Paul Larson – Through The Window Paul Larson's country/folk-rock album, Through The Window, tells many positive stories of life in the Utah mountains and canyons through acoustical, finger-picking ballads. His voice and guitar playing soars through the songs comparing life to his gloriously-described outdoor environment around him. These songs and imagery remind the listener of what artists like John Denver were creating and Paul Larson's music is carrying it forward into the future. The opening song, Through The Window, immediately hooks the listener into the rest of the album, followed by Captain's Son and Perfect Day where Paul channels Gordon Lightfoot and James Taylor, which should get any fan of folk music something to look forward to. The complete album is a musical treat to anyone who has an appreciation for earth-rooted songs and this side of the music world will hear much more of Paul Larson to come. Much more about Paul can be found at www.paullarsonmusic.com and http://www.alphamusicgroup.com/Folk.html. Added 01-May-2005 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Sawynn Leath A family member of Sawynn “Wynn” Leath submitted three songs for rotation but not much is known about this singer/songwriter except for a short bio sent with the submission. Immediately upon listening the vocal is reminiscent of Stevie Nicks, with several harmonizing overdubs creating angelic, lush, and full-bodied vocal-driven tracks. One of the tracks is the great White Bird from It's A Beautiful Day – a band you can't get enough of. The following is a subset of the bio sent in by a family member, Reid Taylor: For her eighteenth birthday, she received an acoustic guitar and wrote her first song, beginning her musical journey in earnest. Wynn was inspired by mood-driven rock bands of the '70s, like Heart, Led Zeppelin, and Fleetwood Mac. She also developed an interest in the English folk-rock band Fairport Convention. Their lead singer, Sandy Denny, became her primary musical influence. As she began studying voice projection, she would "obsessively" scrutinize the vocal styles of other artists. The '80s were spent singing with bands on and off the road. In the late '80s/early '90s, she felt that "music had changed for the worst." MTV turned the focus on superficial female sexual imagery and youthful appearance and opportunities for the truly talented female singer/songwriter were fleeting. In frustration, she quit the road. In the '90s, Wynn began recording some songs that she had been writing with no particular objective. "I didn't really know why I did what I did, because I wasn't trying to get a record deal... I just couldn't not do it." She sang with the occasional band and did some session work as a background vocalist. In 2002, one of her original songs, "Ghost," was played by Wolf FM, a Nashville-based Internet radio station, resulting in a slew of e-mails, mainly from enthusiastic listeners in England, France, and Germany. Her debut album is now pending. Correspondence is available by permission. Added 03-Apr-2005 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Jim Vick Dot Combo – Surfing The Web Of Life Like many people, I conjure up visions of comparable bands to whatever I play for the first time. After listening to the first few tracks of Surfing I felt as though I was at one of the many jam-band festivals that my brother and I attended over the years on the riverbend of Cincinnati. Though we don’t get out like we used to back in those days, those days still do live on through bands like Phish (who just “retired”), The Grateful Dead, Bruce Hornsby, String Cheese Incident, possibly God Street Wine, and many more great talents. There’s a big difference in the Jim Vick Dot Combo’s Surfing release, though… lyrical content. The musicians in this group are at the top of their craft, play jammy, jazzy, neo-folk pieces, and gave the album its robustness with sign-of-the-times lyrical visions, rhetoric, and editorials. I would consider the Jim Vick Dot Combo band the thinking-man’s jam band, and that to me is very exciting. The stylish packaging of the CD is as cool as the music and makes reading the lyrics all the more fun while listening to this great album. There’s so much content both lyrically and musically that the listener will be refreshed with the opportunity to keep getting more and more out of it as time goes on. Please visit the Jim Vick Dot Combo website. Added 13-Mar-2005 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	A.J. Swearingen - Self Titled From Pennsylvania, A.J. Swearingen sent in his fourth album containing 10 tracks of love and hope-inspired folk-rock and slightly country-sounding songs. While A.J.’s charcoal-filtered voice is unique and booming and is incapable of hitting wrong notes, his skills on each instrument is flawless, clean, and entertaining. He also recorded, mixed, and produced each track, making it a perfect solo project. A.J.’s previous material took second place in the 2004 JPFolks Music Awards New Folk Song category with 140,000 entries from 85 countries, and he took third place in the best New Folk Album. (See his web page for more details.) Each song on his latest album should (and will) be played on more and more radio stations and his audience is already growing world-wide based on album sales. A.J.’s work will be a permanent fixture here and we look forward to hearing much more from him. Please visit his website here. Added 08-Mar-2005 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Rudy Rico - Demo - Four Instrumentals Rudy Rico sent GidaFolk an EP that rides a fine line between world music and adult contemporary. The tracks show his mastery of the acoustic guitar but Rico did not only showcase that talent. Each song demonstrates his ability to play several instruments in what seems to be solo project where he overdubs each part. With multiple guitar parts, nice bass riffs, and atmospheric keyboards, the short album gives the listener a full-bodied flaver of this musical genre. The first track, Rudy's Song, is a hard-driving track with a commanding lead acoustic, while the last track, April Moon, ends it with a soft, distant, and lonely piano piece. The other well-crafted songs fall in between. Not much else is known about this production because Rico does not have a web site or liner notes - just an email address where GidaFolk would be happy to get a listener in touch with him if requested - and of course if that's ok with Rudy. So Rudy, send us some details or a web page if you ever create one! Great EP. Added 21-Feb-2005 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Nathaniel Street West - American Way Bam! Nathaniel's latest album starts off with not a punch but a full-blown suplex. Beginning with the track, Revulsion, he explains to the listener that something has been bothering him and that he may explode. This is a perfect lead-in to the second track, Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee, that dishes out his dirge on American history and its hipocrisy, all surrounded by his new love of bass fuzz and guitar crunch - something quite different than his previous release, Light Out For The Territory. The third song, Wedding Song, immediately changes gears into an acoustic ballad about growing up and spreading out. The songs on the album, American Way, Weighted Words, and Sidewinder, remind the listener of his naturally blues-influenced background are not overpowered by the strong intro and set the listener on a pleasant auto-drive through the rest of the album. Once again the album's quality is top-notch, lyrically, musically, and poetically and ends with a free-form, train-of-thought poem, organically complimented by instruments. Nathaniel has an edgy voice that allows him to sing many musical genres and while most of the tracks gave the listener familiarity, the harder pieces show that his writing is not pigeon-holed into blues but yearns to explore and experience new sounds and feelings. More information can be found at http://www.nathanielstreetwest.com. Added 19-Feb-2005 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Loscoe State Opera - All Begins Again They are back with their third album, All Begins Again and this time mostly written by the band themselves, with a few traditional pieces arranged by various band members. This latest album is very strong musically and contains more of their fine melodies and perfect and unique vocal harmonies. The first song, Midsummer's Day, reflects what is to come through the rest of the album and is another attractive example of how they acquire fans. Broadstairs comes in and brings a festive jig which was inspired by their participation in a folk festival, exemplifying their mastery at the whistle and fiddle, among other instruments. In the middle of the album resides a fine rocker, My Way Home, about living in a decaying society. More fine moments on the album include the Celtic-Rock of World Goes Round and Ebol Melyn. Geordie is a musical masterpiece. This is a very fine album from start to finish and I urge the listeners to visit their web site and order an album or two. Between this album and Dawn Bird Loscoe is quickly becoming one of my favorite bands. Added 24-Jul-2004 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	John Salih - Hush & Feel John Salih's 2004 release, Hush & Feel, is filled with beautiful textures, many deep layers of arrangements, and spiritual impressions and certainty. It is too complex to be in a Folk category by itself and shouldn't be because the eight pieces on this album transcends many boundaries. All of the songs have a soft, assuring feel to them beginning with Spirit & Nature that first captivates the listener with its cyclic, near-trance-inducing patterns, then going into the next piece Behind The Mask, which introduces the first of the mysterious and wonderful melodies that invoke feelings of soft 70s art-rock with its feel and chord changes. Most of this album has a religious implication in its meaning but many of the songs are also left open for the listener to take their own meaning from each piece. This album should be listened to in its entirety a few times to absorb the full arrangements of each track. Though only eight pieces, this album is huge and the amount of work and creativity that went into the writing and production is immeasurable. The listener will be singing along to I Just Wasn't Made For These Times after the first listen. What is also amazing about this album is that John arranged and performed each track, which is an example of his pure talent. The John Salih website can be found here. Visit it when you have a moment to learn about John and what inspired his creation. Added 15-Jun-2004 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Rise - Posing As Human They are back as a three-some with a new album, Posing As Human, and share their familiar Celtic-Folk sound as well as touching on new areas that expand their collective sound. Between the unique and memorable voices of Debbie Dawson and Gerry Geoghegan, Gerry's songwriting, and the solid and creative percussion of Kris Manvell, this new release is a joy to listen to. The bass line in The Way Things Are gives away their reaching out into genres such as Country and American folk while again touching on their own signature pop-inspired songs like Get Away, which adds a nice transition from more serious tracks such as The Gallows Song. Yet while the track Fading Fast approaches a Hip-Hop beat, the whole album still has that Scottish-kissed sound that Rise is known for, staying true to their roots. And Welcome To The Real World rocks! Please visit their updated web site, check it out, and say hi on their guestbook. Added 02-Jun-2004 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Raymond McCullough released a Celtic-folk "mini-album" in Northern Ireland called The great China Bike Ride, which contains six songs inspired by his adventures. Taken from the official press release: "Raymond has been playing at traditional Irish gigs around the country for years, managing to fit his own particular brand of Celtic ballad, ('protest songs' as he often refers to them), in between the jigs and reels. In late 1999 he returned from a trip to China to record the six tracks on this album, 'The great China Bike Ride' - the main track(s), 'Ballad of Beijing', being the story of his involvement in a 444km charity cycle ride across Beijing Province, China in October 1999. 'Friends said that just because I'd been cycling in China, there was no need to make a song about it - of course, that is exactly what I did do!' The other 4 songs are: 'Smoke goes up', an Irish ballad commenting on the current situation in Ireland; '1989'; about freedom and the momentous events of the autumn of 1989; 'Wake up, you sleeper', a call to those who are ‘just drifting’; and an instrumental radio mix of the Irish song, ‘Ar tir seo aguinne’ (Our Land)." Check out more of Raymond McCullough at his web site and CD-Baby. Added 16-May-2004 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	From Athens, Georgia, Bob Hay & The Jolly Beggars released an album of some great down-home stuff based off of songs written by Robert Burns (b. 1759). Robert Burns had a special impact on the band, especially Bob Hay who would research more of Burns, learned many of his songs, and put the arrangements together with the band. From their web site: "Despite two centuries passing, the songs of Robert Burns still sparkle with good humor, frank honesty, and decent humanity, with their inspired lyrics so well matched to their charming melodies." The above quote is very true - each song averaging 2 minutes 30 are very enjoyable to listen to and reading the lyrics with each song opens up the stories that they tell. Their web site is put together well and is very informative as to who the band is and who Robert Burns was, and contains a nice little piece of history. Please check it out and order their CD! Added 16-May-2004 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Listening to this album the third time since received, the meaning of each song is getting deeper and deeper into wonderfully written double-meanings of love, drug addiction surrounding relationships, and war, whether of current political events or war between two people. The music is a perfect match for Emma Cooks voice and for the lyrical direction of each individual song, all built from a folk roots foundation. A couple of songs slightly stand out from the above description, both lyrically and musically; the first song, Watch Dog, may be one of the most edgy folk-rock songs I've heard while lashing out at someone possibly from her past (or maybe a political stance against the times), and Polyester Nails which explores a funk riff and a double vocal (and a few f-bombs.) Not all of the songs are as heavy in content as the above, such as Play where Emma laments of a possible future with a guy, all complimented with her double-vocal track beautifully sung and harmonized. Overall, the themes that emerge from the