"Sparks in the Sky" by Steve Pedvin (Rock Artist from Illinois(IL))

Singer/songwriter Steve Pedvin's engaging style of guitar driven pop/rock is on full display on his excellent CD, "Sparks in the Sky." Often recalling the fertile talents of Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler and particularly his classic "Brothers in Arms" LP, "Sparks in the Sky" 13 tuneful tracks run the gamut of potent rockers such as "Alive," to solemn ballads like "When Lightning Strikes," to feet-tapping swing on "Stuck in a Hole," all the while effected with the know-how and sly humor, of a performer of impeccable artistry. As a guitarist, Pedvin's tone and phrasing are spot on, whether invoking the spirit of Jimi Hendrix on "Nowhere to Go" or providing an acoustic picking-style backing on the solid, folk-like number, "Thirty Five." As a vocalist, he displays a range of tone and inflection that serve the song first and foremost and, as a writer, Pedvin's songs are as original as they are musically satisfying, reminding us all over again why rock 'n'roll remains a vibrant and important art form, even as it nears the end of its sixth decade. Steve Pedvin's aptly-titled "Sparks in the Sky" CD is a vision of musical sparks that illuminates the sky.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"The Emergent Sea" by Roman Rhodes and the Born Again Pagans (Folk Artist from Japan)

It's no wonder that Roman Rhodes and the Born Again Pagans' fine CD is titled "The Emergent Sea." Of its 16 folk / jazz / pop-rock hybrid songs, 8 pieces refer to the ocean - directly or by inference, in their titles. More interesting, is that for this accomplished, multi-cultural band, the predominant sound the unique synthesis of such musical styles evokes is altogether that of California coastline vistas on warm summer nights. Built on light, breezy, and melodic contemporary folk-rock along the lines of Jack Johnson (but incorporating flourishes of late '60's / early '70's pop-rock and jazz styles as well), Roman and his Pagans deliver spirited and decidedly spiritual, tunes that celebrate life and nature with a keen inventiveness, both musically and lyrically. The opening (title) track, "The Emergent Sea," with its free-flight flute backing and tasteful guitar interpolations, sets the tone for the disc, while other highlights incorporate judicious horns as heard on "Odysseus," syncopated rhythms on "A Man Once Called Me," Youngbloods like guitar fills on "Long Talk Off a Short Beer," and even some good-old down-home reminiscing on "Grandma's Telecaster (The Good Old Days.)" "The Emergent Sea" offers an excellent showcase for the skills and influences of players with origins that stretch from Scotland to Japan and sundry points in between, but what ultimately makes Roman Rhodes and the Born Again Pagans' CD so effective is the cohesive, well balanced, and accessible music at its core.

-Rice B & RadioIndy.com Reviewer team
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Featured Single

Band Name: Bold Monkey
Featured Single: Reason of Lovely Demands
Album: Another Way to Say Human Race
Genre: Folk
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"Green Evolution" by Sudama Mark Kennedy (Pop/Rock Artist from California (CA))

Opening Sudama Mark Kennedy's new CD, titled "Green Evolution," is a relaxed, Brazilian-style slice of vocal jazz, "Your Heart Just Knows," serving notice that his Adult Contemporary-oriented and deeply spiritual music is as eclectic as it is accomplished. A guitarist and multi-instrumentalist as tasteful as he is skilled, Kennedy's laid-back style works to perfection whether exploring Indian melodies ("Mystical Envelopment"), mining James Taylor-like easy listening ("Hum Alla Allelujah"), or even creating improvised, ambient New Age soundscapes ("Healing Zither"). A soothing and tuneful singer himself, Kennedy's inventive use of female vocals to counter melodies, or flesh out the harmonics of otherwise spare arrangements, adds yet another dimension to this album's California polish. With a back story as intriguing as his rich, spiritually-based music, Sudama Mark Kennedy's excellent "Green Evolution" is sure to satisfy on many levels.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Curandero "Aras"" by Miguel Espinoza and Ty Burhoe (World/Jazz Artist from Colorado(CO))

Brilliant and amazing is just a start to describe the latest released album "Curandero "Aras," by the highly talented artists Miguel Espinoza and Ty Burhoe, aka Curandero. This six-track disc covers the style of Flamenco embedded with jazz fusion and offers some delightfully interesting and stunning pieces. Incorporating the unique blend of Flamenco guitar, tabla, banjo, and bass the sound textures this group creates is truly fabulous. "Segue" is jazz fire and fury at its best with funky bass lines, driving drum beats, and excellent guitar. Taking the mood to a more serene ambiance, "River" gently flows with a calmness of peaceful tranquility. "Once Upon a Time," features the banjo as the main instrument with an exceptional display of finger picking. Fans of jazz fusion and Flamenco won't be disappointed when listening to Curandero's "Aras," with its creative and distinctive charm of the well-focused and talented cast of musicians.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Nightlife; A Pop-Opera in Three Acts" by Navarro and Stamps (Pop Artist from Texas(TX))

