The musical landscape is teeming with singer/songwriters, many of them quite capable, but only a handful have something truly distinctive to offer. Kate Voegele belongs in the latter category. Don’t Look Away, Voegele’s first full-length album (MySpace Records), is a revelation, as the 20-year-old writer/singer, belying her tender years, delivers songs of depth and insight with a powerfully seductive voice that maintains a fierce presence amid dynamic rock grooves and infectious pop hooks. Produced by the veteran Marshall Altman (Matt Nathanson, Mark Broussard), Don’t Look Away is a bravura effort from an old soul with a youthful spirit; think of her album as a female parallel to John Mayer’s Room for Squares—at once a zeitgeist-capturing landmark and the launchpad for a viable career.

*Eddie Angel...Unmasked!

*Mark Gamsjager...Unchained!

*Bill Kirchen...Unleashed!

Eddie Angel grew up in a house where Elvis records were constantly playing courtesy of his two older sisters. His brain was wired to play like Scotty Moore by the time he picked up a guitar at age 12. His early musical education was rounded out by a copy of "Play Guitar with the Ventures" and by wearing out every Beatles record he owned.

Today,Eddie tours the world with Los Straitjackets, internationally renowned instrumental combo.They have appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien six times, been nominated for a Grammy and have their music in TV shows and movies.

Grammy nominated guitarist, singer and songwriter Bill Kirchen is one of the fortunate few who can step on any stage, play those trademark licks which drove the seminal Commander Cody classic Hot Rod Lincoln into the Top Ten nationwide, and elicit instant recognition for a career that’s spanned over 30 years and includes performances with names like Nick Lowe,Emmylou Harris, Doug Sahm, Elvis Costello and Danny Gatton. Named ‘A Titan of the Telecaster’ by Guitar Player Magazine, he celebrates an American musical tradition where country music draws upon its origins in blues and bluegrass, and in the Western swing of Texas and California honky tonks. An apt description of Bill’s singing, songwriting and guitar playing skill is provided in this quote from Nick Lowe: “He's like a devastating culmination of the elegant and funky... a really sensational musician, with enormous depth.”

You’ve seen the movie, now see the real thing! These talented kids will blow you away with an exciting show that will entertain music lovers of all ages.

Hitting the road solidly throughout 2004, Griffin has toured with, and thrived amongst, a raft of heavy hitters including Patti Scialfa, Mindy Smith, Josh Ritter, Sarah Harmer, Over the Rhine, Gomez, Teitur, Ari Hest, Amy Correia, and Matt Nathanson. Successfully rounding out his first headlining tour in February, Griffin now stands on the threshold of an even more promising year as he returns to the studio to record his third album!

You’ve seen the movie, now see the real thing! These talented kids will blow you away with an exciting show that will entertain music lovers of all ages.

Since permanently leaving his corporate environmental engineering career in 1996, Andrew McKnight has traced a musical journey of nearly half a million miles of blue highways and small towns across the country, crafting his cinematic vignettes of Americans and their landscapes in music, poetry and prose in between 125 performances each year.

Wherever McKnight takes the stage, audiences are at once spellbound and relaxed by his entertaining stories delivered with just the right touches of down home humor, causing one concertgoer to label him "equal parts Robert Frost, William Least Heat-Moon and Jeff Foxworthy!" Those threads connect his life to his diverse array of artfully crafted songs from his four CDs, all wrapped in his warm and supple voice and effortless guitar grace. His seemingly boundless energy moves around, one moment in dancing fingers, the next the impassioned delivery of a poignant lyric, followed by a playful rhythmic foot stomp to keep time; here is a man who clearly loves his work.

His son Nicholas Fulks and father-in-law Donald Jerousek are competing on the CBS reality show, The Amazing Race 12.[1]

As a songwriter Fulks is difficult to pigeonhole. Many of his compositions are silly, funny or spoof songs, while others are serious country songs. One album, 2001's Couples in Trouble comes off more as an experimental rock album than as country. - Wikipedia

Morrigan's original material is marked by singable melodies and memorable riffs, sometimes upbeat, sometimes pensive, and always leaving the listener with a sense of hope and well-being.

