Sometimes there is a musician who completely takes you by surprise … whether it’s their lyrics or musicality, there’s just something unexpected in them.  When I first heard Garrison Starr back in 2005, I was completely thrown for a loop.  I don’t usually like female singers, let alone those with a southern twang to them.  But Starr broke through in ways no other female singer has been able to.  And with The Girl That Killed September, the admiration continues.

From the outset, it’s hard to deny Starr’s talent.  Her voice is unforced and the lyrics are honest, in ways most singer / songwriters aspire to.  ‘Unchangeable’ tells of compromise and sacrifices required to make a relationship work … and being willing to open up to those changes.  With a catchy bridge, this will stick in your head even after just one listen.  ‘Goldrush Heart’ tells of the innocence of the crush - you can almost feel the anticipation and hope of the first date.  And who hasn’t experienced the desire to share yourself completely with another? ‘The Girl That Killed September’ tells the story perfectly ... “I want to tell you I’m afraid of how much I crave the taste of you next to me”

Once again, Starr has chosen Neilson Hubbard as her producer.  These two together show how powerful a partnership can be… and their friendship is evident throughout.

Jon Black is yet another inexplicately little known musician oozing with talent. He's been paying his dues over the past few years, logging the necessary road miles to spread his music...which is good news for music fans. Black's newest full-length release is filled with songs of longing; searching for meaning in bad times and good.

The songs shift from high energy, folk rock to 50's blues/gospel to completitive songs with soft piano or acoustic guitar leading you into some deep thought. One of the best examples of this thoughtful bent is interwoven in the lyrics and melody on 'Broken Places' - "Lately I feel a lot like giving up / This road that I'm on is filled with twists and bumps." This song seems especially appropos in these uneasy times. And on 'Goodbye Golden Age,' he wistfully recalls days gone by while honoring America's rich musical past.

The eclectic nature of this collection, as well as the solid songwriting and Black's clear, strong singing voice, is reminiscent of Lyle Lovett's style...not a small feat. And, boy can Black hold a note - check out 'Mouth Of The Moon' as evidence. Don't let this guy pass you by.

We haven’t heard a studio CD from Matt Nathanson since 2003.  We were beginning to wonder when the stars would align for another effort.  In August of last year, Some Mad Hope graced the shelves of music outlets across the US, much to our delight.  And now, radio is starting to take notice … and it’s about time.  After years of TV placement, constant touring, and late night talk shows, it seems as if it’s all paying off for Nathanson.

As far as studio CDs go, it doesn’t get much better than this collection of tunes.  In true Nathanson fashion, it is chock full of unforgettable lyrics, harmonies, and phrases that just roll off the tongue.  He’s a master of the love song.  “We'd open your window / Stay in your bed / All day 'til the street lights came on.”   Sigh.  Not to mention the tender ‘Still’ … “I remember you and me / Tangled in hotel sheets / You wore me out.”  Double sigh. 

But it’s not all sweet words and sappy endings.  Nathanson shows he can pick up an electric guitar and R O C K.  Just listen to ‘Car Crash’ and you’ll hear what I’m saying.  Another great moment is on ‘Detroit Waves’ where he belts out, “I’ll still say your name to fall asleep, over and over, a cynic saying rosary, a liar living make believe.” 

Yes, Nathanson deserves all the success that comes his way.  But for diehard fans, this CD is bittersweet.  Up until now, Nathanson has been our little secret.  Now, the word is out.