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Dave Barnes
Although Dave Barnes’ first two albums (“Brother, Bring the Sun” and “Chasing Mississippi”) made him an independent phenomenon, achievement hasn’t changed the guy who honestly expects to replace David Letterman someday. He still puts out countless YouTube parodies and has even been know to rehearse his stand-up routine at shows. But Dave is serious about his music and who wouldn’t be after selling 45,000 units as an unsigned artist? Now with Razor and Tie, Dave is looking to his legion of loyal fans to help him duplicate his previous success on his upcoming “Me + You + The World”, due early this year.
Matisyahu
Since the release of his 2004 debut, Shake off the dust...ARISE and the phenomenal success of last year’s Live At Stubb’s, Matisyahu has continued to bring his uncanny, electrifying fusion of orthodox Judaism and classic reggae music to you with an incessant touring schedule and unbelievable energy. Now, Matisyahu and the band bring you their sophomore studio album, YOUTH.
Born in West Chester, PA and raised in White Plains, NY, the young man formerly known as Matthew Miller would undertake a monumental odyssey before discovering his path - and voice - as Matisyahu (the Hebrew equivalent of “Matthew,” and the name he became known by when he became observant). Via adventures in Colorado, Israel, Oregon, and New York City, he not only heard a profound spiritual calling, but also discerned a revolutionary way to share his discoveries and reflections, via the reggae and hip-hop sounds that had long been an integral part of his day-to-day soundtrack.
Matisyahu simply seeks to serve as a conduit for the messages of peace and unity that flow through him, to improve the world the world by sharing his music, and without letting ego or worldly desires interfere in that communication. “That’s what I’m aiming for,” he admits. “I don’t think I’ve fully gotten there, but that’s the goal.” And with Youth, he makes a quantum leap closer to attaining it.
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Ari Hest “The Break In” Album Review
Ari Hest:
The Break-In
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars of 5
Label: Columbia
Released: 2007
Ari Hest has not had much rest in the last few years. Though his last full-length major label debut was three years ago, he’s released two EPs in the interim and claims to constantly be writing new songs. Thankfully, Hest’s prolific ways give him a wealth of music to choose from when delivering a full length project, making the concentration of quality material a given. And that’s exactly what’s happened with The Break-In, Hest’s sophomore Columbia Records effort. This is not just a coming of age. It’s something that is going to cement Hest’s place among some of the greatest singer/songwriters of the last two generations. And that’s because the songs on this record are, in a word, stunning.
You won’t tire of Ari Hest’s vocals, because they are smooth, smoky and politely listenable. Producer Mitchell Froom also worked some magic on the songs, keeping the arrangements simple enough to bring out the songs themselves, while giving them enough polish to give them a life of their own. In particular, the guitar work on The Break-In is tasty and complementary.
The simplistic beauty of “When and If” kicks off the album, and is followed by “Bird Never Flies,” a song Hest co-wrote with Gary Louris (Jayhawks, Golden Smog). This song, as well as “When to Quit” or the title track, have a throwback vibe akin to ‘70s coffeehouse music like America, Firefall, or Loggins & Messina — or in today’s world, like another prolific artist in this genre, Josh Rouse. “Leaving Her Alone” is equally sad and painfully triumphant, the sign of someone who is trying to move on after a breakup. That, and it may be Hest’s best song to date. “Right of Way” is a driving number along the lines of “Aberdeen” on Hest’s debut. Finally, “I’ve Got You” has the classic feel of a crooner, but with a modern pop sensibility.
While it’s true that Ari Hest should be following the natural progression of an artist with a few albums and a ton of songs under his belt, he certainly isn’t expected to be this good this soon. But he is. If you’re a fan of Hest’s already, you’re going to fall in love with this album in no time flat. And if you’re not a fan yet, well, you should be.
