himself at a birthday party as the vocalist with a friend who could actually play the guitar. Apparently the will was there, but not the ability… yet. This birthday party would prove be the turning point in his singing career.
At the party a local restaurant owner approached Simon and asked him if he would be interested in singing at her restaurant. He accepted the offer and a month after buying his first guitar Simon had his first gig… without knowing how to play. Simon sang accompanied by his guitar playing friend from the birthday party and their debut was a success. As the guitarist lived far away Simon was forced to learn to play in a hurry, learning so quickly and so well he played at the restaurant every other weekend for 3 years. Not a bad start for a guy who primarily played covers of pop rock and folk music. Along the way, he started writing and performing his own songs.
Simon is now 35 and his music is a reflection of his journey through life and love. The collection of songs on this album is sincere and meaningful, sung in Simon’s distinctive soothing and smooth style. They reflect things that we can all relate to and Simon sings to you like a friend. From the pleasantly addictive “Can’t Let You Touch Me Now” to the pop flavored “Faultless” (with backing vocals by Irma Schultz Keller) to the hauntingly beautiful duet “I Will Change It All” with Frida Öhrn, these are tracks that take hold of you and don’t let go. All of the tracks on the album were recorded in natural sound… nothing digital about the music here. It was recorded live in order to capture the feeling and the atmosphere of the moment, that special feeling that only comes from a live performance.
The album is produced by Glen Scott, whose credits include Eric Bibb, Ron Sexsmith, Stephen Simmonds and Sarah Dawn Finer.
Simon has always known what he was born to do and that awareness has caught up with him. This is music for the heart and for the soul from a genuinely artistic musical soul. The appeal is contagious.
www.simonelvnas.com
http://oaksofmamre.se
Simone Stevens
Simone Stevens is a New York based singer-songwriter. Her latest endeavor is the LP, "Right On Time". Though she has recorded other projects of her solo material and partnered with other artists for collaboration, this is her first time producing (alongside Nadim Issa at Let Em In Studios in Brooklyn). It features some fantastic Brooklyn musicians; Greg McMullen of Trixie Whitley- and Glen Branca-fame, Kris Bauman of The Dang It Bobby’s, Holly Laessig and Jess Wolfe of Lucius, and a duet co-written with Paris based singer-songwriter Arman Penn.
When asked to describe her music, “I would say having been raised in such diverse environments as Los Angeles and Hawaii, while ending up in New York City has been one of the greatest influences on me and the music I write. I also spent a couple of years working as a 'shopgirl' on a cruise ship. There are a lot of images from the city, the countryside and the sea woven throughout the lyrics“.
"Right On Time" blends folk with rock and alt-country sounds, with eclectic arrangements that place this collection of catchy songs in a world of its own.
Skyler Jett
Skyler Jett is an award-winning, Grammy recognized vocalist and one of the most sought after singer-songwriter and background vocal producers in the music industry.
Skyler’s impressive resume includes some of the biggest recording artists of our times. His accolades include receiving a Grammy Award-embossed plaque from N.A.R.A.S. for singing with Celine Dion on the Grammy-winning hit song “My Heart Will Go On” from the blockbuster hit film “Titanic”, Record Of The Year in 1998 and still the highest grossing movie theme song of all time. Skyler’s other movie credits include background vocal arrangement on “I’m Every Woman” from the blockbuster hit film “The Body Guard”, also Movie Of The Year in 1992, featuring Whitney Houston.
From 2003 to 2007 Skyler also played a pivotal role in reintroducing Sly Stone back to the world stages for a European tour. Skyler performed with Sly in such venues as The Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival in Cannes, Olympia in Paris, The Love Box Festival in London and the George Wallace Show in Las Vegas.
Skyler has recorded and performed with the following legendary stars :
Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, Patti Austin, Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Sting, Ray Charles, Al Jarreau, James Brown, Al Green, Paul Anka, Lou Rawls, Chaka Khan, Barbara Streisand, Christina Aguillera, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Patti LaBelle, Tom Jones, The O’Jays, Todd Rundgren, The Commodores, Kenny Loggins, The Temptations, Steve Winwood, Curtis Mayfield, Kenny G, Michael Bolton and many more…
Skyler Jett is the funder and CEO of "Music Can Save The World Corp" and First Kiss Records, a new niche record company that provides music CD’s and instant download songs on the internet for the wedding industry. First Kiss Records works with a number of marquee artists, producers and writers as well as up and coming new talent in the music industry. Skyler is also the co-host of SolutionsNowRadio with S Denise Newton — a high ranking Blog Talk radio show offering dynamic solutions for some of today’s most pressing issues.
