Spotlight: Bob Childs

In a darkened room, under a bold shaft of light, fiddler and luthier Bob Childs beheld a violin inlaid with the image of a weeping boy. Awakened from this vivid dream, Childs was struck deeply—recalling his complicated childhood—and was compelled to find his voice at a crucial point in his life as a violin-builder. 

Now Childs and his creations have fostered unexpected, playful friendships that inspired Childsplay, an ensemble based around Childs’s family of instruments and the shared richness of their voices. For more than two decades, the group has joyfully dug into everything from sprightly reels to poignant airs, from stony lonesome ballads to roots-infused rockabilly, on instruments that sing with the same soul, built by the same hands. 

“Translating the sound that artists hear in their head to the violin is the challenge,” muses Childs. “Certain violins are like trumpets, bright and right out in front. Then there are violins like mine, that are darker, alluring, and pull the audience to the musicians,” be they a soloist from a world-class orchestra or a Celtic fiddle champ.

Listeners will feel this pull as Childsplay, whose latest album Waiting for the Dawn (Childsplay Records) features Crooked Still vocalist Aiofe O’Donovan, tours the East Coast in December 2010, including a gala performance at New York’s Symphony Space on December 3 at 8 PM. For these dates, the group will be joined by singer Mollie O’Brien, frequent guest on A Prairie Home Companion, and Irish and Appalachian-style step dancer Shannon Dunne. 

As a boy, Childs spent several hard years in foster care before being adopted by a classical music loving couple. His family eventually moved to Maine, and Childs became enamored with the fiddle scene, teaching himself to play the old-time dance tunes he learned from elderly players. He worked his way through college by working with wood and “kept getting progressively smaller” in his projects, moving from house carpenter to cabinetmaker. 

Then one day, early in his twenties, he met a wily old-timer of a fiddle maker, Ivie Mann, in the quiet town of Orrington, Maine. Childs took in his fiddle, a curly maple beauty handed down from a friend’s grandfather in Dublin, and wound up with an unexpected new vocation. 

“When I first shook hands with Ivie, he literally shook my hand for fifteen minutes. I was actually kind of uncomfortable,” Childs recalls with a chuckle. “We went into his shop, and he said to come back in a week. When I went back, as I was walking out the door he asked when I was coming back. He pointed to his bench, where he had put out wood, and said, ‘I’ve been looking for someone to teach.’”

Childs avidly absorbed all the lore he could about Maine fiddlers and the art of violin building. He worked on his first instrument until it won the approval of a local string-playing elder, who gleefully played it for several hours. Childs soon coupled these powerful ties to tradition and traditional players with rigorous apprenticeships in the shops of world-class makers. He spent years in Philadelphia with Michael Weller, gaining insight into the centuries-old methods passed down from the great luthiers of Italy, Germany, and France, and coming into contact with his first Stradivarius and Guarneri violins.

It was toward the end of nine years as an apprentice, at a moment of doubt and hope, that Childs had his revelatory dream. “It was remarkable the way it happened. I had just finished the journeyman’s portion of my luthier training, when you get exposed to lots of instruments,” Childs recalls. “I was about to move back to New England to start my own business when I had that dream. It gave me the confidence to go forward in a very tough field. I was connected to why I was doing it.”

The connection Childs began to feel extended beyond his own past and passion and into his work with musicians who commissioned violins. He hears the timbre of timber, the final sound of an instrument in its raw materials, and can match the voice of a piece of wood to the spirit of the artist, while imbuing it with a unique voice. 

“There’s something very mysterious about the violin that makes it special to be maker and player in today’s world,” reflects Childs. “You can’t really explain how a maker takes different pieces of wood from different trees, yet the instruments share a similar quality. It’s not the measurements or the varnish. It’s about the soul of the person.” 

This soul sparked Childsplay, which got its start 26 years ago when a group of musicians all playing Childs’s violins asked Childs to sit in with them at a show in DC. Though Childs acts as artistic director, the individual musicians—all striking artists in their own right—compose and craft the pieces the ensemble takes on. “We come from all these varied musical traditions, fromIreland to Appalachia, from Scotland to Cape Breton, and everybody is out of their comfort zone,” Childs explains. “It makes for a very focused and creative working atmosphere and you just naturally open up a bit. That's what brings people back year after year: the process is very intensely creative and organic.”

