Name: Erik Ringstad

Contact: rekidirt@msn.com

Reviewed: March 2, 2008

Reflections, Erik Ringstad

Soloist, Erik Ringstad’s new CD entitled Reflections, features his original jazz ballads and compositions while showcasing his sophisticated guitar playing technique. His music expresses the fruits of introspection which he shares so eloquently. Reflections is a journey of serenity and joy. Erik Ringstad's gentle phrases seem to laugh and smile while emitting his inner peace and happiness. This he accomplishes with an infectiousness most notable in track 11, BT34, conveyed by laughterlike pitches and tones. This CD is a pleasure to listen to and is in the mellow, instrumental, jazz genre of music. The recording quality is excellent and the overall production is very professional.

Eric Ringstad is a performer, composer and instructor in the Boston area. He attended Berklee College of music and majored in Jazz composition and guitar performance.

For more info on Erik Ringstad visit:

www.erikringstad.com

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Name:

Josh "Decibel" Weinstein

Contact:

decibelofficial@gmail.com

Reviewed 12/07

The CatWoman EP, Decibel

The Catwoman EP by New York city’s solo artist, Josh Weinstein (aka Decibel), is in the acoustic blues/rock genre of music. It features his songwriting, guitar and vocal style. His voice is full, resonant, and breathes eroticism. Decibel’s lyrical style describes situations which are so vivid, one can almost see, hear and taste his experiences. His songwriting style conveys his deep understanding of the here & there and he’s there, he’s here. Being able to relay this in his music illuminates wholeness and this is what he does so well; he brings it all together. Everything of which he is made of is all right there in his music. Josh Weinstein’s musical style encompasses the human attribution of pain and transcends it into a work of art. This is what artistic expression is all about. I love the feel and vibe of this EP including Josh’s singing, his rhythmic guitar strumming and electric guitar accents which further enhance and mesmerize the listener. I know that I will be listening to this CD a few more times!

For more info on Decibel visit:

www.myspace.com/decibelofficial

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Name: Carlyn Hutchins

Contact: info@carlynhutchins.com

Reviewed 11/06

"Lust Love Lost", Carlyn Hutchins

Some songwriters work hard at developing their craft but, for others like Carlyn Hutchins it comes all too easy. Her latest acoustic, folk/rock CD entitled, "Lust Love Lost", features Carlyn's songwriting, lead vocals and rhythm guitar playing while accompanied by bass, electric guitar and percussion. Her rhythm pounds like a drum. She emits a great deal of energy into her songs as heard in the songs, "Habit" and "Come On Over". Carlyn Hutchins is a natural born singer with a tone that is saultry and raunchy. Especially pleasant to the ear is her high vocal register which flows from her like sweet sap oozing from a Sugar Maple.

To purchase "Lust Love Lost" and for more info on Carlyn Hutchins visit:

www.carlynhutchins.com

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Name: Linq

Contact: info@linqmusic.com

Reviewed 11/06

"Fast Moving Dream", Linq

Linq's newly released CD entitled, "Fast Moving Dream", gives rise to issues such as poverty vs corporate greed, war/peace and homosexuality. She also writes about love and friendship. Track one, "Victim of War", has a bluesy feel to it but, mainly her CD is in the folk/rock genre of music. The CD showcases her versatility as a songwriter, vocalist, rhythm guitarist and organist. Like her lyrics, Linq’s voice is powerful. She has the ability to capture peoples attention with a voice that is emotionally fueled and hauntingly rememberable. Warning to listener’s, Linq’s sustained notes may induce chills down one’s spine. Her vocal pitch is similar to Sarah McLachlan’s low register vocal range. FMD is a full band production and the recording quality is excellent.

To purchase "Fast Moving Dream" and for more info on Linq visit:

www.linqmusic.com

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Name:

Patti DeRosa

Contact:

info@pattiderosa.com

Reviewed 01/06

"Paradise", Patti DeRosa

"Paradise" is an acoustic, folk CD featuring songs written and performed by Patti DeRosa. Her songs resonate of social justice, spirituality, love and fantasy with a dash of satire. Her songwriting style is similar to the songs of Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Buffet and Bob Dylan. Patti DeRosa is a skilled songwriter, talented singer and refined guitarist. Her bluesy, sultry voice is like icing on the cake. Patti D has an enchanting way of drawing the listener in and connecting with the human spirit. I enjoyed how Patti's songs hint at crossing over into the folk rock, pop folk and gospel genres of music. The bonus blues track at the end of the CD is the final ingredient that makes "Paradise" a celebratory collection of songs.

For more info on Patti DeRosa visit:

www.pattiderosa.com

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Name:

Nicolas Hernandez

Reviewed: 03/06

"Buscando mi voz", (finding my voice) Nicolas Hernandez

Nicolas Hernandez's voice dances and oscillates, illuminating the spirit with each vibrating impression on the listener's mind. His deep rooted flamenco guitar style of playing fused with world music reaches and touches the very core of the audience's heart and soul. With each intricately played note, Hernandez reflects moments of life in a kaleidoscope of colour. Music, like a painting can say a thousand words. Ah, life, with all it's sorrows, passions and beauty...we are human beings, mortal beings. Nicolas Hernandez is a virtuoso. Magnificent!

Nicolas Hernandez is the music director for the Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance company. He has played with top world musicians including, Kiran Ahluwalia, Sonia Collymore and Jesse Cook. He has accompanied world renowned flamenco dancers, Manolete, La Tati, Andres Marin and more.

To purchase Nicolas Hernandez's CD debut and for more info visit:

www.nicolashernandez.com

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Name:

Joe Blanda

Contact: blandajb@aol.com

Reviewed 11/05

“Acoustic Muse”, Joe Blanda

Joe Blanda is a singer-songwriter/guitarist from Austin, Texas. His third CD release entitled, “Acoustic Muse”, demonstrates his many talents in the blues, pop and rock genres of music. His songwriting style is catchy, serious as in “Everything but You”, and at other times almost animated as in, “Rain Forest Monkey”. Joe Blanda’s voice is beautiful. He sings with passion and resonance. His guitar playing is rhythmic and versatile. Entertaining, definitely! This CD is a must have for acoustic music lovers. The production is excellent and there are plenty of voice and guitar overdubs. I really enjoyed listening to this CD but especially liked track 7, “Take Time to Love”, it’s a real gem of a song. I’ve already added this CD to my music collection.

For more information on Joe Blanda visit:

www.cdbaby.com/cd/blanda

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Name:

Esmirelda & The Tidbits

Contact: esmirelda6@aol.com

Reviewed 09/05

“Big Yella”, Esmirelda & The Tidbits

“Big Yella”, released in August 2005 by the DC rock’n roll band Esmirelda & The Tidbits is high energy, guitar driven, feverishly hallucinogenic and delivers power packed vocals by Esmirelda herself (vox & rhythm guitar). Imagine Frank Zappa, Ozzy Osbourne and The Ramones having written a song and having it sung by a singer that sounds like a cross between Courtney Love and Grace Slick. “Big Yella”, is a collection of good time rock’n roll tunes with a twist of satire, the kind of music commercial radio should be playing. This CD is a sure hit and the production is excellent. I enjoyed listening to all the tracks on this CD, but especially liked “Ripped up Valentine” and “Frustration”.

Esmirelda has won sixteen Washington Area Music Awards and two Billboard Awards for songwriting.

For more information on Esmirelda & The Tidbits visit:

www.meetthetidbits.com

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Name: Kathryn Grimm

Contact: grimmmusic@yahoo.com

Kathryn Grimm "Grimm Again"

Kathryn Grimm is a blues/rock guitarist  who also sings and writes her own music.  Her CD entitled, "Grimm Again" evokes the styles of Jimi Hendrix and Bonnie Raitt.  Kathryn can sing like a bird or scream with deliverance.  She is one of the best female blues guitarists in the independent music scene.

I really dug track 7, "Wishing Well"   for it's originality and groove. I also enjoyed track 9 "The Way I Feel"

"Grimm Again" is available at:

www.cdbaby.com and her web site.

For more information on Kathryn Grimm visit:

www.kathryngrimm.com

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