RadioIndy Grindie Awards - All Genres: May 2009

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

RadioIndy is pleased to present Linda Kay Burk with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Sunshine is Love"

Singer/songwriter Linda Kay Burk has released another splendid album, titled "Sunshine is Love." Burk has captured the essence of writing finely crafted children's songs that soothe and comfort the mind and spirit. Her vocals are soft and peaceful while the lyrics are uplifting and relaxing. Burk's lullabies such as "Rainbow Bubble," with its soothing melody, will have any child fast asleep. "Heaven Is All Around Me" is an inspirational song layered with sweet strings and a gentle piano accompaniment. "She Planted the Seeds" is a playful ballad with syncopated rhythms and is filled with delightful lyrics about planting a garden. Linda Kay Burk's "Sunshine is Love" is a wonderful collection of songs filled with dreamy melodies that all children will love to hear.

-Diane and The RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Linda Kay Burk 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Infinite Tone with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Impossi-bull"

With their debut release of "Impossi-bull," rock band Infinite Tone has compiled a collection of powerhouse rock songs. Reminiscent of '80's head-banger music, Infinite Tone centers their sound around big guitars and melodic vocals. The lyrics are well-written and are sung with confident and crisp vocals. The keyboards also play an immense part in this group's sound. Take note of the Hammond B-3 organ sound on the solo of "Burn!" or the chord stabs on the title track "Impossi-bull." Listeners will be able to notice the diversity in the tempos in "Picture of You" and "In My Eyes," which are slow rock ballads driven by power chords on guitar. If you're a fan of Guns N' Roses or AC/DC you will thoroughly enjoy listening to the edgy hard rock tunes on the Infinite Tones' album "Impossi-bull."

-Diane and The RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Infinite Tone 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Rejoyce with a GrIndie Award for the CD "A Decade ov Rejoycemusic"

Singer/songwriter I-Jaro, along with Rejoyce, has released his first published album titled "A Decade ov Rejoycemusic," featuring roots reggae style music. The texture of this album is soft yet full of energy, while the instruments compliment the rich vocals. Lyrics are inspiring and deliver an uplifting message. "Share yuh Love" has subtle strings bringing the thoughtful lyrics to a well-blended mix. "Can We Fly" has syncopated rhythms nuanced by the graceful guitar fills and soft strings. Sit back and relax to the reggae beats as it takes your mind to an unwinding atmosphere. If you're in the mood for ideal relaxing and soothing reggae music you will want to take a listen to "A Decade ov Rejoycemusic."

-Diane and The RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Rejoyce 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present David Strattford with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Musical Shorts - 99 Cuts"

Music industry professional David Strattford has compiled a collection of brief instrumentals on his recent release, titled "Musical Shorts - 99 Cuts." Strattford has taken many musical genres and cleverly arranged them with a variety of sounds. His versatility in creating music styles ranges from ragtime to rock. The production is first-rate as each instrument is crisp and clean. "New Jack Swing" has a catchy bass hook, powerful synth horn stabs, and synth orchestra hits. "Slow Blues" is true to form as it has a slow walking bass line, melancholy guitar, and Hammond organ. David Strattford's "Musical Shorts - 99 Cuts" is a great instrumental album for fans of multiple genres of music and can be used to spice up any event in need of music.

-Diane and The RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out David Strattford 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Elliot Matsu with a GrIndie Award for the CD"The Value of Power"

Elliot Matsu's newly released album "The Value of Power" is packed with alternative rock/pop music. Matsu is a gifted musician who has a talent for writing thoughtful and sincere lyrics. His vocals are crisp and polished with a soft tonality. The album has a high-quality production, as there is a dynamic balance between the vocals and instruments. This album in general has an overall happy sort of feel about it. "Takin the Train" is an easy listening pleasure with pleasant bluesy guitar riffs fused with subtle keys. "Who Am I" has a piano driven intro and peaks out with guitar power chords on the chorus. Elliot Matsu's "The Value of Power" is an enjoyable album and a great treasure to add to your music collection.

-Diane and The RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Elliot Matsu 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Jay Lou Ava with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Unforgettable Soweto"

Releasing his latest album "Unforgettable Soweto," artist Jay Lou Ava gives the listener an outstanding collection of his latest compositions. Cleverly blending the musical techniques of jazz and African-based music, this album delivers an assortment of diversity. The guitar on "Te Revoir" is exquisitely fused with emotional spirit, with nice layering of instruments and percussion. One album highlight is the song "Tara," where the female vocals are smooth and silky with a nice bounce to the springy beat. In a change of genre, "My Latin Feeling" has a Latin-based piano melody with solid support on the guitar. "Unforgettable Soweto" is a delectable mixture of jazz merged together with African rhythms and is one jazz album well worth hearing.

