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  Destination

  The songs on LOVETRAIN's long awaited followup range from power pop anthems to acoustic ballads. The album began as an all acoustic demo project with singer/composer Dan Lilley and lead guitarist Mike 'Scatman' Sullivan booking time to flesh out a handful of Lilley's compositions. The session's five songs came out sounding so good that it wasn't long before bassist, John Amitrano and drummer, Phil Hicks were called in to begin recording the next full length LOVETRAIN CD. Further sessions were booked with drums and bass added to the already semi-completed tracks. This tricky maneuver successfully filled out the sound on those first five tracks and the album began to take shape. Another year of regular weekend sessions with the band produced the remaining six tracks which make up 'Destination'. Local legend and friend, John Juxo, is featured on keyboards on more than half of the album. Sadly, Phil Hicks, the band's drummer died in January of 2010 from cancer. The loss of their friend and band mate was devastating to the remaining 3 members. The four guys had been playing together as LOVETRAIN for well over a decade. The bond they formed in those years of making music and hanging out together as brothers is indescribable. The new CD is dedicated to Phil Hicks and actually opens with his voice counting out the beat to the first song. The long desolate highway leading into the great beyond of endless sky depicted on the CD's cover takes on special significance in light of the tragic circumstances in which the disc was released. So does the title, 'Destination'. The word comes from the album's second track, a fairly joyful song about surviving the nightlife and coming home from a typical weekend gig. It also seems to suggest a deeper meaning having to do with the eventual destiny of us all. The sound of the album is rootsy classic rock. The songs will appeal to people who love smart lyrics, catchy melodies, and tasteful playing.

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  • Price: 23.13 EUR excl. shipping
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  Ghost

  Straight from the heart, Tatam displays a unique sound consisting of interwoven acoustic and vocal melodies, tempting the audience to lose themselves in the rich and intricate environment he creates. Born in Edmonton, Tatam spent the majority of his life with a guitar in his hands, and over the past few years, has taken his craft to a new level, developing life's light and shadow into an adventurous account of the tremulous beauty buried deep within emotion. 'Ghost' is Tatam's debut album, focusing primarily on his distinctive finger picking and vocal melodies, with tasteful instrumentation from the piano, double-bass and dobro featured on selected songs. 'Ghost' displays a colourful selection of 10 original songs, all written, performed and produced by Tatam, with help from Steve McGonigle on double-bass and Nathan Burns on dobro. The concept behind the title 'Ghost' implies how a song takes form to fill a gap in an emotional state. Whether it be joy, apprehension or sorrow, each emotion acts as an apparition, and each song describes the shape and character. Words may not always describe how we feel, but the potency of music will always move us above and beyond. 'Ghost' is a pure reflection of the heart, and a personal endeavour that etches mystery and sentiment on a canvas for all to share.

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  • Price: 25.81 EUR excl. shipping
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  Slightly Tasteful

  No description.

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  • Price: 27.19 EUR excl. shipping
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  Solo Guitar

  REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS... '... he sure can play. 'Jazz On the Classic' gives you Pete Smyser as a one-man band. Like Joe Pass, Pete can produce a completely rendered piece-with melody, harmony and rhythm coming from a single instrument. Stylistically, however, Pete goes his own way. How? First off, he's playing a nylon acoustic, which makes for a particular sound, second his improvisations are his own, quite tasteful and articulate, masterful, idiomatic, and imaginative. Joe Pass was all that too, but Smyser gets a different sound and feel. The recording does not produce all the expected shopworn goodies. Smyser picks some of the less played classics, especially when it comes to the guitar. Take for example Alec Wilder's "It's So Peaceful in the Country." Now that's a great tune and he does a terrific job bringing out the beauties of the melody and harmony. Then there's another unexpected treasure: Duke's "Black & Tan Fantasy." Smyser gives it a striding glide, a very adept translation to the stringed world and a bluesy solo too that is quite nice. Miles Davis' first "Milestones" is another one you don't expect to hear in this medium. It is wonderful to hear it like this, though. It makes you remember just how great a tune it is. And the solo Smyser does have some wonderful lines and hip comping at the same time. I could go on, and mention "Red Door," a Mulligan-Sims gem that lays just right on Smyser's guitar. Well I just did. That's enough to give you the idea. This is a fine recording and a real tribute to Smyser's abilities. Any fan of the acoustic will get great pleasure from it. - Grego Applegate Edwards (Cadence Magazine) "In his solo work, the guitarist seems even more patient than he was in the past, more willing in his 20th year as a professional to let the music breathe. The jazz material on the recording shows Smyser's influences, chiefly the lush, evocative chording of Wes Montgomery and the agility of the reigning master-supremo, axe-man, Jim Hall. Don't be distracted by the fact that it is self-released. It is top drawer stuff that deserve some serious listening." -Tim Blangger/ The Morning Call 'I'd be curious to know what kind of response you get from this solo CD. I think it should appeal to a wide audience. It is certainly 'jazz', but doesn't have long solos that seem to drive non-jazz listeners away. It is relaxing (but not Musak or New Age) so it would be good to play while doing desk work (sorry - background!!). The effortless and 'making it sound easy' feel doesn't make it a technical listen but arrangements are very interesting. The musicians will certainly appreciate the difficulty and accomplishment to make it sound effortless. Making difficult things sound easy is the highest level. I hope people appreciate it.' - Bill "...beautifully played by Smyser. 'A Foggy Day' is especially tasty." -Robert Page (owner of The Classical Guitar Store, Phila., PA) "Pete, I just love this classical guitar jazz collection. Wow!!!! The sound is so soulful and intimate because of the nylon strings." -Roger "I LOVE IT! I like it when you work alone best. You are able to completely express yourself and it comes off GREAT!! I am loving it!!" - Jan "I really have enjoyed (your CDs). Your taste, conciseness, and respect for the tradition are rare commodities these days. Congrats on a great product, keep swingin!" - Tom HOW THE RECORDING CAME ABOUT... In 2007, John Arnold (professor of classical guitar studies at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) invited me to perform at the annual Bethlehem Guitar Festival which is rooted in classical guitar traditions. There was, however, an interesting twist to the theme of the festival that particular year - "Jazz on the Classic". Performers were encouraged to incorporate jazz elements into a program that would be performed on a classical (nylon stringed) guitar. With this theme in mind, I set out to put together a solo guitar program that would bridge the two distinctly different musical approaches- classical and jazz. Classical guitar performance usually involves a predetermined and clearly defined arrangement. This involves pre-thinking every detail including all note choices for the arrangement, exact fingering to be used for both the left and right hands, as well as where to play each given note. Jazz enthusiasts champion the ability to play musical ideas spontaneously with little or no preplanning. A jazz performer would typically state the melody once through, then improvise over the chord structure of the piece and, finally, close with a re-statement of the melody. The approach that I settled upon represented a departure from that of any other jazz performance that I had ever performed. The "jazz" elements of this program are represented by, 1. The inclusion of the improvisational middle section of the tunes. 2. The choice of musical selections. Some of the selections are well known American Songbook standards while others were originally composed as instrumental jazz pieces. One song, "Time Will Tell", is an original composition. The "classical" side of the program is represented in three areas. 1. The use of composed arrangements for the melody statements. 2. The music is performed on a nylon string classical guitar (as opposed to the steel string guitar that is more typically used for jazz performances). 3. Classical finger style techniques were utilized exclusively (as opposed to plectrum or pick techniques).

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  • Price: 25.60 EUR excl. shipping
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  Transitivity of Parallelism

  Oregon's most prolific recording and occassional live trio, offer their eighth album of yet more poignant songs, memorable lyrical ideas and musical explorations. Extensive use of spacey string synths has darkened and deepend their guitar orientated pop-rock material, which now features both female and male vocal leads. Far into the Mists is a precise, thoughtful and repeat play kind of number, short, succinct and moody. The band's Moog work embellishes rather than stomps on the material, whilst the ever tasteful and exploratory guitar interplay pushes each song in all sorts of directions. Irresistable hooks and classic rock style riffs make this music somewhat timeless.

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  • Price: 19.90 EUR excl. shipping
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  Potluck

  In this, Wintergreen's second album, the group continues it's exploration of unique three-part harmonies and tasteful instrumental arrangements. The songs include several new Wintergreen compositions as well as new arrangements of traditional material and covers of tunes of well-known folk artists. This is folk-music of the highest quality, informed by both respect for the tradition and originality.

