ALBUM REVIEWS

Carry The Light by Kelly Richey

Kelley Richey is a woman that knows how to play the blues. She's been playing since a young age and has been compared to everyone from Stevie Ray Vaughn to Janis Joplin. If you like your music with a blues/rock edge this is for you. She's not inventing anything new on this cd, but she takes the familiar and makes it her own her. While I might not place her on an equal footing with Stevie Ray I would say that she is a very talented guitarist and certainly knows how to play very well.

ALBUM REVIEWS

Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra

This is an self titled album with a mouthful for a title, but it's a name you should remember. This is a band and an event, created by a man from New York but evoking the music and world of New Orleans. When I put this cd in my player and the first song "A Child Shall Lead" started I had to check the linear notes to make sure that this wasn't a record made in New Orleans. It has the good time, fun feel of the best music from the crescent city. Their description of their music is that it....

blends together the perfect gumbo of New Orleans party music, Soul in the style of Ray Charles and Al Green, a good helping of jam-bandy Roots Rock and a righteous splash of good, upbeat Gospel without the religious overtones (we like to call it "Secular Gospel").

This is an album I've listened to many times already. A Child Shall Lead, Bon Temps Roulez, O Moses, Bury Me In New Orleans are great songs. When he slows down and plays more of a love song he loses some of that energy, but luckily most of the songs more than make up for any such lack with more than enough spirit.

SIMPLY SIX: Phoebe Sharp

Phoebe Sharp is a singer/songwriter from Tennessee.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

To be honest, I can't remember there being a specific defining moment where I suddenly decided that I wanted to be a singer. I definitely don't have such epic memories as watching Elvis or the Beatles for the first time. Music was just part of who I was from birth. It just came naturally. Although none of my family is musical, I for some reason had this overwhelming desire to create music. From about 3 or 4 years old I started to create little songs, granted they were certainly not grammy winners! I always wanted to create music, however I think the moment that I realized that being an artist was not just a dream but a very real possibility was when I met the band Pairadeux from Denver, Colorado in 2006. They taught me a lot about songwriting and helped me to record some of my songs. They also introduced me to the Kaua'i Music Festival in Kaua'i, Hawaii where I made some fantastic industry contacts and got introduced to my producer in Nashville, Cliff Downs. Another little fun fact that has always stuck with me may sound crazy, but my Mom got talked into seeing a psychic by her friends when I was only a little baby and the psychic told her that I would travel the world because of music. Quite the freaky coincidence that I am actually pursuing music! :)

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

When I'm not creating music, I absolutely love to listen to the greats like The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Eagles, and Michael Jackson. I also love some more current artists such as Ben's Brother, Sara Barielles, Coldplay, The Fray, Demi Lovato, and U2! I basically love any type of music so I listen to a lot bands, but it would take way too long to list them all!

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

I would say my greatest moment as an artist so far was not from performances, but actually happened just recently online. I have been getting a ton of support from fans on my myspace page and they have been sending out bulletins to their friends trying to spread the word. Just recently I discovered that two of my fans made videos telling people how much they loved my music and telling everyone to check it out! They are even making videos to my songs. I think that's the most rewarding moment as an artist to know that your music touches people and that they care about it so much that they are willing to do whatever they can to help you out and tell everyone about it!

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

I definitely believe with all my heart that music can change the world. Music is the universal language. It speaks to people in a way that words alone cannot. It reaches deep into the soul and can draw up overwhelming emotions in people. It can inspire them to do things that they never thought were possible. Music can be very powerful and if used in the right way, can help spread the word about making our world a better place.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Technology has definitely affected my career as a musician. It has allowed me not only to have the ability to record tracks in my own home, but has also allowed me to create instrumental tracks in the studio that I would normally not have had access to. It allows you to create an entire orchestra with only a midi hookup and a keyboard, although nothing can beat the real instruments of course. It also has allowed myself, and other artists around the world to create new unique, synthesized sounds and effects to fully convey their concept for the song. With the new technology, there are almost limitless possibilities to the sounds that can be created. But there is more than just recording technology that has forever changed the music industry. The internet has become a huge force recently, allowing artists like myself to promote, share, and sell their own music independently through sites such as myspace. It has allowed me to share my music with people from around the world who normally would not have been able to hear it! Technology is fabulous! However with it comes disadvantages such as illegal downloading of songs which is really affecting the music industry and artists! I tell everyone I can to please support their artists and purchase their songs :)

