Lezlie Revelle’s new CD, That Little Girl
Lezlie Revelle’s new CD, That Little Girl, is a long overdue collection of songs that fans have only heard live. Enneagram Records recognized the quality of her songwriting and performance. This gives us a first class studio treatment of these wonderful songs. There are delicate sad tales, upbeat whacky tunes and even a smoky jazz number. The title track, Holly Hobbie, stands out as a chronicle of the loss of innocence. It is at once personal and universal. Through it all is Lezlie’s terrific voice, clear, compelling and well…beautiful. Great songs, great arrangements and great fun.
– David Hakan, Founder Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
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
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
Kaye Johnston’s CD, Up Close 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 arrangements 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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