Slowman
Born April 1957 in Linköping, in the middle of Sweden. Residence, the south of Stockholm, capitol of Sweden. Stage history; Bought his first guitar at age seven. Became a local guitar hero in the 70’s. Participated in several CBS-labeled records and national tours in the 80’s with the Swedish bands 2001 (rock-pop) and Station (soul-pop). A wide range of experience; from Sababas (afrofunk/highlife) to musician and composer when The Pero Theater launched in 1983. Known from local pubs and clubs for his Jimi Hendrix’ acts and the cover-power-trio Crossroads.
But twenty-four years ago Svante Törngren (aka Slowman) turned his back on record companies and producers – for good, he thought. It was back in 1985 and the industry had a different structure. As an artist, composer and musician you depended upon a few producers and the standards of commercial success in the 80’s. After a couple of records with other bands, Svante Törngren formed his own, and quite a few big companies were interested in their demo. But he couldn’t stand the interference, picking in details and nitty gritty. So; Svante closed the door with a slam and made his living elsewhere.
But now he is back. With his own material, skilled fellow musicans and a lasting urge to express himself. The name ”Slowman” is an ironical tribute to the fact that it took some 20 years to come up with a debut album.
"The Best Of Slowman" available here.
Sorta
“Oh, it’s over,” sings the choir at the end of Sorta’s eponymous new record, and so, in a way, it is. Not in a they-planned-it-that-way sort of (sorta) way; not every band gets the luxury of a premeditated grand exit, a la The Band’s 'Last Waltz'. Sometimes the tape just runs out, right in the middle of a solo, song or a band just getting good and warmed up, and, just like that, it’s over. Everyone looks around at each other, the same stunned, puzzled look on everyone’s face, and after a long moment, without anyone needing to say a word, it’s decided to just let it be.
In the late summer of 2007, the members of the Dallas-based band were well on their way toward completing their fifth full-length album. Producer/engineer Stuart Sikes (White Stripes, Cat Power, Modest Mouse) was relentless, pounding live take after live take out of the band, not in pursuit of studio perfection, but rather those magically ragged-but-right performances that sometimes surface when musicians are past the point of exhaustion and operating on almost pure instinct. It was brutal but exhilarating, and Sorta — singer-songwriter Trey Johnson, bassist Danny Balis, lead guitarist and piano player Carter Albrecht, pedal steel player Ward Williams, guitar and keyboard player Chris Holt and drummer Tom Bridwell (new to the band, but a longtime friend and fan) — all rose to the occasion. As would only be expected from six journeymen musicians in their 30s, and from a critically lauded group with multiple Dallas Observer Music Awards to their collective credit.
But then something unexpected happened: the tragic Sept. 3 death of Albrecht. A year later, his loss still seems surreal an unexplainable to everyone who knew him, and anyone who ever heard him play. Albrecht one of the most prodigiously talented, respected and beloved musicians in Dallas, whose credits included not only Sorta and his own band, Sparrows, but also work with Edie Brickell, Paul Simon, Charlie Sexton and the Dallas Symphony.
The rest of the band was still very much in mourning by the time they reconvened to finish the album (which was mastered in late 2007). The decision was made to “clean up a few loose ends” with minimal overdubs, but no more songs were tracked and Albrecht’s recordings were left untouched. For the album-closing song “Afraid of the Dark,” a group of friends was brought in to sing the aforementioned “it’s over” refrain through tears as Albrecht’s pre-recorded guitar line answered back through the studio speakers. Neither that song nor any of the others were written about their late friend, though of course, for all involved, the entire album will forever play like a bittersweet benediction — not only for Albrecht, but for the band Sorta itself.
“The future is uncertain,” the band writes in the album’s liner notes, “but the past is full of distinct memories, pain and pleasure, and most importantly, music made with love.” Frontman Johnson, who began playing as an acoustic duo with Balis eight years ago before Albrecht made it a trio and subsequent members helped fully define Sorta’s continually evolving sound, says that there are plans to support the album’s release with live dates, but notes that sorta will most likely stand as Sorta’s final bow. In the months since the record was mastered in early 2008, the band members have dispersed to work on separate projects: Holt — recently named Musician of the Year at the 2007 Dallas Observer Music Awards — fronts his own band, the Slack; Ward moved to Nashville to pursue session work; and both Johnson and Balis are at work on their first solo albums. Carter’s posthumous solo debut — recorded at the same time as the Sorta album — is due for imminent release, too. “Carter’s album will melt you,” Johnson enthuses.
