Check out Maurice Mertoli, one of RadioIndy's favorite Country artists

RadioIndy is pleased to present Maurice Mertoli with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Sunrise Forever"

"Sunrise Forever" is an impressive country pop album from a talented singer/songwriter in Maurice Mertoli. With this album, Mertoli has crafted ten gems with great arrangements that utilize the piano and harmonica to perfection, and feature nice guitar solos and some great vocal layering. Mertoli authored all of the songs, pouring his heart out into these upbeat and melodic songs about love, life, joy and sorrow. Mertoli delivers with a pop country vocal performance reminiscent of Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson, though "I Found My Way to You" and "Life Is What You Make It" feature a great female vocal performance. "Sunrise Forever" is well-recorded and sounds professional and superb. "Running Free" has one of the better arrangements on the album with a great piano line leading the way, a great bass line, and nice guitar solos. Mertoli shines as he sings catchy, positive lyrics about "Running Free" forever with the love of your life. "The Way She Loves Me" is a song about loving someone the exact same way they love you and features a great piano and harmonica arrangement. With "Sunrise Forever," Maurice Mertoli has delivered a solid country album with original arrangements and modern vocals and lyrics. Fans of country pop, pick up this album before the sun goes down.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team.
Check out Maurice Mertoli's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Check out Felicia Punzo, one of RadioIndy's favorite Electronica artists

RadioIndy is pleased to present Felicia Punzo with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Felicia"

"Felicia" is the five-song electro pop debut EP from fifteen year old phenom Felicia Punzo. Prepare to hear about Felicia for years upon years to come, as her smooth and clean vocal performance puts her in the same vein as Miley Cyrus and early Madonna. Suffice to say, she has mainstream written all over her. This EP is filled with great electro and hip-hop beats that, even if dared, you couldn't sit still to. Felicia writes her own lyrics, which is more than you can say about most young pop sensations. She sings about love and lost love, including one particularly heartfelt song, "Angel," which is about a young friend of hers that passed on. The recording quality is excellent and ready for club play, or to be cranked up at a house dance party. "Do It Anyway You Wanna" has a nice electro beat and a great use of synthesizers, showing Felicia's minimalist side. "Love of a Lifetime" is a more lyrical track ready for radio play that is sure to make you marvel at Felicia's maturity level considering her age. Overall, "Felicia" is an impressive debut from a young new artist sure to consistently make her way to the radio waves. For fans of electro pop and the likes of Miley Cyrus, Felicia Punzo would make a worthy addition.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out Felicia Punzo 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Check out Stephen Johnson, one of RadioIndy's favorite Ambient artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Stephen Johnson

 

 

Band Name: Stephen Johnson
Band Location: New York
Sounds Like: Peter Gabriel
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out ROCKSTONECAC, one of RadioIndy's favorite Reggae artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for ROCKSTONECAC

 

 

Band Name: ROCKSTONECAC
Band Location: New York
Sounds Like: World Music
Visit Band's Website: click here

RadioIndy is pleased to present Elliot Matsu with a GrIndie Award for the CD "The Value of Power"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Elliot Matsu with a GrIndie Award for the CD "The Value of Power"

Elliot Matsu's newly released album "The Value of Power" is packed with alternative rock/pop music. Matsu is a gifted musician who has a talent for writing thoughtful and sincere lyrics. His vocals are crisp and polished with a soft tonality. The album has a high-quality production, as there is a dynamic balance between the vocals and instruments. This album in general has an overall happy sort of feel about it. "Takin the Train" is an easy listening pleasure with pleasant bluesy guitar riffs fused with subtle keys. "Who Am I" has a piano driven intro and peaks out with guitar power chords on the chorus. Elliot Matsu's "The Value of Power" is an enjoyable album and a great treasure to add to your music collection.

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

RadioIndy is pleased to present Jay Lou Avawith a GrIndie Award for the CD "Unforgettable Soweto"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Jay Lou Avawith a GrIndie Award for the CD "Unforgettable Soweto"

Releasing his latest album "Unforgettable Soweto," artist Jay Lou Ava gives the listener an outstanding collection of his latest compositions. Cleverly blending the musical techniques of jazz and African-based music, this album delivers an assortment of diversity. The guitar on "Te Revoir" is exquisitely fused with emotional spirit, with nice layering of instruments and percussion. One album highlight is the song "Tara," where the female vocals are smooth and silky with a nice bounce to the springy beat. In a change of genre, "My Latin Feeling" has a Latin-based piano melody with solid support on the guitar. "Unforgettable Soweto" is a delectable mixture of jazz merged together with African rhythms and is one jazz album well worth hearing.

