SELECT ARTIST - Barry Hertz - Cindy O'Neil - Cort Delano - Crystal Kid - Crystal McGrath - Danielle French - DeMayo - Elijah Lucian - Ethan Collister - Fluffy The Pitbull - Freebone - Hardwire Speers - Joelle - John Leeder - Karen Fowlie - Mike R. Schuster - Paul Bezooyen - Phyllis Wheaton - Sarah Beth Keeley - Sora - Heartwood - Sora - Light

LOCAL  CD Reviews               (Posted in Alphabetical Order, except for the most recent at the top) SORA -  Heartwood Two words describe Sora's album, Heartwood. "Oh yes!" Two stars and a warm place await this saprano. A star in Heaven, a star on the walk of fame and a warm place in our hearts. This album leaves no room for for the darkside, though occasionally carressing mystery. Producer Doug Romanow exhibits great sensitivity for Sora's compositions. Using restraint, when so many would not. Brilliant! It's hard to define any one cut. The album as a whole is the one. Heartwood is a moment, an experience. Delightful in one's own space or with an amour. Heartwood is mature, mystical, marvelous. A beautiful work by a beautiful lady, not just in her looks, but in her spirit. A wonderful voice in a score of good feelings... SORA - Heartwood. "Oh yes!" Doc Hidden for Calgary Songwriter.com Read an INTERVIEW BARRY HERTZ - A Cowboy's Prayer Quite simply this is a fine album. The artistry is great. The finger styling of Barry's is precise and beautifully thought out and preformed. Barry, I can see, has worked hard and patiently at his craft. The concept of the album is to bring to life, musically, the poetry of "Badger Clark" a turn of the century Cowboy Poet. The poems are wonderfully written and the music Barry has composed and presented does bring them to life. The musicians he has gathered together for this project are equally precise, involved and interested. This is of extreme importance. A good album, to me, is not simply showing how great one can play, but more, can we "add" to the interpretation of the "Song"; can we bring out the feel, the passion, the motivation of the writer. This album does just that. I was very impressed with Barry's vocals. It was the perfect sound for this project and I am looking forward to checking out his other CD's. The engineering work done by Bruce Hildesheim of Shotgun Shack Studios in Priddis, Alberta, is perfect. You have brought out the talent of all these musicians with a clean and clear recording, well mastered. It is relaxing and engaging to read along as the musicians play. You've grabbed my attention and kindled in me an interest in Cowboy Poetry. I thank you for a job well done. Roland MacKenzie for Calgary Songwriter.com Read the INTERVIEW

CINDY O'NEIL - Flight Pretty cool. A project written and performed by Cindy and her truly "mad" band. A group of top pros [love the flute player] working with an excellent producer in a world class studio. The result is a very slick and polished sound with a hot lead singer stretching out over some really solid R&B/jazz/funk type grooves. The producer here has gone with a "let the music happen naturally" approach to the sessions and it sets a good hip vibe to the whole experience. All in all, the writing’s great, the band's got some serious chops, and the Cindy can scat with the best of them. A great sounding album, professionally done from top to bottom and fun to boot. Boogie on sexy lady... Alex Boisselle ROOTS AND WORLD Read the INTERVIEW

CORT DELANO - Sad Sorry-ass Folk Singer Some albums get over-produced and some, under-produced. But this one finds the happy medium. A very earthy delivery, with no electronic glitter. I could imagine the road travelled, as story joined melody, colored by guitar over-shoulder and a pocket harp, and a few good fellows in fine rhythm. We 'olders' might sense an image reminiscent of a Folk from yester-sixties. But is it the age of a generation, anew with the influences and changes the fore-We instilled, bringing the feelings of today to record? Perhaps it's to become a yester-decade for the now-possessers of youth. Delano delivers. Really raw. And raw is real. And that is good. One can be sure there are many who will love this work. DFaires for Calgary Songwriter.com Read the INTERVIEW CRYSTAL KID -  Crystal Kid Charles and Frank Torrealba (Crystal Kid) want to be heard in the competitive ’jungle’. Their high energy pop sound, influenced by their early years in Brazil and Calgary, Canada, is professionaly debuted in their new EP called 'Crystal Kid'. Charles use of keys and guitar riffs, reach the core, and the drum work is integral to their music. Six tracks of loss and love in rocky, pop style is excellently produced. Franks emotive vocals and the whole ’Crystal Kid’ sound is very enticing - makes me want to see how powerful they must be ’live’. We will be hearing a lot more from this talented duo. P. Threinen for Calgary Songwriter.com Read the INTERVIEW CRYSTAL MCGRATH -  I If a project shows good stuff, it could, by nature, become a likely target for any criticism. I enjoyed "I". Crystal's voice has softness like it's from someone you would like to know. It even fits the picture on the album cover. Good musicianship supports attractive melodies. Easy to appreciate and to listen to again. Co-writer and producer Ryan Hauschild uses an astute approach to support McGrath's sincerety. If there is anything to criticize about the album, it's that some songs weren't long enough and there weren't more positive titles.(whine)  But with that said, it's a project that still has some of us eagerly wanting more. When Crystal McGrath reproduces this live, get a seat in the front row and bring a friend. ..."it's gonna be alright." Doc Hidden for Calgary Songwriter.com

DANIELLE FRENCH - Shadows A captivating experience. A technically top notch piece of work rich in musical texture, lyrical imagery and constantly shifting musical style. At times bordering on world stylings, at times contemporary, at times simply being. This cd is to be played for the pure pleasure of artist as muse. I found myself spinning it time and time again just for the escape. In a nut shell, this is a very refined outing by a group of superb players and a lady with a very interesting imagination. One of the best outings of the year and a must hear. All the best health and happiness to Danielle and friends for the future and good times. Alex Boisselle ROOTS AND WORLD Read the INTERVIEW

DEMAYO - Sangria Blanco A smooth affair.... a sensual experience. This work aptly showcases the considerable ability of Andrew Ibanez [latin string/electric lead guitarist] and his band of world "rockers" as they stretch out on some superb latin/world/gypsy grooves. The music is for the most part instrumental, with a good vocal vibe thrown in, allowing the listener a cool transcending listen. This disc was also very well produced mixed and mastered, you can "feel" the love on every outing. To summarize, Demayo is a top notch group of world music players in the prime of their lives and they have put together a very good disc. Live, they are a hard act to follow and a band to watch for the future. Adios amigos till we meet again... Alex Boisselle ROOTS AND WORLD ELIJAH LUCIAN - Method Of Displacement This is a project which should be listened to on headphones, especially if you are into electroacoustic applications and colourful vocal production. The tone of Elijah's voice shows great intent, evident in songs like "Stand And Fight" and "It's Time To Move Up". There is a Chiefrocka 4 Real remix, featuring Rakeem, which is a bud of genius. The Trip in "Never Understand" is magnetic. I listened to it a number of times. The rhythm of "Who's Got The Time" offers good reason to dance, and "Get On the Dancefloor" second's the motion. Lucian's acoustic applications provide textures that should inspire avid guitarists and enthusists, especially in the electro genre. On a favorites list, there is room for Elijah Lucian. Doc Hidden for Calgary Songwriter.com

ETHAN COLLISTER - Painting Pictures “Painting Pictures” a very cool listen. Ethereal, mystical, worldly, cool. A great vibe for someone considering travel, an excellent travel companion. I found this album to be an inspiring morning charm as well. A soothing morning coffee and a spin of Ethan's tales, helped me through a recent extended illness. This album is also very well produced, ripe with flutes, world percussion, great guitars and excellent lyrical imagery. I also really dug Ethan's Jethro Tullish vocal style. All in all, this album is an understated gem and it finds it's way on my player regularly. I recommend this one highly and want to wish brother Ethan all good travel for the future. Alex Boisselle ROOTS AND WORLD

FLUFFY THE PITBULL - Gabardine Swine Interesting CD. A very good first. Love the band, great restraint, just what's needed, no more no less. If this is the Fluffy sound, I love that too, heavy, chunky, worldy. It's my opinion that Fluffy is utterly brilliant when she lets "armageddon" happen in her lyrics... I would counsel her to "let loose baby" don't bother trying to save us... "this too will pass?" Let it burn Fluffy, let it burn to the ground... rock on sister. Alex Boisselle ROOTS AND WORLD Read the INTERVIEW

FREEBONE - Tales About Toads Saw their picture in Will Sarty's interview, heard the first few bars of their first cut, "Lover Song", and felt "something is going on here". Freebone is outside, without being abnoxious. They are fringy, yet remarkably refreshing in a western kind of way. "Tales About Toads" illustrates the band is awake and energetic. And for a live-off-the-floor recording, it's a fine exposé of their style and musicianship. The vocal combinations of Sarty and Barker display a raw energy, which gives an edge to what they produce. And that's entertainment. DFaires for Calgary Songwriter.com Read the INTERVIEW HARDWIRE SPEERS -  Breakfast At Epiphany’s Throughout the album’s 11 tracks, Hardwire demonstrates his solid guitar playing. His blues style captures the essence of that genre. But it’s not just blues - his fingerpicking and tasty lead guitar work suit the moods of the songs by providing interesting textures that don’t overpower the song. “Bacon and Hotcakes” instantly reminded me of early Bruce Cockburn. It was only afterwards that I learned that Cockburn was one of Speer's influences. “Ain’t Half Empty” is an interesting perspective on a long distance relationship; “Waiting” is a fun song about something we can all relate to. TomP for Calgary Songwriter.com

JOELLE - Pillar of Stone Hot, sexy, modern. This disc makes you want to move. The opening track is a shake down blaster that sets up a truly great set of big, edgy, funky, rockers. The sound is very "produced" but cool and blastin'. The mash, yeah it's great, gets better with each listen; a bitchin', mix cruisin'. A hot vocal. This disc is essentially pro producer/arranger Chris Omartian [pink, hillary duff] working his magic with a rising Canadian songstress. Experience a hot babe and a world class producer steppin' up. So alive, yeah... Alex Boisselle ROOTS AND WORLD Read the INTERVIEW

JOHN LEEDER - Fresh Forest Breeze A fun project with an hilarious hockey song, a romp down the Hudson Bay Line, and some fine pickin' to round out the whole affair. The real standout tracks here are John's own compositions and where the band really steps up. All in all the whole affair sounds like a group of good friends getting together for the pure love of making music. A good vibration, a fresh forest breeze, a refreshing listening experience. All the best to John and friends for the future and I urge him to bring us more of his excellent compositions. Alex Boisselle ROOTS AND WORLD Read the INTERVIEW

KAREN FOWLIE - Pushing The Edge yeah... a hot babe turnin' her life around and never lookin' back, This one pulled it off in style. A move to Van, a hot producer, and a cast of top ne'er do wells, the work kicks off with a country pop number that is essentially candy precluding a trip into "songwritergirl with heavy band land". There are some very cool latin/acoustic flourishes to keep things interesting and as the voodoo develops one begins to appreciate the prowess of the ensemble as a whole. The production here is stellar "Vancouver old school" with guitars grinding and far up in the mix. To the quick, this disc is a blast of west coast pro rock styler crunch with "songstress givin' it all". The word on the street is the disc has been picked up by a Warner affiliate and is on the rise. ... nuff said, rock lives....disc highly recommended. Alex Boisselle ROOTS AND WORLD MIKE R. SCHUSTER - Together The acceptance and support of the staff, board, and congregation at BVCC allowed Mike to develop his songwriting skills to the point that he embarked on this CD project of original worship songs. With over 25 talented players volunteering their time, energy, and talents, and the encouragement of his fellow NW Calgary Worship Pastors, friends, and family; and Anthony Packwood at Trinity Studios working his magic, they released this debut CD "Together" on November 24th, 2006. This CD was truly a group effort. Because of the group effort and the richness of the music, the CD has become one of my favorites. Refreshingly, the lyrics are crystal clear, the music is light hearted and easy to listen to. It lifts the soul to God, and the songs stay in your mind. I find myself humming them for days after I listen to the CD. This project boasts an excellent production, with a great variety of instruments. For the Christian, this is a most worshipful CD that sings praises to our God. I strongly believe that some of the songs contained in this CD will become classics in the Christian music industry. A final note to say that two of the songs have two versions each - Together & Together (Christmas version) with horns, and Unify & Unify (Acapella) - a wonderful feature. This is truly a magnificent album, and one I heartily recommend. Denise Hill Divine Design Creative Services