So too will sorta, the last record this wonderful band made together before — nay, as — the proverbial tape ran out. Under different circumstances, it might have been a slightly longer album. Albrecht might have wanted to revisit some of his parts, many of which had only been recorded as demo or scratch takes before his death. But many of the songs here feature Johnson’s scratch vocals, too, chosen over later takes not out of necessity but because they best fit the sound of the band playing as a band, capturing the urgency and majestic beauty of Sorta’s live shows in a way that never before fully survived the translation to disc on the band’s previous studio albums (2001’s 'Plays for Lovers', 2002’s 'Laugh Out Loud', 2004’s 'Little Bay' and 2006’s 'Strange and Sad but True'). The songs here, too, are arguably the best the band ever worked on together — lifted both by the sterling performances all around and some of Johnson’s most engaging and — however ironic in hindsight — lighthearted and even playful lyrics. There’s sadness here — always a Sorta/Johnson specialty — but also songs like “Poor Little Child” and the wickedly sly, bouncy “Fool’s Gold” that sound every bit as fun to listen to as they were for the band to record. Even “I’ll Be There” — written about the death of another friend of the band’s — soars on the wings of Albrecht and Holt’s guitars, layered together in such a way you’d swear George Harrison was in the mix, too.
The end result is a snapshot in time of a band that had only just begun to truly realize its full potential, poised for what surely would have been only the beginning of its greatest output. Instead, it’s Sorta’s swansong. But it’s hard to imagine the band going out on a higher note — or saying goodbye to their friend in a way more fitting manner than to share with the world the beauty of the irreplaceable role he played in making Sorta the very special band it was, and everyone who played with him the best they musicians could be.
“The band did good,” Johnson offers matter-of-factly. “I mean, as not cool as I am with the ridiculous tragedy and loss, I’m very satisfied with what we did. The record’s a perfect statement and document of what the band sounded like, and for me especially, that’s very valuable. More than anything, I just want people to have the chance to hear it. It can be a very difficult to listen to — there are some moments on here that will make you cry, even if you’re able to forget the circumstances around it. But I think it’s a beautiful record. Everybody who makes records wants to make records that move people. And this one does; it moves me, and I hope it moves other people, too. I hope it finds a home.”
www.sortaweb.com
www.myspace.com/sorta
Spike Flynn
Spike Flynn is a singer-songwriter who grew up in the west of New South Wales, Australia. His first album has been a long time coming. His life has been such that till recently it hasn't been possible to get his songs down. A writer (and performer at times) since his teenage years, he is now older, wiser and more settled and can look back on a sometimes difficult life, where the highs where high, and the lows very low.
He has a rare gift for storytelling in his songs and every word of poetry comes from his own experience, whether pain or triumph. Though the songs are dark at times, an acceptance of life with it's beauty and sorrows and spirituality shines through and raises them to a level well beyond the ordinary. These songs are for listening to, and will be listened to again and again, well after other singer-songwriters are gathering dust on the shelf. This is because they are songs of the mature heart, the heart that has been through the dark night, and emerged on the other side with a story to tell.
His new CD, "It's Alright", is just a taste: there is much more to come. Spike's roots are in country and traditional blues, and his songs reflect this, while his lyrics come from his own uniquely poetic and intelligent creativity.
http://spikeflynn.com
www.myspace.com/songspike
Stefano Frollano.....
Italian guitarist, singer and composer Stefano Frollano has close artistic ties with the legendary music of California, from which he constantly draws inspiration. He began studying classical guitar at the age of 13, and his discovery of such milestone records as C.S.N.&Y’s 'Déjà Vu' / '4 Way Street' and Neil Young’s 'Harvest' gradually led him to focus on folk-rock and blues.
In the 80's, he founded the bands Simbiosi, Blue Flares and Karma, while he released his first CD, playing with Skydog, in 1995.