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Wow, this is probably the toughest question yet! :) Hmm...I would have to say that I would be a flip flop. I absolutely love flip flops, especially because I am obsessed with Hawaii and that is definitely the official shoe over their (although they are called "slippers" there!). :) Flip flops can be fancy and cute but they can also be comfortable and easy going. I guess my personality is sort of like that :)

Help Phoebe Sharp

Phoebe Sharp is a singer/songwriter from Tennessee. She's working on an album and needs helping in picking what music she should put on it. I think this is a very cool way to get people interested in what she's doing, so I wanted to help her spread the word. Go check out her site and vote.

Hey everyone!,
I have been writing a lot of new songs lately and I NEED YOUR HELP to decide which one I should record and make a small music video for! I'm going to be posting 3 videos, one each week (on Tuesdays, starting today!) and I need you to vote for which one you like the best! I will record the one with the most votes! Watch this video to tell you all about it! Check out my videos on my myspace page!!! :) Thank you so much for your support!

~Phoebe Sharp :)

NEW SONGS! Vote for your favorite! (Introduction Video)

Who Do You Think Creates Some of the Best Music Never Heard?

Any readers know of a singer or band that they think should have more exposure? Who do you think makes some of the best music most people have never heard? Let us know in the comments section and include a link to their myspace or webpage. This is your chance to let everyone know what you think.

SONG OF THE WEEK

This week's song is from the recent Simply Six. It's by Stark which is lead by the talented singer/songwriter and rocker Lani Ford.

SIMPLY SIX: Stark

Stark is Lani Ford with changing members rounding out the band since they started in New York City in 2003.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

My mother was a classical pianist and church organist. I heard classical music and hymns since before I was even born so as soon as I could make noises I started singing. As soon as I could talk I started making up my own songs…about 3 years old. Later, I voraciously listened to any music I could find, memorized all the words and made up song and dance acts. After seeing Wizard of Oz and getting a Judy Garland album, you couldn’t stop me. Glen Campbell, Judy Garland and Linda Ronstadt were my mainstays before 10 years old. Don’t ask me why.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

Depends on the mood I’m in. I have extremely eclectic tastes in music but the theme of either angst or misery with some kind of rebelliousness is probably always present. I listen to a lot of local/independent bands like Bantam. New Professionals, I.C.U., F.P.ToZ, Statues of Liberty . I love Marianne Faithfull, Etta James, Janis Joplin, Sass Jordan , Tori Amos, Eminem, Rosemary Clooney, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, Sabbath, Agnostic Front, AC/DC, Heart…I could go on and on.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

Every time someone says they can’t stop listening to one of my songs or that they felt like someone got them when they heard my song. That’s always so humbling and inspiring and makes me remember why I keep torturing myself with all this.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

I’d like to believe music can change the world. I think it keeps some cultures alive when people are taking part in it. Can Nickelback write a song that will stop war? I don’t think so.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

I think technology has taken a lot of the artistry away. It’s become formulaic. I don’t know if my career would have ever been really any different but I still do analog recording which if a defiant move away from the technology. I think we’re even going to go vinyl for the new album…but we’ll also have download cards…so technology won’t go away…you have to use parts of it and just do what you believe in. I like that old fat sound so pro tools just doesn’t do it for me.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Combat boots.

Bumper Sticker

We've just released a new bumper sticker for Voices to hear. Go check it out here. Every car should have one on its bumper. Help spread the word about what a cool site Voices to hear is.