-Diane and The RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Jay Lou Ava's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Max Tosi with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Let Me Ride"

Max Tosi, gifted singer/songwriter, has released his latest album titled "Let Me Ride," comprised of dreamy folk/pop music. Tosi's lyrics are cleverly written and are straight from the heart. His vocals are polished and have a soft and soothing effect for the listener. This album also has a well-balanced mix of instruments capturing the relaxing and laid-back atmosphere. Featuring an easy going beat, "I've Been Waiting For a Long Time" also features complementing horn fills. "Someone Has Come" is a charming piece sung by a female vocalist accompanied by a graceful piano. If you're a fan of James Taylor, Max Tosi's "Let Me Ride" is sure to be in your music collection as it is well worth hearing.

-Diane and The RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Max Tosi 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Rodney Thompson with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Define Smooth"

Although Texas is known for its blues and country artists, talented keyboardist Rodney Thompson shows it may be a great melting pot for jazz as well. His "Define Smooth" album is exactly that, smooth and filled with hints of gospel, soul, and R&B. "Forever in Your Eyes" features an alluring sax which is gracefully layered with smooth and silky vocals. Blending R&B with the sounds of Thelonious Monk, "749" features some of Thompson's best keyboard work and highlights that classic jazz songwriting form that separates this genre from blues or rock. Whether you are just looking to relax or hear some exceptional keyboards playing, then "Define Smooth" should be your next CD purchase.

-Shaun and the Radioindy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Rodney Thompson 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Valerie Nicole with a GrIndie Award for the CD "From The Heart"

Talented young singer/songwriter Valerie Nicole is off to a great start with her newest CD "From The Heart." Her eclectic influences of both past and present musicians such as Tom Petty to Fiona Apple have helped Nicole develop a great knack for songwriting. The song "Meant To Be" could easily give competition to any Sara Bareilles song on the radio charts today. This track features some nice upbeat and flavorful chord progressions and shows the multi-talented side of Nicole as she performs vocals, guitar and keys. "Demons" is a very deep track filled with string arrangements painting a vivid and dark tonal color. Fans of Sara Bareilles or Fiona Apple will want this CD in their collection as it is filled with a nice mix of songs.

-Shaun and the Radioindy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Valerie Nicole 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present GaGa Records with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Gaga in Da House"

Gaga Records produces the art of house music very well in their latest compilation "Gaga in Da House." This album features tracks from select artists which Gaga Records claims "They make the difference in house music." That bold statement rings true in songs like "Angel Eyes" a Viken Mardikian remix that features a smooth sax layered on top of a funky groove. In a bit of a twist from the norm, "Voodoo Essence" brings more of an African tribal vibe to the mix and is a welcome change. It is also a style not commonly found in the house genre and helps bring this disc to a different level. "Gaga in Da House" is a great listen and could very well be featured in any DJ's live club mix.

-Shaun and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out GaGa Records 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Martin Hagfors with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Men and Flies"

"Men and Flies" Martin Hagfors latest effort, is Indie songwriting at its finest. Hagfors does a fantastic job with this record both in his eloquent lyrics and in the choice instrumentation on every song. The first track off the album, "Appetite" features a beautiful staccato string arrangement and a vocal approach similar to the Indie master himself, Elliot Smith. Another great selection on "Men and Flies" is the song "Tattooed on My Eyes." This song has that element of fusing both old and new rock sounds with an end result of something between The Band and Ryan Adams. Hagfors really does an outstanding job on this CD and is a real hidden gem amongst his musical peers.

-Shaun and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Martin Hagfors 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Stanley Durbin with a GrIndie Award for the CD "We Are Honestmen"

If you are in the mood for some smooth and silky R&B then "We Are Honestmen" by Stanley Durbin should be finding its way into your music collection very soon. Durbin's influences of jazz, reggae and R&B combine together for a very soulful listen. The track "How Are You" has a great Lionel Richie feel in the vocal tonality and a very smooth beat keeping the groove. If you want to hear Durbin's reggae influence look no further than "We Are Honestmen" a song written about an everyday man trying to make it in the world. Durbin's latest CD "We Are Honestmen" is a great addition for any R&B fan as it is filled with ideal mood music for any relaxing occasion.

-Shaun and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Stanley Durbin's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Monday, May 11, 2009

RadioIndy is pleased to present Claire Hayek with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Intention"

Claire Hayek hits female fronted pop/rock right on the head with her new album "Intention." This CD features a very wide range of influences that set the tone for every song. Whether it's Hayek's view on war or an Alanis Morissette style pop tune, the Canadian based artist gives you quite a variety on "Intention." Songs like "Open Book" stand out as the main theme for Hayek's mid – 90's songwriting approach and features some nice lead guitar work. On a completely different end of the pop/rock spectrum, she throws in some Middle-Eastern flavor with "Charmer." Hayek delivers more of a rock than pop feel to her latest album and would be a great listen for anyone who is a fan of Melissa Ethridge or Alanis Morissette.

-Shaun and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Claire Hayek 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present David Hansen with a GrIndie Award for the CD "All That I Could Give-New Edition"

David Hansen's "All That I Could Give-New Edition" is a wonderful piece of music that really delivers to the adult contemporary crowd. Although his background is strongly rooted in jazz music, Hansen throws out more of an adult pop punch on his most recent effort. On the title track "All That I Could Give" screams of classic James Taylor vocal approach and is smooth and silky in style. If you are looking for some soothing jazz then "Love In Three Days" is a good track to check out. It features some very well polished jazz flute riffs and invites you into the artist true musical taste. This CD could easily be spun on any light rock radio station today and is a great listen. Should you find yourself wanting to hear something new and in the musical style of James Taylor or Steve Winwood then "All That I Could Give- New Edition" is a CD you will want to add to your collection.

-Shaun and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out David Hansen's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Tom Lunneberg with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Pacific Tales"

If you should find yourself stressed out from today's economic woes, then perhaps Tom Lunneberg's "Pacific Tales" album is exactly what the doctor ordered. His latest disc is filled with extremely eloquent and intricate solo acoustic guitar work and is heavily rooted with various influences (Hawaiian slack key, Celtic, and blues). After about 30 seconds of listening to the track "Flutter" the impressive guitar work makes you feel as if you are fluttering above the clouds like a bird. It also shows off Lunneberg's Hawaiian slack key style and his amazing acoustic voicing. If you want something a little more upbeat "Cedrick's Blues" is a wonderful solo blues number with a charming melody. Lunneberg's finger style guitar playing on "Pacific Tales" deserves plenty of attention and may help bring your stress level down a few notches.

-Shaun and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Tom Lunneberg's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Lee Michaels with a GrIndie Award for the CD"My Life"

Pianist Lee Michaels has recently released his debut CD "My Life" which blends the soul of Motown with a touch of classic rock. Hailing from New Jersey you would expect to hear something in the manner of rockers Bruce Springsteen or Bon Jovi. However, Michaels serenades the listener with songs like "The Rain Will See Us Through" which is extremely influenced by the early sounds of Elton John. Michaels belts out some R&B with the song "Believe" with a nice balance between the electric piano and vocals. His vocals attain a quality reminiscent of the soul legend The Miracles while keeping his Barry Manilow piano ballads high in the mix. If you dig Sir Elton, you will dig "My Life" as it is a treasure of pop music embedded with artistic piano arrangements.

-Shaun and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Lee Michaels 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Tom Hood and The Trailmen with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Dust In Your Hands"

If you have been craving some country rooted rock these days then "Dust In Your Hands" by Tom Hood and The Trailmen might be right up your alley. Their lineup of songs sets them apart from most rock acts with the addition of fiddle and mandolin both of which are well blended in the mix. Hood takes on the song "Caught In The Rain" with a very inspired Johnny Cash influence making for a great crossover tune. One of the standout tracks is "Back To The Baja" which features some nice lead guitar work and a bouncy groove that could be heard on any Jimmy Buffett or Traveling Wilburys album. Don't expect any classic style cowboy tunes on "Dust In Your Hands" because it's sheer rock/country entertainment.

-Shaun and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Tom Hood and The Trailmen 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Denny Earnest with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Earnest Songbook"

In the past few years the "American Songbook" genre (a la Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin) has made quite a comeback with modern artists covering the old standards. Crooner Denny Earnest and his recently released CD "Earnest Songbook" performs this popular style with the same pizzazz as the legends that came before him. One of the tracks showing off his vocal expertise is "Let's Give It a Whirl" in which we get to hear Earnest's lounge influenced vocals and he even does a great Dean Martin imitation through a section of this number. Earnest's jazz/blues influence is well represented in "Velvet Afternoon" in which it features complimenting alluring saxophone work. If you're a "Ratpack" lover you will definitely want to add "Earnest Songbook" to your swinging collection man!

-Shaun and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Denny Earnest 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Maggie Church with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Maggie Church (Dillard) EPK"

While checking out Maggie Church (Dillard) EPK, you will most likely find yourself wishing her collected works were available for purchase as opposed to a free internet stream. The songs listed in her play list are all well written and have a very polished sound. "Paradise" stands out amongst the many songs as it shows off her strong and emotional passion for songwriting and has a nice guitar solo. Her southern country feel shines through on the vibrant and upbeat "Little Red Rocket" a down –home tune with that classic Americana feel. Any fan of modern female/pop country will be a quick lover of Maggie Church (Dillard) exceptional writing style. This collection of entertaining arrangements with catchy melodies is well worth hearing especially if you're a fan of contemporary country pop/rock.

