The Singing Songwriter

Tips, techniques, news, reviews, and resources for songwriters who sing, singers who write songs, and anyone interested in the craft of songwriting and the art of performance.

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Name: Kenny Hart

Kenny Hart is an award-winning singing songwriter and freelance writer from the Greater Cincinnati area who currently writes music articles and reviews for Indie-music.com and his own "blogzine", The Singing Songwriter. With more than thirty years' experience as a writer, singer, and musician, Kenny has touched and been touched by nearly every musical genre; his passion for music is not fettered by boundaries.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

The Eagles - Long Road Out Of Eden

I can't believe that in my posting about my top ten songwriters I didn't include Don Henley, Glen Frye, Joe Walsh, and the Eagles, et al. This group has been on my favorite list since the '70's. They've just released a new double-CD album that is completely fabulous, Long Road Out Of Eden. For songwriters, this is a must-have. Completely captivating melodies mixed with graphic and meaningful lyrics that actually communicate messages worth hearing will keep you interested.

Oh, don't think think this is a concept album where everything begins to take on the same flavor - it's not. The group is, in typical Eagles fashion, all over the musical spectrum: upbeat, downbeat, ballads, hard rock, country-folk.

My pick hit is "Do Something," a fine ballad with a good piece of advice that we can all identify with. That's followed closely by "Waiting In The Weeds," a song about how life changes and that there's always hope.

For us songwriters, there are plenty of why-didn't-I-think-of-that-line moments. And the melodies -- oh, my! I have to describe some of them as truly innovative. You have to listen to these songs!

OK, OK, here's a lyric clip from the chorus of "Do Something:"

But when I feel like giving up
And I'm ready to walk away
In the stillness, I can hear
A voice inside me say
Do something
Do something
It's too late for saving face
Don't just stand there takin' up space
Why don't you do something?
Do something
It's not over
No, it's never too late

The melody and harmonies that go with this lyric will blow your mind. Really. Go buy the album and give it a listen.

You won't regret it. Hell, it may become one of your most-listened-to CDs.

Cheers!
Kenny

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Please Listen And Comment On My Music

I do almost no self-promotion. And I haven't played in public for several years. That's almost certainly why I'm not widely known. My ill-fated excursions into the Nashville music scene 15 years ago nearly destroyed me as a songwriter and artist. Despite, or, perhaps, because of that I continue to keep going. I've never lost sight of my dream to get my music heard and I never will.

Life seems to get in the way of our dreams sometimes, however, and that's why I'm behind in my goal of releasing a CD. I had targeted that goal for the first part of 2007; I've obviously missed that target. My new target is the end of 2008.

I could use your help. The hardest thing for me all along has been to figure out which of my more than 150 songs I should record. I need you listen to the songs I've posted on my Music page and give me feedback on the ones you think I should release. And be honest with me, OK? If you don't like a song, say so and tell me why. I really appreciate your help; in fact, if you post feedback and give me your email address, I'll give you a free CD when it's finally released, maybe even a mention in the liner notes.

While you're at it, let me know what you'd like to see more of on The Singing Songwriter.

Thanks!
Kenny