Rollicking Slavo-Celtic dance tunes (“Liam Childs/Balkin’ Balkan/The E-B-E Reel”) intertwine with delicate traditional ballads and swaying instrumentals (“Soir et Matin”). The tender side of Elvis’s “Love Me Tender,” gently urged from the groups’ strings, contrasts with the wry grit of Steve Earle’s “Christmas in Washington.”  

Boundaries between traditions and genres, between the conservatory and the kitchen party, break down in Childsplay, as players gather for a week of fellowship and hardcore rehearsal before every tour or recording session. The marathon music making has had some surprising results: unexpected friendships between musicians who share their appreciation for Childs’ instruments but diverge in their performance practices and repertoire. 

All-Ireland fiddle champ Sheila Falls, for example, has struck up a powerful friendship with Boston Symphony violinist Bonnie Berwick that has led to collaboration outside Childsplay. These connections are about more than unexpected musical odd couples, however; they have shaped Childsplay’s distinct sound and familial spirit. 

“Because everybody is so talented, over the years we’ve developed the tremendous harmony potential of our music but with very contemporary rhythmic sensibilities,” Childs explains. “It’s no longer ‘old’ or ‘old-fashioned music,’ but a sound that is alive and well. We have created our own voice as a group from years and years of performing together,” a voice that begins with resonant wood in the hands of a loving artisan.

Spotlight: Guitar Mac

Music Promotion via MusicSubmit.com

Webpage: http://www.guitarmac.com
Location: Sacramento, California, United States
Description: Delta Blues Man.The Cavalier Of The Blues.Road House Blues.
Biography: Guitar Mac and His Blues Express When you think of the blues, you think B.B. King, Muddy Watters……and of course, that guitar that speaks to you….that’s what it does. It’s that signature sound that identifies this style of music instantaneously. The guitar tells the story, as a second voice. This is the blues. This style of music is very deep, very emotional, full of dynamics and intensity. Guitar Mac and His Blues Express is a member of this elite group. He is from Cotton Plant, Arkansas, but his music is pure Mississippi Delta Blues. He was introduced to playing the blues guitar at a very young age, learning the Delta style which is still alive and kicking in that region. He moved to the South Bay area in 1968 and settled in Sacramento, California. He has relentlessly pursued opportunities to perform and demonstrate this style of music to the masses. This drive takes him all over the world. He’s performed in Europe – all over France, Italy, England, Germany and Holland. In California he’s been playing his music since 1983 at the Sacramento Blues Festival. He has 9 CD’s out on the worldwide market. He has also been graced with many prestigious awards, solidifying his mark in this industry. 1990 - Key to the city of Sacramento, Ca. by the Mayor, Ann Rudin 1991 - Bay area Blues Society – Blues DJ Of The Year 2002 - Radio Producer Of The Decade – Access Sacramento 2006 - Blues Band Leader Of The Year – West Coast Blues Hall Of Fame 2009 – West Coast Blues Hall Of Fame. Traditional Delta Style Blues Artist Guitar Mac-Traditional Delta Style Blues Artist Of The year Guitar Mac and His Blues Express has released a new CD titled "River City Shuffle" which is now on i-Tunes. His lead single from this new CD, "I’m Guilty" is a perfect example of this multi-talented, multi-faceted, complex individual. This song brings on a powerhouse guitar performance along with amazing lyrics sung with passion and drive. It is sexy – super cool – super blues. Guitar Mac shows us that this art form is far from extinction. It’s alive and on every corner of the world – again – thanks to Guitar Mac and His Blues Express. You can hear the growth in his music with every CD that is produced. Each CD is one step up from the last. This is one amazing artist that needs to be heard. You can listen to and/or purchase any of his music by logging onto the following websites: www.guitarmac.com www.myspace.com/guitarmac1 www.myspace.com/guitarmac www.promofm.com (search: Guitar Mac) Guitar Mac and His Blues Express is currently working with A & R Select in West Hollywood, California for a record deal, publishing, licensing and/or placement opportunities. For additional information, you can contact his PR firm: A & R Select 323-924-5897 www.arselect.com
Press Release: A Sacramento resident, Mac, brings not only a passion for blues but also a considerable resume to his stage act. Playing electric six-string and acoustic guitars, he has released singles and nine albums during a 25-year career. He has toured the United States, Europe and Japan, opening for the likes of John Lee Hooker, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and Taj Mahal. Mac has performed at the House of Blues in Las Vegas, the Monterey Blues Festival, the California State Fair in 1993 and 2000 and the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland. In 1992, he toured with the acclaimed San Francisco Blues Festival, when director Tom Mazzolini took several noted Bay Area blues musicians to France, England, Germany, Italy, Belgium and Monte Carlo. His road to full-time work as a musician has not always been smooth. After moving to Northern California in 1968, he assembled vehicles for Ford Motor Co. and General Motors in Bay Area plants. Then he started to drive a taxi, always playing guitar in his off time. Mac eventually became fairly proficient and gained some notice for his Blues R&B talent.