In 1991, a group of choral singers got together, under the direction of noted composer, conductor, and bass-baritone Thomas Beveridge, to form the New Dominion Chorale. Now one of the largest choral groups in the area (if not the largest), NDC boasts 225 members and is widely regarded as one of the jewels of Washington's brilliant choral scene. In recognition of its musical excellence, NDC has attracted widespread community support and has garnered glowing reviews in the Washington Post and other publications.

+ Bill Deasy
Read more about Emerson here at MSNBC.com.

Though millions already appreciate former Tonic frontman Emerson Hart’s poignant lyrics, smart songcraft and evocative voice, Hart’s debut album, Cigarettes & Gasoline, will be released on July 17th 2007 on EMI/ Manhattan Records. The first single “If You’re Gonna Leave” from the album marks Hart’s return to mainstream radio debuting at 37 on the Hot AC chart on May 27, 2007. The 12-song debut disc was recorded in New Orleans and in his current hometown, Nashville, with producers Bob Rock (Metallica, Bon Jovi), who produced the final, Grammy-nominated Tonic record; Grammy-winner Jason Lehning (Guster, Steve Forbert), and Mike Napolitano (Squirrel Nut Zippers, Joseph Arthur). As lead singer for alt-rock radio and concert favorites Tonic, Hart enjoyed platinum sales, chart topping singles and albums--including the 1 hit “If You Could Only See”--and two Grammy nominations in 2003.

...And still mixing it up. “Have You Heard,” Reagon’s sixth release, has her moving from rousing gospel-flavored refrains (the album’s title track) and churning soul grooves (“Didn’t I Tell You”) to tender reflections (“You“), political laments (“Down to the Water”) and a vintage rock cover (“Heartbreak Hotel”). The Washington Post

Birdlips "Cardboard Wings" CD Release Show + Trees on Fire

Cliff brought Lindsay into the studio to record electric piano, organ, and backup vocals on a couple of his songs. They ended up co-writing several new tunes. Birdlips and their first LP, Cardboard Wings, were born. Cliff and Lindsay are already working hard on material for their next album, tentatively titled Drift. United by their mutual love of sixties psychedelia and fascination with the hope and vitality of that time period, the new songs are reminiscent of the impassioned folk of that era.

The new full-length album, Cardboard Wings, is about finding oneself in a foreign land. It was recorded at Monkeyclaus Studio in central Virginia in the summer and fall of 2007 and mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side in New York. The album can be purchased now at a Birdlips show near you. It should be available online by February or March 2008.

Robert Francis recalls the voice of simpler and more truthful era when people were crazier and sang about shit that mattered. Growing up in Los Angeles as the youngest in a family of musicians, Robert possesses a maturity far beyond his nineteen years. Unlike most, Robert is not seduced by the decadent lifestyles of today's pop stars and has only disdain for the over produced empty songs on the radio. Writing and producing all his own material, he injects one hundred percent truth and emotion into each of his songs. He is often compared to a young Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle or Neil Young, and with this record “One by One,” Robert Francis fills a colossal void that has been desperately missing from this generation of musicians.

***Check out Secondhand Serenade on Conan O'Brien, CBS Morning Show, and TRL on MTV in the coming week!!!

Nearly a year after the release of his debut album, Awake, Secondhand Serenade is back with his much-anticipated follow-up, A Twist In My Story. Rightfully titled, the album finds Secondhand Serenade; real name John Vesely, adding onto his signature raw vocals and guitar with the use of orchestration and a full band.

