Saturday, July 25, 2009

"Change Up" by Lefty Blues Band (Blues/Country Artist from Florida (FL))

Lefty Blues Band, a Florida-based outfit steeped in R&B and roots-based Americana, conjures less the Sunshine State than dark swamplands and backwoods roadhouses on their fine debut album, "Change Up." Led by brothers John & Greg Bell, this 6-piece band is as equally adept with a deep South blues ("All For You") as a George Jones-inspired ballad ("Slow Love Song"), but for the most part carves out a classic rock sound that hovers between John Hiatt & Dire Straits; that is, displaying the former's all-inclusive grasp of Americana, while reflecting the latter's ability to fashion something completely new from tried and true forms. Highlights include the above mentioned "All For You," with its atmospheric Hammond organ and Gospel-like female chorus, as well as the moving "The Rush," a perfect hybrid of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger piano balladry. But in truth, there are no weak songs among these 10 original performances. Lefty Blues Band's new release "Change Up" is a terrific representation of Americana rock that embraces its roots, and fans of Leonard Cohen and Mark Knopfler will definitely enjoy it.

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

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Check out Jimmy Lott, one of RadioIndy's favorite Folk artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Jimmy Lott

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Band Name: Jimmy Lott
Band Location: Oregon Portland
Sounds Like: Neil Young & Justin Hayward
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Kyle Hunt, one of RadioIndy's favorite Country artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Kyle Hunt

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Band Name: Kyle Hunt
Band Location: Texas
Sounds Like: Pat Green, Bob Seager
Visit Band's Website: click here

Monday, July 20, 2009

"Skeptical Optimism" by Rick Wicker (Country Artist from Colorado(CO))

Rick Wicker's bio tells the story of a veteran singer-songwriter who refuses to give up on his passion for music; a sense of purpose that has formed his entire life. Not surprisingly, the title of his CD, "Skeptical Optimism," reflects a wary caution that just may relate to where his music is intended or is hoped, to take him, knowing all the while that what really matters is the journey itself. And this particular journey is by no means unrewarding. Recording at home, Wicker, a gifted guitarist and a singer/songwriter of considerable skill, delivers country-rock reminiscent of Loggins & Messina as heard on "Hurrien Nowhere" or Pure Prairie League heard on "Youniverse," and stretches out on a hook-laden rocker with muscular guitar proficiency on "Hell's Gate." The last of the 4 tracks, "Space Age Kids" blends Byrds-like folk-rock and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young harmonies to perfection, investing the song with the kind of classic but timeless, urgency that continues to make rock and its variant styles both satisfying and vital. Above all, Rick Wicker's "Skeptical Optimism" is an original and compelling work that recalls '70's country-rock influences without copying them and it's an excellent 4-song release that deserves no less than out and out optimism.

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

Thursday, July 16, 2009

"Flesh & Bone" by Steve Pack (Country Artist from Texas(TX))

With an ear for a great melody and the storyteller's insight for spinning a compelling yarn, Austin-based Steve Pack puts both and more, on display with his fine debut CD, "Flesh & Bone." Like fellow Texas troubadours Steve Earle or Robert Earl Keen, Pack's work is based in country-rock but, truly, his songs transcend such narrow definition. Tunes like "Baby Hold On" and the rocking title track, "Flesh & Bone," feature catchy, radio-ready choruses that would be at home on multiple radio formats; "Bowman Ridge" a song about Pack's Texas roots, employs delicate cello interludes that defy simple categorization while the opening number, "Like a Dylan," is reminiscent of master songwriter Tom Petty's mid-'80s output, with its balanced, guitar-led fire. Pack's sure sense of purpose is elsewhere aided by a keen attention to detail, reflected in his band's sparkling accompaniment and the evocative arrangements that render the album both contemporary and timeless in scope. "Flesh & Bone" ably describes the organic and deep-rooted spirit of Steve Pack's debut CD, but it's the Texas blood in this terrific CD that will make its mark with listeners.

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

Friday, July 10, 2009

"Another Dirty Deal" by Rodney Wayne King (Blues/Country Artist from Tennessee(TN))

Capturing the essence of Country and Blues, Rodney Wayne King's excellent CD, "Another Dirty Deal," instantly charms the listener with eleven well-crafted songs. The energetic opener, "Outlaw on the Run," will grab the listener's attention right from the start with its gruff and tough vocals, razor sharp guitar, and solid beat. Showing country blues at it best, "The Richest One," with its slow and steady tempo, has an easy-flowing piano accompaniment and stirs up some thoughtful lyrics with memorable and warm vocals. Down and dirty blues is what "Dealing With the Devil" is all about with guitar and harmonica riffs complementing the powerful, driving vocals. Country flavor abounds in "Dusty" with an outstanding steel guitar and also offers some great harmony on the chorus. The compilations on this disc confidently alternate a mixture of a good old vibrant and energetic country feeling to a slow and steady blues vibe, which gives this album a nice texture. Don't miss a chance to hear the talented treasures of country and blues on the Rodney Wayne King's great new release, "Another Dirty Deal."