Song of the Day

Our Song for today is from GoldiShack Guerrillas' album War and the song is "Rebel."

Simply Six: The Dysfunctional Family Jazz Band

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

Patty: I knew I wanted to be a singer when I started singing in nursery school and every one stared at me cause my voice was pretty good and certainly loud for a 4 year old kid.  Music has been my main focus through out my life, and I knew it was what I always wanted to do. It didn’t matter as much to be a performer, as to just have it in every particle of my days. Also, I really wanted to be Annette Funicello on the Mickey Mouse Show, cause I loved her singing!

Melissa: I was on the beach in Mexico and someone taught me how to sing Gracias a La Vida – it made me weep and I wanted to be able to do that, to share that level of emotion.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

Patty: I am very eclectic, but I love to listen to women singers, and great songwriters. SO, here are a few: from Billy Holiday, to Sharon Jones, Bob Dylan to Alison Krauss, Miles Davis, to Esperanza Spaulding.  Abdulla Ibrahim…..

Melissa: Miriam Makeba, Taj Mahal, Carmen McRae, Rosa Passos, Lee Morgan, Silvio Rodriguez, Bonnie Raitt

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

Patty: Singing my children to sleep and awake again!

Melissa: I got to sing with Mundell Lowe, and he recorded with Sarah Vaughan and Carmen McRae and played with Billie Holiday – it gave me such a thrill.

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

 Patty: Music has already changed the world from promoting peace, revolution, work, dancing, solitary reflection, social communion, joy, sadness, and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.

Melissa: I would say look at Woody Guthrie, the Civil Rights Movement, and South Africa. There is an amazing film called "Amandla! A revolution in four part harmony." It's all about the power of music to affect change.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

 Patty: The industry is in freefall and that is good and bad.  I think that many doors have opened for the everyday musician, and that has brought us more musical diversity than what A&R execs might decide is commercial, but I really miss record stores. I like to browse in real feel. I do love the accessibility of most any music with a few keystrokes of the keyboard. Who could resist this wealth of songs!

Melissa: The sound quality has gone downhill. We need a Vinyl revolution.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Patty: My favorite shoes ever were low heeled gold strappy shoes from Sweden (cause Swedish Women have big damn feet like me!), built for sexy comfort and ready to haul an amp, walk on and into adventure, dance on stage!  So, make me them!

Melissa: Flip-Flops - easy to take off. I prefer to be barefoot. 