Carrying the momentum of a carefully crafted career, support from his label Glassnote Records, along with the adoration of millions of fans, A Twist In My Story is slated to be released on February 19th of 2008. The album finds John coming off of one of the most hectic years of his life after appearances on MTV, Yahoo! Music, AOL, Music Choice, in Rolling Stone, and more. Rigorous, national tours followed with other notable artists including the Plain White T’s, All American Rejects, and Hawthorne Heights before deciding to take some time to focus on recording. With the tracks completed a sold out show in support of Good Charlotte helped to ease John back into the life of a touring musician as he played to a crowd of over 1,000 people in Anaheim before the start of his own 24 date, headlining tour that Fall.

Trapper continues to tour in support of his third independent solo CD: ‘Hey, You’, an interesting blend of pop, rock, Celtic and Latin music with the ever-present under story of Chris’ distinctive baritenor.

TRAPPER NEWS:

Canadian folk-rock band Great Big Sea chooses Chris Trapper to co-write several original songs for their forthcoming studio release. Chris Trapper’s first album of all-original holiday songs ‘It’s Christmas Time’ (Starlit Records, Nov. 2007) rated among the year’s best Holiday Music. The Boston Herald praises the CD “This isn’t merely the best by a Boston singer/songwriter, it’s the years best set of new Christmas tunes, period.” Performing Songwriter Magazine names alt-acoustic release ‘Hey, You’ a Top Pick for 2007, calling the CD “…a wealth of arresting melodies, a beckoning call that’s hard to ignore.” Two original Chris Trapper songs featured on ABC drama ‘Women’s Murder Club’ starring Angie Harmon. Music Video for 'Wish I Was Cool' --directed by award winning filmmaker Bertha Bay Sa Pan - is a fan favorite on YouTube.

Tenebrae is the latest work from singer-songwriter, Mike Mangione and his band. Since its release the band has received favorable press form all corners of the country, including the honor of being selected as New York Magazine’s pick of the week in September 2007. Indie Launchpad defines Tenebrae as “a phenomenally great album,” while Indiemusicstop has labeled it “a definite must have for any fan of folk and Indie music genres.” Aside from its life in the press, for the band the album marks a dénouement of sorts, the culmination of a process that began as a search for a subtle, organic, yet dynamic and expressive sound.

The Los Angeles Times describes Shannon as "... a beautiful piano player who sounds like the love child of Fiona Apple and Norah Jones."

Shannon's debut EP, Boomerangs & Seesaws, was released in July 2007 on the tiny Saint Cloud Records label. Constant touring has been building Shannon a devoted following across the country.

Gripping vocals, intelligent lyrics, and songs filled with memorable hooks are what you will find with Leaving,TXs debut release, 100 Miles to Sunday. This original alt.country outfit delivers a clever blend of cutting edge twang-rock mixed with a healthy dose of country.

"Celeste Starchild (and yes...that is her real name!) is known for her unforgettable lyrics and vocal talent. Celeste released her debut EP, "Time Release" (produced by Kevin Gutierrez at Assembly Line Studios) to a sold-out crowd in June 2007. Past appearances include live performances on XM Radio's U-Pop two weeks running, live radio performances on WRNR, a feature on the cable television show "American Music" hosted by rockabilly Hall of Fame-er Billy Hancock, and many live music venues including Iota, Jammin' Java, Bangkok Blues, the National Folk Alliance Conference, the National BBQ Battle, Dewey Beach Music Conference, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival. "

Two cousins from Fairfax, VA, Dave and Will Cook, formed the band in January of 2005. Members Bobby, Andrew, and Pat joined the band at a later date, completing the line-up. Great bands are defined by great songs; and in the age of MTV and a constantly changing music industry great songs are hard to come by. It is this groups ability to compose great songs that will define their success. My Favorite Highway has set themselves apart from the mass of indie rock and trendy pop punk bands that occupy the modern rock scene. With a roster of excellent songs and a must-see live show under their belt My Favorite Highway shows unrivaled and unlimited potential that will leave listeners asking, "Where will this band be one year from now?"

