The
Home of Great Songs
www.SongwritersCircle.org
Member
CD Reviews
Review of Forrest Whitlow’s CD, 7
Forrest Whitlow’s CD simply titled, 7, is full of striking,
unforgettable songs. Most of these acoustic rock songs are anchored
by choruses strong enough to drive steel. The love songs here each
wears a different face, from jaded and flirtatious to soul deep
and devoted. When life becomes a rollercoaster ride, this album
reminds me that even when I hit bottom it can be an opportunity
to slow down and breathe.
- David Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Rechelle Malin's CD, Secret
Songs
Rechelle Malin’s new CD, Secret Songs proves that
she has learned the secret to writing songs that grab the listener
and won’t let go. She took her own sweet time finishing this
project (six years?) and it shows in the strength of the songs.
I haven’t listened to any new CD with over half the tracks
being what I would call great songs for years.
But this CD is chock full of great songs. Two have previously been
covered by nationally touring songwriters. The acoustic arrangements
keep the true flavor of these songs of living close to the land.
With tender vocals like Emmy Lou Harris and skillful writing like
Dar Williams, Rechelle’s CD is pure gold. Secret Songs is
the best-kept secret in contemporary folk.
-David Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Kaye Johnston’s CD, UpClose and Personal
Kaye Johnston’s CD, UpClose and Personal,
is that unexpected kiss on the cheek when you’ve done something
brave. These solo and live tracks let you listen to the songs like
looking at paintings in a gallery. If you take your time, each song
will speak a thousand words to your heart. This music feels as good
as a big hug.
- David B. Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Michael Johnston’s CD, Takin’
Chances
Michael Johnston’s CD, Takin’ Chances,
is Rock ‘n Roll that fits like an soft old leather flight
jacket. While the arrangements and lyrical tone are similar to Bread
or even the Lovin’ Spoonful, Michael has his own grove going.
Most of these wonderful songs are originals with two covers added:
Mike Brewer’s Fair Play and John Hiatt’s Memphis. My
cat had to jump off of my lap when I had this CD playing, because
I started dancing in my chair. ‘Nough said.
-David Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Laura Lisbeth’s debut CD, Hit the Ground Running.
Laura Lisbeth’s debut CD, Hit the Ground Running,
brings us a new voice, distinctive melodies and some great songs.
The acoustic arrangements which feature mandolin and a mild touch
of electric guitar leave room for her expressive vocals. What sets
this CD apart for me are the two outstanding songs, “Lifeline”
and “Lawn Chairs.” Encore.
- David B. Hakan, The Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Dave Patmore’s CD, Bobcats
Vol 1, Live at la Cocina del Puerco
Dave Patmore and his band, The Bobcats, have put out a Vol 1 live
CD that rocks hard and tells it plain. “I Didn’t Mean
It” is a great song that showcases Daves’s classic scratchy
Blues vocals. “Duct Tape” will have you in stitches
and singing along. This live CD will have you coming back to hear
these songs again.
-David Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Larry Garrett’s CD, My Old Neighborhood
Larry Garrett’s CD, My Old Neighborhood, is like
a relaxing look through a family photo album. It starts off with
two great songs about growing up in Kansas City, Missouri. These
live recordings have the feel of the old “field recordings”
of folk songs, but really highlight the songs themselves. Go get
a second helping of home-cooked baked beans, sit down on your picnic
blanket and take a stroll back in time. This CD is mmmm good.
-David Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Erik Karlsson’s CD, Forty-Something
Erik Karlsson’s CD, Forty-Something, brings
us a new voice that has definitely been around the block a few times.
The grooves are rock solid. The vocals are full of gravel and sand.
These songs often have rich language and surprising images much
like classic Shawn Colvin songs. You would never guess that this
is not done in a professional studio. Forty-Something will
still look good long after other albums have been forgotten.
- David B. Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of John Mitchell’s CD, The
First 49 Years
John Mitchell’s CD, The First 49 Years shows the
full range of his songwriting expertise. Reactions to these songs
will go from wry smile to groan to snort to chuckle to giggle to
slap your thigh to trouble breathing to guffaw to belly laugh. Sometimes
just the IDEA of one of John’s songs will make me laugh.
- David Hakan, Founder Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Charisse Kahler’s CD, New
and Overdue.
