 | Being a Music Family Member in both of the Seattle and Nashville areas has really helped me to spread my "social butterfly" wings and fly as a writer as well! Below are a few reviews on some friends I would like to share with you...Please enjoy the following reviews; " WHITE " (A cd release party of a new cool rock band with Alan White of YES fame keepin' the beat! ) THE FABULOUS WAILER'S (CD) (50's-60's rock and roll band...thier new cd) * MAC DAVIS *JEFFREY STEELE *CHUCK CANNON *DAVID PACK (in the round Nashville show) LEON HENDRIX KEEPER OF THE FLAME CD (He's a cool bluesy rocker and Jimi's brother...just keepin' the flame alive) GRETCHEN CHRISTOPHER (CD) SWEET SIXTEEN" (She's one of the songbirds from The Fleetwoods) 4 TH ANNUAL GUITARBQ (NASHVILLE MUSE) BABY GRAMPS VAN PRESTON (SELF TITLED CD) MICHAEL GELBART (COMEDY CD) REVIEWS IN THE WORKS: NIGHTHEART |
CHUCK CANNON LOVE AND MONEY CD REVIEW- What do ya do if your Daddy is a Pentecostal preacher when you’re just a young boy in the church pew? You capture some of those Bible stories in your soul, listen to the Beatles and Johnny Cash turn to your rebel side…you grow up ,write songs for some pretty huge Country Stars, get awards and go in the studio to record your own CD’S co-written by yourself and your co-writing buddies! CHUCK CANNON LOVE AND MONEY is Chuck Cannon’s Follow up to GOD SHAPED HOLE which was a true to life brilliant creation in it’s own right, from the eye catching and thought provoking cover with the slightly tilted cross as if God Himself were scoping out what all His little Children were up to on this big blue marble called Earth, to the songs inside, that were also thought provoking and very truthful lyrics all rockin’ in their own special way. I highly recommend that CD and you will find more of my comments on itunes soon about GOD SHAPED HOLE, however, this review is about Cannon’s follow up, CHUCK CANNON LOVE AND MONEY appropriately titled. Cannon reveals both sides the Rebel and the God Lovin’ Soul searching songwriter with in him telling stories about…you guessed it LOVE AND MONEY! A lot of this CD gave me those comforting goose bumps from the song choices to the detailed painting of the lyrics, not too mention every song relaxes nicely through and through with Cannon’s deep sexy and rich voice and shining, ribboning through are some pretty tasty backing vocals! LOVE AND MONEY starts out with a short suspenseful instrumental that readies the listener for what is to come! Cannon makes sure to give it to you straight on two very different points of view songs about the Devil, and two of my very favorites were “swamp” rockers that immediately get your blood pumping called BET YO MAMA and the CHUCK JONES/CANNON co-write STRANGE (check out the you tube on STRANGE and you can read my comments and see Chuck rockin’ out acoustic style) the lyrics are tounge in cheek entertaining and the music is a great rocking match on both of them. Cannon reveals a taste of his crooning sexier softer side on OUTTA THIS TOWN (co-written by MAC DAVIS and JEFFREY STEELE, LOVE ON YOU and also BEAUTIFUL GIRL which he penned with co-producer LARI WHITE. One song that you truly have to experience for yourself that made my goose bumps jump for joy was OH MY LORD and when you hear this song in its entirety you will understand why. I love this CD and enjoy crusin down the road getting a little bit of life’s lesson’s along the way on LOVE AND MONEY CHUCK CANNON STYLE… way to go Chuck you have done it again two thumbs rockin way up high and a Ha-lay-lu ya to match here is the link to download these songs and read a bit more on CHUCK CANNON http://cdbaby.com/cd/chuckcannon2 cd review by KK Ryder http://kkryderentertainmentreviews.wordpress.com/ |