-Diane and The RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Jay Lou Ava's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Valerie Nicole with a GrIndie Award for the CD "From The Heart"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Valerie Nicole with a GrIndie Award for the CD "From The Heart"

Talented young singer/songwriter Valerie Nicole is off to a great start with her newest CD "From The Heart." Her eclectic influences of both past and present musicians such as Tom Petty to Fiona Apple have helped Nicole develop a great knack for songwriting. The song "Meant To Be" could easily give competition to any Sara Bareilles song on the radio charts today. This track features some nice upbeat and flavorful chord progressions and shows the multi-talented side of Nicole as she performs vocals, guitar and keys. "Demons" is a very deep track filled with string arrangements painting a vivid and dark tonal color. Fans of Sara Bareilles or Fiona Apple will want this CD in their collection as it is filled with a nice mix of songs.

-Shaun and the Radioindy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Valerie Nicole 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Stanley Durbin with a GrIndie Award for the CD "We Are Honestmen"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Stanley Durbin with a GrIndie Award for the CD "We Are Honestmen"

If you are in the mood for some smooth and silky R&B then "We Are Honestmen" by Stanley Durbin should be finding its way into your music collection very soon. Durbin's influences of jazz, reggae and R&B combine together for a very soulful listen. The track "How Are You" has a great Lionel Richie feel in the vocal tonality and a very smooth beat keeping the groove. If you want to hear Durbin's reggae influence look no further than "We Are Honestmen" a song written about an everyday man trying to make it in the world. Durbin's latest CD "We Are Honestmen" is a great addition for any R&B fan as it is filled with ideal mood music for any relaxing occasion.

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

RadioIndy is pleased to present Tom Hood and The Trailmen with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Dust In Your Hands"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Tom Hood and The Trailmen with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Dust In Your Hands"

If you have been craving some country rooted rock these days then "Dust In Your Hands" by Tom Hood and The Trailmen might be right up your alley. Their lineup of songs sets them apart from most rock acts with the addition of fiddle and mandolin both of which are well blended in the mix. Hood takes on the song "Caught In The Rain" with a very inspired Johnny Cash influence making for a great crossover tune. One of the standout tracks is "Back To The Baja" which features some nice lead guitar work and a bouncy groove that could be heard on any Jimmy Buffett or Traveling Wilburys album. Don't expect any classic style cowboy tunes on "Dust In Your Hands" because it's sheer rock/country entertainment.

-Shaun and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Tom Hood and The Trailmen 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Cady Finlayson with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Irish Coffee"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Cady Finlayson with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Irish Coffee"

"Irish Coffee" the instrumental disc from the highly talented violinist Cady Finlayson is a stand out album filled with an abundance of Celtic feel. Known for performing traditional Irish music, Finlayson adds a touch of Americana to her latest effort and the result is a wonderful collection of brisk and lively melodies. The song "A Midwinter Waltz" makes you feel as if you are strolling along the breath taking hills of Ireland on a snowy day. Adding the American folk element "Brooklyn March" highlights Finlayson's energetic violin work and melds together Americana with an Irish flare. This album "Irish Coffee" is powered by energetic and enthusiastic violin instrumentals with Celtic flare and a colorful touch of folk.

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

RadioIndy is pleased to present Mark Shelton with a GrIndie Award for the CD "At the Gates of Graceland"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Mark Shelton with a GrIndie Award for the CD "At the Gates of Graceland"

Elvis is reborn with the sounds of Mark Shelton's newest disc, "At the Gates of Graceland." Shelton fuses the vocal qualities of "The King" and Perry Como together to create his own unforgettable sound. The most obvious tribute to Elvis comes through in the track "I Believe" which delivers his vocal expressions with pure eloquence. Anyone familiar with the classic sounds of The Inkspots will love the song "Crying in the Chapel" with lovely piano fills and harmonies sweetly balancing with Shelton's vocals. Shelton has revealed shades of memorable vocals which pays tribute to what was probably Elvis' most endearing work, his spiritual songs. Any fan of spiritual and uplifting music relating to this phase in Presley's career will thoroughly enjoy listening to "At the Gates of Graceland."

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out Mark Shelton 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present L'illon with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Warrior Angel"

RadioIndy is pleased to present L'illon with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Warrior Angel"

"Warrior Angel" the latest release by L'illon is a wonderful endeavor and perfect for any pop music fan. L'illon fuses the musical worlds of pop and Latin music together very well, setting the scene for a very ethnic influenced album. Traces of the late Selena can be heard in songs such as "Tu Solo Tu (Only You)" and highlight some well played Spanish guitar riffs. The title track "Warrior Angel" pulls away from the Latin vibe with more of a world music instrumentation and pop sound. L'illon's artistic arrangements on the CD highlighting her Latin roots but do not let that fool you; this disc is perfect for any lover of female fronted pop music.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out L'illon's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Daniel Sadownick with a GrIndie Award for the CD "There Will Be a Day"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Daniel Sadownick with a GrIndie Award for the CD "There Will Be a Day"