Spotlight: Shelia Sondergard

Sheila Sondergard

Music Promotion via MusicSubmit.com

Webpage: http://www.ShesOn.com
Location: San Diego, CA, United States
Description: A mixture of Reggae, Punk, Rock, Jazz, Swing, R&B, Blues, Alternative, folk Rock, and pop!
Biography: “The lovely and talented Sheila Sondergard will first capture you with her eyes, but listen, close your eyes and listen! She's been a staple of the local San Diego music scene for a few years and has grown into a top notch songwriter and performer! Great songs, style and grace! She rock's and seduces, that's Sheila Sondergard...” Tim Pyles FM 94.9 “The textured and sensitive sensuality revealed through throaty vocals, in Sheila Sondergärd’s upcoming release "Spoke Too Loud" show her growth and maturation as a promising new up-and-comer. Stand out tracks like the "Same ol' Bend" and "Change" illustrate Sondergärd’s effortless range and wry wit. Overall, "Spoke too Loud" wonderfully highlights a new voice of beauty and independence that is as much pure emotion as insightful intellect”. Kelly Grace - Downtown San Diego Magazine In the beginning of 2007, Sheila teamed up with five of San Diego's very best musicians, forming a band of world caliber talent. Their music is extremely diverse and boundary less, yet cohesive, intelligent, and thought provoking. We call it Intellipop, A sound that spans the genres of Jazz, Folk, Acoustic, Rock, Alternative, Reggae, Americana, and pop among others. Featuring 2007 Grammy Award winning drummer Bill Ray, Chuck Prada from the Black-eyed Peas on Percussions, this band is one to watch, and listen to! "I heard the first 15-seconds of the song Spoke Too Loud and immediately fell in love with Sheila Sondergärd’s music. There are so many moving and magical narrative elements in this effort that it seems almost elusive and unreal. Sheila slides from light progressive jazz in one tune to folksinger in the next, and then on to indie rocker and beyond. Her proficient guitar picking is backed ably by an award winning and intuitive band. The bottom line is that the entire CD is a tremendous first effort. The arrangements are exquisite and deftly showcase her band (Grammy Award winning Billy Ray on drums, Chuck Prada on percussion, Jason Littlefield on bass, Sean Martin on guitar and Jeremy Miller on keyboards). Most shining among them is the infectious title track, whose flavor is easily augmented by the jazzy skills of this impressive backing band. Spoke Too Loud is so musically expressive it could run considerably longer in free form style without losing any of it's magic. But I don't want to take away from Sheila's vocal abilities. She has a classy, full and throaty voice which actually outshines the band on the tracks Same Ol' Bend, Clue and Change. Just listen to her lament "Everyone's heart breaks and we do what we can to make it through the days" on the song Clue and you will see that she can command, and in fact demands the listener's full attention. In all, this disc delivers on all fronts. Listeners will delight in the breadth of Sondergard's skill and will appreciate the versatility of her craft. Her lyrics weave copious story lines that fit perfectly with the subtle melodies inherent in her words. They have even coined the term "intellipop" to define their musical genus, an extremely diverse and cohesive sound free of boundaries and stereotypes, intelligent, and thought provoking. That is dead-on accuracy." Mike Canter - Sonic Jive Mike Canter - Sonicjive ________________________________________________________________________________ Here's another review from Revolt in style magazine. They only pick 6 albums a month for review, this month they reviewed: The Smashing Pumpkins - 4stars, 12 Stones - 3 stars, Drowning Pool - 2 stars, Slightly Stoopid - 3 stars, Spoon - 4 stars, and of course Sheila Sondergard 3 Stars! Sheila Sondergard- Spoke too Loud The lower part of her vocals sounds slightly like Jewel, while the higher resembles Shakira. It’s a pleasant up and down motion just like ‘Clues’, the number four track. It starts out like she’s singing on the prairie, with a nice twang, then speeds up when she belts out, “we do what we can to make it through the day&” That phrase deserves a loud delivery and Sheila figures out a way to drop it on your front doorstep. On ‘Too Proud’, she seems certain that you “don’t have the balls& to say my name”. It’s a talent to sing ‘balls’ so many times in such a melodic way- she sounds so sweet when it’s coming out of her mouth. I don’t even think about how hairy they may be. - Revolt Magazine ____________________________________________________________________________ Meet the Band: "SHEILA Sondergärd is a sizzling, mouthy melting pot of ideas, beliefs and quick one-liners, and it is reflected in her music. This intrepid Korean and Danish singer-songwriter was playing open mics at the age of 16. When performing live, Sondergärd’s small stature and larger-than-life vocalization command the room. Her smoky, breathy voice and acoustic folk-rock style guitar tell the story of a life in which lyrical wisdom has been born out of hardship and self-reliance. She embodies a hybrid sound. It makes no promises, it is raw and honest and real. From living on the beach in Maui, to a cattle ranch in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming, to the Central American backdrop of Guatemala and then into sunny San Diego, Sondergard has experienced a little more “life” than the average young adult. Because of this, she draws upon the drama of circumstance and everything in between the lines to create her own distinct and haunting sound. Sondergärd’s next step is trying to gain the popularity to match her credibility." Kelly Grace (San Diego Downtown magazine) Picking up the trumpet at the age of 9 and the guitar at 11 cannon balled Sheila Sondergärd into something she couldn't wait to 'tap'. Having been inspired by each of her diverse and contrasting homes and drenched in exotic cultures her style has evolved as a copasetic melting pot of genres such as: Classical, Reggae, Folk, Rock n Roll, Punk, and many others. Sheila is not only a musician, but she holds down three jobs and in her spare time, she works on cars, & professionally trains horses. This seemingly lends to a common sense in Sheila’s lyrics and music that both men and women can relate to. Becoming a staple of the SD music scene over the past 5 years, Sheila has had the opportunity to play aside many amazingly, talented artists at many great and diverse venues. She also hosts one of San Diego’s most popular and longest running open mics for 10-12 local musicians every week. Sheila is ready to bring her music to the world, and we hope you can help to be a vessel in which that is possible! And as always, thank you for supporting independent music. “The textured and sensitive sensuality revealed thr... The textured and sensitive sensuality revealed through throaty vocals, in Shelia Sondergärd’s soon to be released "Spoke Too Loud" show her growth and maturation as a promising new up-and-comer. While Sondergärd’s past work, has lent towards a more angelic meets acoustic sound, "Spoke too Loud" echoes the complexities of finding an independent voice amongst the world of have nots and heartbreaks. Performing with a full band that includes Sean Martin, Jason Littlefield, Jeremy Miller, Bill Ray and Chuck Prada, "Spoke Too Loud" commands a larger than life presence, where songs layered in full form stylings and moody undertones reveal the subtleties of Sondergärd’s confessional style. Stand out tracks like "Same ol' Bend" and "Change" illustrate Sondergärd’s effortless range and wry wit. Overall, "Spoke too Loud" wonderfully highlights a new voice of beauty and independence that is as much pure emotion as insightful intellect. Kelly Grace (San Diego Downtown magazine Performance credits: Susan Gibson, Ben Taylor, Tristan Prettyman, Bret Michaels, Sprung Monkey, Bohemia Suburbana, Viernes Verde, Shawn Mullins, Chris Stills, Anais Mitchell, and Ani Difranco to name a handful. Venues: Canes, The Mint (LA), BB Kings(LA), Humphreys by the Bay, Lestats, The Sandbar, Longboards, Brick by Brick, Sam’s by the Sea, Taylor’s, Dreamstreet, The Irish Pub, Belly Up, Winstons, Espresso Roma, Find the Flowers Festival, Lunefest (Mexico), Baja Bash (Mexico), Adams Avenue Street Fair, Hennessey’s, Vinbladhs, The Sandbar (Vail, CO), The Launchpad (Abq, NM), The Reptilian Lounge (Abq., NM), Kelly’s (Abq., NM), UNM (Abq., NM), por que no? (Guatemala), Pana Rock (Guatemala), Sunset (Guatemala), Dante’s (Guatemala), El Chiste (Guatemala), Rio Dulce (Guatemala), Chimaltenango Beauty Pageant (Guatemala), Maui Brews (Hawaii), Iao Theatre (Hawaii), The Rail Tracks (Bellingham, WA), Cancer Walk-a-Thon Fundraiser (Newcastle, WY), Dancing Horse Café (Newcastle, WY), Biff Malibu’s (Sturgis, SD), Daily Grind (Rapid City, SD), Celeste Cafe (Spearfish, SD), and more& Radio: Tracks aired from "Spoke Too Loud" on these fine stations: The Local 94.9-SD KPRI-SanDiego KOTO-Telluride Sonic Jive Song Tiger WPKN-Bridgeport Indie Global Sound of Traffic Pro Productions Radio The Band House Live KNYO Radio-Fort Bragg Bluzz Radio CMediaTV BBS Radio Overground