Charisse Kahler’s new CD, New and Overdue, is a sweet
collection of songs that will make you smile, draw you in, and get
you humming along. The power of this album comes from the expressive
vocals and the uncluttered arrangements. The lead track, Blue Factory
Hill, is a great song about growing up poor, escaping, and then
finding a way to reconnect with the past. New and Overdue
is my favorite Kahler album.
- David Hakan, Founder Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Erik Karlsson’s EP, Beauty
& Impermanence.
Erik Karlsson’s EP, Beauty & Impermanence, gives
us a taste of a talent that blends great storytelling with high-energy
folk rock. Every time I listen to these five songs I like them better.
All that Beauty & Impermanence lacks is six or seven
more songs like these to fill out an album.
- David Hakan, Founder Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Forrest Whitlow's CD, Sunrise in
Reverse
Forrests Whitlow's new CD, Sunrise in Reverse, gives us music that
warms the heart and words that set us shaking an angry fist. This
is graffiti on the walls of power done in harmonies, articulate
acoustic guitar and beautiful melodies. Here are images you won't
forget, tunes you will sing to and an album you will keep in the
player a long, long time. This CD demonstrates Whitlow's seasoned
songwriting ability. There are Rock N Roll songs of lost love and
violence. There are songs of wit and philosophy. And there is even
a soothing song of hope. He has proven once again to be the master
of alternative acoustic rock. Sunrise in Reverse shines.
- David Hakan, Founder Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Kaye Johnston’s CD, Hard
Times.
Kaye Johnston’s debut CD, Hard Times, is easy to
listen to. The Acoustic guitar and mandolin provide a lush backdrop
for Kaye’s gentle vocals. Here is a songwriter who definitely
has something to say. Her most pointed lyric is in a song co-written
with John Mitchell about getting too much advice. Johnston is a
neophyte no longer.
-David B. Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Kenny Hines’ CD, Sex,
Drums, and Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Kenny Hines’ CD, Sex, Drums, and Rock ‘n’
Roll, has tight drums, high-energy guitar, and let-it-all-hang-out
vocals. There’s even an unplugged version of one song when
you need to catch your breath. This is good clean fun.
-David B. Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of the Fallback Project band’s
CD, Figure A.
The Fallback Project band’s CD, Figure A., has the
energy of an Indie band and the substance of a singer/songwriter
album. The acoustic guitar is front and center in several songs
and even when there is the typical wall-of-sound arrangement, the
lyrics are clear. The songwriting team of Ryan Wymore and Chris
Brackman put the Fallback Project on solid footing. This band should
be standing proud.
-David B. Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Bob Jenkins’ CD, Every
Road Leads Me Home.
Bob Jenkins’ CD, Every Road Leads Me Home, is a beautiful
collection of tunes about staying the course. Bob’s acoustic
guitar is like a gentle stream running through this album. His songs
are simple but powerful. His song, Crayons, should be on every radio
station in the land.
-David B. Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of John Winter’s new CD, Winter
Dreams Summer Realities
John Winter’s new CD, Winter Dreams Summer Realities, is an
enchanting mix of mist and grit. The “unplugged” rock
and roll production on this project makes the songs more accessible
than a full band production could pull off. These songs invite us
to ask tough questions and take a hard look at life as it is.
Although John writes the music and plays these songs, his wife Lisa
Winters is his collaborator on all but one song as the lyric writer.
I think you’ll agree that these two form a perfect match.
- David B. Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Kenny Hines’ CD, The Lighter Side Of Mental
Anguish
Kenny Hines’ new CD, The Lighter Side Of Mental Anguish, is
a fun collection of Rock N Roll love songs. His song, N as in Nancy,
stands out as an instant classic. His band includes two co-writers
and vocalists, Amy Eisele Rule and Bev Lewis. Their vocals add a
certain polish to Kenny’s own “been on the road too
long” singing. The only thing this band needs is a good name
and a tour bus.
- David B. Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Jenny Carr’s debut CD, It
Will All Be Over Soon
Jenny Carr’s debut CD, It Will All Be Over Soon, sits us down
on her couch in her living room as she says, “Hey, I’ve
got a new song for you to listen to.” And she pulls out her
guitar and in that relaxed and offhand delivery so effective in
her live performances she stays up late talking to us about love,
life and cruel realities. This CD is filled with quirky and sassy
music and lyrics in the vein of Suzanne Vega. Have a seat and drink
it in.
- David B. Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Kasey Rausch’s CD Born Near
the Waters
Kasey Rausch’s debut CD, Born Near the Waters, takes
you for a drive on the back roads and a drive back in time. Fans
of old time music and bluegrass will feel like they’ve stepped
onto the Winfield Fairgrounds. Her expressive bluesy vocals and
vivid descriptions of life in simpler times make this easy to listen
to. You’ll come back to the waters again and again. It’s
available at CDBaby.com.
- David Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of the debut CD from the duo, Mark
Twain’s Dog, called Dog Tales. Mark Twain’s
Dog is Ken Zans and Gerry Monks. These two songwriters have teamed
up to give this CD a wonderful mix of sly and heartfelt songs. You
can grove to an R&B rant about the wasteland of talk radio and
then sit back for a waltz about Albert Einstein and his wife. Dog
Tails may be a mixed breed, but it just might become your best friend.
It’s available at www.MarkTwainsDog.com.
- David Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Charisse Lowe's CD, People I've
Known
Charisse Lowe's CD, People I've Known, delights like a scrapbook
full of funny and touching moments in real life. Her Broadway stage
voice is comfortable in a variety of styles here from country and
folk to jazzy funk and rock. Red Dirt is an evocative look back
at growing up in the South. There are wonderful portrait songs here;
about Matisse, a widow and an aging dancer. (Is that some Joni influence
I hear? Yep.) You'll turn these pages often.
- David B. Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Charisse Lowe's CD, Fountain Street
Charisse Lowe's new CD, Fountain Street, is the coffeehouse set
where you say, "Wow! Now THIS woman can write and SING."
You'll find love songs, story songs and some gospel in the mix.
The vocal and guitar arrangements on this self-produced CD are clean
and satisfying. Fountain Street feels like home.
- David B. Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Penny Oliver's EP, Live at the Nuthouse
Penny Oliver's debut 6-song EP, Live at the Nuthouse, is proof that
she can win over a crowd who is used to Kansas City's finest performing
songwriters. Her contemporary folk style fits right in with her
fine lyrics about relying on her own wisdom and strength as a woman
when times get tough. You'll find hints of Suzanne Vega in her song,
Three Shades of Invisible, and some fabulous lead guitar supplied
by Doc Fuller. I think this performance will win you over, too.
- David B. Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Kathy Forste's CD, Home Fires
Kathy Forste's new CD, Home Fires, does a beautiful job of taking
us through the difficult changes of life, even of losing a parent,
in style. Kathy is known for her powerful rock 'n roll voice, but
here we get to know her softer side. It's a journey worth taking.
- David B. Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Lisa Sandell's CD, Little Reason
Lisa Sandell's debut CD, Little Reason, is truly a gift to the world
of acoustic blues. When her resonator guitar begins to dance and
shuffle through the intos, you imagine how easy it would be to listen
all night to the language of her slide. Then when her vocals come
in, smooth and translucent at soft, molded wax, you know you are
here to stay. With both traditional tunes and original songs in
plain but compelling stories, the only problem with this album is
there are only ten songs. Lisa leaves you wanting more.
- David Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review
of Jim Cockrell's CD, Stranger in this Time
Jim
Cockrell's third CD, Stranger in this Time, soon became like an
old friend, one to visit often. His smooth tenor and rhythm section
guitar draw you in to these intriguing songs of discontent and amazement.
But what keeps me coming back to his songs is the meaty topics and
stories they hold. Here you'll find well done period pieces in "Everchanging
Land" and "1000 Years Ago," a marvelous eulogy for his brother in
"Spirit Like an Ocean," and our new rally cry, "No More War." You'll
hear threads of quiet folk, Moody Blues rock and jazz on this CD,
but he seems to weave it all together as a tapestry. Stranger will
be an album you'll get to know well.
~ David Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review
of Forrest Whitlow's CD, Land of X
Forrest Whitlow's CD, Land of X, is a walk on the dark side. This
is Whitlow with the gloves off. His new band, the Crash, is loud and
splashy, and just right for these point blank songs. Forrest lets
us explore many characters in these songs who have lost their grip.
Put this on; turn it up loud and hold on.