lyrics are vulnerability and hope - hoping to somehow get through the current state of things and the vulnerability that either led to the situation or that will eventually open a channel to the way out. This album, Manifesto, will not only satisfy the casual listener because of its pleasant melodies and perfect folk harmonies, but will also give the detailed listener another album to analyze, tear apart, and entertain, both lyrically and musically. There are several musicians on the album that are the concrete of the foundation that help make this collection as solid as it is. Though Emma's music and lyrics dominate the album, the group effort made it as good as it is and accessible to a broad range of listeners. Please visit Emma's web site and order a CD. Added 25-Apr-2004 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	From the UK, Loscoe State Opera formed almost by accident when the original six got together for a jam session one weekend in a village called Loscoe in Derbyshire. Their take on Celtic, Celtic-Rock, and of course Celtic-Folk-Rock transforms traditional pieces making them their own. They have two albums out: Live at Stainsby Festival and Dawn Bird, which I'm listening to as I write this. Dawn Bird has such a nice flow to it, beginning with the first three tracks, sounding very traditional, then Dawn Bird and Fiddler's Hill, which immediately stand out as their own sound. The vocals are strong, which to me, give the songs a mysterious, enchanted, and sometimes punk feel. Their ingredients definitely give the GidaFolk listeners something new to hear and experience. If you like Celtic-Folk, with a dash of Punk, then check out their albums here. GidaFolk is happy to be playing LSO, so stop by at their site and say hi. Added 01-Feb-2004 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Nathaniel Street West is a young blues-rock musician who's new album, Light Out For The Territory, mixes blues, rock, jazz, and some American folk elements into what is a marvelous-sounding double album. Since Nathaniel has such deep roots into the blues, half of the tracks of this album are full-bodied and clean re-works that pay tribute to great songwriters of our time, such as Leadbelly, and features tracks from other artists such as Bob Dylan and even George Gershwin. The rest of the great-sounding and well-versed tracks were written by Nathaniel, including the track The Time Will Come, which perfectly ends the album right before going into his version of Visions Of Johanna. GidaFolk is very impressed and honored to have Puffin Records send us a copy of this body of work to play on the station. To learn more of Nathaniel Street West, please visit his web site. Added 01-Jan-2004 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Roots and Blues, Blues and Roots - Kimberly Pultetz from Larchmont Recordings sent in an album of artists who have rerecorded songs from the 1920s and 1930s by such artists as Blind Lemon Jefferson, Charlie Jackson, Louise Johnson, and Ma Rainey to name a few. The album is called Future Blues - A Celebration Of Paramount Records. The insert contains a nice write-up of each artist in that era on the album and explains how all of these recordings exist in the first place; The Wisconsin Chair Company wanted to sell more phonographs so they decided to sell them with records - and these songs were quickly recorded to get them out of door. The upbeat tempo of most of the tracks gives us a very pleasant listening experience and in the process, educates us of great music that could have so easily been lost or never recorded. Thanks, Larchmont Recordings, for getting the music out and for letting GidaFolk listeners in on some timeless music! Added 01-Jan-2004 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Terry G. Reed contacted GidaFolk about his latest work and sent in an album. Just as the cover implies, it's a concept album in the form of an audio film. Each chapter is preceded by a 10-30 second interlude that guides the listener in the direction where the next song will take them. The songs are mostly about inner power, having an open mind, and sharing a feeling of well-being on the planet, created in the form of folk-rock, pop, and sometimes a hint of country. As I was listening to this album a few times, by the time the song Politically Incorrect came on, I felt that I was hearing Schoolhouse Rock, but a much more updated version of those songs done in that era - each chapter has something to say - and if you remember Schoolhouse Rock rocked! The production value on each track is astounding - Terry and gang have put their many talents into excellent song crafting and recording of this audio film, and are passing along a good message to any listener. Check out this 100% unique work - it's great and interesting to the ears and brain each time you will play it! Added 01-Jan-2004 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Troubadour from England alert, Richard Whittaker has contacted GidaFolk and sent along some great songs from his 1999 album *Muffy's Naked and his latest work Lost In Space. Of the 13 songs that Richard sent along, I enjoyed listening to all of them on the first listen - which is a rarity. He obviously has a great sense of melody and song architecture because everything just worked. With the folk-rock, slightly Celtic-folk, and a bit of pop feel, these songs could please a room full of people who have never even heard of the guy. GidaFolk is honored to have Richard's material in the daily rotation and recommends that you visit his site here. Welcome, Richard! Added 01-Jan-2004 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Deborah Wai Kapohe got in touch with GidaFolk from New Zealand and I'm very glad that she did because I've already listened to her album, I Unwrap You, several times. From her website, it says that Deborah is a classically trained opera singer and from this album, it's obvious that her classical talents also encompass the guitar. What is also very interesting and unique is how she plays classical guitar and sings folk / adult-contemporary original songs to her nylon strings. Stick around to hear and envision the many faces and melodies of Deborah Wai Kapohe and visit her web site - thanks Deborah for letting GidaFolk listeners in on a musical gem. Added 01-Jan-2003 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	From Australia, Deluc has sent his second album, When Two Worlds Meet, featuring a unique and personal blend of Latin jazz on nylon. The musicianship immediately stands out and will either make you want to pick up your guitar and start practicing or hide in the closet because it's so good. According to the album cover, Deluc is supported and endorsed by Takamine Guitars. Not bad, eh? Look out for Deluc on GidaFolk now and in the future, especially if you're into Smooth Jazz with a touch of World. Visit his site at DelucMusic. Added 01-Jan-2003 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Straight Furrow contacted GidaFolk and pointed out their music on mp3.com and I'm very glad they did. This webcast does dabble a little bit in the Celtic and Irish scene and groups like this will help push more of the folkie, jig-inducing, rhythmic music into the daily setlist. The great musicianship is apparent even for those not well-versed in this genre - this music will either make you pour a pint of stout or allow you to kick back, or even dance it up at a wedding, as they have done in the past and still do while recording. Check them out at mp3.com. Added 01-Jan-2003 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Ray Weaver: Ray contacted GidaFolk and told us about a bunch of his songs at mp3.com. Heart-felt originals, each one a story to tell, usually coming with country-feeling melodies. Check out his page here and go to mp3.com to download his tunes that are now featured here. Added 01-Jan-2003 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Josh Lederman Y Los Diablos: From Jamaica Plain, MA, these guys will make you want to be in a basement bar, dancing around a jukebox, waving beer steins in the air, usually spilling ale all over your friends. In their mailing to me, they self-described themselves as "...sort of The Pogues meets early Tom Waits..." I consider it mixtures of Celtic-Folk and Celtic-Rock with a comedy-feel added to a few of the songs. I will be taking this album to work for awhile to soak it all in - my first listen to gave it a fun-feeling for me but a few more listen-tos are in order to pick up more detail. Diablos... welcome to GidaFolk. Their web site: Coffee Stain Music. Added 01-Jan-2003 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Brad Belt's music is described on his site as an "earthy blend of life experiences heavily influenced by the great writers, Bob Dylan, Don Henley, John Prine, Randy Newman to name a few." Brad did all of the work on his album and the studio work alone is great. Brad's experience as a singer/songwriter shows through on the 13 tracks of this folk-rooted album. To find out more and Brad and his music, check out his web site. Added 01-Jan-2003 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Rise came to us all the way from the Isle of Brute, off of the Scottish West Coast. Their debut album has been described as "eclectic with the edge of a conscience," and contains folk roots and pop melodies. With more than one lead singer, they can capture many different moods and styles and their mystical Scottish-rooted tunes will transport you to their homeland. Check them out at their web site: Riseband. Added 01-Jan-2003 -- Reviewed by Chris
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	Duane Tate is a singer/songwriter who sent over a few songs awhile back. He puts a lot of work into his recordings and harmonizes his voice quite nicely. He also works with Kim Novak, a previous artist of the month here at GidaFolk. Check him out over at his web site right here. Added 01-Jan-2002 -- Reviewed by Chris
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