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CD RELEASE PARTY WELL WISHER’S WELCOME “WHITE” by kk ryder 4/06 CD release party well wishers welcome progressive rock drummer Alan White of “Yes” fame and his new band… “White!” White is the name of Alan’s new really “kewl” rock band…no not The white band or even White Band, nope, it‘s just simply WHITE! A little “progressive and although at times very reminiscent in the undertones of the vocal harmonies of Yes, this band definitely has a sound all their own! If the elbow to elbow attendance at the World Famous/infamous “rock and’ roll fishing - hole” known as The Edgewater Inn located on pier 57 in Seattle Monday night was any indication of this bands popularity, than we just may have yet another band “blastin‘ off…straight outta Seattle and into the “arms of the World!” This party was fun and full of so much love in the room as 30 small TV sets connected the bands every movement of a pre-taped video performance from New Year 2006 the band members got to mix it up, laugh and mingle with the attendees. “have pen will travel” that’s my moto…so I commenced to have a little fun and let the crowd become part of my lil’ review and simply let them tell me their thoughts n feelings…and I have included some below…thanx for a night of “MIGHTY LOVE” White! We all wish you Peace, Love and Eternal Grooviness as vivid as the “Roger Dean” artwork that has graced the Yes album covers of yesterday and well into the future… and the future of WHITE! review by kk ryder FAMOUS QUOTES AND WELL WISHES FROM "WHITE-ON MATES"! SONGWRITERS ON THE CD “BEYOND THE SEA OF LIES“ / “GIVE UP GIVING UP” and “ONCE AND FOR ALL” CO-WRITES HAD THIS TO SAY… COOPER EDENS-- “White is not a “hype” band they are just people playing music!” but hang on to the catapult…a way we go!” WAYO HOGAN- “I’m just so honored that someone such as Alan White who has been such an integral part of music history…Lennon, Harrison whew, I am just honored that our songs were included on this cd Thanks WHITE!” WHITE (BAND) MATES KEVIN CURRIE ”This is such a great feeling! We have waited, ,anticipated, cried and almost gave up! But finally the WHITE record will be on the shelves!” Thanks to everyone!” STEVE BOYCE It has been a long time comin’ Merkaba became WHITE…and we’re having a great time! MATES ROGER FISHER “When I listen to WHITE’S album I recognize a sound that puts them amongst the elite of rock and roll!” REEK HAVOK “The essence of WHITE is the great core of it’s member’s…the album reeks of it’s great soul!” MICHAEL MCMORROW Alan, non-chalant Genius has not only created a timeless masterpiece of British-American musical landscape but has created a musical energy in Seattle that has not been since Hendrix!” PAUL SECORD(WEBMASTER) “Long anticipated but well worth it! Now the World can hear what We’ve all been enjoying for so long!” AURY MOORE “It is about time! I have been waiting for the WHITE cd to come out for a long time-WHITE’S sound has such a refreshing drive and Kevin’s vocals and the bands harmony’s are very refreshing-so excited!” KK RYDER This album is full of Peace, Love and Eternal Grooviness as vivid as the “Roger Dean” artwork that has graced the Yes album covers of yesterday and well into the future of WHITE. cool guys with a cool sound!" EDGEWATER INN- SEATTLE 4-17-06 “The Party Buzz” JEFF “The Fish” AARON “It’s so nice to see Alan’s Passion re-kindled in another band, you can tell he is very proud of WHITE…so much so he has lent his name! DONN GARRETT “I would not have missed this release party for anything! Reconnecting with old friends and making new ones, I love the guys! RANDY OXFORD Alan was an idol of mine in the 70’s in Chicago, so to be here in Seattle 30 years later at his release party is just cool!“ DAN WINGARD “Great to see WHITE’S release party bringing together so many supportive and exceptional musicians!” MARV SMITH “Big congrats! The music, the hair (on most) the fun…all exceptional people, All the best!” TRACY MOORE “Music is food for the soul-You don’t need a full plate just enough to fill you up!” TONY LA STELLA “Alan- Great artist ,great friend…and a part time Goomba!” WENDY BUS “Cheers to all of WHITE and here’s to incredible music and an amazing success- Rock on,keep rollin’ and Alan…You’re the Man!” JJ (SOUTH SIDE) “ The atmosphere of the Edgewater was just so nice the sun glistening off of the water, and just a great group of people, I wish WHITE all the best, they are a great band! PETER SAUNDERS “So many Brits…is that Lennon’s fishing line?…I think he must’ve hooked a GREAT WHITE!” EDDY FERGUSON “Great Evening of great music, musicians and friends!” DENNY MASON “The mellow disposition and positive influence, puts the band “top of the pops!” because there is nothing mightier than the Meek!” BONNIE FITGERALD and JUDY VARGISON “We have been friends for years and have not missed a “Yes” concert in 10 years! This is exciting!” MIKE (BARTENDER FOR EDGEWATER) “The WHITE Party kicked ass!” by kk ryder |