Radio D.i.r.t. Radio Fevered Brain Radio Network The Indie Ezine Ledesma Music New Paradigm music Aiiradio with Mountain Man Indie Global Estrogeneration Video: “Rhythms of Silence” Rhythms of silence “Spoke Too Loud Live” Spoke Too Loud “Clues” live at Humphreys by the Bay. "Clues" Live @ CD release party for "Spoke Too Lo (View them at www.myspace.com/sheilasondergard) Discography: Spoke Too Loud Rosewood Visit Sheila @ Sheila Myspace or her remodeled and coming soon website @ Sheilasondergard.com ________________________________________________________________________________ Chuck Prada - Percussions Chuck Prada, a native of San Diego, CA. acquired his passion for percussion through his father at a very tender age. His deep enthusiasm for music led him to venture out on his own. He found himself studying extensively under several master drummers with distinct ethic styles and methods like Cuban and Brazilian. Techniques like these, have geared him to specialize in Congas, Timbales, Bongo and assorted Afro-Cuban hand percussion. Just in the last three years alone, his talent and diversity has enabled him to tour and record with contemporary artists like Dr. Dre, Black Eyed Peas, Justin Timberlake, Sergio Mendes & Nelly Furtado, as well as such heavy weights like Fred Wesley (The JBs), Phil Upchurch (Curtis Mayfield), Harvey Mason (Herbie Hancock) & Red Holloway (Jack McDoff). San Diego has been Chuck’s performing stomping grounds for many years; it’s no surprise that the city of Los Angeles had no choice but to take notice of his percussion style. He currently works in both of these cities and other performing on tours, studio work and gigs with some of today’s best musicians. There is no denying that Chuck Prada’s infectious groove will touch anyone and everyone, even the hard of hearing. It’s no wonder that articles have been written about his fiery percussion style in publications like Roland (Beat Pharmacie, which include members of Black Eyed Peas & Macy Gray), Jazz Times (organ virtuoso Robert Walters from Greyboy All-Stars) & Modern Drummer (Robert Walter’s Money Shot Album- featuring Stanton Moore of Galactic). It is evident that his ambition, high driven energy and love for playing music will move you. Recording credits: Dr. Dre, Justin Timberlake, Ricky Martin, Macy Gray, Nelly Furtado, Black Eyed Peas, Sergio Mendes, Truth Hurts, Mos Def, Loony Toons, Chuck Rainy, Harvey Mason, Clyde Stubblefield (James Brown),Mike Clark (Herbie Hancock), Fred Wesley (The JB’s), Phil Upchurch (Curtis Mayfield), Medusa, Descemer Bueno, Planet Asia, Stanton Moore, Beat Pharmacie, B-Side Players, Snoop Dog, Kalis, DJ Logic, Esthero, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Tribe Called Quest.... Live Performance Credits: Fred Wesley, Black Eyed Peas, Robert Walter’s 20th Congress, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universal, Greyboy All Stars, Soul Live, Galactic, Stanton Moore, Beat Pharmacie, Venus Brown, Truth Hurts, Charlie Hunter, Mike Clark, the Breakestra, Chuck Rainy, Phil Upchurch, Red Holloway, Neffertiti (Arrested Development), Tre (Pharcyde), Planet Asia, Pocket, The Greasy Beats, JB and The Rebellion, The Breakestra, Charlie 2na, Descemer Bueno, Guru, Wu Tang Clan.... Motion Pictures & Television Credits: MTV Series Will.I.Am. “My Definition” UPN TV Series- Twilight Zone, “Cristos” with George Pajon Jr. & 777 Lost Change- Original Film Score and Accompanying Soundtrack, Ind. Film Produced by Will Adams &Levi / Silver Tab Miller High Life- Television Commercial Produced by Mike Andrews Fox Motor Sports-M80, Fuel Networks Television show 2005 Slacker’s - Original Film Score Procident Adventure - Original Film Score Major Tour Credits: The Breakestra, The Black Eyed Peas, Robert Walter’s 20th Congress, Featuring Fred Wesley (James Brown) Robert Walter’s 20th Congress Venus Brown/ D’ Angelo European Tour Van’s Warped Tour Visit Chuck’s Website at www.chuckprada.com to view Partial Discography of 30+ albums. _ ____________________________________________________________________________ Jason Littlefield - Bass Jason Littlefield started playing upright bass when he was 10 and picked up the electric bass a year later. He began his professional career at age 12 while performing all over the Midwest with bluegrass band "Porter County". While a teenager, Littlefield was a founding member and bassist in “Minor Bluegrass” with fiddler “Casey Driessen” (Bela Fleck Acoustic Trio) and banjoist “Noam Pikelny” (Leftover Salmon).Since then, he's been a member of over a dozen symphonies, several Jazz and Rock bands, and became the regular bassist for the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra at just age 22. He attended Ball State University on a classical scholarship and has toured Europe with the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra. Jason is a very busy and active member of the San Diego music scene, and a legend in the making. Band credits: The Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra Tommy Price and the Stilettos The David Patrone Quartet Skirt Alert On the One Lil' Chili and the Wahwahs Tour credits: Vienne (France) Jazz Festival, Montreux (Swiss) Jazz festival, North Sea (Holland) Jazz Festival, Rhino Jones-Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Rhino Jones- main stage @ the Indianapolis 500, Hot Pants- New Jersey, North Carolina TV credits: Veronica Mars (2005) Band credits: Discography: Flip City, "Take One..." Derek Edwards, "Transitions" Hot Pants, "Live" Skirt Alert, "Skirt Alert" Cashel, "Celtic Christmas" Sheila Sondergard, "Spoke Too Loud" Adam Gaines, "Art of the Flugelhorn; The Works of Art Farmer" Plus dozens of other "live" recordings. ____________________________________________________________________________ Sean Martin - Guitar Upon completion of a degree in comparative religion, Sean Martin also studied classical guitar and jazz studies at Ball State University. Migrating to San Diego in 2003, Sean has played in various groups ranging from jazz to rock. A full time guitar instructor, Martin continues his own study of the instrument. A much sought after and versatile player, Sean embraces all forms of rhythm. Sliding lovely lines of improvised melody over deep pockets, Martin is always groove minded. Band credits: Ball state university jazz lab ensemble 2001-2003 Ball state university jazz lab combo 2001 -2003 On the one 2005 -2006 Lil chili and the wah wah's 2006-2007 Al Howard and the k23 orchestra 2007 (honorary member) Skirt Alert TV credits: Veronica Mars (2005) Discography: Rhino Jones 1997 -2002 “What are the chances”, “collective perspectives” Hot pants 2001- 2003: 'Alice at Scotty’s' Skirt Alert 2002- present: 'demo' Flip city 2001 -2003 - 'Take one’, ‘Live at the heorot' Visit Sean & Jason @ www.myspace.com/skirtalert ____________________________________________________________________________ GRAMMY WINNER!!!! "Best Traditional Blues" 2007 Grammy Awards Bill Ray - Drums Bill Ray seems to have been born with drumsticks in his hands because he can't remember not playing. His earliest memories are banging on his father's drum set and watching him play. A chip off the old block, Bill was quick to emulate what he saw and has been at it ever since. The passion set afire in his early years has taken him around the world as a drummer, teacher and author. Never satisfied with the status quo, musically or otherwise, Bill strives to be different in his approach to playing music. This difference comes through not only in his playing but in "Time, Space, & Rhythm," Bill's acclaimed drumming lesson book. A frequent player at Jazz and Blues festivals throughout the USA and Europe, Bill is as comfortable in front of a stadium full of fans as he is jamming with friends in jazz/funk/rock/blues/flamenco bands in a coffee shop or in a studio session. Bill played drums from 2001-2006 for Ike Turner and played extensively on the Grammy-award winning album "Rising with the Blues". He has played with literally hundreds of local SD bands. And he is also involved in other facets of the music business including studio drumming, drum instruction/consultation, and promotions/web design for musicians. Band Credits: Playground Slap, Ryan Montana & 10 O’clock Scholars, Wild Truth, Sven Erik Seaholm, Tubby, Bill Magee blues band, Ruby and the Redhots, Hot monkey love, State of Mind, Lisa Sanders, Theresa Gun, Hemisphere, and the Bastard sons of Johnny Cash, to name just a few of the over 100 local bands Bill has played in. National Bands and tour support posted on Bills Website. Visit Bill's Website at www.billraydrums.com to view his Partial Discography (50 + albums) ____________________________________________________________________________ Jeremy Miller - Keys Jeremy Miller is a classically trained pianist from Newport Beach, CA. He moved to San Diego in 1997 after High School and twelve years of piano lessons. Immediately after graduating from SDSU with a major in Mathematics, Jeremy joined up with three of his best buddies to form The Fryday Band. Together, the four played around San Diego and the country for six years. Jeremy’s main modern influences include Bruce Hornsby, Elton John, Billy Joel, and Ben Folds Five.