~ David Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review
of Amy Saia's CD, Souldier
Amy Saia's debut CD, Souldier, fuses alternative rock and poetry with
her own mix of lightning and grace. Her melodies are fresh and surprising,
and as good as the Beatles in their experimental stage. Her vocals
are distinctive and addictive. But the real power here for me is in
the handful of songs that rapid fire her poetic ammunition, like these
lines from Souldier:
Dodging red umbrellas in a lightning war brigade
Crushing hollow shadows where the sidewalk isn't paved
Reflection on a glass door looking out, I'm looking in
Love gets lost in ghost-like, melting, merging images.
With the multi-talented Scott Saia working as band and engineer, this
CD is ready for big time radio and music stores, and a must for your
collection.
~ David Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review
of Jim Cockrell's CD Garden in My Mind
Jim Cockrell's CD, Garden in My Mind, is like a relaxing stroll through
the seasons, with a friend who plays the fool, the sage, the activist
and the poet. The catchy folk-rock melodies on this self-produced
CD will get your toes a tappin' and keep you coming back again and
again. If you like to savor songs, take a walk with Jim. The weather's
fine.
~ David Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review
of Forrest Whitlow's CD, Into The Gloaming
Those who have been lucky enough to spend an evening with Forrest
Whitlow at his solo performances will love this CD. For those who
haven't, be prepared to enter the ambiance of a coffeehouse and enjoy
"folk/alternative" at its best. The clean production of relaxed vocals
and solo guitar showcases his trademark dissonant "nasty" chords better
than when they are blended in with the wall-of-sound arangements of
his talented band, the Crash.
Paris Train is what I call an "instant classic." You may well come
back to this CD because you just have to hear that song again. The
Villa is a slice-of-life song that firmly puts Forrest in the top
pack of new talented singer/songwriters.
His lasted effort, Into The Gloaming, may be about that inevitable
passage into the twilight, but as an artistic effort it shines.
~ David Hakan, Founder of Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Barclay Martin's CD, Potato Moon, with the band, Potato
Moon
These four friends, Martin, Stancil, Weber and Brown, have put together
a string band that showcases Barclay's songwriting and performing
skills. It also, will delight fans of bluegrass and old-time music.
The acoustic mix of guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle and upright bass
will set your toes a'tappin'. My favorites on this CD are the songs
written by Barclay. They remind many of his fans of the early classics
of James Taylor. This young singer/songwriter will have plenty of
people waiting for his first CD of all original work, including me.
~ David Hakan, Founder of Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review
of Natalie Cox's new CD, Rhythm of Peace
Rhythm of Peace, really shows off her bluesy vocals and heart-pounding
guitar work. If you are tired of Pop Music, this album is for you.
It will put a protest sign in your hand saying, "Save the Mountain,
pull back the curtain of deception around corporate insanity and sweep
you off your feet on the Rhythm of Peace.
~ David Hakan, Founder Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review
of Duane Woner's new CD, Chasing The Wind
Duane
Woner of the band, Cosmic Cactus, goes solo (no, make that one-man-band)
to make a CD that is filled with riviting songs of loss, wrong turns,
questions and promises kept. There are no boy-girl, shallow pop lyrics
here. His most memorable song, "So Far From Home", spins a tale across
the desert to a haunting ending. After hearing his tight backup band
you'll be surprised to learn that it is all Duane in the sound studio.
Duane may be chasing the wind, but he found the right formula for
this CD.
~ David Hakan, Founder of the Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of K'sapa's new CD, Real Fantasy
Urban
Folk never sounded so good. The songwriting duo of Kim Martinique
and Robert Folsom team up with well-respected percussionist, Gary
Schroeder to form K'sapa. The combination of Kim's jazzy vocals and
Robert's energized acoustic guitar work best for me on the songs "To
Be Free" and "Your Life's Dance", which are both beautiful and uplifting.
Robert shows up his extraordinary guitar talent on the instrumental,
"Diane's Dance." Kim cuts loose with true Kansas City Blues vocals
on "Shallow Blues." You can tell that K'sapa had fun making this CD
and you will have fun listening to it...again and again.
~ David Hakan, Founder of the Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
K'sapa - Kim Martinique/Robert Folsom/Gary Schroeder
www.ksapa.com
Jim Kurtz CD - Live At All Souls
This debut album is full of wit, fine melodies and solid songwriting.
