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

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

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)

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

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:

1. 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.  
2. 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.
3. 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. 
4. Gymnopedie No. 1 -  This is the most beautiful version of Erik Satie's music, that I have ever heard.  
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.  
8. 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. 
9. Toccata and Fugue - Again Jennifer takes me on a journey and turns a grand Bach piece into an epic interpretation. 
10. 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.  
11. 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. 
12. 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. 
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. Sonata Minore - Another very emotional piece of music that is just so pretty and moving.
16. 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.  
17. 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

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

Nils Rurack - Slightly Off Center

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)
 

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