-Shaun and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Maggie Church 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Nowhere Road with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Copperline Hills"

"Copperline Hills" by Nowhere Road is an excellent mix of country/southern rock and should be on any country fans radar. Although they reside in Canada, far from the Deep South, the band has an incredible feel for the country genre and the interplay between band members really shines. The title track "Copperline Hills" is highly reminiscent of Lynyrd Skynyrd both in the percussion work and the tasty slide guitar. "Harley Day" speaks to all those country fans cruising down the highway on their favorite "hog" with the wind to their back and nothing but the road ahead. The musicality on this CD is well worth listening to and should be heard by all fans of music.

-Shaun and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Nowhere Road 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Cady Finlayson with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Irish Coffee"

"Irish Coffee" the instrumental disc from the highly talented violinist Cady Finlayson is a stand out album filled with an abundance of Celtic feel. Known for performing traditional Irish music, Finlayson adds a touch of Americana to her latest effort and the result is a wonderful collection of brisk and lively melodies. The song "A Midwinter Waltz" makes you feel as if you are strolling along the breath taking hills of Ireland on a snowy day. Adding the American folk element "Brooklyn March" highlights Finlayson's energetic violin work and melds together Americana with an Irish flare. This album "Irish Coffee" is powered by energetic and enthusiastic violin instrumentals with Celtic flare and a colorful touch of folk.

-Shaun and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Cady Finlayson 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Roymackonkey with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Cassandra Never Lies"

Aussie band Roymackonkey delivers solid, '90s era rock with their newest effort "Cassandra Never Lies." After spending the summer touring the "land down under" with Wolfmother, it seems like this band is ready to spread their sound overseas and beyond. Their sound is sort of dated, but in a good way that reminds listeners of bands like Gin Blossoms or Nirvana. "The Fear" evokes that early '90s feel more than any other song on this album and has a nice R.E.M quality to it. The groove of "Chain Letter" is very solid and has that 'hit single' vibe to it. If you are looking to reminisce with the Seattle sound you used to love but want something fresh, as opposed to hunting down your old Soundgarden albums, then definitely take a listen to Roymackonkey's "Cassandra Never Lies."

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Roymackonkey 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Ron McManaman with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Under The Blues Sky"

If you are looking for that old Chicago blues sound than "Under The Blues Sky" the latest CD by Ron McManaman should be next on your album shopping list. McManaman's vocals really stand out as they have that gritty and lazy John Lee Hooker style to them. His lyrics also speak a certain sadness and truth to the listener's ears (you can tell this guy has been around for a long time). "Ain't Gonna Change My Heart" oozes that classic Fender Stratocaster blues tone and features some tasty but not too flashy guitar work by McManaman. The artist also stays true to the Chicago blues with "Sitting Under the Blues Sky" a song Muddy Waters or Willie Dixon would have been proud to call their own. The disc has raw and from-the-gut production giving it an authentic blues sound.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out Ron McManaman 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present The Yohawks with a GrIndie Award for the CD "MPH"

"MPH" by The Yohawks is a terrific throwback to the 60's R&B with a touch of smooth rock. As a band, their sound is extremely tight and features a strong and well balanced brass section, an element very much missing in current bands. In addition to The Yohawks musicianship, their Motown influenced vocal melodies really shine on this disc and add that distinct "Detroit sound" to "MPH." Stand out songs like "Never Let Go" and "She's Gone" makes the best connection to that familiar 60's R&B sound we all know and love. At first listen "Never Let Go" sounds reminiscent of the group Chicago and the horn section compliments the polished and mature vocals quite well. "She's Gone" is a catchy tune with lyrics that may make you think of a lady you once let get away. Anyone who is a follower of Otis Redding or Chicago will very much enjoy this CD. The sound quality is very professional and evokes those classic tones that we all want to hear back in the mainstream radio days.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy reviewer team
Check out The Yohawks 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present KC Williams with a GrIndie Award for the CD "The Best of KC Williams"

KC Williams has released his latest CD "The Best of KC Williams" featuring a fine collection of his best work. Well rooted in the world of country music, Williams is a stand out performer and has played with some of the finest musicians in this genre. The "The Best of KC Williams" highlights his most notable tracks including songs like "1-800 I'm a Fool" or "Beauty's in the Eye of the Beerholder" and "Honky Tonk Hilton." All of these numbers captures the classic country ambiance and hilarious amusing titles to go with them. Williams brings everything down a notch, with a sweet ballad perfect for any Tim McGraw fan. Another song worth mentioning is "Without you (I'm Just an Ordinary Man)" for it has some excellent pedal steel guitar playing. The album isn't entitled the "Best Of" for no reason; it's the best of what Williams has to offer and then some.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy reviewer team
Check out KC Williams 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites