"Fresh" by Bria Skonberg (Jazz Artist from Ontario, Canada)

You will be dazzled by the vocal talent of Bria Skonberg and her debut album, "Fresh," that is brimming with Jazz favorites, mainstream hits, and a few stunning originals. Skonberg reveals her fantastic and entertaining vocals with sheer articulation and projection. Not only is Skonberg an outstanding vocalist but she also impresses the listener with her talents on the trumpet. As the stunning syncopated rhythm of the piano kicks off the beat on "Beau Dirk," the horns drive the melody home with intense precision and clarity. With Jazz panache and backed by a big band sound, the pop hit "Lovefool," hits the mark of this modern tune with style and grace. Take a trip down memory lane with "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" as this classic favorite of the '50's gleams with doo **** tonality. Funky beats and big, bright horns engages "Come On-A My House" which drives the upbeat and entertaining lyrics The superb CD, "Fresh," is a must have addition to your Jazz collection as its catchy and superbly mixed with artistic arrangements which are driven by Skonberg's effervescent Jazzy vocals.

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

"Chansons" by VX-323 (Electronica Artist from Oregon(OR))

This is one CD review where I will not have to worry about hurting the singer's feelings. No, it's not that The VX-323 is heartless – well, strike that. The VX-323 is, in fact, heartless: he / she – it, is a robot. That's right. The VX-323 is a "voice synthesis android," programmed to provide vocals for the 9 tracks of electronica / Euro-pop that comprises the fascinating album, "Chansons." Its back story is reason enough to check out The VX-323, but beyond that is the fact that the music, encompassing classic electronica grooves & effects inspired by the likes of Kraftwerk & Depeche Mode, andcountless dance-oriented works of the '80's, so perfectly fits the theme of a robot and its role in a human-centric world. Employing different "voices" (an English-accented yuppie on "Billion Dollar Condo;" a Barry White-like narrator trading off with an Eddie Murphy-in-white-voice clone on "Hey Baby;" a disembodied PA announcer on "Commuter Flight," etc.), The VX-323 "sings" songs about work, humans and technology from the non-human perspective. Funny, clever, thought-provoking, and musically satisfying as a collection of Euro-infused synth-pop songs, The VX-323's debut CD, "Chansons," must be heard to be believed.

-Rice B. & the RadioIndy Reviewer team
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"Bondi Blue (Music from the Underwater Bondi Experience" by John Simmons (Electronic Artist from Australia)

The terms lush, orchestral, mysterious, soothing & atmospheric all come to mind when referring to John Simmons' new CD, "Bondi Blue (Music from the Underwater Bondi Experience)," a thematic, New Age-like album built on overlaid synthesizers and electronica-framed soundscapes. All 11 instrumental tracks of "Bondi Blue" are titled to reflect the deep sea experience (the music was composed specifically for the Underwater Bondi Experience in Australia), and Simmons is more than up to the task of fitting music to the images his song titles evoke. CD-opener, "Into the Surf," with its lush, melodic sweep, suggests the ambience of a windswept ocean at dawn; "Deep Rocky Reef," more jagged & imposing, hints at the dangers that lurk in unfathomable depths; "Blueness" explores limitless shallows & its intrinsic natural beauty; and "Underwater," with its orchestral strains of epic proportion, calls forth the sea's mystery and its inscrutable wonder. For fans of instrumental, chill out and New Age music, John Simmons' CD, "Bondi Blue (Music from the Underwater Bondi Experience)" is as timeless as the sea it celebrates.

-Rice B. & the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out John Simmons's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Featured Single

Band Name: Emilio Palame Band
Featured Single: New Day
Album: Be Who You Are
Genre: R&B Jazz Funk
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Featured Single

Band Name: The Marc James Band
Featured Single: You Have A Secret
Album: Maximum Action
Genre: Soft Rock
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"Twenty Years - Twenty Rivers" by Flower & McLaren (Folk Artist from San Francisco, California(CA))

A hybrid of Ethnic, Folk and Celtic musical influences, Flower & McLaren's 4th CD, "Twenty Years-Twenty Rivers," is yet another lively and joyful celebration from accomplished multi-instrumentalists evolving their own unique musical genre in an age of drill-down specialization. Trading instruments and musical textures like a runner changes socks, Flower & McLaren mix and match (acoustic) instruments and moods throughout this musically abundent, 12-song (55+ minutes) album; blending guitar and accordion on an infectious jig ("The Monaghan Jig…"); piano and fiddle on a minor key, down-from-the-mountain-like air ("Rick & Val's Happy Garden Day…"); mandolin and piano on a beautifully solemn ballad ("Sherrill's Lament"); and even ragtime-inspired piano with brushed drums on a bouncy reel ("Sally's Reel"). Regardless of pairing, though, their music is informed with the kind of lived-in and timeless grace that makes you swear these songs have been handed down through generations. And while folk purists are sticklers for tradition and heritage, what ultimately moves music and culture forward are visionaries who draw from the past to fashion art that is right for their times, without being stuck in the moment. "Twenty Years-Twenty Rivers," the terrific new CD by Flower & McLaren, is an organic melding of acoustic and vocal music traditions beyond genre or unnecessary limitations.