In 1997 Stefano made up his mind to leave for the legendary U.S. West Coast so as to record his first solo album, simply called 'SF' and released completely independently in 2006. Reverberating the legacy of the sounds absorbed over the past years, his first collection of songs, features top international musicians Jeff Pevar and James Raymond as guest artists, who are regular members of Crosby, Stills and Nash’s backing band. The CD, achieving a perfect balance between the acoustic and electric, also highlighted the exciting talents of some female vocalists such as jazz singer Ada Montellanico. 'SF' got positive reviews in a number of Italian and foreign music magazines (Jam, Chitarre, Folk Bulletin, Roots Highway, Blue Desert, Broken Arrow, 4Way Site), while some tracks are regularily aired on Italian State Broadcaster Rai’s Radiouno in programmes such as Stereonotte, Music Club and Demo and by other stations in Italy and abroad.
While recording his album, Frollano published a number of reference books on CSN&Y in Italy and in Europe, articles on music in various magazines (Raro, Jam, Chitarre, Satisfaction, Ciao 2001) and works with a number of radio stations. His musical career can boast over 500 concerts and his curriculum of live performances, given over the years with a whole range of various rock bands, is studded with numerous appearances with different international artists including with his old friends Crosby Stills & Nash; Billy Talbot (bass player with Crazy Horse); Joe Henry, as well as with other Italian musicians.
In 2009, he played on Merli Rossi’s debut album, that took its name from the group, a band including among others vocalist Francesca Fagioli and pianist Francesco Venerucci.
Frollano has also written music for the presentations of a number of Italian fiction writing and for readings of Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet’s works.
His latest CD 'Sense Of You', recorded between Italy and the U.S., features contributions by top musicians including his time-honoured friends Pevar and Raymond, as well as drummer Francesco Isola, who has a long working relationship with other Italian and foreign artists; bass-player Marco Vannozzi from Stradaperta, Antonello Venditti’s legendary band; talented trumpet-player, composer and arranger Franco Piana; versatile harpist Giuliana De Donno; percussionist Luca Scorziello, a long-standing fellow-musician with Alex Britti and other Italian singers and, just like on his first album, some very special female vocalists who both accompany and perform duets with Stefano.
www.stefanofrollano.com
www.myspace.com/stefanofrollano
Steinar Aadnekvam
Steinar Aadnekvam is one of the most active and most talked about young and upcoming guitarists on the Scandinavian jazz scene.
Born in 1984, he is a mature and soulful musician. A rare guitar virtuoso. An artist with a message. A person with something to say.
Despite his young age, he has been around. Born in Bergen, Norway, a son of travelling parents, he had the fortunes and misfortunes of growing up in many places throughout Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Italy and Luxembourg. After studies at Södra Latin music college in Stockholm he enters, at 18, the Bachelor Jazz studies at the Royal College of Music, also in Stockholm, where he stays for 2 years. Influential teachers at this time were in particular Mikke Rönnkvist, Alvaro Is-Rojas, Thomas Wixtröm, Andreas Öberg and Sten Höstfält.
In 2005, driven by a restless need to look elsewhere for further growth, he comes in contact with Indian Bansuri master, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, and is invited to his Brindavan Gurukul in Mumbay, where he lives and studies for some time. For family reasons he returns to Sweden, but soon fate takes him to North-Eastern Brazil, eventually a great influence and inspiration. He is a frequent returning visitor to the region ever since - These days spending half the year in the state of Pernambuco.
Professionally, he is a sought after guitarist and in growing demand as a jazz-songwriter and album producer. He has to this date toured as a leader in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, Spain and Brazil. Recent performances include: Molde Jazzfestival (Norway), Mai Jazz Festival (Stavanger, Norway), Döla Jazz Fest (Lillehammer, Norway), Tampere Guitar Festival (Finland), Ekman Jazz Club (Helsinki, Finland), Jazzclub Fasching (Stockholm, Sweden), Jazzclub Nefertiti (Gothenburg, Sweden), Uppsala Guitar Festival (Sweden), DooBop Club (Vasa, Finland), Jazzoo Club (Jakobstad, Finland), Pre Amp Festival (Recife, Brazil).
Nominated for the prestigious "Young Nordic Guitarist 2009" Award and finalist in equally prestigeous "Norsk Jazzintro 2010" - Steinar Aadnekvam launches his own label, Music Makes You Happy, with his debut release, "Simple Things" (MMYH / Plugged).
www.steinaraadnekvam.com
www.myspace.com/steinarguitar
www.musicmakesyouhappy.com
Steve Mednick
Steve Mednick began his solo career in 2006 and over the next five years has released 8th albums, exploring a number of different styles from rock 'n' roll to pop, country, blues and folk. Over 90 songs released in those years to strong reviews throughout Europe. His latest album is about the rich history of immigration and political hypocrisy in the United States. The songs range from quiet songs of desperation and loneliness to a blistering challenge to the American right wing. As the journalist Paul Bass describes it, “Steve Mednick has invited America to a reckoning. Not to tea”.
