Control Escape

CD: Generation Of Waste

Track Added: “Erased”

After scanning the track listings (titles like “Back On The Drugs,” “Kenny's Big Adventure,” “Animals Will Hurt You,” and “We Went To Ireland”) I was pretty much predisposed to expect something… different. Those suspicions were confirmed right from the drop of my digital needle, as track one opened with the grinding drone of electric fuzz guitar. I wasn’t quite sure where this was going… until, rising from the grind, starts some very palatable ‘90s style alt rock. This band is loaded with electricity, in the sound, the lyrics, the production and performance. Driving beats, strong vocals, nerve-edge guitar work—its all there.

The Nouveau Honkies

CD: Where Do I Go?

Track added: “Brain Storm”

Over the last 13 years, The Nouveaux Honkies, have built up quite a following around Port Salerno, Florida. In fact, they’ve gotten quite a name for themselves throughout the southeast with their unique sound and blistering presentation. This quartet’s well conceived interpretations of blues and R&B classics, enhanced with the retro approach of Tim O'Donnell (guitar/vocals) original material, provides the fire power needed to headline any show. Their new CD, Where Do I Go, is a non-stop, rough, raw and raunchy ride into a type and style of music that defies categorization. Right when you think the Honkies are about to hit the mainstream highway comes a power slide, and it’s back out into the wild wilderness of alternative blues, rock, and Country. Don’t let the cover fool you – this is not fiddle music.

Jann Klose

CD: Reverie

Track added: “Beautiful Dream”

What impressed this reviewer most about this CD is the depth and complexity of each track. Not only does Klose deliver original and well-versed lyrics, the arrangements and backing tracks are a story unto themselves, illustrating this artist’s penchant for providing a full production throughout the CD. If this were a wine tasting, I’d describe Reverie as original, with pleasing hints of Paul McCartney and Phil Keaggy, leaning toward the commercial side of pop, but staying far enough out of the mainstream mold to maintain its own true identity.

Mike Aiken

CD: Hula Girl Highway

Track added: “Thick Black Water’

If you read Mike’s column in SAM #51, then you already know the side story that goes along with recording of Hula Girl Highway in Nashville. The show must go on, and, although Mike and wife Amy were (between recording sessions) dealing with the aftermath of having their van busted into, you’d never know it. Hula Girl Highway is a showcase of Mike’s very genuine, unpretentious and laid-back style. He can roam from Allman-ized Southern Rock, to Jackson-ized Country, to Buffett-ized pop and Texas Swing, without skipping a beat or losing energy.

Andrew McKnight

CD: Something Worth Standing For

Track added: “Something Worth Standing For”

Andrew has been on tour as a solo singer/songwriter and guitarist for more than 15 years. He is a musician first and foremost, who lays down a powerfully popified, acoustic/electric string band sound that’s more Southern Rock than folk. His latest CD, Something Worth Standing For, showcases his musical artisanship and mastery of songwriting. This well-produced CD is a virtual feast of haunting blues, driving anthems, rustic rock, and a touch of swing. Whether it’s the full electric band or just Andrew and his acoustic, every cut on this CD is pleaser. We're giving this one a "Highly Recommended" and adding the title track. (Submitted via Sonicbids)

Ella G'Sell

CD: Just That Beautiful

Track added: “Just That Beautiful”

On her latest CD, Ella G’Sell gives us multiple compelling performances that really stretch the definition of Adult Contemporary to its extreme outer limits... and beyond. Here’s a vocal-driven sound that runs from sweet and sexy to right in-your-face. Ethereal at times, the supporting instrumentation seems to have a life of it’s own that blends well with Ella’s vocal contortions. Theology emerges as a major theme in both her life and daring lyrics; she respects all spiritualities that aim to augment a truer compassion between peoples and faiths. We’ve selected “Just That Beautiful” for your listening enjoyment. (Submitted via SonicBids)

Sean Fournier

CD: Oh My

Track added: “Broken Stereo”

Sean Fournier is not only an exceptional singer, songwriter and musician, he also has a firm grasp on what it takes to get his music heard. Just go to his web site and you can download a free copy of this terrific collection for your very own. Sean’s brand of pop has a recognizable sound that’s infectious, fun and impossible to get out of your head. In addition, it’s a prime example of how, with today’s recording technology, one talented individual, who can play multiple instruments, can create an entire CD. So, before you do anything else, take Sean up on his offer and download your own free copy, your MP3 player will thank you, and so will your musical sensibilities. (Submitted via SonicBids)

Jordan Carp

CD: Spaceman

Track added: "Fantasies Of You"

This is one of those CDs that really smudges the line between music and audio performance art. Carp sets the stage for his third CD with a few moments of synthetic drama. Strange rhythms, other world effects and compelling lyrics with heavy processing create a very dark and moody tone. By track 3, the clouds lift and we see a sunnier side of Carp’s music. It all works together for a most interesting listening experience. Quite well done. While I enjoyed the all of the many moods of this CD, that 3rd track, “Fantasies Of You,” is our choice for iplay.

Tom Fuller Band

CD: Abstract Man

Tracks added: “Only In America” and “Air That I Breathe”

Yes, you can judge a CD by its cover. I mean, here’s the lead artist, embracing a beautiful 6-string Gretsch electric, wearing wire frames with blue tinted lenses. If this CD weren’t heavily laced with colors and chord progressions reminiscent of the late ‘60s/early ‘70s, I would have been disappointed—but it is, so I'm not—and in this reviewer’s opinion, it’s done absolutely to perfection. The sound is fresh, fun and infectious, and it's anything but retro. So, if you arrived to the party a bit late (as in born post-70), that's okay—the melodic, classic pop sound of this Chicago-based band is ageless. We picked two cuts, “Only In America.”, because it’s great, “Air that I Breathe,” because it’s a cover tune done very well. Tom is also a big supporter of the Pets For Life Program sponsored by the Humane Society of the US. Visit his Website and click “Humanities.”

Omar Torrez Band

CD: The Beat Outside

Track added: “The Beat Outside”

If, back in the ‘70s, you were to toss equal parts of Santana, Hendrix, and War into a time machine and set the dial for 2008, the result would be this LA based band. Within the framework of a very distinctive electric, sound, the OTB cooks up a masterful mix of funk, rock, jazz, blues and reggae. Torrez is a true wizard of the guitar and on this CD he gives us a tight and danceable sound that sounds better with each spin. He also has a very interesting story to tell – check out “About Omar” at Omar Torrez.com

Cindy Kalmenson

CD: I’m Not Leaving

Track added: “I’m Not Leaving”

Ever since Cindy’s stunning performance of “Witness” at our very first Singer&Musician Indie Artist Showcase in Nashville six years ago, she’s had a free pass to the WL2P playlist. Following an extended break from recording, Cindy is back. As she explains, “This is the longest and hardest I’ve ever worked on a record. One year to date after my daughter Sara Eden was born, I was back in the studio recording a new set of songs.” That was 15 months prior to the CDs release. A lot of hard work, indeed, but the fruits of her efforts are 12 wonderful tracks done is her pop country style that runs from warm to edgy. The vocals, harmonies, backgrounds, and song writing are top-notch all the way. This is most definitely Cindy’s best effort to date. By the way, she has also introduced her own line of Jewelry – you can learn more about it at her Website. Follow the link to “Cindy Style Jewelry”

Edgar Winter

CD: Rebel Road

Tracks added: "Freedom," "Rockin' The Blues"

What can I say – this is Edgar Winter and it’s a terrific collection. Edgar knows rock, and throughout this collection, he stays true to that art form. This CD of new material features that classic, hard-drivin’, hard-rockin’ EW sound we’ve come to know and love with guest stars including Slash, Clink Black and brother Johnny. Frankenstein Lives!

Genuine Sun

CD: Return

Track added: “Everything”

Here’s band that really Lives2Play. The passion that each of the four members of Genuine Sun has for the band’s success is evident in every hook and power chord. Influences run the spectrum from Elton John and Billy Joel to Led Zepplin, Pearl Jam and Pink Floyd. Two of the members are classically trained on the piano. Outside the band, each member is an individual, with unique pursuits and interests. But, if there’s magic behind their sound, it’s the dedication to putting forth their best in every performance and in every session. If this group comes anywhere near you, just forget about the ticket price and the 4 buck a gallon gas to get there – and go! You’ll not be disappointed. To watch a video of Genuine Sun recording Return, and a tour of their studio, visit their Website.

Check out the rest of the WL2P Playlist