Percussionist Daniel Sadownick and his latest CD "There Will Be a Day" is an exceptional jazz influenced album and a great introduction into the world of instrumental music. Sadownick is no newcomer to the ears of music fans as he has recorded and toured extensively with Steely Dan, Al Green, The Roots, Jennifer Lopez, and Billy Idol. His newest batch of solo material is filled with some very diverse sounds and highlights his creative talent for playing percussion with distinct style. "Softly As in a Morning Sunrise" is a standout track on this disc and has a welcoming feel to it reminiscent of the early Santana days with a solid brass section embedded with Latin flair. On a lighter jazz note, "The Moon Has Flown" has a sultry sax while Sadownick displays his skillful talent on the bongos. "There Will Be a Day" is percussion at its finest and belongs in any drummers CD rack.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out Daniel Sadownick's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Katya with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Love and Fire: The Dances"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Katya with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Love and Fire: The Dances"

Gifted classical pianist Katya has recently released her impressive album titled "Love and Fire: The Dances." As the title says it all, Katya displays her love of music with emotions that are set on fire. Feel her emotions as she glides across the keys with grace and style of these classic compositions. "Waltz in E Minor, BI 56" begins sweet and delicate. Listeners will be able to feel the dynamics become strong and loud as the theme changes. "Tango 'Balada Para Un Loco'" is amazing as Katya easily floats over the ivories while playing escalating scale passages. The sound quality is first rate as the piano is crisp and clean and every nuance is distinctly heard. Enjoy the relaxing ambiance of "Love and Fire: The Dances" as Katya has truly performed a superb collection of classical music from the classical masters Ravel, Chopin, and Piazzolla.

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

RadioIndy is pleased to present Lasana M. Sekou with a GrIndie Award for the CD "The Salt Reaper - Selected Poems From the Flats"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Lasana M. Sekou with a GrIndie Award for the CD "The Salt Reaper - Selected Poems From the Flats"

Discover the brilliant poems of accomplished poet Lasana M. Sekou whose outstanding album, "The Salt Reaper - Selected Poems From the Flats," is brimming with poetry cascading around music in motion. Sekou's knowledge is unsurpassed as words of world wisdom flow through his gifted mind. His pitch and intonations are strong and emotional while blending with the variations in musical style. This diversity of musical styles captures the relaxed orchestrated production and flows from piece to piece. Feel the slow jazz on "Weekend Dose" or reflect on the poetry as the classical guitar splashed with Latin inspirations plays on "Home Again" and "El Malecon." Lasana M Sekou's "The Salt Reaper - Selected Poems From the Flats" is not just any album of poems; it is a collection of insightful poetry with musical ambiance that will be enjoyed by poetry fans and Mos Def fans alike.

-Diane and The RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Lasana M. Sekou 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Hooper and Beckwith with a GrIndie Award for the CD "No Refunds"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Hooper and Beckwith with a GrIndie Award for the CD "No Refunds"

"No Refunds" by Hooper & Beckwith succeeds in displaying a dynamic blend between country, folk, and rugged blues. With impressive instrumentation and cut through vocal harmonies, this album gives listeners that true country/folk vibe. "It's the Whiskey That Eases the Pain" is the perfect example of the smooth, easy listening harmonies of Don Hooper and Steve Beckwith. But not only do Hooper and Beckwith bring listeners that appreciable vocal duo, but they also incorporate their well-played rack harmonica which complements the finger picking guitar on songs like "Ain't No Storm" and "It Ain't the Crime but the Cover-up." Their memorable lyrics and blend of instrumentation will keep listeners' attention throughout all 14 well-written tracks. "No Refunds" is well worth the listen for any true country/folk fan, and will leave listeners with a positive feel for this well-constructed album.

-Eric and The RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Hooper and Beckwith 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Solomon Starr with a GrIndie Award for the CD"The Birth of Tragedy (Remastered)"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Solomon Starr with a GrIndie Award for the CD"The Birth of Tragedy (Remastered)"

Solo artist Solomon Starr's latest album "The Birth of Tragedy (Remastered)" delivers an insightful musical approach using rap and spiritual styles. Starr is able to share his musical gift through his words of spiritual wisdom. His lyrics are insightful as he delves into his past and raps of troubled times and finding your way back through the Christian way. "Cosmic Struggle" has nice horn sounds that create a snake charmer effect. In the title track "The Birth of Tragedy," the sound of the violin is sad and sorrowful, as are the lyrics. The album displays energetic rap vocals with sincere projection and the accompanying instruments compliment the emotive lyrics. "The Birth of Tragedy (Remastered)" is an album that is sensitive to the younger generation that needs spiritual guidance by way of Hip-Hop beats and rhyming rap.

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

"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
Check out Flower and McLaren's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"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

"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