Navarro and Stamps' intriguing album, "Nightlife: A Pop-Opera in Three Acts," with its random and all-too-real sound bites of desultory social intercourse interwoven between and within the framework of its 23 tracks, finds the musicians delving into the dullness of everyday life with sounds & structures that belie the banality of the "night of serious drinking" this album entails. Navarro & Stamps' vocal & instrumental pieces rely on electronic keyboards and sound effects to explore and delineate the moods and states of mind evoked in the erstwhile narrative. Musically, the soundscape ranges from the cartoon-like "Everything is Now," to the no-frills electro-pop "Life is Taking for F--king Ever," to the enigmatically dissonant "Reprise & Postlude," recalling artists as varied and diverse as They Might be Giants and Tom Waits. Taken as a whole, Navarro & Stamps' "Nightlife: A Pop-Opera In Three Acts" is both a provocative and satisfying piece of work that demands, and, more importantly, rewards multiple listens.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"The Jungle or the Stars" by Ballistic Edna (Rock Artist from Illinois(IL))

Returning with "The Jungle or the Stars," an 11-song collection of smart and catchy, guitar-driven alternative pop/rock, the Chicago-based quartet, Ballistic Edna, delivers another CD that succeeds as both a follow-up and as a stand-alone album. "What Was That" opens the album with a power-chord manifesto that features a big, Bangles-like chorus as their two female singers blend voices with an ease that's extremely precise. Also recalling The Bangles, "Hallowed Ground" is a terrific rocker with a dead-on hook, while "Woman" thunders like a long-lost Heart out-take. Elsewhere, "Soulseeker" finds the band playing with Middle Eastern modalities without losing their fundamental rock ethos; experimentation not unlike the early-period of the group REM. Album closer, "Camera" in fact, takes the experimentation a step further, as the band explores an ambient mood that perhaps, suggests a new direction for the band. Kick back and enjoy their new CD, "The Jungle or the Stars" for straight-up, uncomplicated – Heartland-style Rock, as Ballistic Edna delivers the goods.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"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
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"Touch Me" by Vaughn Hemingway (Pop Artist from Missouri(Mo))

Vaughn Hemingway's compelling debut CD, "Touch Me," finds the singer-songwriter experimenting with form and delivery in a provocative 9-song collection that is just elusive enough to defy easy description, but more than potent enough to command deeper scrutiny. Shifting between straight synth-drenched pop "Touch Me," to lo-fi expressionism "Emma," to sprawling, multi-dimensional scores "I Want To Be Your Angel," and "Jerrylin," Hemingway's mainly synthesizer, guitar, and drums backing makes for a stylized, indie map of his musical explorations. The intensity and characteristic quality of Hemingway's performances and unique vocals transcend mere considerations of production or audience formatting. For instance, "Bring Them Home," is a solemn piano-based tune that feels like nothing that came before it, and yet it does not feel out of place on an album bereft of artificial boundaries. The CD "Touch Me" by Vaughn Hemingway will find ready ears with music lovers who appreciate an artist's vision and individualism.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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Featured Single

Band Name: Celeste Friedman
Featured Single: Running With Scissors
Album: The Road to Santiago
Genre: Alternative
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"Old Man Dreamin'" by John Batdorf (Soft Rock Artist from Los Angeles, California(CA))

No stranger to the music scene, John Batdorf has served up another outstanding CD, titled "Old Man Dreamin'," with all the power and punch this artist has to offer. Batdorf uses his vocals, which are strong and possess a soothing quality, to create generous helpings of folk/rock music while he also laces this disc with his sweet acoustic guitar flair. This mixture of eleven songs is packed with energy and catchy lyrics, as you will hear on "What D'Ya Got" and "That Don't Seem Right To Me." The wonderful soft rock ballad, "Will I Love You Forever," tugs at the heartstrings with its memorable lyrics and emotive vocals. The title track "Old Man Dreamin'" is an edgier rock song with country style and has a nice dynamic balance between vocals and instruments. Expressive lyrics, acoustic guitar, and a catchy bass line fuels the fire on "Ain't No Way" with its country tonality and moving beat. Fans of the group Eagles will want to tune in to "Old Man Dreamin'" by John Batdorf, as it is fused with well-written gems of folk/country style.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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Featured Single

Band Name: Jeff Alan Ross
Featured Single: The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Today
Album: Lock My Feelings In A Jar
Genre: Rock
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"One Last Look" by The Buffalo Blues Band (Blues Artist from California(CA))