-Rice B. & the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
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"Heading Back Again" by Bob Peck (Easy Listening Artist from Massachusetts(MA))

"Heading Back Again" by Bob Peck is a charismatic acoustic collection of beautiful, easy listening songs which reflects Peck's favorite places to travel and the inspiring personality they bring to him. His songs will take you to places like the Florida Keys or to Mexico and his lyrics replicate these timeless adventures. Peck is creative and his songs bring a refreshing taste of easy listening music with a wonderful style and grace. As an acoustic production the guitar is crisp and clean with nice clarity. "She Came To The Cape" is a bouncy tune with an easy flowing rhythmic beat and laid back lyrics that compliment the vocals. Peck's vocal ability reaches down deep with full bodied flavor as you can hear on "Wind In My Sails" and "Fate Will Take You." Your mind and body will relax to the uplifting melodies of "Heading Back Again."

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Bob Peck with The Outer Beach Bandits's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Ten Pennies Make a Dime" by Fred Prellberg (Rock Artist from Illinois(IL))

Playing with '60's & '70's rock forms like a kitten unraveling a ball of yarn, Fred Prellberg reveals a host of vaunted influences on his most recent CD, "Ten Pennies Make a Dime." Opening with a rock salvo copping The Pirates' classic "Shakin' All Over" guitar riff, "No Man's Land" devolves into a MC5-like rock jam, underscoring the album's core rock 'n roll ethos. Elsewhere, "Mari Tamed the Mountain Lion" and the ironic "Lie" sport decidedly melodic, post-Beatles pop-rock grooves, "Hands of God," with its careening Hammond organ backing, comes across like an adrenaline-fueled, '60's garage band hyped up on Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower," and the cinematic "Tornado Alley" feels like a less-than-subtle tribute to the grandiosity of Springsteen's "Born to Run" lp. "Real Real Wild," a pure rockabilly tune with some Jordanaires-like backing and Carl Perkins-worthy accompaniment, shows the breadth of "Ten Pennies'" influences, while album closer, "The World Today" (dedicated to the late cult figure, Nikki Sudden), brings it all home with an Ian Hunter-like rocker as Prellberg & band leave the song (and album) hanging on an unresolved chord. Despite the many influences, however, Fred Prellberg's "Ten Pennies Make a Dime" CD is as cohesive as it is original, a studied exercise with literate and insightful lyrics that declares the album is more about the author's artistic vision than its many influences.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Rescue Me" by Lionel and Leslie (Spiritual Artist from Maryland (MD))

Releasing their Contemporary Spiritual single, "Rescue Me," Lionel & Leslie invoke emotional uplifting with touching lyrics of worship and praise. Lionel & Leslie easily express their vocal ability with a smooth, lush, style and grace. Together, their voices are sweet and delicate while beautifully complementing each other. The encouraging lyrics of this wonderful song send messages of hope and to never despair no matter how bad your life may seem. Always have faith and persevere and look up to the heavens in a time of need. This song also displays a nice, balanced production as the musical instruments are soft, smooth, and flowing and never overpowers the vocals. If times cause you to need a little spiritual inspiration, then "Rescue Me," will surely do the job.

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

"Mind's Eye" by Hybrid Ice (Classic Rock Artist from Pennsylvania(PA))

Make no mistake about it: Hybrid Ice plays the kind of classic, over-the-top arena rock whose heyday was decades ago. That said, their mastery of the genre, and the winning combination of great songs with brilliantly-executed performances, make their new CD, "Mind's Eye," one for the ages. Boasting the kind of chops & muscle one associates with Boston, Foreigner, Styx and Journey (to name a few), "Mind's Eye" packs the kind of hooks & musicianship to make 21st century standards of rockers like CD-opener "Fight Another Day," or the powerful "Stop Searching." On the original power ballad front, the band delivers the goods with flair & expertise on "Sadder Day Morn" and "Only the Lonely." No song better sums up Hybrid Ice's return-to-glory story, though, than "Worth the Wait;" with its hooks-laden chorus & soaring harmonies, it's as good as any of Boston's greatest hits. Although "Mind's Eye" is only Hybrid Ice's 3rd album (their 1st was in 1982), one can't help but be amazed that these guys never broke through to national prominence. Their vocals, musicianship, arrangements, production and not least, rock 'n' roll passion, are not only dead-on, they're genre-defining. But as bands like Nickelback lead the classic rock parade in the new millennium, Hybrid Ice's "Mind's Eye" CD need take no back seat when it comes to timeless & compelling rock albums.