PAUL BEZOOYEN - Water Under The Bridge Water Under The Bridge is the perfect sound track for a scenic road trip. Gentle, smooth instrumentals relax the overloaded senses and quickly sooth. Pauls’ ballads take the listener on a ‘life’ road trip from first loves like ‘Joni’ to lessons learned in ‘Silent Refrain’. The harmonies and lilt of ‘High Flying High’ is reminiscent of the Simon and Garfunkel sound and yet Paul has his own style going on here. The rich blends of instruments and vocals was calming and overall very peaceful. Paul markets his work based on the ancient tradition of minstrels playing freely for all and patronage supporting their work. Read more at www.thehermitsmusic.com Phyllis Wheaton for Calgary Songwriter.com Read the INTERVIEW

PHYLLIS WHEATON -  The First Song Overall: Amazing! A wonderful work. Like a flower bouquet. Rich and bubbly with surprises unfolding, delightful, theme textures. Beautiful artsy booklet. Good engineering. Nice arranging Sweet home like lyrics. Marketing: Each piece is so full. I think on whole it could be promoted strategically in the form of an awesome gift special or an anniversary compilation. It is simply not a plain Jane work. Effect: There is such a wealth of resource overflowing in each song it seems to me that you could have an even more dramatic impact by including less songs on your cd. I think this is because each song immediately builds an independent theme. You are drawn into the space. A number of your pieces are moving, poignant and deep. Sax Livingstone for Calgary Songwriter.com

SARAH BETH KEELEY - Time After listening to the album several times, I found it to be very well produced, with wonderful instrumentation, strong vocals, and cleverly crafted lyrics. The album starts out with the rollicking, two-stepping favorite "Sometimes Love", this up-tempo song emphasizes Sarah Beth's writing and vocal ability, and provides a nice introduction to the album. The album also demonstrates a variety of Sarah Beth's writing styles from gratitude ("ThankYou. Hopin' You Heard"), to social conscience ("If God could Say Face To Face") and as every good country CD needs, heartbreak ("Once In A Lifetime") and heartache. "When It Rains", the heartache part, is my personal favorite. The poignant feel to the vocals and heartfelt lyrics, complimented by some amazing instrumentation, had me almost crying along. I heard a lot of Leanne Rimes' stylings in this song, and I can't believe she hasn't recorded this wonderful write.note to Sarah Beth.pitch it! As I listened to song after song, I was reminded of another Canadian songwriter, Carolyn Dawn Johnson (whom Sarah Beth credits for her inspiration). Indeed, on many of the tracks, I felt the vocal delivery, subject matter, and overall feel very reminiscent of CDJ. The production, instrumentation and mastering are all top shelf, thanks to great work by local guru Emre uNal, of Em Records & Design, and SBK herself. If I had any one wish for this album, it would be for a few more up tempo songs, as I felt the album started to blend one song into another at times. This is in no way a negative, just my personal preference for dance tunes. All in all, this disc makes a fine addition to any collection, and I eagerly await the next release from this talented performing writer. Jim Munro for Calgary Songwriter.com Read the INTERVIEW

SORA -  Light The first notes of Sora's four-song CD "Light" reminded me immediately of Loreena McKennitt. Almost as immediately, I came to appreciate that Sora is her own performer and has her own sound. Yes there is "that" sound, similar to McKennitt, Enya, Sarah Brightman and others who mine the rich fields of Celtic music and music inspired by Celtic tradition. However, the clean production - provided by Douglas Romanow, who also produced the likes of Ann Vriend - and Sora's clear, classically trained, vibrato rich, style voice make for a set of songs that stand entirely on their own. The first track - The Juniper - is the most like McKennitt/Enya etc with its layered production and story line. The second song - Twilight - starts with a harp and vibraphone arpeggio which leads to more of a broadway style song. The Birch's Lament displays the most mystic storytelling of Celtic tradition. Finally, the title song - Light - has a hint of maritime "drums and fife" (or accordion in the case) feel with a strong sense of motion. On this CD, the music is not as layered and reverb heavy as Sora's previously mentioned contemporaries. The sound and arrangements are cleaner and more classically oriented which gives Sora plenty of room to let her voice loose and take the centre stage - so to speak. If you enjoy any of the artists mentioned above, I'm sure you'll find a welcome place in your CD collection for Sora. ND Speers for Calgary Songwriter.com Read the INTERVIEW

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