The Excursion Train Talking Blues is a delightful look at our penchant
for nostalgia. Steve Goodman fans won't want to miss his masterful
resurrection of The 20th Century. There is a variety here from quiet
folk to shades of soft Latin jazz.This was recorded live at All Souls
Coffeehouse and produced at Big Time Studios by Steve Phillips. To
get your copy, contact Jim at (816) 444-9013.
~ David Hakan
Review
of June Holte's CD, Choices
June Holte's debut solo CD, Choices, is a celebration of good songwriting
by local and well-know artists. Her voice, like a wide clean river,
flows beautifully through these simple guitar and vocal arrangements.
This collection of soothing and uplifting songs will be a favorite
of anyone who loves old and new folk music.
~ David B. Hakan, Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Dave Patmore's CD, Wash Over Me, with the Rivercity Community
Church Band
You won't see Dave Patmore's name anywhere on the packaging of the
CD, but he wrote and sang all of the songs. Dave's modesty is as big
as his heart...and his talent. What secular audiences may like most
about this decidedly Contemporary Christian album, is that along with
the standard prayers in song, it has some compelling personal stories
and parables. It also, has some songs that are just plain fun.
The title track, Wash Over Me, has an irresistible Motown/Gospel feel
to it. Many others, like I Didn't Mean It, are powerful R&B grooves.
His vocals are perfect for these soulful songs about the soul.
~ David Hakan, Founder of Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Matt Pollock's
New CD, Never Mind the Pollocks
Matt Pollock's CD, Never Mind the Pollocks has some of the funniest
songs ever written on it. But this collection, recorded live at All
Souls Coffeehouse, shows off his serious songwriting and great blues
vocals as well. My Old Man is a wonderful tribute to his father and
The View From Nowhere, co-written by Jim Booth, paints the fall from
grace with powerful lyrics. No matter what kind of music you like,
you are sure to enjoy this CD.
~ David Hakan, Founder Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review
of Forrest Whitlow's CD, Patch of Blue
Forrest Whitlow's CD, Patch of Blue, establishes Forrest as a vibrant
new genre all unto himself. Fans of singer/songwriters will have plenty
of great images, rich language and lyrical gems here. Yet you can,
also, crank this CD up and dance or fly down the highway, singing
along to the rock 'n roll choruses.
Coproducer and engineer Steve Phillips has successfully reined in
the Crash so the band gives lots of energy and drive to the CD without
stomping all over the lyrics. With Todd Wiseman on bass, John Bersuch
on drums and Scott Mize on electric guitar, Forrest has plenty of
talent behind him to crash on to the national charts. Rechelle Malin,
a talented songwriter herself, gives fine vocal support on harmonies
without interfering with Forrest's awesome vocals on this CD.
Forrest's signature song, "Depression's Highway," starts out with
a nasty, dissonant chord pounding away to cynical hopeless lyrics
when all of a sudden a melodic, folksy "patch of blue" comes into
the song to pull us out in time. When I'm stuck in a hazy fog of sound-alike
music, I reach for Patch Of Blue. I'd rather be in Madagascar.
~ David Hakan, Founder Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review of Fran Windler's New CD, Postcard
Fran Windler's debut, live CD captures a great performance with soulful
harmonica solos, amazing slide guitar from Bob Brostoski and Fran's
dynamite vocals. She settles into an R&B groove that's just mesmerized
and won't quit. These songs tell of the universal struggle to be free
and true to one's heart. She is sure to capture yours.
~ David Hakan, Founder Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Review
of Beth Scalet's new CD, Taking the Cure
"Beth
Scalet's CD Taking the Cure is a reminder that well-written folk-rock
never goes out of style. Her strong vocals are supported by the talented
voices of Jeanne Donovan, Alan White and Kathryn Lorenzen (her writing
partner on three of the songs.) For me, the gems here are The Nature
of Things and Living Doll, which can hold their own with Joni Mitchell
classics like Circle Game and For Free. No collection is complete
without Taking the Cure.
~ David Hakan, Founder Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Debbie
Shoaf's Debut CD, Breakthrough
Spend
an evening at a coffeehouse concert with Debbie on this live CD and
you'll be glad you did. Her songs go beyond pop themes to give you
slices of life. From the silly "You Are What You Eat" to the dark
look at mental illness in "Tuesday" you will get songs to come back
to again and again. Her music has a contemporary feel with strong
lead vocals and excellent guitar work, helped by the talented guitarist,
Troy Alan. A fine first effort.
~ David Hakan