While he was growing up in his hometown of Waterbury, CT, Mednick played in a number of garage bands. Initially, he was inspired by the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Crosby, Stills & Nash (& Young), Steve Winwood and Joni Mitchell, and the music of those artists would echo strongly throughout his life and his work. In law, public service and in his music. His musical interests were also influence by the melding of classical, jazz and popular idioms by George Gershwin and Duke Ellington. Following his high school graduation, he went off to university and law school where he strayed from music to pursue a career in law and public service working for US Senator Sam Ervin during the Watergate hearings, leading the election reform movement in Connecticut as the first director of the Elections Enforcement Commission, serving as an elected official for a decade and as an appointed official for another period of time. He continues to represent many public institutions and is general counsel to a think tank in Washington, DC.
He may have strayed from the music, but it remained a strong force in his life, whether using the words of his rock‘n’roll heroes in his public speeches and writings. In the 90’s he found that he was inexplicably writing lyrics with reckless abandon racking up over 150 different poems and rhymes many of which were written to melodies swirling around in his head. Eventually, his best friend and former grammar school band-mate Larry Rifkin asked him to join in the reformation of their band, The Avengers, for a landmark birthday event in 2002. While initially reluctant Steve said, “I guess I could play some harmonica and sing a Dylan song or two”.
The New Avengers became B.O.O.M. and the boys were bit by the same middle ages bug that has smite many a grown man looking for redemption and a salve for the advance of time. B.O.O.M. played almost 100 gigs over five years or so including closing for ZZ Top at Chattanooga’s Riverbed Festival in 2008. Their performance was featured on a PBS documentary about the insurgency of middle aged garage bands.
During this time Mednick discovered that his guitar and keyboard talents were catching up with those 90’s lyrics and the merger led to an association with veteran Connecticut-based singer-songwriter, Eddie Seville and his recording studio, Cottage Sounds. In the past 5 years Steve has released 7 CD’s, prior to the release of “Immigrants… And Other Americans”.
Steve has assembled a great group of musicians in the studio, starting with Eddie Seville, producer, engineer, multi-instrumentalist and mystic. Billy Kotsaftis (lead guitar and electric bass), Karl Allweier (electric and acoustic bass, banjo and acoustic guitar), SallyLu Sianni (vocals) and Tony Casagrande (vocals and accordion) have, with Eddie, been the foundation of the studio sound since 2007. Chip Damiani (drums) and Bill Beckett (lead), Steve’s fellow Hard Road members and Natalie Modugno, a remarkable singer and collaborator of SallyLu’s, contributed mightily to the effort on “Immigrants… And Other Americans”. Bob Loveday a/k/a Vince Lovepump from Bob Geldoff’s band has been a regular visitor playing violin/fiddle, mandolin, vocals and keys, Ashley Bathgate of Bong on the Can, has contributed cello; Chris Miller plays a mean sax and a shimmering dobro; and, Matt Cartsonis from Warren Zevon’s, Jennifer Warnes’, Van Dyke Parks’, Glen Campbell’s, John McEwen’s and Steve Martin’s bands has contributed mandolin, banjo, organ, guitar and vocals.
He devotes his live playing time to Hard Road which includes the aforementioned Tony, Chip and Bill, as well as former B.O.O.M. bass player, George Meyers. He also has a band based in Washington, DC, The Rolling Justice Review.
Steve Noonan
Steve Noonan released his first album in 1968. It was such a huge smash success that he is releasing his follow-up immediately forty years later!
Way back in the 1960’s there was a hip music magazine called Cheetah. The first issue featured a nude picture of Mama Cass on a bear skin rug. Did you know Mama Cass had a tattoo? It was Cheetah that labeled Tim Buckley, Steve Noonan and Jackson Browne as “The Orange County Three.” All three were friends who performed at the Paradox in Orange County and other folk clubs and all three were very talented songwriters. At that time Jackson Browne was not much of a singer and it would be a few years before he would make his first album, but Elektra Records had signed Tim Buckley and he had recorded his first LP. Looking for another singer songwriter to duplicate Buckley’s success, Elektra signed Steve Noonan in 1967. It seemed like a dream come true to the teenaged Noonan, but, sadly, it wasn’t. It turned out to be the worst thing for Steve Noonan’s professional ambitions.