SONG OF THE WEEK

This week we present Maggie Brown and "Forty Dollars." Maggie is a semi local artist, she lives in Mississippi but plays around here enough to be considered local. Maggie is one of my favorite artists, even though I have yet to be able to see her live, everytime she is playing near me something comes up preventing me from seeing her. Still I think she has a great sound and should be heard on the radio.

SIMPLY SIX: Jennings

Jennings is a singer/songwriter from Nashville Tennessee.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

I think since I was really young I dreamt of being a singer, but the moment where I decided I would pursue my dream with every ounce of my being was the death of my mother. She was my best friend and her death was very sudden. It made me realize how unpredictable and often short life could be, so at that moment I refused to do anything with my life that I didn’t want to do. It not only provided me with the drive to go after it, but the inspiration for a lot of the music.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

Wow…well I have a lot of favorites. Currently it is Imogen Heap, Frou Frou, Annie Lennox, Goldfrapp, Celtic music and a lot of my singer/songwriter friends’ music. My taste in music is pretty broad, but I love pop music the most probably.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

I would say one of the coolest live moments I have had was opening on five tour dates with Mike Doughty (formerly of Soul Coughing). His fans were wonderful and welcoming, the traveling was exciting, and watching Mike perform was awesome and a great learning experience.
Off stage, I would say that my greatest moment was getting my first piece of fan mail. I still have it. It was so cool to have someone that I didn’t know at all tell me that my music inspired him or her and that they listened to it every day. Nothing can be more flattering!

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

I think music can absolutely change the world. I don’t think that it is the one thing that will cause the world to turn around, but music inspires people. Depending on the song it can lift people up, bring people down, and really create a multitude of emotions. From these emotions, people can be motivated to create change. Without music, I think the world would be a very quiet and dull place.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

I think technology has really driven the music industry to another level really. Some might say it’s bad and some might say it is good. With all of the new technology, people don’t have to be that talented in music. The new tools can correct your vocal pitch, play instruments for you, and even write a song for you! In a lot of ways that has been great for people, but I think sometimes it can be deceiving. The worst thing to me is hearing a song on cd that I really love and think is fantastic, then going to the live show and realizing this person does not have half the talent I thought they did.
Overall though, I think technology is a great thing! It has allowed me to become a better music, make records, and, with the new computer/internet technology, promote and share myself to the world! I don’t think that the improvement of technology in the music business will ever be a bad thing so long as it is used well.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Hahaha! That’s a great question. I would probably say a really cute pair of slightly heeled, slouch boots. For starters, I wear them all the time. But also they are comfortable, they are a little vintage, and they make everyone look a little taller. I think I am generally a comfortable person, I definitely have a vintage style, and I am so short that I make anyone look taller. ☺

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SONG OF THE WEEK

This week's song is by one of the most talented musicians out there. I've written about him before and I'll write about him again I'm sure. I'm talking about Will Hoge. I truly believe that it's people like Will Hoge that are the future of the music industry. Will was in a very serious accident not long ago, but he's mending and back playing music. He's done some limited touring and is putting the finishing touches on a new album that will hopefully be out soon. This is a live version of "Ain't No Sunshine."

Still Here

I know it's been awhile since any posts have been made on here for which I heartily apologize. Things have been hectic around here lately, what with a hospital stay and other fun things. I'm hoping events are settling down and I plan to be posting back on here by the end of the week. My goal is to write a few different posts a week, so it'll be worth visiting here on a regular basis. Thanks for everyone's patience.

SONG OF THE WEEK

This week's song is "Orphan Train" by Julie Miller. Julie makes music on her own and with her husband Buddy, but she doesn't make enough of it. It's been a long time since she's done a solo album, but luckily she did work with Buddy on their recent album Written In Chalk.

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Jazz Fest: Patty Griffin

Patty Griffin is an acclaimed singer/songwriter that gave one of the best performances of Jazz Fest. She's probably better known for some of her songs that other more famous people have covered. Dixie Chicks covered "Top of the World." Kelly Clarkson did "The Mountain" on one of those American Idol specials a few years back. I was surprised by the core group of her fans that were there. There was quite a group of people that knew her every song. It was a great show.

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