-Rice B. & the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out Hybrid Ice 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"The Wall Street Recession Time Blues" by Dennis Angel Band (Jazz Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

Following in the grand tradition of sociopolitical topical songs, the Dennis Angel Band's new single (available as a download), "The Wall Street Recession Time Blues," is sure to strike a chord with many listeners touched – in one way or another, by the economic realities reflected in daily headlines across the country. In detailing the ongoing financial meltdown & its aftermath, trumpeter Dennis Angel's jazz ensemble have fashioned a big band-style blues tribute that's both ironic & funny, but no less direct & caustic. Crooner, DeForest Raphael's straightforward reading is classic vocal jazz &, given the subject matter, worthy of the Frazier Crane-like pomp with which he so appropriately informs his delivery. The arrangement is equally classic: the rhythm section of David Shaich (bass) & Mike Campenni (drums) sync expertly with the jazz chords of pianist Joel Mofsenson, as Angel & Gottfried Stoger (sax & flute) provide the kind of harmonic flourishes that make for great jazz. A triumph of composition & execution and timely as hell, "The Wall Street Recession Time Blues" by Dennis Angel Band is a terrific slice of vocal jazz.

-Rice B. & the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out Dennis Angel Band 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Fool and His Amazing Wasted Life" by The Secret (Pop Artist from Massachusetts(MA))

The Secret play a relaxed & tuneful style of Brit-flavored Soft Rock on their fine new release, "Fool and His Amazing Wasted Life." At times recalling '70's bands like The Bee Gees and Sutherland Brothers (or the Joey Molland-led Badfinger) – albeit, sometimes with more '80's-style production values, the 13-track collection is brimming with solid hooks engagingly delivered in singer Frank Paquette's decidedly throaty, Mark Knopfler-meets-Leonard Cohen voice. Among highlights, "What About Us" is a nice straightforward pop-rock tune; "Change of Heart" is a soulful bit of California-inspired pop with lush synth-pop backing; and "More Than Love" continues the California influence, opening with beach sounds before segueing into an Adult Contemporary ballad worthy of Air Supply. Elsewhere, The Secret takes some musical chances, dabbling in rap ("Girls In The Project") & 70's, gospel-like disco ("Somehow I Know"), illustrating the range of musicality this band of rock vets bring to the table. What ultimately makes The Secret's "Fool and His Amazing Wasted Life" release, though, are subtle & insinuating melodies that sneak up on you & linger well after a song has finished, & that's no small accomplishment.

-Rice B. & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out The Secret's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Featured Single

Band Name: 5 Track Mind
Featured Single: Signs
Album: 30 Years Later
Genre: Pop Rock
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"Naughty and Nice" by CRgruve (Rap/Pop Artist from Maine (ME))

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"Echoes" by Journeyman (Easy Listening Artist from The United Kingdom)

Journeyman, who is artist /composer Nick Constant, releases his first solo CD, "Echoes," which is comprised of melodic and interesting collections of Classical/World Fusion flavored with an exotic flair. Constant's travels have taken him to Africa and the Middle East and he has creatively crafted a collection of easy listening songs using the various tones and sounds of his experiences. His song titles reflect the beautiful mosaic of arrangements Constant delivers throughout his album. A soft, calming effect imbues "Sunrise," as the sounds of slow flowing water cascades around an acoustic guitar playing a sweet lullaby melody. An angelic voice on the title track, "Echoes," delicately rises above the chiming church-like bells in a relaxed, orchestrated production. Creatures of the jungle come to life in harmonious sync on "Equator." Take a journey to the Middle East on "Sands of Time" and become a part of the syncopated rhythm and relax to a soothing voice. Unwind and enjoy the peaceful sounds and melodies of Journeyman's CD, "Echoes," as it will take you to a place of quiet serenity.

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

"N.A.G.A. (National Ass Groovin’ Association)" by National Ass Groovin’ Association (Rock Artist from Minnesota(MN))

Jam-packed with high energy Rock/Funk, National Ass Groovin' Association and their self-titled CD, "N.A.G.A. (National Ass Groovin' Association)," makes its mark with non-stop heavy metal madness. This trio stirs the gruff and tough realms of hard core rock with driving power chords and building beats. Driven by razor-sharp guitar, "Belief" and "Beast" emulate the maximum fury of classic heavy metal while impressing with its tight cohesiveness. A catchy bass riff and funky guitar gets the groove going on "Can't Go," with its flashback to the days of the '70's. Displaying their diversity, the ballad "Lost Lyons" shows this trio can dish out a softer side with a sweet piano solo and laid-back guitar riffs. Not only does this band rock, but they definitely have a sense of humor, as evidenced in the short, humorous song that promotes their website, "www.nassgass.com." If you're looking for a full-throttle, maxed-out metal sound, then "N.A.G.A. (National Ass Groovin' Association)," is a must-have addition to your heavy metal collection.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out National Ass Groovin' Association's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites