Lisa Biales - “Belle of the Blues”. Lisa
Biales’ musical roots run deep. Her love and appreciation of singing
came at an early age as she grew up in a musical family. Lisa started
playing the guitar at the age of eleven, at age thirteen she was playing
for church services, and when Lisa was seventeen, she was singing Jazz
Standards in her parents Dixieland Band.In
2003, Lisa earned a Masters Degree in Theater from Ohio University, her
professors were encouraging her to continue with a PhD. After much soul
searching, Lisa decided she had gone far enough in academia and decided
to quit her day job to give her undivided attention to the music that
had been calling her for so many years. In
2006, Lisa turned her focus to songwriting and recording. She released
an album of original music entitled, "Chasing Away The Blues" which was
produced with Grammy Nominated Celeste Friedman. The album is receiving
international attention on the folk and blues charts and her song “Where
The Buckwheat Blooms” topped the International Folk Play list at #32
that year, right between Bill Monroe and Cat Stevens. . . not bad
company. "A taste of soul, and the blues . . . elements that have
ensured pure musical art." ~ NPR MusicIn
2007, Lisa released “Come To Me” which was recorded with Nashville
producer Gary Scott. "It is very exciting and inspiring to collaborate
with such talent." Scott said. “Come To Me” showcases Lisa’s talent for
writing a song that is perfect for her voice.”In
2008, Lisa released a collection of folk, roots and traditional American
tunes for children called “Yellow Shoes.” John Funnell of 88.9 WYN-FM,
Australia says, “Yellow Shoes just proves that children's songs have a
lot to offer adults, too.”“Hey
There” was also released in 2008. This CD was recorded in mostly one
takes, at home with no fancy footwork or overdubs. “The Norman
Rockwell of songwriters with a crystal pure voice.” - Marc Nolis,
Mazzmuzika, Belgium“Closet Hippie” released in 2010 is Lisa’s
most honest and intimate work to date. As her writing continues to
evolve, her performances are deeply moving and magical as she taps into
the essence of each song. “Lisa’s version of the Jimi Hendrix song
“Little Wing” ranks among those of John Mayer, Sting and Clapton.” ~
Brian O’Donnell, 89.7 WNKU-FM.In 2012, Lisa released “Just Like
Honey” which was produced by EG Kight and Paul Hornsby. The album stayed
on the roots music reports for over a year, and was played on Sirius
XM’s Bluesville extensively. This introduction into the blues was met
with enthusiasm from blues fans, DJ’s, and critics alike. "When I play
your song PEACHES, the phone rings off the hook! - Linda Yohn, DJ WEMU
"Lisa Biales has one of those great voices of our times." - Cascade
Blues AssociationIn 2013, Lisa released “Singing In My Soul”
with Ricky Nye & The Paris Blues Band further garnering her a place
in the blues world. “I wanted to make a record of upbeat, happy early
blues tunes.” All cover tunes with the exception of “Magic Garden,”
showcasing Lisa’s incredible vocals and an uncanny ability to take a
cover tune and make it fresh and new. "Lisa Biales has one of those
great voices of our times." - Cascade Blues Association.In 2014,
Lisa releases “Belle Of The Blues” a fitting moniker for someone who has
spent her career making great music. Featuring seven songs from the EG
Kight songbook. Kight and Paul Hornsby produce this CD with Tommy Talton
on acoustic guitar, dobro and electric slide, Randall Bramblett on
Hammond B3, Hornsby on Piano. The disc features a duet with Kight. The
title cut was written by Kight and long time writing partner Tom Horner
for the project. Tracks from Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie and a co-write
with Biales, Kight and Horner is sure to put a smile on your face. LISA BIALES
From an old steel mill city once described as “hell with the lid off”
comes a singer/songwriter with red-hot fire in her soul. Melinda is her
name, and this Pittsburgh-born artist could well be described as the
belle of blues-infused rock. She’s been raising roofs for years, from
Boston to Los Angeles, with her four alarm voice and earthy stage
presence. No gimmicks, no girl-pop. Just full-tilt rock and roll.Melinda is one of those rare artists who found their calling at a young
age. She picked up an electric guitar at 13 and began soaking up the
sounds and styles that would influence her singing and inspire her
writing: the desperate blues wail of Etta James, the swampy growl of
Janis Joplin, the searing guitar licks of Jimi Hendrix, the raw
intensity of The Rolling Stones.By 15 she was sharing the stage with notable Pittsburgh musicians who
recognized her inborn passion for rock and blues music. She paid her
dues in every conceivable venue – from ballrooms to ballparks to brick
alley bars – honing her skills and developing a style all her own.The toil and sweat paid off. Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of
Music awarded her the World Tour Scholarship, as well as the Aerosmith
Endowment Award for outstanding achievement in music. She went on to
co-found a Boston-area all-girl rock band, Mass Ave, that wowed
audiences and piqued the interest of major record labels.But Melinda knew she was destined to make her mark as a solo artist. She
keeps on rolling – on stages and studios around the country – and is
poised to become a bona fide presence in the rock world. Her 2010 EP
“Don’t Be Sweet” received favorable reviews and considerable air play.
She wrote or co-wrote four of the disc’s five songs, collaborating with
Grammy Award winning singer, guitarist, producer Kevin Bowe on “The Hard
Way.” Billboard’s World Song Contest recognized her for the EP’s title
track. Next up is a full length CD, scheduled for release in early 2014. MELINDA
Amber Sweeney is an accomplished soul/rock singer, songwriter, and
recording artist who recently signed with Seattle based record label,
London Tone Music, to release a single as part of their 52x52: A Year In
Your Ear project. Her single “Lone Sailor,” produced by Geoff Ott, is
due to release later this year. In 2013, Amber released two E.P.s: The Starting Line (April 16) and
Christmas Time (November 28). Both were released worldwide through CD
Baby and are available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, Spotify, Pandora
Radio and more.
Upon release of The Starting Line, Antimusic said, “In an age of
auto-tuned so-called singers, a truly gifted singer like roots rocker
Amber Sweeney is a breath of much needed fresh air.” Amber’s voice, musical talent, and songwriting have also been featured
in two CW television series: One Tree Hill and Life Unexpected (Flying
Machine, Girl In The Moon, Quicksand, Maybe, Stars, Feel This - written
by Jonathan Jackson of Enation) while one half of the duo known as
Everly. Her voice has also been featured in Stephen King’s film
adaptation of Riding The Bullet, while bass player and back up singer
for the rock band Enation. She can also be heard on another northwest
band’s album, The Alleged Album by One From Many (Tears We Cry Alone and
Shape Of Your Heart). Amber has been privileged to play at a variety of venues over the years,
including: Bossanova Ballroom (Portland, OR), Genghis Cohen’s (Los
Angeles, CA), The Corn Palace (Mitchell, SD), The Whiskey A Go-Go (Los
Angeles, CA), The Troubador (Los Angeles, CA) The Rutledge - Tin Pan
South (Nashville, TN), Moulton Falls Winery (Yacolt, WA), to name a few.
She is also scheduled to play Maryhill Winery (Goldendale, WA), and
Clark County Fair (Ridgefield, WA) as part of her summer dates for 2014.
She is known for being engaging and truly entertaining during her live
performances.
Along with recording and performing, Amber has also launched a
production company called In The Rounds Productions, is a member of
ASCAP, and is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts
and Sciences, better known as the Grammys. AMBER SWEENEY
Nick Moss and his band have been
featured performers at blues festivals across the globe but it's at home
in Chicago – the capital city of the blues – where he and his band get
the ultimate stamp of approval from one Hall of Famer and blues icon Buddy Guy.
Music fans the world over come to his famous club where they'll often
find Moss playing that prestigious stage, booked by the icon himself
because "Nick is a favorite at my club, Legends. He always works hard to
please the audience." Other luminaries are equally effusive in their
praise, rare in the competitive world of guitar gods, as none other than
former Roomful of Blues bandleader and distinguished solo artist Ronnie Earl declares "Nick Moss is my favorite guitarist," high praise from one of the greatest practitioners of the instrument. It's that ability to please, entertain, and amaze audiences with his staggering guitar skills that make the 16-time Blues Music Award nominee one of the top draws on the blues circuit and most exciting, dynamic performers working today. Noted author and historian Bill Dahl
has praised Nick's "mastery of the classic Chicago sound" and declared
him "a prolific songwriter, and the most exciting blues guitarist we
have around here." That's quite an accolade from a man who has
interviewed icons like Bo Diddley, written liner notes and overseen
massive retrospectives of giants like Freddie King and Sam Phillips'
historic Sun Records label, and written a respected book about the
history of Motown.Nick Moss demonstrates his mastery of the classic Chicago sound and so much more onstage — and has also been recognized by the International Songwriting Competition
for his ability to add amazing new songs to the venerable blues canon.
His creativity, which has advanced his sound to incorporate new styles
and ideas, has made an impression on blues master Jimmy Thackery, who says, "Nick is at it again, pushing the evolution of his music, stylistically as well as sonically." NICK MOSS BAND
Mammal Hands are a trio of like-minded musicians: Nick Smart piano,
Jesse Barrett drums and percussion, and Jordan Smart saxophones. Drawing
on influences from Steve Reich to Bonobo and Pharoah Sanders to The
Cinematic Orchestra, alongside elements of North Indian and African
music, they produce their own beautiful, inimitable music – at times
wistful and melancholic and others raucous and catchy. They evoke a
range of moods, from delicate and subtle to explosive and frantic,
blending thoughtful compositions with spontaneity and interplay. On the
road they have been wooing audiences from the Norwich Arts Centre to
Mostly Jazz Festival Birmingham, King’s Place London, Band On The Wall
Manchester and most recently Love Supreme Festival Glynde. Indeed it was
at Mostly Jazz that the band were heard by Gondwana Records recording
artists GoGo Penguin’s bassist Nick Blacka, who liking the band’s unique
sound brought them to the attention of label boss Matthew Halsall, who
immediately signed them to the label and has now produced their sublime
debut album, Animalia, which is released on 15th September.
Mammal Hands met in April 2012, while busking in Norwich. They gelled
quickly, drawn to each other’s open approach to music making. The
brothers Nick and Jordan were already playing together as an electronica
duo but with drummer Jesse joining the band they developed a
distinctive sound drawing on their love of electronic, contemporary
classical, world and jazz music. Drummer Jesse’s knowledge and
understanding of Indian Classical music brings a unique/distinctive
approach to the rhythmic framework of the band’s tunes. His disciplined
study with tabla maestro Sirishkumar has allowed him to develop the
ability to explore intricate and complex rhythmic patterns and the
freedom to explore time signatures and rhythmic patterns less commonly
heard in the western world. Jordan brings a love of DJ culture as well
as the influence of Pharoah Sanders to his playing whilst pianist Nick
brings a knowledge of classical Jazz harmonies but also a deep interest
in the minimalist composers (Terry Riley, Steve Reich) which has
influenced his compositional approach, striving to create hypnotic,
rhythmic patterns that can provide a foundation for Jordan and Jesse to
build on. It is this unique combination of influences and their unusual
baseless line-up that makes Mammal Hands’ sound so distinctive.
MAMMAL HANDS
The first time you hear Andrea Motis you will be amazed. Many of her videos have more than 200,000 views on YouTube. This young vibrant artist sings with a maturity and personality well beyond her 17 years, oh and she also plays the saxophone and trumpet brilliantly. Her mentor and teacher Joan Chamorro is responsible for her exceedingly rapid development. But not only this, together with Joan Chamorro, a musician with a successful background, has also revealed herself as an excellent singer who manages to thrill to every note that comes from within.Now, under the leadership of Joan Chamorro, an album has been published where the young star Andrea Motis protagonists a good demonstration of the new Catalan jazz talents. With the name Joan Chamorro presenta Andrea Motis.The selection of songs chosen includes over an hour of classic jazz of the first half of the twentieth century, although there are forays into bossa nova. In this recording of standards, among others accompany, there are Ignasi Terraza, Bobby Gordon and David Mengual.The Quintet is accompanied by the guitarist Josep Traver, pianist Ignasi Terraza and Esteve Pi on drums. Joan Chamorro & Andrea Motis Group has performed at several festivals in France, Switzerland, in Brazil and have collaborated and recorded with some of the top musicians including: Dick Oatts, Scott Hamilton, Ken Peploski, Scott Robinson, Terell Staford, Wycliffe Gordon, Jesse Davis, Bobby Gordon and others. Do not lose the opportunity to follow them, especially Andrea Motis, who promises to be very successful at the jazz scene. Many people have compared her voice to Norah Jones. Discover them! JOAN CHAMORRO ANDREA MOTIS GROUP
Giles grew up in Trumbull, CT and came to Chicago in 1993. His first gig
was with Buddy Scott and the Rib Tips (who is the grandfather of the
bass player on this album, Joewaun Scott-- he was 15 and Giles was 18
when they first met. Do the math if you must). Giles played every
weekend at Lee's Unleaded Blues for over a year, honing his craft. Lee's
Unleaded is now rather famous, as it is sadly the only functioning
blues club left on the South Side of Chicago.
After graduating the University of Chicago in 1997, Giles joined Billy
Branch and the Sons of Blues. This was a pivotal gig for the young
guitar player, and his first exposure to national and international
touring. In addition, Giles played some shows and recorded with Syl
Johnson and Buddy Miles at this time. In 2001 Giles was hired by his
long-time guitar hero, Otis Rush, to play in his band. Giles toured with
Otis Rush until the elder guitarist's 2004 stroke sadly made live
performances impossible.
In 2001 Giles Corey, along with drummer Rick King and pianist Marty
Sammon (both on this session) founded the band Lubriphonic. Marty soon
left to join Buddy Guy's band, but Giles and Rick managed to release 4
studio albums, and one live album. Giles was the singer and songwriter
for the band. Lubriphonic's relentless tour schedule and energetic work
ethic honed the skills of an inexperienced songwriter and front man.
As Giles developed as a songwriter, he sought more of the truth he found
in roots and blues music. Lubriphonic had been a fantastic live band
with infectious rythms and catchy horn lines. However, Giles longed to
try other ideas, ones that did not fit within the rubrick of
Lubriphonic. When Lubriphonic stopped touring in 2011, the seed was
planted for a new project. GILES COREY'S
Writing and performing music was something that always seemed a natural progression to me. Ever since the early beginning of my musical journey at age 11 when I picked up the guitar for the first time.I was very lucky to be able to perform publicly from a very early age on by being involved in the school’s band led in a passionate way by Miss Kern, a brilliant piano player in her own right. Many wrong notes later and at least 10 bands later I have found myself backing a major artist at a prime time television show "Hitparade der Volksmusik". I took this as an incentive to take music to the next level and moved to Guildford 30 minutes south of London to study popular music and Jazz under the brilliant Stefan Redtenbacher.It was here where my love for variety in music such as Jazz and Latin
got fed with the right ingredients. I found myself in a very vibrant
environment and started gigging almost immediately. It was in this scene
where I was allowed to be part of projects which put me on an
inevitable path. Just after my first studio recording for Radio Capitol
FM. I started as musical director on a private Television show called
"Virtuoso Song Contest". An X-Factor type of idea. The show
unfortunately never got off the ground. If it was because of me, many
apologies, I don't hope so. On the back of this I was offered a contract
to go on a cruise ship and ended up 6 months on and off and seeing
nearly the entire world from Southampton to Vietnam.It was from then on when things really started to pick up and I had a
run of performing with some of England’s most prestigious Jazz and
Classical musicians. There were unforgettable moments when I was asked
to play with the London Gala Orchestra under the Musical Direction of
the brilliant Steve Bell. I turned up at the gig with a newly bought
acoustic nylon string guitar, my pride and joy, for 500 pounds. I got it
out of the case and showed it proudly around thinking this must be the
best thing those guys have ever seen. The violin player next to me then
got her violin out of the case which was a 250.000 pound instrument. I
sat quietly in a corner for the rest of the evening:-). There were many others such as Maria Friedmann a protégé of
Stephen Sondheim and Michel Legrand, Teatro a platinum selling vocal
group, the mad Irish Sam Flynne who made his name as piano player for
the Eurhythmics, Roachford and Stevie Wonder or the unforgettable
Rosemarie Squires best known for singing with Les Paul and the magic
Brian Dee who made his name Mding Miles Davies.In the five years of my professional life I had the luck to
play in some of the best venues in Europe such as the Purcell Room in
the Royal Festival Hall being on the same bill with one of my heroes
John Schofield. All in all there are too many to name. PETE ROTH BAND
Born and raised in the Chicago Area, Amy Hart got her start playing
blues in festivals as a teenager opening for such artists as Koko
Taylor, Junior Welles and James Cotton. Putting her own stamp on the
groove she migrated to LA and released "Too Cruel" a track on the
Mercury Records Soundtrack for the cult movie "Girls Just Wanna Have
Fun" Starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt and from there hit
the road as a singer/songwriter.
Decades, deals and several disks later she has returned to her blues
roots, with the lastest release, "Congratulations" on Painted Rock
Records.was born and raised in Chicago. She began her musical career at the family piano at age 2. When she was in high school she began playing guitar and writing songs. Her first professional gig was in 1979 with Flash Point, a west side Chicago Blues Band. Her first appearance was at Mayor Jane Byrne's Summertime Chicago Concert Series on Broadway at the Armory in Chicago. She was soon a regular on the Blues stages, playing at Kingston Mines on Lincoln Avenue and at B.L.U.E.S. with Junior Welles. She has also opened for Koko Taylor and James Cotton. She entered and won the WLUP sponsored Chicago Rocks Contest twice and released two compilation records with the radio station. She took her music to California to work with producer John Ryan (Doobie Brothers, Santana) and released a song on the Mercury Records Soundtrack "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" in 1985. The song "Too Cruel" was co written by Tim Tobias and Amy and Tim were a duo for some time performing in L.A. The movie has achieved cult status, and continues racking up royalties around the world for Amy Hart. AMY HART