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

Thursday, July 9, 2009

RadioIndy is pleased to present Gary Lee Tolley with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Tybee Tyme"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Gary Lee Tolley with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Tybee Tyme"

Gary Lee Tolley is all over the board on his latest record, "Tybee Tyme." Although most of the tracks have that Jimmy Buffet beach flare to them, there are also some nice hints of country and Irish sounds on the album. The seaside themes are most fitting on songs like "Tybee Island" and "I've Got Mexico." Listen to any one of these tracks and you'll swear you're sitting on the sand listening to the waves rolling in. Tolley also features a cover of the Righteous Brothers classic, "Unchained Melody," a song which Gary performs with his own style and grace. Don't forget to check out "Poor Boys Delight" with its calming Celtic vibe. Tolley does offer an eclectic mix on "Tybee Tyme," but any Buffet fan will dig it for sure.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Gary Lee Tolley 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Game Six with a GrIndie Award for the CD "God, Love & Mexico"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Game Six with a GrIndie Award for the CD "God, Love & Mexico"

The musical duo, Game Six, mixes country music with spiritual themes, tropical, folk, rock, Latin, and jazz sounds on "God, Love & Mexico." Their sound is primarily country, but the choices of instrumentation really throws each song in a different direction. For instance, "Shamrock Bar" has the classic pedal steel sound which is very much associated with country, but it is played more in a Hawaiian/Slack key form with a tropical drum groove underneath. "Bahia de Banderas" is also another unique track that features some eclectic Mexican sounds with a sweet brass section and the occasional Spanish sung vocals. "God, Love & Mexico" is a great CD for any Jimmy Buffet fan as it mixes country with tropical themes throughout.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Game Six 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Saturday, July 4, 2009

"Food To The Hungry" by Gene Strandquist (Country Artist from Alberta, Canada)

Defying easy categorization is Gene Strandquist's ace-in-the-hole on the Canadian singer-songwriter's fine debut CD, "Food To The Hungry." Instead of letting his song craft be defined by adherence to a particular style or genre, Strandquist simply goes for the hook, a strategy that works very well. Indeed, there's a distinct honky tonk feel to 2 songs, the ramblin' CD-opener, "Rangeland Ride," and the hook-laden "I Wasn't Looking" while the closing track, "Distant Sorrow," is an affecting piano ballad of no fixed persuasion. Title song, "Food To The Hungry," with its minor-key resolve, is equally catchy with a Carlos Santana like melody and florid guitar runs while "Standing At My Father's Door" has a wonderful post-Beatles vibe reminiscent of Ringo's early solo hits. If that weren't enough, "Misery" features a positively Dylan-esque like vocal delivery and "Alida" is a very pretty love song. This disc runs full force with seven songs embedded with seven melodic triumphs. File Gene Strandquist's "Food to the Hungry" CD in pop-rock, but know that it's much more than that.

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

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

"Honky Tonk Heaven" by Robin Lee Sinclair (Country Artist from New South Wales, Australia)

Robin Lee Sinclair may be Australian, but don't think he doesn't know a little something about American country music. Boasting 14 tracks abounding in country and country-rock smarts and know-how, Sinclair's CD, "Honky Tonk Heaven," is packed with tuneful and well executed songs showcasing his own and his band's, range and presence. The title track, "Honky Tonk Heaven," makes for a perfect CD-opener, with Sinclair's intense lead vocals soaring on a chorus that is both immediate and timeless. "Country Member" takes it uptown with a fine quick-step shuffle tailor-made for the dance floor, while "Remember Me" is moving and urgent, with shades of Elvis in Sinclair's dramatic reading. Other highlights include "Shannon," an up-tempo number with a splendid banjo backing, "Bouncin' Back," featuring a Jerry Lee Lewis-like piano-pounding-rhythm, and the boppin', 50's-inspired "And Then There Was You." Throughout, though, Robin Lee Sinclair proves himself a polished and seasoned vocalist on his effortlessly pleasing CD, "Honky Tonk Heaven."