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THE WAILERS CADILLAC TO MEXICO-- CD REVIEW by kk ryder 2/06 The Wailers…are not the same old LOUIIE LOUIE Wailers, although Louie Louie will be a staple classic rock tune forever in our hearts!…Like fine wine that has aged to purrrfection…these “cool cats” are coming back out with a …”roar”! I love this cd! As a matter of fact…it is my favorite cd these days! The title cut CADILLAC TO MEXICO reminds me of the ever popular vocalist from the 80’s band INXS! Kent Morrill’s vocals are sexy and draw you in as if you were in his “Cadillac to Mexico” (close your eyes…think back to “Pulp Fiction” John Travolta could definitely get his “groove on” to this track) The first cut “RUN TO THE BORDER” is a fun upbeat song that by the third chorus you may catch yourself joining in! If you are a Jimmy Buffet/Roy Orbison fan you will really enjoy HEY SENORITA! MOOD ELEVATOR has a great play on words that just may remind you of the reason why an ex is just that…your X! SWEET LITTLE DANCIN’ LADY transforms you right back to the days of poodle skirt wearin,bubble gum chewin’ saddle shoe’d cheereleaders! LOOKIN’ FOR SOME RYTHEM AND BLUES was very slyly penned by Kent Morrill and the WAILER’S own late great Guitarist Rich Dangel about their love for R AN B they stay true to the sound of rythem and blues on this track,Morrill’s vocals stand up to that of Little Richard…complete with WHOOOOOOS! For those of you that just want some music to “chill to” there are also some great instrumental tracks on this cd! And if you like the saxy sounds of the “sax” Neil Rush and Kim Egger’s have a real treat for your ears! Major bonus for those of you who may remember all of the words to…”It’s You Alone, BONUS You’re not alone… Morrill’s voice is soothing and smooth like buttah on this updated version. When You run out to grab this cd…pick up two, one for the house cd player and for the car…careful, you may just drive over to your local car dealership and groove to this cd in your own “CADILLAC TO MEXICO” by kk ryder |
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MAD MAC SHARES THE STAGE WITH HIS HIS ROCKIN’ ROWDY REBEL FRIENDS! A Nashville review on the Mac Davis,Jeffrey Steele,Chuck Cannon and David Pack show March 29th 2006 by kk ryder Whew hoo! What a party! Ok, ok I know that there were some great rounds to go to in Nashville on March 29th but the one that I choose to go to was brought to you by TIN PAN SOUTH’S own….NSAI (Nashville’s Songwriter’s Association International) at THIRD AND LINDSLEY. We were there to see the Mac Davis/Jeffrey Steele/Chuck Cannon/David Pack songwriters showcase. My new NSAI songwriting friends and I stood in the TPS pass line and we anxiously waited for the first show to clear out. Our line started moving and we were reminiscing about our favorite Mac Davis songs…just the fact that Jeffrey Steele,Chuck Cannon and David Pack from Ambrosia would be kickin’ out their hits too was a major buzz! Once inside… past all of the “reserved seats” for NSAI staffers, Gibson Guitars and friends we took a seat stage left, ordered our drinks, someone said something funny about a shirt I was wearing and all of us being songwriters at our table, before the start of the show were so inspired to start a 4-way co-write. A drink was spilled on our table and the bartender had givin me a stack of napkins and thus started a very unplanned review of one of the best “rounds” I have ever rocked out with… ever! The show rocked, rolled (once Chuck Cannon nearly rolled off his seat with laughter from a comment that Mac had made…ok well there was a lot of humorous banter going back and forth on stage…there were jokes jokes and more jokes that flailed around to all in the “hot seats“…ah but the music…not to sound cheesy, but yes Mac…”I Believe in Music” and for the filled to the capacity…standing room only THIRD and LINDSLEY crowd we were entertained and all believed in the music that provided the very electrifying night! Chuck Cannon kicked off the show with his Toby Keith hit “We were in love” and just to tell ya how