Two cousins from Fairfax, VA, Dave and Will Cook, formed the band in January of 2005. Members Bobby, Andrew, and Pat joined the band at a later date, completing the line-up. Great bands are defined by great songs; and in the age of MTV and a constantly changing music industry great songs are hard to come by. It is this groups ability to compose great songs that will define their success. My Favorite Highway has set themselves apart from the mass of indie rock and trendy pop punk bands that occupy the modern rock scene. With a roster of excellent songs and a must-see live show under their belt My Favorite Highway shows unrivaled and unlimited potential that will leave listeners asking, "Where will this band be one year from now?"

Imagine we're at the Crawdaddy Roadhouse near New Orleans. There we'll find the rhythm and blues of a night transformed by an aphrodisiac nonpareil – the swamp water out back!

"PERFUME RIVER: A SWAMP WATER LOVE STORY" LOVE CONJURES ALL!! Marie loves Jon the piano player. Does he love her? At the Crawdaddy near New Orleans, the late-night crowd finds the rhythm and blues of a night transformed by an aphrodisiac nonpareil – the swamp water out back!

More info at Perfume River at Myspace

NYC based singer-songwriter, Joey DeGraw, combines powerful songs with a rootsy rock feel creating an unmistakable sound. DeGraw’s songs provide honest, witty, and sharp observations on life and he sings them with a voice that is raw and filled with emotion. The older brother of recording artist Gavin DeGraw, Joey is a prolific writer and has written with some of the industry’s top selling artists such as Joss Stone and Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors. "Gavin is like a rocket. Joey is like a time bomb," says NYC’s Bitter End owner Ken Gorka. Joey has packed the house at some of NYC's most famous clubs such as the Bitter End, the Knitting Factory, and Mercury Lounge to name a few. He has also toured internationally both with his own band, and as the guitarist and singer in younger brother Gavin's band. Well-known in the underground New York City music scene, Joey has been featured on Clear Channel's website as well as Z-100's website. He has received rave reviews in mainstream media like the NY Post and The Times Herald Record. Joey also performed two songs that appeared on the hit TV show One Tree Hill.

Texas singer-songwriter Darden Smith was once describe as an explorer. This fits. During his 20-year career, he has recorded in folk, country and pop settings. He has co-written songs with a British rocker, released 10 critically acclaimed albums, created works for dance theater, done symphonic collaborations and through his Be An Artist Program, brought to children across the US and Europe the message of the inherent creative capabilities in everyone. His song cycle, ‘Marathon’ is currently being adapted for the stage. Darden Smith has made himself at home in studios in Manhattan, Nashville and London, as well as Austin. With every CD he releases his focus and style continues to shift, yet remains true to his roots.

After celebrating some of their favorite “road music” by other songwriters on their previous CD, Songs of the Open Road, Pete and Maura have recorded Better Dreams, their first CD of all-original material in seven years, inspired by a pair of seminars they conducted on “using dreams to unlock your creativity.” “We found that we were writing really interesting songs in and around the workshop sessions,” they explain. “All of these songs have something to do with the dreamtime,” where “we have a different kind of freedom there.”

Brainfang was formed by David Cotton and Patrick Williams in 1999. They recently released a 12 song cd called, “Brainfang Lives, Live,” and a new cd entitled, “Twilight Condition” is due in May of 2008. Recent additions to the Brainfang line-up include Matt Rehfuss on drums and vocals, and Marc Capponi on bass guitar and vocals.

What began as a solo project two years ago has matured into the four-piece piano-driven, melodic, indie rock machine of Barcelona.

After recording his solo debut Safety Songs, an up-and-coming Seattle singer/songwriter Brian Fennell (vocals, keyboards) assembled a band for a short tour including his childhood friend Brian Eichelberger - a classically trained violinist who self-taught bass - and college buddies Chris Bristol (Guitar) and Rhett Stonelake (drums).