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  • Price: 25.46 EUR excl. shipping
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  You Go to My Head

  Patricia Dean and the legendary Grady Tate are among the few artists in the history of jazz who play drums and sing, and who do both at an exceptional level. Patricia Dean is no mere 'singing drummer' or 'drumming singer'. As a drummer she's an inspiring and supremely tasteful time keeper, accompanist, and soloist. As a jazz vocalist, Dean is swinging, sensitive, and quite simply, just wonderfully musical. This Tampa, Florida native was literally and figuratively surrounded by music while growing up. Her father, formerly lead alto saxophonist on the famed 'Sherwood's Forest' recording by Bobby Sherwood, was also a talented composer, clarinetist, and pianist. Her older brother, an accomplished bassist was already playing in youth orchestras and backing up name acts while still in high school. But what led Patricia to seriously consider a career in music was none other than the singer/drummer Karen Carpenter. Dean went through her 'banging on pots and pans stage' while playing with The Carpenter's records, finally got an actual drum set, began studying privately, and played her first professional gig at the age of 14. Along the way she listened and listened. She sites Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Shirley Horn and Julie London as among her singing influences. Careful listeners may hear some overtones of Dinah Washington, who of course, greatlly influenced Nancy Wilson and Duke Ellington's Betty Roche. Indeed, Dean's version of 'Take the 'A' Train' recalls the memorable Roche/Ellington recording of that song in 1952. What is so special about Dean's singing is that she is equally skilled and convincingas a heartfelt ballad singer, swinging scatter, and evocative interpreter of Braziian melodies. That's rare. In terms of drumming, Dean names Ed Thigpen, Sonny Payne, Tony Williams and Jack DeJohnette as some of the percussionists she listened carefully to. Dean has taken the best of what these players represent and combined them to forge her own, unique identity. Above all, no matter what the style or the song, 'taste' is at the forefront. Pianist Stu Shelton is technically astounding, to be sure, but he's a player who never let's his chops get in the way of what a jazz pianist and accompanist for a singer is supposed to do: swing and support the vocalist in that order. Bassist Rick Doll is a versatile and in demand player who is at home playing virtually any style of music. Guest artist Bob Zottola, who plays trumpet on the gorgeous ballad 'You Go To My Head', was a first call New York city session player who backed everyone from Benny Goodman and Frank Sinatra to Chick Corea and Maynard Ferguson. Highpoints abound in this satisfying and well paced set. Dean's song selection is an eclectic one. Some of these compositions, particularly the minor themed 'Beautiful Love', the lilting bossa nova of 'Little Boat', and the emotional ballad 'Everytime We Say Goodbye', are just not heard very often these days. And they should be. Some others are heard in refreshing hew settings, specifically 'The Lamp is Low' recast with a Brazilian rhythm, and a vocal version of 'If I Were A Bell', most often played as an instrumental. 'Stew's Blues' is the only instrumental of the set, featuring Shelton, Doll and the marvelous drumming of the leader, in some tasty and intelligent exchanges with Shelton. Through the years Dean has worked with any number of jazz legends, including Nat Adderley, Ira Sullivan, Bobby Militello and the late John LaPorta who once remarked about Dean, '...her two and four is so deep'. There is, in fact, great depth and beauty, and some joyous swinging to be heard on every track on this recording. Bruce Klauber, D., Mus.

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  • Price: 23.59 EUR excl. shipping
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  Euskeirea: Basque Irish Connection

  In 2009, Irish musician Niamh Ní Charra invited Basque musician Ibon Koteron to collaborate on a project entitled "The Basque Irish Connection" which, with funding from the Music Network Touring Scheme, performed in venues all over Ireland, and subsequently in the Basque country. Following the huge success of the project in both countries, it was decided to record the material, again with financial aid from Music Network. This impressive album is the result. Showcasing Niamh and Ibon's talent and skill on their respective instruments, along with tasteful accompaniment from Gavin Ralston, it combines Irish and Basque melodies and songs, exploring the common themes running through both traditions as well as highlighting their individual characteristics. Guest musicians: Donogh Hennessy, Robbie Harris, Trevor Hutchinson (Éire), Asier Ercilla, Ruben Isasi, David Nanclares, Xabier Valle (Euskadi).