cool Nashville is at TPS time Chuck’s co-writer on this song Allen Shamblin was down the road playing at another round. When Chuck got through with his song He let out a deep sigh “I think this is one of the coolest things ever…man and he called Mac his hero. Mac turned out a real “rib tickler” in true Mac Davis form he sang a song “like a bat outta hell… “Here I come back from the dead” He said if he ever needed to make a comeback that’s what the song would’ve been…I say, you can’t come back if you never really left Mac…You still rock! Then Jeffrey Steele erupted the crowd with one of his many Montgomery Gentry hits “Help Somebody” and then…it was David Pack’s turn of the harmonizing mystifying band from the 70’s “Ambrosia” fame he said he felt like the “black sheep of the family” cuz he was behind the keyboards and from the stage you heard one of the other players say “but we loved him tearin’ up the stage singing …and you’re the “Baaaaaaaaaaaaad Sheep!” He may of said he felt like the “black sheep” but he traded off songs in this round like nobody’s business…his voice is incredible! More jokes ensued as if you were watching “the Blue collar comedy team” only in musical format! Mac busted through with a slow cool ballad that touched the crowd and me…ok I‘ll admit it as a teen- ager in the 70‘s I would hole up in my room alone and sit amongst the pops and clicks of my Kenwood stereo listening to Mac Davis albums! Then Mr. Jeffrey Steele hit us with a freshly penned tongue n cheek groove about a Drunk Girl (he’s just such a lean mean writin’ machine these days!(oh whoops wasn’t that the title for the JS/co-writin’ Rascal Flats hit?) He’s everywhere…but on this particular night myself and a standing room only crowd were amongst the lucky in Nashville to experience this rare occurrence all of this under one very rockin’ roof located at the 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill. Mac even shared with us his very first song he ever wrote… which was a touching little song ”I Like You” then he made the crowd laugh and sing along on the chorus of that extremely “humbling” song from the 70’s “OOOOOOOOh Lord it’s hard to be humble…! Then Mr. JS unleashed his Larger than life Montgomery Gentry hit “Gone” crowd participation ensued! Then David Pack played us all a song on guitar that he was embarrassed to bring to his band…but what a smash hit it became…the whole crowd was singing along… the song…”How Much I Feel” Then Chuck shared a new song with us from his new cd. Mac’s turn…Lubbock In The Rearview Mirror ahhh, then JS takes us back to his younger years and let’s loose with his emotional story song “20 Years Ago“. I had to take a potty break and wait in line so I missed the last couple songs…then I heard a guy and girl outside of the bathroom door arguing over which version of Mac Davis’ “In the Ghetto” was better…Elvis’ or Mac’s! I came out grooved on some more songs… JS started to play a familiar Led Zepp tune and we heard a little voice from the audience stage right yell something out… and we were all treated to an impromtu duet of “Something in the Water” by the vocal stylings of a cute little blonde “firecracker” named Becka Bramlett (her daddy Delaney Bramlett and Mac Davis were stage sharing,song writing partners from “back in the day” and probably still are!) Then David Pack “raised the roof” with his Angelically Male falseto voice when he reached the chorus of “Make a Wish Baby” Then Chuck kept the emotional train running with his Victoria Shaw co-written “I Love the Way You Love Me” recorded by John Michael Montgomery, to which Mac puts his hand under his shirt and pats his heart! Then Mac jokes about his T.V.show back in the 1970’s where he used to make up silly songs on the spot from the audience suggestions…and he played a few of his favorites….and then he hit us with “the Motherload” the song that put Mac over the top…the song that to this day still hooks us in and keeps us coming back for more….”Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” after he let us have it for old times sake with that one…the other players in the “show-down of songwriters” kinda just threw up their arms in defeat! Chuck Cannon picked up a yellow piece of paper with the set list on it and just started pickin’ songs for Mac to play! I still get chills thinking’ back on the whole evening, it was both inspirational for all of the songwriters in the room attending this very cool performance as well as just a fun time hangin’ out with Mad Mac and his Rockin’ rowdy Rebel friends! Thanx Ya’ll for the memories! Review by kk ryder |
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"KEEPER OF THE FLAME" LEON HENDRIX CD REVIEW BY KK RYDER3/06 Let’s strip the name, the exotic Cherokee chiseled looks of his older brother (only with longer hair) and you can't escape certain qualities in that voice coming through with conviction.With strong powerful messages coming straight from the love in his heart and an art for keeping life real through his own style of music Leon and his power drivin' band are rockin' stages from Seattle to Vegas! Continuing through music… the Hendrix Legacy rides on! On the cd KEEPER OF THE FLAME there is an unmistakable quality in the voice and this time around... That voice belongs to none other than Jimi’s baby brother….Leon Hendrix. The messages that Leon spells out as the KEEPER OF THE FLAME, reflect passion and the true honesty that ribbon through the Hendrix Legend! Throughout KEEPER OF THE FLAME Leon welcomes the listener to a little "pow-wow!" As you sit on the branches of his family tree, simply sway in the breeze and feel free to just rock out..as he reveals story upon story of his true feelings... you can almost feel older brother Jimi Hendrix rocking out with him in spirit! The touching BLUE SEPTEMBER is a "heart warmer" it's almost as if you...the listener are eves dropping in on a one-sided conversation between the two Brother's Hendrix, as Leon pours out questions to his big brother about what it will be like when the two see each other in Heaven. Now don't get me wrong...KEEPER OF THE FLAME is not only Hendrix Legacy drivin' Leon also shows his Patriotic American pride on the cut FLIGHT 93 which starts off with the haunting melodic keyboard played brilliantly by Neil Kirkland and then Leon speaks from his Patriotic heart about his dedication to all the heroe's on that dreadful day... as the band rips into the song with metal "balls to the wall force!" if music is truley the sound track of our lives you can almost scence at which point in the music the Heroes became...well, Heroes of FLIGHT 93! My choice track on the cd, really has nothing to do with being "Hendrix" at all, except maybe the "Cajun Gypsy" feel in the music which flows deep in the Hendrix blood from Leon and Jimi's Mama's side of the gene pool, It's a track called VOODOO RIVER ...and once again history is made...in leon's on right...Hendrix style! May the "KEEPER OF THE FLAME" Blaze on into a bright future! KK RYDER |
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GRETCHEN CHRISTOPHER SWEET SIXTEEN! (SUITE 16) OF THE FLEETWOODS FAME and BMI MILLION AIRS SONGWRITER CD REVIEW BY KK RYDER "A FLEETWOOD STEERS HER OWN CAREER TOWARDS SOLO SUCCESS" Gretchen's SWEET SIXTEEN! (SUITE 16) celebrates and documents - with 16 sweet, soulful, insightful songs (including "Come Softly To Me" and "Graduations Here") - the soundtrack of our lives. After 11 Billboard hit singles and 15 albums as the Fleetwoods' female lead vocalist, arranger and BMI Million Airs songwriter, Gretchen Christopher has finally written and recorded her own FIRST SOLO CD. It is reviewed, as follows, by KK Ryder: Gretchen Christopher has captured on Gretchen's SWEET SIXTEEN! (SUITE 16). A birthday present, not only to herself, long waiting fans, but also to the very FIRST love of her life, Vos! The CD helps one to envision sitting in a Broadway play or at a ballet with a story unfolding before their eyes - of, well, her life! It's like a fairy tale... For her to now be with her very FIRST love, after years apart and a series of emotional roller coasters, including triumphant victories with her career as a songwriter and as one of the beautiful songbirds of THE FLEETWOODS. Gretchen Christopher regally captures her soul on not vinyl, this time around, but on CD. She shares with the listener hit songs of her FLEETWOOD cruising day's "Graduation's Here" and two versions of "Come Softly To Me" one is performed live beautifully a cappella and the other has a nostalgic quality revisited in this studio arrangement. "The Hardest Promise I'll Keep" is an anticipation song about when your heart knows that you have to let a love go…but knowing deep down if the love is a forever love that it will come back. On "What Good Is Pride When You're Dyin' Inside" a fun reggae feel mixed with a cool 50's guitar makes an appealing interesting combination. "Blues Go Away" Gretchen's voice has a great bluesy Etta James, Nora Jones quality to it! The songs she has written and chosen tell the story of her life... They are songs that are relatable and heartfelt. I could even see someone like Norah Jones covering one or two of Gretchen's songs. Gretchen has a very unique voice, she has the same beautiful songbird qualities of her FLEETWOOD days,but she also delivers a fresh jazzy,bluesy,theatrical feel which will pick up the listener and take them along on a journey as they follow Gretchen softly winding through the colors and emotions of her life, which could help this CD roll right off the shelves and help steer Gretchen Christopher into the hearts of her long waiting fans as well as new listener's! KK RYDER |
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SONGWRITER'S… FOLLOW THEIR NOSE TO BREWS,TUNES AND THE NASHVILLE MUSE GUITARBQ'S Hey Attention all songwriters and artists… weather you are dreaming about your very first big cut, have had cuts, hits, or even had big #1 parties thrown in your honor …I want to let you in on one of Nashville’s fun for the whole family, best kept secrets. It’s called a GUITARBQ! I know you're probably thinking’ “a Guitar B what?” A GuitarBQ! This is where your very generous host Doak Turner owner of the Nashville Muse supplies 50 lbs. of really great Bar BQ meat and the entertainment is provided by YOU and folks just like you! The annual GuitarBQ which takes place in the Spring time usually has over 300 hungry individuals who are either songwriters, guitar players, people who like listening to guitar players, singers, people who like listening to singer’s and people who love a good old fashioned down home Back yard Bar BQ! This my friends... is where Folk's come to enjoy, relax and socialize each month on the third Sunday at 3PM. Unless of course we are talking about the Mondo GuitarBQ which is only once a year and that.. is what I want to talk about right here and now! It’s a great big music party held at a house, no a party house no well kind of like Animal House only without the toga’s! (Doak your host probably wouldn’t mind if you wore one...he's kewl like that!) The 4TH Annual GuitarBQ was a blast, it was held right after Tin Pan South on April 2nd 2006 at a rockin' house in the West Meade Dist. Not too far from Nashville's Music Row. Doak Turner the owner of Nashville Muse supplied 50 pounds of GuitarBQ, sponsored by Milos Sweet Tea who donated 200 bottles of their refreshing drink and everyone brought a dish to pass and some Folk's brought “Brews n Tunes” It's a Sunday party where folks get together and share music, live! A couple of very entertaining rounds included Larry Weiss singing his hit song, “Rhinestone Cowboy”, Gunner Nelson performing his dad’s big hit – “Garden Party”, Steven McClintock singing a Tiffany hit, “After All This Time” Marc-Alan Barnette “Too Much Blood in My Alcohol Level and Marc and I even performed a song that we co-wrote "That's Still Me", Other hit writers included Gary Hannan “Tequila Makes her Clothes Fall Off”, Joie Scott “Shoes“-Desperate Housewives soundtrack” artist Ray Scott “She Don’t Like My Kind of Music”. Gary Talley – guitar player for The Box Tops “The Letter” “Cry Like a Baby”, “Soul Deep”. Songwriter and host of the open mic at the Blue Bird Cafe Barbara Cloyd “Guess You Had to be There” Pat and Pete Luboff authors of the songwriting book "88 Songwriting Wrongs and How to Right Them and they also lead the Sounding Board Songwriting Think Tank in Nashville on Monday nights as well, Tirk Wilder “Theme from Walker Texas Ranger” Charlie Daniels Jr, Dan Harr from Music News Nashville and even Steven Stills daughter Jenn Stills were all in attendance. Songwriters from South Africa, England, Canada and all over the U.S.A. Everyone at the event just kicked back either inside or outside and had a good-ole time. The house is kind of like a maze almost every room in the house had some kind of rippin' amazingly cool entertainment going on! The Mondo GuitarBQ is only held once a year…but you can still have fun throughout the year at Nashville Muse’s 3rd Sunday GuitarBQ's which are held every 3rd Sunday of the Month! Check out www.nashvillemuse.com for more information and follow the link to see photos that my friend Kat took of all the happenings at this popular Sunday hot spot! Mark your calendars and you will soon be joining in on all the fun…and tote along your guitar a dish to pass and a song to share at Doak's next Nashville Muse GuitarBQ! www.nashvillemuse.com GuitarBQ review KK Ryder |
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BABY GRAMPS TO PERFORM ON DAVID LETTERMAN TONIGHT AUG. 28th I just got word from a very reliable source that tonight BABY GRAMPS will be performing on THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN! If You have seen the Johnny Depp latest Blockbuster PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN you may have heard the distinct stylings of Baby Gramps. Baby Gramps has his own distinctive style that really grabs your attention, I first was introduced to this very unique throat buzzing, "Popeye" sounding singing story-telling, guitar "scribbling" kid friendly performer last Saturday at Louie Fest in Tacoma Washington. I was enthralled by what my video recorder was capturing. Little and big kids of all ages gathered round Baby Gramps as they laughed and sang along with this highly hypnotic performer! Baby Gramps is a steel guitar playing singer-songwriter from Seattle who landed a song like a big fish on one of the most popular movie soundtracks perfect for his personality! Pirates of the Caribbean film! Some of the other "Big Fish" who also landed songs in the movie include Sting, Lou Reed, Lucinda Williams and Bono. So tune in to The Late show with David Letterman tonight at 11:30 P.M. on CBS and you too can catch the Baby Gramps buzz! Article by kk ryder |
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VAN PRESTON’S SELF TITLED CD IS VAN -TASTIC! How fun, Van is a peppy sexy tigeress who’s voice roars out of your speakers and will not let you turn her off, as she turns you on song after song singing 2 step, danceable and belt buckle rubbing songs. This cd is filled with songs about the heartbreak of relationships and how she’s just not going to take it anymore! The catchy toe tapping song HEARTBROKE FOR THE LAST TIME serves up a classic country, fast paced swing feel musically with modern day lyrics, Van’s vocals come through loud n clear and hand the listener the keys as she evicts this heartbreaker from her life! PIECE OF YOU is rippin’, the music has that good ole rockin’ Honky Tonk feel that just makes you want to get up out of your seat and grab a piece of the dance floor! Van’s voice will lure you in and take you places you’ve never been, on this “Dog and Butterfly” feeling song EVERYTHING I’VE NEVER SEEN. This is a song about life opposites like “gravity on Saturns Rings”, or a “constant revelation in an ordinary world” and the “sunshine in Seattle for the whole entire year line” drenched me with a smile! FOREVER AGO is a reminiscing song about a past love that shows the range and emotion in Van’s voice, WHY is just a beautiful song questioning a love that shouldn’t be, with some great harmonies behind it! This CD is loaded with male and female harmonies that ribbon through it magnificently. Van’s voice is strong, sweet and sexy behind a batch of great songs and awesome country-rockin’ music about relationships…but if all else fails in the relationship department…there is a track on here…which guys you’ll get a kick out of too, but it’s kind of a “chick flick” girly song …it’s so bold and not really talked about but whew Van let’s you have it on this already radio play friendly and I do mean PLAY friendly cut…BOUGHT MYSELF A TOY! Go pick up a copy of Van Preston’s self titled cd and see what all the “hoop-lah,lah” is all about! Out of five stars…this reviewer awards VAN PRESTON with 4 ¼ with an ohh lah lah to go… Catch Van live for a VAN -TASTIC FUN TIME! Review by KK RYDER |
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"HELLO COMEDY LOVERS" MEET FUNNY MAN MICHAEL GELBART a CD review by KK Ryder Well hello comedy lovers meet MICHAEL GELBART and his new CD titled HELLO COMEDY LOVERS! “Look out here come the jokes!” Throughout this entire CD you can hear laughter, short cackles, whoops, hoots and hollers from the audience. Beginning to the end the only silence on the disk actually heard is when the CD is switching to the next track and there are 8 tracks of side splitting feel good comedy! Gelbart banters with the audience as he teases, cheeses and pleases with moment to moment quick witted jokes. He also talks about his family, relationships, slightly sinful subjects that range from the boob tube to tube steak and even humor that will make you go oooowh and than think about what he just said and then you find yourself busting up! Do yourself a favor go see Michael Gelbart the next time he is in your local area, tell him what you thought about the show and pick up one of his CD’S take home some laughs with you to share with your friends and introduce them to HELLO COMEDY LOVERS! *kk ryder http://michaelgelbart.com/ |
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THE SONGWRITER’S SURVIVAL KIT Authors Danny Arena,Sara Light,Fett and Nancy Moran CD review by KK Ryder HELP! Somebody call 911 my SONGWRITING needs FIRST AID! Has this ever been YOU?! Songwriter’s, Help is here! You can get it in the form of a CD House call! THE SONGWRITER’S SURVIVAL KIT is a double CD and is such an amazing first aid for songwriters needing a little 101 course on the craft of songwriting and or a little 102 refresher course for those of you that already know the basics and would like to get into the real heart of the matter of songwriting do’s and dont’s! This CD is compiled of great tips from 4 outstanding Professional’s in the craft of songwriting! Tony-nominated songwriters and Co-Founders of www.SongU.com, Songwriting Courses Online DANNY ARENA and SARA LIGHT as well as songwriter performing artist and one of the performers in the musical Troupe THE FOUR BITCHIN BABES, NANCY MORAN www.nancymoran.com and outstanding independent producer FETT owner of Azalea studios www.azaleamusic.com in NASHVILLE have all come together and are actually sharing these tips with you, not in a workshop but you can learn in the privacy of your own home or on your commute home from work at your own pace! Maybe you want to hone your craft because you always dreamed about someday hearing your songs on the radio sung by a big name artist, maybe you are an artist yourself and you just want to learn how to write songs better or maybe you can’t play an instrument, can’t sing your way out of a paper bag but you’ve always been a great lyricist/melody writer and you think you could have what it takes, if you just had some helpful hints and tips to help you along on your songwriting journey! Do you know how to use good prosody, or how to make every line count, you have heard about re-writing but what is it and are you willing to do it? how do you choose a point of view? Do you know how to match the “level” of the demo to your purpose and the “state” of the song? Did you know you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great demo and how to use the demo once it’s done? do you know how to be aware of your performance when you write? In other words, do you know the rules before you break them? What does that mean? You ask, and how do I find out about all of this and much more? If you have a yearn to learn more about your songwriting craft than this is the CD for you! An outstanding in depth review was written about this CD by Doak Turner songwriter, associate writer for Music Dish and editor/publisher of the NASHVILLE MUSE by clicking the following link you can read all about this amazing helpful songwriting tool! http://www.nashvillemuse.com/resources_artical.html#resourcereview THE SONGWRITER’S SURVIVAL KIT is definitely First aid that no songwriter should live without and is brought to you by www.craftofsongwriting.com and www.azaleamusic.com So songwriter’s, if you eat sleep and breathe songwriting you can breathe a little easier now...because, help is on the way! To order your copy please visit any of the websites mentioned in this article and enjoy your songwriting journey! Review by KK Ryder |
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