Just as the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band had a Top 40 hit with 'Buy For Me the Rain', a song written by Steve Noonan and his friend Greg Copeland, Steve went to New York to record his album. Paul Rothchild, the legendary producer of the Doors and Janis Joplin was brought in to produce the album. But Elektra and Rothchild wanted Tim Buckley II, not Steve Noonan. They tried desperately to recreate Noonan in Buckley’s image and Steve resisted. The clash led to Rothchild storming out and taking his name off the record. Steve said, “You can take my name off it, too.” The record came out. Elektra spent twenty dollars on promotion and it sunk like a stone. I bought a copy for sixty-six cents at Aaron’s Records on Melrose. The album and the artist who made it deserved better. 'Leaning Back & Laughing' is as fine a track as anything ever released on the label.
The second Steve Noonan album is the work of a seasoned artist, a singer songwriter who has labored in relative obscurity for all these years. While Tim Buckley fell victim to rock’s excesses, and Jackson Browne rose to fame and played intimate songs in baseball stadiums, Steve Noonan played coffee houses and living rooms, always writing and playing and singing. Most of the artists of the sixties did their best work in their twenties. But here we find Steve Noonan just a bit older and doing some of the strongest work of his life. The songs on this new album were mostly written in the last few months. Listening to these songs now is like hearing an exciting new discovery. It’s like finding a forgotten gem for sixty six cents in the bargain bin at Aaron’s.
www.stevenoonan.com
www.myspace.com/stevenoonanmusic
Steve Postell
That golden California Sound comes alive again on 'Time Still Knocking', Steve Postell's Immergent Records debut. This rich, organic work draws on rock, folk, blues, country and R&B, all distilled through well-honed craftsmanship coupled with genuine heart and the musical camaraderie of a staggeringly talented group of musicians.
A singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, Steve's remarkable career begins a new chapter on 'Time Still Knocking' which features a wide array of legendary musicians. Contributors and collaborators include David Crosby, Jennifer Warnes, John Oates, Robben Ford, Eric Johnson, Paul Barrere, Dave Koz and many others.
“I was with the band, Little Blue, for nine years and I wrote a lot of the material, so when I was signed, the original thought was to create a new band around me," Steve says. "But after I started working on the album, it became clear that this was an artist-driven project. We felt it was time for me to make a solo record."
The album’s opener, the inviting, bluesy '3:45 Coming Through', is one of the few tracks that Steve wrote on his own as most of the songs are collaborations. His songwriting partners ranged from rockl veteran John Oates (Hall & Oates) on the baroque folk-rock of 'Straight For the Moon', to hard rocker Kip Winger on the churning 'Change in the Circle'. “Even though Kip, John and the others are all different, there’s a kind of common thread, true of every person who worked with me on this record,” Steve says. “They all understand and strive for a very high level of artistry. That’s what connects everything, not their styles.”
The music on 'Time Still Knocking' crackles with a sense of discovery, yet is also instantly familiar. The rising harmonies in 'Background Noise' and 'Catch The Wind' tap into a legacy that includes CSN&Y and the Eagles, among others. Steve also pays tribute to his influences with Buzz Feiten’s 'Long Way Home' (featuring Buzzy and jazz legend Dave Koz) and Little Feat’s 'Missing You', sharing vocals with the song's writer, guitarist Paul Barrere.
For Steve Postell, 'Time Still Knocking' is the culmination of dedicated work, lasting friendships and creative partnerships for a complete musician who knows where he’s been and looks to the future with anticipation.
“My primary inspiration was always to be a singer-songwriter, but I wanted to understand as much about the process as possible,” he says. “It’s always been about songwriting first, though the studio – engineering, how you record, arrange and so on – is a big part of it too. Assembling all the talent for this record, from the incredible musicians to mix engineer Nathaniel Kunkel and up to the final days with legendary mastering engineer Bernie Grundman, gave me the chance to watch these songs come into existence from their birth as mere ideas."
www.stevepostell.com
www.myspace.com/stevepostell
Steven Casper & Cowboy Angst
Steven Casper is a Los Angeles based singer and songwriter. Growing up in Japan, Italy, Nigeria and Mexico, one of his main connections to American culture was through his parents' record collection. At a very young age he discovered the magic of Hank Williams, Leadbelly, Bob Wills, Mahalia Jackson, Woody Guthrie and many other American icons. Moving back to the United States at age 17, he started his first band shortly after hearing The Ramones. Through the years his songwriting has evolved from rock and roll, to the more roots oriented music of his early days, sitting in front of his parents' record player. Steven is currently playing the Los Angeles club circuit with his band.
In 2005 Steven was looking for a guitarist to help him record some of his new songs, and was given Glen Lynskey's phone number by a mutual friend. Before Steven knew it he was knocking on Glen's door and was singing some of his songs for Glen. Glen had performed for numerous major label acts and in 1996 won best electric guitarist in the Northwest. Glen liked the songs he heard and the two quickly became good friends.
A three song demo was recorded. The drummer on the session, Tony Felicetta (who now plays Ringo in the highly successful Las Vegas Beatles tribute show) asked Steven if he had any other songs because he thought they could put a set and play some clubs. 'Yeah, I've got about 300 tunes', Steven said. A band was born.
At this point Steven spoke to a longtime friend, Ross Levinson, a film and TV music composer, who played violin and keyboards, to see if he was interested in joining the band. Ross had previously played with such artists such as Tom Waits, Harry Belafonte and Joan Jett.
Ross came by a rehearsal and immediately clicked with the band. The interplay between Ross on violin and Glen on lead guitar has become one of the key features of the band's sound. The bands current line up was completed with Jay Nowac on drums and Herb Dietelbaum on bass. Ross went on to produce the band's first two records, 'Cowboy Angst' and 'I Used To Be The King Of The World'.
Then Steven Casper & Cowboy Angst released 'Topanga Ranch Motel'. It was produced by Ira Ingber who has been a guitarist and producer with numerous artists including Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, Canned Heat and Captain Beefhart. Ira was able to capture the bands dynamic live sound which Music Connection Magazine described as 'country music originating in the Allman Brothers' backyard'.
The band's new album, “Kindness”, continues the collaboration with producer Ira Ingber. For this disc the band and Ira brought in some guest musicians. The Brotherhood Horns, Carl Byron on keyboards and accordion, John McClung on pedal steel and Matt Cartsonis on the mandola and autoharp.
http://caspermusic.com
www.facebook.com/caspermusic
Steven Jaymes
Steven Jaymes for over 20 years has been battling alcohol and depression that has seen him disappear hitch hiking into the mountains of Mexico and Cuba looking for solace and peace away from the madness of his nightly work in the bars and clubs all around the world. He has had his front teeth cracked and chipped numerous times by drunks falling over his Mic stand.
He has gone from performing with the likes of Gavin DeGraw and Keith Urban in such legendary venues as The Bitter End in New York and Ronnie Scotts in London, to playing in a piano bar in Switzerland which was a front for a brothel.
As he said, "It is a hard one to reconcile going from a beautiful venue with such respect and appreciation, to a piano bar where people are so drunk they passed out sitting at the piano while girls so trashed take off their tops and roll around on top of the piano doing their best Michelle Phiffer impressions." He has played over 5000 professional gigs yet still admits to getting a little nervous when dragged up to play for family and friends. He has survived smashing his left arm in a hang gliding accident that saw him as the only one armed piano player in town wearing a contraption of wires and steel to regain the use of his fingers from the nerve damage.
While still gigging nights he has worked as a builder's labourer, barman, laid railroad track, a truck driver a window cleaner, but mostly just a professional gypsy musician.
He has played in Spain, Japan, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, United States, Ireland, England, Denmark, New Zealand, Sweden, Cuba and Australia, yet does not really live anywhere, but dreams of building a cabin in the mountains of New Zealand where he was born.
When in the States He was offered some wonderful opportunities in Nashville but couldn't stomach the hypocrisy and racism so went back to New York where he finished his third album "Hemingway's Cats" and where he lived for two years including dealing with being downtown on September 11th.
The new Album is "Black 17" but don't ask me to describe what sort of music this is, except that Steven seems to collect and combine amazing musicians and artists from far flung places.
He has been compared to Jackson Browne, Ben Folds, Leon Russell, Van Morrison and Joe Jackson. Some call it the best jazzy roots you will ever hear others call him a folk rocker, I think the "new" term is singer songwriter.
There are tales on everyday life, on brothels in Belgium and Gay bars in Christchurch. There is humour romance and bawdiness, stories of love and tragedy. The result is a sensitivity that draws you in and holds you close while at the same time setting you free and not a sign of a rapper in here anywhere.
