Worth a Listen - David Simpkins

Worth a Listen focuses exclusively on independent artists and songwriters whose music has emotional impact regardless of recording or production quality.

David Simpkins's Long Story Short is pure Americana., but reminiscent of Canada's Neil Young and groups like Poco and Crazy Horse. Don't let this sway you too much, though--Simpkins is able to blend Americana, country, folk, and even a bit of bayou blues into his songs.

Track pick: "From Baltimore"--a straightforward heartfelt country ballad. Who can argue with images like "The highway cries/the wiper sighs..."

Check him out http://www.davidsimpkins.com

Read more of my reviews on Indie-Music.com

Songwriters Showcase at the Historic Clermont Inn

The Songwriters Workshop at Southbrook (SWS), The Dayton/Cincinnati Chapter of The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), presents the SWS Songwriters Showcase at the Historic Clermont Inn in Batavia, Ohio, 8pm Friday, March 25, 2005. $3.00 admission at the door. All proceeds benefit SWS.

Performing will be featured guest songwriter, Greg Crowe, best known for his songs "Lonely and Gone" (Montgomery Gentry) and "Little Did I Know" (Sammy Kershaw). Also appearing will be special guest WUBE 105.1 (B-105) morning show host Bill Whyte.

Award-winning SWS songwriters will be performing some of the best original music you've never heard. The compilation CDs of the First Annual SWS Blue Diamond Award winners will be available for purchase.

The Historic Clermont Inn in beautiful Batavia, Ohio, is rapidly gaining a reputation as the "Bluebird Cafe North" because of its heavy support of local songwriting talent and frequent appearances by guest songwriters and performers from Nashville.

If you have never been to a songwriters showcase, it's an experience you won't forget. Bring your family and friends and show them what the music scene is all about in the Dayton/Cincinnati Area.

For more information contact:
Historic Clermont Inn
180 E. Main Street
Batavia, Ohio 45103
(513) 732-2174
http://www.southbrooksongwriters.com
http://www.clermontinn.dine.com

Worth a Listen - Dan Cunningham

Worth a Listen focuses exclusively on independent artists and songwriters whose music has emotional impact regardless of recording or production quality.

Dan Cunningham's second CD, I Think Of Home is getting a lot of attention, and rightfully so. "Deep Forest Journey" was a monthly finalist in the Song of the Year contest and recently, "The Wind Is Up" won an Honorable Mention in the Billboard Magazine World Music Contest. Call it "New Appalachian," if you will, but Cunningham is a master at mixing up styles and genres to fit the mood of a song. You have George Benson meets George Jones to country bossa nova (it works, believe me), and everything in between. Eighteen tracks and a bonus cut make this a great value. Check it out. Available from CDBaby and Amazon.

www.pickndawg.com

Worth a Listen: SWS Radio

Worth a Listen focuses exclusively on independent artists and songwriters whose music has emotional impact regardless of recording or production quality.

Ever been to the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville? A songwriters showcase? Anywhere that features live, original music? If so, you have already had the pleasure of hearing new songs straight from the writers. If not, then you are missing out on a truly unique musical experience. Either way, you will find some of the best songs you've never heard, written by some of the top songwriters of the Songwriters Workshop at Southbrook (SWS), which includes The Dayton/Cincinnati chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), on SWS Radio.

Some of the writers featured on SWS Radio are making waves in the Nashville music community and chances are you're going to hear some of their music playin' on your radio someday.

Check it out, and while you're at it, be sure to surf the writers' individual pages and the official Songwriters Workshop at Southbrook website.

Jennifer Parsignault on Indie-Music.com

"[Jennifer Parsignault] has one of those voices that can reach through the deepest clouds of gloom and brighten the darkest night of the soul."

Read my review of From the Dark, Jennifer Parsignault's fourth album, at Indie-Music.com.

Jim Vick Dot Combo on Indie-Music.com

"This goes far beyond the definition of 'album,' attaining a status something closer to a socio-political manifesto."

Read my review of Surfing the Web of Life, Jim Vick's debut album at Indie-Music.com

Worth a Listen: Paul Reece

Worth a Listen focuses exclusively on independent artists and songwriters whose music has emotional impact regardless of recording or production quality.

Paul Reece is a lucky guy for having such singing/songwriting/storytelling talent. And that makes the title of his second release, Lucky Guy that much more appropriate. His instrumental skills on the guitar, coupled with creative and entertaining lyrics are sure to please, especially if you are a fan of folk, country, blues, or bluegrass. My first thought when I heard this album was that it's a perfect soundtrack for a drive in the country. And who can argue with catchy titles like "All Folked Up"? Really, get in the car, put Lucky Guy in the CD player, and head out as far away from the city as you can get. It'll change you.

Check out Lucky Guy as well as Reece's debut album, Mexican Beer at www.cdbaby.com, www.tower.com, or www.apple.com/itunes.

More reviews by Kenny Hart at Indie-Music.com.