Buffalo Blues Band's seven-track debut disc, "One Last Look," will lasso listeners in with some tasty bluesy treats. The first spin on this album and also the title track, "One Last Look," brings out the deep and soulful harmonica with absorbing blues riffs. The deep-rooted vocals on "Conoco Saloon Blues" brings together the rhythmic beats of the solid bass and guitar. Taking to the softer side of the album, "Feels Like Rain," strikes a chord of a different note as the charming vocals will sweep you away while the guitar gently plays a sweet accompaniment. The chemistry within the band is clearly heard in "Killin' Floor," as each instrument is strikingly dominant in their rock solid fills and pure intensity to the bouncy beat. Not only will you feel the high amount of energy this group conducts but you will be moved by the tonality of their musicianship. If you're a blues fan, you won't want to miss hearing a beat on the excellent and vibrant new album "One Last Look" by Buffalo Blues Band.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"CrazyMan" by Dave Plaehn (Rock Artist from Oregon(OR))

Singer/songwriter Dave Plaehn releases his third CD, "CrazyMan," packed with adult contemporary compositions that are flavored with tones of bluesy roots and splashed with savory harmonica riffs. Plaehn reaches to his audience with outstanding vocals that are clean and crisp with smooth and soothing clarity. Catchy and bouncy, "What's This Love Thing?" lends an ear to what vocal harmony is all about. Listeners will enjoy how the vocals flow between lead and harmony with stunning style and ease. Soft touches of syncopated percussion on "Shugum Boom" season the clever lyrics and vocals with a tasty tonality. Moreover, "She's Got Kisses (Any Love I've Known)" highlights Plaehn's abilities to perform on the harmonica with bluesy attitude and refined technique. The musicianship displayed on this collection is top-notch, marked by tight and accentuated dynamics. Overall, "Crazy Man" offers some diversity in styles and is sure to please listeners of adult pop with hints of rhythm and blues.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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Featured Single

Band Name: Cagle & Nash
Featured Single: Pick Up the Phone
Album: Soul Complete
Genre: Smooth Jazz
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"Lempi" by Tunto (Jazz Artist from Finland)

Mixing jazz and world-infused explorations of melody and harmony with beats and soundscapes from the electronica school, Tunto's "Lempi" CD is a boldly inventive map into a musical world without borders. With titles that signify many moods such as, "Caressing Music," "Itch Music," or "Yearning Music," Tunto aspires to reveal his imagination is more than up to the task of translating and transposing, raw emotion into music form, a subjective aesthetic that demands no small amount of receptivity and reciprocation from his listeners. Tunto pulls it off quite effectively and this has much to do with the range of textures, vocals and instrumentals, he throws into the mix as well as the musical symbolism his melodies conjure. Tunto's provocative third CD, "Lempi," is an informed rendering of a brave new world of music's breadth and elasticity; an album for jazz, world music, and experimental electronica enthusiasts.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Scratch" by Bela Lugosi (Classical Artist from California(CA))

Stunning and spectacular makes the headlines for Bela Lugosi and their spectacular classical album, "Scratch." Don't let the band name, Bela Lugosi of horror film fame, scare you off, as some of this twenty seven-track disc is dedicated to paying homage to highly acclaimed classical composers such as Bach, Chopin, Brahms, and Mendellsohn. Created by Misha Bodnar, an accomplished cellist, this group rises up to incredible heights with their fantastic abilities. The entire collection of pieces is performed by magnificent and breathtaking strings that are strong and brilliant yet dazzle with emotions pouring from the heart. Listeners will feel the fire and fury of the strings on "Sabre Dance" and "Bach Invention in F Major," as this intense, fevered precision is no easy task. Also interwoven into the disc are clever vocal clips of Béla Lugosi himself on "Béla Lugosi in One Body Two Many" and "Béla Lugosi in The Body Snatchers" which emanates an air of mysterious qualities. Although this may be an odd lot of musicians who may consider themselves gypsy street performers, the quality of Bela Lugosi's classical performances on "Scratch" will show listeners how awe-inspiring and tremendously exquisite this album truly is.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Never Said Good Bye" by Robert R. Patterson (Folk/Blues Artist from Illinois(IL))

Robert R. Patterson's second CD, "Never Said Good Bye" finds the guitarist / singer-songwriter furthering an exploration of his unique songcraft in ways as original and inventive as they are satisfying. A virtuoso on guitar, Patterson turns his acoustic and electric guitars loose over 12 songs that delve into classical, folk, and blues influences which, nevertheless, blend seamlessly into a whole of potent musicality. Where the song "Five Dollar Mohawk" is a blues-rock workout with slashing slide licks, the hauntingly beautiful "Smile Little One" features acoustic picking as delicate as it is pristine. "Little Spanish Evening," an acoustic solo instrumental, is a veritable wordless lullaby, while the CD opener and titled track, "Never Said Good Bye" is an oddly effective composition that's both exotic and eccentric. Much of the album finds Patterson in elemental mode, his lone guitar and rich voice breathing life into songs of loss and redemption, but on the ballad, "Life," a deep and sonorous cello accompaniment raises the performance to solemnity. As second releases go, Robert R Patterson's "Never Said Good Bye" CD is a fine sophomore album, building on the echoes of his first, while pointing forward with his evolving potential.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"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
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