Steven Jaymes is unwaveringly musical in style with a dark velvety soulful voice that sounds like it has been well tested and through the fire of experience.
I think Michael Smith from the Drum Media summed it up best when he wrote, "He's just doing his thing without an ounce of pretension and there is something refreshing about that."
Sugarcane Jane
As it turns out, Sugarcane Jane is not just another promising Nashville upstart paying its dues as a tour warmup act. Instead it's a new name for a couple of familiar faces, and the latest step in the evolution of a partnership rooted right here in Lower Alabama.
There is no Jane. The act is a duo consisting of Anthony Crawford and Savana Lee. She's a Baldwin County-based singer-songwriter. He's a Birmingham-native whose day job happens to be playing guitar and other instruments for a guy named Neil Young.
A couple of years ago, after meeting in Nashville, they recorded an album of folksy adult pop titled "Redbird." Her name and face appeared on the cover; the songs were his, but she sang them as if they were hers.
She moved back to Baldwin County. Disaffected with Nashville and wanting to be closer to his parents, who live in Daphne, so did he. "It's really been a blessing to come back to Alabama and be close to family," he said.
To say working for Young keeps Crawford on the go would be an understatement. He figures that in the last year Young's tours have taken him to Europe four times, to Canada twice, and across the United States several times, not to mention jaunts to such far-flung places as Australia.
"He has been very prolific of late, and it seems I've been involved in every episode of it," Crawford said. "When I come home, I make good use of it."
Crawford, it turns out, is pretty prolific in his own right. On the Internet, he's been posting installments of a humorous video documentary titled "On The Road With A Rock Star", based on his experiences with Neil Young's band. He recently released a new solo album, "Five is Red." He and Lee have put together a no-frills live recording of Sugarcane Jane-material (which they will release soon), and are hard at work on a new studio album.
"It's just two people doing what they love to do, and coming from a real honest space," he said. "Our parents seem to like it, so we know we're onto something."
"I want to be a part of the moment. I'm not here to impress upon anybody," he said.
www.sugarcanejane.com
www.youtube.com/sugarcanejane
www.myspace.com/sugarcanejanemusic
Susan James
Critically-acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Susan James’ versatile voice and virtuosic guitar work engage her fans on disc and onstage, as she has toured nationally as a solo act with artists including Lindsey Buckingham, Bob Weir, Ratdog, Richard Buckner, as well as opening for Son Volt, Rufus Wainright, Billy Bragg, Richard Thompson, David Lindley, Daniel Lanois and many others.
This California native picked up the guitar at eight years old and never looked back, eventually earning a UCLA ethnomusicology degree. Her recording career was jumpstarted in the late ‘90s when a legendary Apple Computer founder heard her playing a Bay Area coffeehouse and handed her a paper bag of cash to finance her first album, 'Life Between Two Worlds'. James was joined on her second CD, 'Shocking Pink Banana Seat' by D.J. Bonebrake (X) on drums and Abby Travis on bass.
Seeing her live show led Bob Weir and Rob Wasserman to invite James on the road, opening for Ratdog. She was hand-picked by Lindsay Buckingham as the opening act for one of his US tours. Musician friends like Tommy Stinson (Replacements) and the Wondermints are heard on her third release, the ambitious double-CD set 'Fantastic Voyage'. Disc 1 allowed her multi-octave voice to soar, while her inventive tunings and fretwork are highlighted on the all-instrumental Disc 2. The CD set received much critical praise and led to tours in Europe and Canada.
James then met and moved to London to join her husband, sound engineer/producer Fulton Dingley, renown for his work with Stereolab and the High Llamas. After taking time off in the UK to become a mom, Susan relocated with her family to funky Topanga Canyon in LA, where her country lifestyle has certainly inspired the tone of her newest release, 'Highways, Ghosts, Hearts and Home'.
www.susanjamesmusic.com
www.myspace.com/susanjamesmusic
Sadie Jemmett
Salim Nourallah
Sarah MacDougall
Savana Lee
Scott Kirby
Scott McClatchy
Seth Swirsky
Shane Alexander
Shiner Twins
Simon Elvnäs
Simone Stevens
Skyler Jett
Slowman
Sorta
Spike Flynn
Stefano Frollano
Steinar Aadnekvam
Steve Mednick
Steve Noonan
Steve Postell
Steven Casper
Steven Jaymes
Sugarcane Jane
Susan James