SImply Six: P-Wonda

 1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they
> knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on
> the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance
> on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

my defining moment would be when Petey Pablo came out with Timbaland &
they drop'd the video to RAISE UP a Carolina Classic,he open the door
ofr us.. i was just about to start my bid and one of the hottest
artist around my way..  That made me say i gotta do it for my city &
state from there on i decided to take it very serious

> 2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some
> of your favorites?

when im not creating music there's no telling what i might listen to..
i like all type's of music & i dont mind listening to other genre's as
well.. some of my favorites? biggie smalls, tupac, jay-z, raekwon,
bone thugs, lil wayne, michael jackson, aaliyah, mary-J.. 50cent, run
dmc, krs1, kanye, the lox,

> 3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on
> record or live?

being #1 on the countdown in my hometown & going on tour with bone thugs

> 4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen
> to?   How much can music influence current events?

yes i do believe that, music has changed the world in so many ways
already.. it's apart of our everyday lifes in some form wether it's
TV, Radio, out shopping, on the net etc. Music has a dramatic
influence on current events positive & negative especially in certain
regions.. more so in the Hoods

> 5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology
> affected your career as a musician?

technology has affected the music industry by making labels & artist
have to use a digital marketing/promotion plan... several artist get
there material leaked by hackers.. nobody really buys cd's because u
can get on the net an download.. technology affected my career by
helping me gain exposure in area's i havent been to yet.. however
there aware thanks to technology

> 6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what
> type of shoes would you be?

a pair of nike's b/c i just do it,  i dont know lol

Song of the Day

Today we feature Billy Schafer from his album first to Believe and his song "My Mona Lisa (The One)."

Spotlight: Worldtime

Music Promotion via MusicSubmit.com

Webpage: http://www.worldtimeseattle.com
Location: Woodinville, WA, USA
Description: WORLDTIME, Seattle WA Tri powered, full vocal progressive rock.
Biography: WORLDTIME was written and recorded 1991-1993 in Seattle WA at Ironwood Studios with producer Jay Follet. Group members include Jay Ames guitars lead vocals, Donn Garrett drum percussion and lead vocals, Jeff Johnson session bass, vocals 91-92, Dennis Coile bass guitar vocals(live 93-94 tours) FEATURED SONG: "the Petrodollar Connection" written on the eve of destruction Jan 15th 1991. The WORLDTIME CD includes a 10 song water and story concept theme and has received underground international acclaim. Take a listen and Experience Seattle's WORLDTIME
Press Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRCoSeattle Artist: WORLDTIME puyalluprecords@gmail.com "PLUG THE HOLE" campaign reference BP leak. WORLDTIME 2010 launch. Seattle WA, January 01, 2010 WORLDTIME first release it’s debut self titled concept album in on April 01, 1993 featuring a water theme story line which including “Petrodollar Connection”. Worldtime founding members Jay Ames and Donn Garrett are reported re-activating the group for 2010. Ames relates “Once again we are at a crossroad. We are here to musically support the positive voices of reason. 2006-2008 Ames self debut as a solo artist included 3 cds with PRCo, “Open Roads”, “Walk through fire” and a re-united effort with Garrett on 2008 “Cascade Country”. 2010 PRCo Seattle is recording a NEW Worldtime album release at London Bridge Studios Seattle WA, with live WORLDTIME concert performances to follow. more at www.worldtimeseattle.com ###
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