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  • Price: 15.99 EUR excl. shipping
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  Clouds with Silver

  Featuring eleven finely crafted self-written songs CLOUDS WITH SILVER takes Lisa's blend of exquisitely melodic acoustic music to another level. With most tracks recorded live, the album is infused with a real intimacy showcasing Lisa's soulful and powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics. From album opener, the upbeat radio friendly 'Come Back Down', to the sweeping uplifting "Live Your Life", through to the plaintive yearning ballads "The Boy Who..." and 'Makes Your Heart Sing', the album is full of standout tracks. Other highlights include the dreamy 'Call Me' and 'NY Song' which also display her dynamic and evocative voice and immense gift for melodic hooks. The album closes with live tracks "New Years Day" and "Time to Grow". Recorded live in the studio with just her voice and acoustic guitar, these two tracks totally capture the raw heartfelt emotion of Lisa's live performance. Recorded mostly in New York City at Monkeyboy Studios, the album is co-produced with respected producer and multi-instrumentalist Brad Albetta (Martha Wainwright, Rufus Wainwright, Teddy Thompson) who also adds some subtle sonic dimensions on bass and keyboards. The acoustic songs are also enriched by some truly beautiful string arrangements. "Makes Your Heart Sing" and "Here Alone" feature strings by one of Nashville's most highly regarded producers David Henry (Josh Rouse, Alison Krauss, REM) and New York based violinist Claudia Chopek (Ryan Adams, HEM) created the wonderful lilting arrangements on "NY Song" and "Live Your Life". More of New York's most outstanding musicians guest on some of the tracks. Superb drummer Matt Johnson (Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright) adds his talent to the two full band tracks and the excellent guitarist Jim Campilongo (in Norah Jones's The Little Willies) contributes his trademark Telecaster sound to the upbeat Americana track "When You Come Home". Influenced by classic singer-songwriters such as Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and contemporary artists such as Ryan Adams, Josh Rouse, Mindy Smith, Tift Merritt and Kathleen Edwards, Lisa is a versatile singer-songwriter whose music has been described as delicate acoustic roots pop with heartfelt lyrics, gorgeous melodies and stunning vocals. She has released three acclaimed albums 'Slipstream'(2003), 'Lost Again'(2005) and 'Clouds with Silver' (2008) that have received airplay across the world including Bob Harris's BBC Radio 2 shows. Her song 'Dragonfly' was played on his 'Best of British' show which featured the best British songwriters and in December 2006 she was personally asked to do a live session and interview on the show. February 2007 saw her invited to appear as the special guest at a 'Bob Harris presents..Americana' showcase at London's Borderline. In 2007 she also released an iTunes only acoustic album, 'Lost Again - The Acoustic Sessions'. A compelling live performer, Lisa has performed prestigious venues in the UK, Europe, NYC and Vancouver and opened for many respected artists including Chuck Prophet, Kathryn Williams, Brian Kennedy, The Handsome Family, Devon Sproule, The Hot Club of Cowtown, The Deadstring Brothers, Eileen Rose, Rod Picott, Gina Villalobos, Corb Lund, Boo Hewerdine, Eve Selis, Jess Klein, Johnathan Rice, and Kate Campbell. First album 'Slipstream' captured a very acoustic sound while 'Lost Again', produced by Gabriel Minnikin, a former member of acclaimed Canadian alt-country band, The Guthries, took her blend of exquisitely melodic country pop to another level with beautiful lush arrangements and an increase in instrumentation. Lisa's previous albums, Clouds with Silver is distributed through Proper Distribution, the UK's biggest independent distributors, who feel it is 'a very strong and confident piece of work that deserves to be heard'. It earned even more glowing press reviews, airplay on BBC Radio 2 and other radio shows and been the most successful release to date. Praise for Clouds with Silver 'A beautiful album..it really is' Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2 'Excellent new album...a real step up in sound for Lisa, the quality and profile of the guests are guaranteed to raise her profile both here and the US, and this is an album that will bring her to an even wider audience.' Fish Records. 'a very strong and confident piece of work that deserves to be heard.' Proper Music Distribution 'a sensational breeze of fresh air. The lyrical and vocal content of all 11 of Lisa's self-penned songs, provide a longing for more and more accomplished singer-songwriters like herself to come out of the woodwork...a fantastic insight into a world of love, loss and changes' Maverick Magazine **** She has really developed as both a songwriter and performer has our Redford, the London-based songwriter who has surpassed all her previous work with this beautiful record...There is a warmth and welcoming vibe to Redford's music that really is difficult to resist. Given that a lot of these songs seem to be about failed love or unquenchable longing, it's an acute sense of melody and delivery that stop this becoming just another rummage around a broken heart. Musicianship is top class with strings being a welcome and unobtrusive addition. Her voice - sweet, sultry, sensational at times - becomes an old friend after a few plays and when at it's best really does find a way of piercing the old emotional ducts. Bob Harris, the patron saint of female singer-songwriters, has Redford right up there at the top of the pile. It's easy to see why with 'Clouds With Silver' potentially being the record that will catapult her to new heights. Yeah, liked this one, mighty fine indeed. Americana UK - 8 out of 10 This is classy and assured. Lisa is one to watch for sure.' Properganda magazine Clouds with Silver is Redford's best album so far. Her pure, pretty voice has developed a deeper resonance and character and her attractive melodies and thoughful lyrics have become more consistent and finer crafted. Country Music People Magazine tellingly it's the soaring yet intimate vocals of Redford that shine throughout...She adds smouldering depth to fine self-penned material such as 'NY Song', 'Live Your Life', 'The Boy Who...' and 'Time to Grow'. Her grasp of texture, mood and fearlessness in giving it her all, I suspect, comes with the realisation that she actually possesses a voice able to do her musical vision justice.' R2 Rock n Reel Magazine **** 'Lisa Redford is a breath of fresh air. Hers is a pure and quite lovely voice which delivers some sweet Americana-tinged songs from the heart, all done to tasteful acoustic arrangements including some nice fingerstyle guitar. ' Manchester Evening News 'Lisa has already been described as, 'one of our finest singer/songwriters, by BBC Radio 2's Bob Harris and I would not argue with a Bob recommendation. This is melodic acoustic music of the finest quality, gentle, soulful and uplifting at the same time. The end result has been achieved by recording in New York City with some of the best in the business and with two albums behind her the apprenticeship is complete. She mixes delicate and melancholy with the upbeat with ease and should sit pretty either side of the pond!' Classic Rock Society Magazine 'Redford has grown in both confidence and stature as both songwriter and singer for her best album to date.' Fatea Magazine 'Radio 2 playlist here you come' **** The Event Magazine 'heartfelt acoustic folk-pop gem' Going Out Magazine, Evening News 'an accomplished and melodic achievement' In-Sync Magazine.