~Mike Farley
http://www.bullz-eye.com
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Matthew Mayfield
Matthew Mayfield has shared the stage with the likes of Switchfoot, The Fray and Pete Yorn, opening for all three with his former band Moses Mayfield. After substantial touring and buzz, Moses Mayfield signed with Columbia Records and released the band’s major-label debut “The Inside” in March 2007. After the band called it quits in January of 2008, Matthew is ready for something new. He addresses his fans on his myspace page saying: “My name’s Matthew. I used to be in a band called Moses Mayfield. I love those guys to death. We made a big record with big sounds. Now I wanna try something small and unrefined.”
Ari Hest
New York City native Ari Hest started his career while still an undergraduate at NYU. He spent his early years building his fan base by touring colleges and clubs across the country. In 2004, having released 3 independent records and sold 20,000 discs on his own, Ari signed with Columbia Records and released “Someone to Tell” to great critical and fan acclaim. After “Someone to Tell”, Ari decided to something a little different with his career. He severed ties with Columbia Records and embarked on project he calls “52”. Every week for one year Ari will release a new song through his website http://www.arihest.com. The project is the first of its kind and is already sending waves through the music business community. Needless to say, Ari’s independent status has amplified his creativity and opened his eyes to new outlets and distribution methods for his music. For more info log onto http://www.arihest.com.
Natalie Grant
It would’ve been easy for Natalie Grant, GMA’s reigning Female Vocalist of the Year for two consecutive years, to rest on the success of her last album. Her 2005 breakthrough recording, Awaken, helped Natalie become Christian music’s top selling Adult Contemporary female solo artist in 2005 and 2006, gave her a formidable foothold at mainstream radio and media, and made her a household name in Christian music. With expectations running high after the overwhelming success of Awaken, Natalie was dedicated to her continued passion to create music with a purpose.
With her husband, Grammy nominee and Dove Award winner Bernie Herms, as well as longtime collaborator and Dove Award winner Shaun Shankel, Natalie wrote tirelessly for Relentless (Curb, 2008). She wrote or co-wrote seven of the album’s 12 cuts. The collaborations include songs with singer/songwriter Matthew West as well as GMA’s 2006 Songwriter of the Year Christa Wells (writer of Natalie’s multi-format hit and signature song, “Held"), among others. Natalie’s album “Relentless” was released to critical acclaim in the first quarter of 2008. “I Will Not Be Moved” is the second single from Natalie’s album and currently rests at #21 on R&R’s Christian AC Chart. Natalie has been nominated for 5 Dove Awards in 2008, including Female Vocalist of the Year as well as Artist of the Year.
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Drive-By Truckers
“As guys wrestle with the encroaching responsibilities of work and family, they still often romanticize or cling to their shit-kicking youth; the Drive-By Truckers’ principal songwriters, Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley, represent each side of this coin.” (Pitchforkmedia.com) With two songwriters who are capable of so much, its not wonder Blender magazine called them “America’s greatest rock band…” Drive-By Truckers isn’t your average southern rock band, what makes DBT so unique is their ability to cross genres, tour relentlessly and, all the while, garner nearly universal critical acclaim. DBT is on tour this spring and will be featured on the upcoming compilation disc from the ground-breaking NBC show “Friday Night Lights”. Drive-By Truckers enjoyed a highly successful release in 2008 of their 8th studio album “Brighter Than Creation’s Dark.”
What the critics are saying about “Brighter Than Creation’s Dark”:
“You could argue that the Truckers should have revved up this Skynyrd side more often. But instead they let the songwriting speak for itself, and it sings loud and clear.”
- Rolling Stone, 4 stars
“The men and woman of Drive-By Truckers are masterful storytellers, Hemingways of our time.” - Marquee Magazine, 4 stars
“Drive-By Truckers’ seventh album is a sprawling scorcher, and while these guys certainly aren’t strangers to long records, “Brighter Than Creation’s Dark” is one of the meanest, leanest 19-track albums you’ll ever spin.” - Billboard Magazine
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Hugh Prestwood
Hugh Prestwood is among the newest recipients of one of the nation’s highest songwriting honors – induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