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

"Down the Mountain" by Mark Lennon (Rock Artist from Los Angeles, California(CA))

Mark Lennon's third CD, "Down the Mountain," finds the terrific LA-based singer-songwriter continuing his musical journey down that Americana trail blazed by the likes of legends such as Ryan Adams, Gene Clark, and Gram Parsons. And like those notable forerunners, Lennon's ease and naturalness with the country-tinged rock style is as pure as it is noteworthy. With vocal inflections that sound clear-as-mountain-stream authentic, Lennon's songs of love's travails and the struggle to find meaning in mixed-up times, really strike home on tunes such as "What I Could Be With You," "Broken," and the wonderful "My Hometown," a track that recalls American Beauty-era Grateful Dead. As accessible and tuneful as all the songs are, though, Lennon's duet with Simone Stevens on "Wildside" has a fragile beauty that goes beyond questions of style or genre, invoking instead the notion that great music knows no such boundaries. With a multi-textured Americana / Country Rock ensemble providing the perfect backdrop for "Down the Mountain," Mark Lennon's latest CD is a triumph of style and delivery.

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

"Michael Arrington, Vocal & Saxaphone" by Michael Arrington (Country Artist from Tennessee(TN))

Whereas Michael Arrington's outstanding debut CD was a straight-up country effort showcasing the refined singer's well-crafted songs and the classic guitar-piano-steel accessories of the album's country roots, on "Michael Arrington, Vocal & Saxaphone" Arrington and his crack Nashville sidemen deliver a more diverse collection of mainly traditional songs that more than ably cover the rest of Nashville's grand legacy. With Arrington stepping back from the mic to concentrate on his ample sax talents, this 10-song CD of mostly instrumental covers recalls no less a figure than Arrington's childhood inspiration, the renowned saxophonist and bandleader Boots Randolph. With excellent renditions of such traditional nuggets as "Rolling in My Sweet Baby's Arms," and "Rocky Top," and the jazz ambience of "Misty," "Michael Arrington, Vocal & Saxaphone" has a throwback vibe that verily channels a bygone era. In that same vein, Arrington and band tackle standards such as "Summertime" and "Tennessee Waltz" with the kind of detail and precision one would expect from seasoned vets, while a vocal take of Merle Haggard's "Big City" has all the bounce and swing of the original. Michael Arrington and his fine "Michael Arrington, Vocal & Saxaphone" CD is testament to the depths of talent this man has to offer.

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

"Something Old, Something Blue" by Michael Arrington (Country Artist from Tennessee(TN))

Michael Arrington's relaxed tenor voice proves the perfect vehicle for a terrific 10-song collection of traditional country on his debut CD, "Something Old, Something Blue." Actually featuring Loretta Lynn's outstanding backing band, the album swells on polished and dynamic arrangements which, combined with Arrington's often George Jones-like vocals, turn hook-filled, engaging songs like CD-opener, "Austin," or the small-town narrative, "Jack Jolly" into instant classics. The rocking "Where You Been All Night," with Arrington's trademark sax trading riffs with a rollicking honky tonk piano, fires on all pistons, while the Hank Williams-inspired "Hank's Grave" showcases the kind of pedal steel playing to make a grown man weep. Coming from a deep musical family (with roots that reach to the Grand Ol' Opry) Arrington's brand of tradition-steeped country on "Something Old, Something Blue" (particularly comparable to Tom T. Hall) is striking in its purity and honesty on a CD sure to resonate with any and all, traditional country music fans.

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

"Food To The Hungry" by Gene Strandquist (Country Artist from Alberta, Canada)

Defying easy categorization is Gene Strandquist's ace-in-the-hole on the Canadian singer-songwriter's fine debut CD, "Food To The Hungry." Instead of letting his song craft be defined by adherence to a particular style or genre, Strandquist simply goes for the hook, a strategy that works very well. Indeed, there's a distinct honky tonk feel to 2 songs, the ramblin' CD-opener, "Rangeland Ride," and the hook-laden "I Wasn't Looking" while the closing track, "Distant Sorrow," is an affecting piano ballad of no fixed persuasion. Title song, "Food To The Hungry," with its minor-key resolve, is equally catchy with a Carlos Santana like melody and florid guitar runs while "Standing At My Father's Door" has a wonderful post-Beatles vibe reminiscent of Ringo's early solo hits. If that weren't enough, "Misery" features a positively Dylan-esque like vocal delivery and "Alida" is a very pretty love song. This disc runs full force with seven songs embedded with seven melodic triumphs. File Gene Strandquist's "Food to the Hungry" CD in pop-rock, but know that it's much more than that.

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