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  • Price: 20.35 EUR excl. shipping
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  Here Now

  As her voice emerges you are drawn in by it's natural strength and intimacy. Introducing Cat Martino, whose music lives in the space between transcendent poetry and raw reality. Cat's songs are filled with wonder, exposing honesty that dares to delve into what is both light and dark. Intimate love songs shift to pure rock expressions, as you travel from the warmth of her home to the good night streets with her city vamp. Cat's refreshing and original approach to live performance has been turning heads in her home town of New York City in such venues as the Living Room and Lakeside Lounge, as well as on the road. Now, with the release her debut full-length CD, 'Here Now', we are given the key to the real range of her artistry. Cat plays guitar and piano with instinct and ear, and spins entrancing melodies her own way. Whether Cat plays solo, or she is joined by cello and violin, amid layers of sonic guitar, bass, and drums, be ready to go on a ride. 'Here Now' was co-produced by Cat Martino along with with Jack Petruzzelli (Rufus Wainwright, Joan Osborne Band) and Jimmi Zhivago (Ollabelle), both multi-instrumentalist veterans of the New York music scene and beyond. These songs move from dreamlike vistas to edgy urban landscapes, maintaining universal accessibility while bearing their original 'Cat' mark. Acoustic songs like 'Castles' and 'Thank You' are filled with a simple vulnerability that will travel right to your heart's core. Then she let's loose into full on pop-rock in 'Here Now' and 'Good for the Country'. Course, don't forget the gems, 'Cover/Uncover it', where Cat's voice unfolds within layers of beats and twinkling sound, and the timeless, moody piano of 'People Talk'. Just when you think you've heard it all, the album tops it off with 'Forgot How to Fly', an alt-country favorite. Full band, string, and piano arrangements are enhanced by wurlitzer, omnichord, and electro-guitars. All this is done with a tasteful ingenuity that is all too often bypassed in the production of much modern music. 'I titled the album Here Now to celebrate this moment in time, while looking forward to always exploring new sounds and styles. It's about letting yourself be who you are, where you are. It seems like the industry is always eager to categorize musicians, especially women. I didn't want to be labeled 'rock chick' or 'folk chick', so I allowed myself to experiment, and go with what felt organic. I was falling in and out of love, feeling the chaos of the city...and now I am free to move on, my writing is transforming, going so much deeper...'

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  • Price: 26.50 EUR excl. shipping

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