Carrie Ashton
truth is
© 2007 Ashton/Hupp (837101343619)
From the opening title track Truth Is to the soaring ballad I Wish It Would Rain, Carrie's music takes the listener on an incredible musical journey. The power rock influences in the infectious, hard rocking Can’t Stop leaves them breathless and wanting m
tracks
1 Truth Is
2 Hey Now
10 Perfect
11 Can't Stop
Carrie Ashton’s passion for music has been long standing. She began performing at local and regional talent competitions at the age of thirteen and has never looked back. She has been performing professionally for over twelve years, perfecting a stage show that is unpretentious and captivating. She is currently performing in top showcase rooms in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, has appeared as a featured guest on several college campuses throughout New England, and has shared the stage with Natalie Merchant, the Go-Go’s, REO Speedwagon, Antigone Rising, and Van Zant.
Carrie is well versed to perform solo with just her acoustic guitar or lead a full accompaniment of musicians. She has an innate ability to read the crowd and move them with her unique style and charisma, her energy on stage is hard to ignore.
In 2003, Carrie teamed up with Grammy winning producer/engineer Peter Moshay, and producer/engineer Matthew Russo to record “Modern Day Gypsy”. “Modern Day Gypsy” is an 8-song compilation that draws the listeners in and leaves them wanting more. With her wide-ranging vocals and the raw emotions of her lyrics, her dedication to self-improvement was more than apparent in this CD.
In 2006, Carrie collaborated with award winning musician/producer Kevin Hupp, President of Kevco Music Group, LLC and the owner of the Groove Room Recording Studio in Brewster, NY to write and produce by far her best work to date. From the opening title track Truth Is to the soaring ballad I Wish It Would Rain, Carrie's music takes the listener on an incredible musical journey. The power rock influences in the infectious, hard rocking Can’t Stop leaves them breathless and wanting more. This record has something for everyone, proving Carrie to be a formidable competitor in the national music arena.
She sites her musical influences as Joan Jett, Suzi Quattro, and Melissa Etheridge among others. "Music for me is like breathing, and I feel that with this record I'm able to convey the emotion I feel when I sing. Working with such amazing artists has really broadened my musical horizons, and I feel like "truth is" definitely shows that."
She has appeared as a featured guest on radio stations in MA, CT, and NY and has recently moved from “regular” status on the “Home Grown” local rock show to “regular” status on the WRKI I-95 top-rated Morning Drive show. Her charismatic performances have quickly made her a household name with WRKI listeners
Matt Turk
Washington Arms
© 2006 Matt Turk (663445139829)
CD price: $12.00
Moody, melodic indie rock for all seasons with spectral guitars and iridescent vocals from one of the best in the biz.
“…an artist to be reckoned with.” --All Music Guide
Playing what one astute critic calls “literate tunes with heart and muscle,” Matt Turk exemplifies the consummate musical artist. He’s a veteran performer and eternal idealist who has engaged audiences around the world, both as hard-rocking bandleader and acoustic folk troubadour. Also, few denizens of the limelight have maintained the kind of pertinent, meaningful existence away from the stage as Turk has. A wealth of experience, compounded by a careful observation of the lives around him and that of his own soul-stirrings, informs his work with a hard-to-ignore universality.
Washington Arms, Turk’s new album, emphasizes a talent for songcraft that integrates knowing lyricism into soundscapes that surge, soar and soothe, all graced with unerring vocals that will recall for many the late Jeff Buckley. From the hard-drivin’/hard truth opener “Into Nothing” to rockers like “All Over You,” “Queen of the Set” and “Without Her,” Turk utilizes influences like the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Pearl Jam to create songs that fit nicely in the melodic alt-rock camp. Stepping back some, Turk shows a mellower side on “Amanda” and sure summer groover “Silver Ring,” then updates Ten Years After’s anthemic “I’d Love to Change the World,” the album’s sole cover track, for all the right reasons.
Meanwhile, songs from What Gives, Turk’s 2002 debut album, such as the shuffle-funked “Broadway” and reggae-flavored “Bette Says,” are still receiving national radio airplay—the former tune was featured on an episode of CBS-TV’s “Love Monkey” in early 2006—simply underscoring the staying power of this talented singer-songwriter and guitarist’s music. A review on allmusic.com calls What Gives “a huge musical statement” and describes it further as a “smart, professional, highly palatable collection of frosty pop tunes that fall out of his pen effortlessly, enunciated by a voice so AM/FM friendly there is no question the world would be a better place with his material rocking the airwaves.”
Matt Turk
What Gives
© 2003 Matthew J. Turk (634479012129)
notes
New Yorker Matt Turk is a versatile musician, an accomplished guitarist, songwriter, mandolinist and vocalist.
"What Gives" is produced by Kevin Hupp. Mixed by Peter Moshay (Desree, Hall & Oates), Engineered by Jay Newland (Norah Jones) Matt Turk on vocals, guitars, and mandolin, Jack Daley (Lenny Kravitz) and Mike Leslie on bass, Kevin Hupp (Maceo Parker, Joan Osborne, Rufus Wainright) on drums, Russ Irwin (Aerosmith, Sting) and Saul Zonana on keys, Curtis Schmidt (Cosmic Jug) and Randy Funke (The Grapes).
"In my 20 years in the music business as a musician, producer, and radio host, I have listened to countless indie releases. What Gives by Matt Turk is among the best of them! Strong songwriting with catchy hooks complemented by tasteful production, solid guitar playing, and compelling vocals are what sets What Gives apart. I'd put this album up against anything, indie or major label and it would come out a winner."
- Todd Mack
Producer, Off the Beat-n-Track recording studio
Producer & Host, The Off the Beat-n-Track Radio Hour (WKZE 98.1FM)
Matt Turk has shared the stage with Fiona Apple, Jeff Buckley, Blues Traveler, Dave Matthews Band, Del McCoury, The Doobie Brothers, Bob Dylan, Ellis Marsalis, NRBQ, Keller Williams and Pete Seeger among others. He has appeared at Clearwater's Hudson River Revival, the Berkshire Mountain Music Festival and Atlanta's Music Midtown.
Before setting off on his solo career Matt was a founding member of "The Hour", along with Marshall Madow, Carey Harmon (Railroad Earth), Jen Phelps-Montgomery, Luke Patchen (Strangefolk), John Vitarelli and Mike Mulvey. "The Hour" released three full length recordings: "Hold Back the Reins" (1989), "Fricker Nicker Sessions" (1992) and "Songs of Sweden" (1994). "The Hour" is best known as the musicians in residence and house band at the Arrowhead Ranch, Ken and Michele Hoff's "Fillmore of the Catskills", backed by legendary rock empressario Bill Graham.
reviews
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author: Josh Rosenblum
Great production and songwriting. It's going on my iPod.
author: Denise
This CD is Phenomenal, Matt Turk is truly a gifted musician. I haven't take it of my CD player since I got it. Track number ten is by far my favorite. The whole CD is filled with great songs, not only is it great instrumentally but the lyrics are inspiring. He tells a story with each song and you just can't help but to love his voice... so southing
author: Thomas Staudter
What Gives features eleven songs of earnest pop-rock. Musically and lyrically it suggests David Bowie, Bruce Cockburn, Elliott Murphy, U2 and Duncan Sheik — in short, literate tunes with heart and muscle.
author: Joe Viglione
What Gives is a huge musical statement by an artist to be reckoned with, enunciated by a voice so AM/FM friendly there is no question the world would be a better place with his material rocking the airwaves.
author: Susan Hodara, The New York Times
author: Roselle
Right now Wish List and You Are the One are my favorites - love listening to the keys. The start of Broadway about traffic on the GWB blows me away! Rock on Matt Turk!!
author: Ian Page
Every tune on this record is great- my girlfriend and I love listening to it, especially Wish List, You are the One and King Blood. Turk has a great voice, really original and his guitar playing kicks ass- I really love the lyrics, especially Fine Line. The production and all the sounds are fantastic.
RICH WYMAN- FACTORY
REVIEWS 'FACTORY’
Leigh Doyle - Head Of Music - Beat 102-103 - Waterford, Ireland"
"Got the album in the mail today, thanks! Its excellent. Love the cover too and the production is excellent!! I have spent the last hour trying to pick out my favourite tracks but I've come to the conclusion I love them all. Well done and best of luck with it, its a best seller in my eyes!”
REVIEW 'FACTORY'
Powerful voice blending poprock songs with piano driven melodies
Reviewer: GJ4music
Rich Wyman has a powerful voice that blends poprock songs with piano driven melodies. His voice carries true emotions to the hearts of the listeners. This album starts with the song "Kiss a baby" about a president running for office. Facing now the promises he made clashing with reality. "Too late" is one of his best. A number 1 melody combining the problems in a relation that's about to burst. Upbeat songs like "Everybody loves you" "Everyday & everynight" (could be the theme of your favorite television series) "I saw an angel" (sing this to your lover!) are keeping you in a great mood. The song "Brand new factory" is a highlight you can't miss. It's a song about the environment and a factory breathing out fresh air instead of pollution.It reveals also where Rich's heart is where it comes to our planet.The song working towards a climax and a powerful message. "Sleeping bird" is a breathtaking song about Dutch Rockicon Herman Brood taking his own life. The album rocks on with "Rainbow" "Walkaway (a happy fuck you song)and "Satellite" and "Not for the money (also a great live song)". "Since I met you" and "Stay with me tonight" will fill your heart with romance. Get out there to see Rich performing his music live! It may change your life forever...
SEAN COX
- Return To Me Review
Posted by Dan Marsicano on 05.22.2008
Singer-songwriter Sean Cox has emerged with his debut album, Return To Me, a acoustic-laced album that balances catchy, upbeat tracks with emotional ballads. Can Cox make a dent in a crowded field?
The Band
Sean Cox-Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Eric Seiz-Lead and Rhythm Guitar
Frank Gagliardi-Bass
Kevin Hupp-Drums, Percussion
C.P Roth-Keyboards and String Arraignments
The Track Listing
1. Electricity-3:43
2. Somewhere Right Now-2:41
3. Follow You-3:44
4. Guardian-3:10
5. Innocence-5:22
6. First Word-4:12
7. Letting You Know-5:20
8. Secrets-4:29
9. Lost and Lonely-4:02
10. Run-4:17
11. Take Me-3:51
12. Coming Home-4:27
13. Redemption-3:48
The Review
Being a music critic means that I get many albums in the mail. Some of them I eagerly listen to and thoroughly enjoy while others languish in a pile on my desk that seems to constantly build with no sign of stopping. From time to time, I pick up one of these albums, usually when it’s a slow week, and see if it is worth your time and money.
Sean Cox is a name you probably haven’t heard of yet. Residing in Millstone Township in good old New Jersey, Cox is a gym teacher at a local school whose passion is writing and recording acoustic-laced songs with Christian undertones. After years of working on material and releasing demo tapes, he was noticed by producer Kevin Hupp and given a chance to record a full length album. Return To Me is the result of Cox’s hard work and an album that has its fair share of problems, but may surprise a lot of people with quality songwriting and some potential blockbuster hits.
First track “Electricity” is one of these potential hits. It’s everything that a radio hit has; a catchy chorus, acoustic guitar galore, soothing piano and violin section, and emotional vocals from Cox. This formula is repeated throughout Return To Me, with varying levels of success. Current single “Coming Home” is one of the few upbeat tracks on Return To Me, with Cox and his band mates on fire. Hell, there’s even a keyboard solo that comes out of left field. The fast paced songs are where the energy and excitement lie on the album. “Somewhere Right Now” and “Guardian” bring the rock on and sound like hyper versions of older John Mayer
tracks.
If I could recommend this album to anybody, it would be a person of the female race. Women will eat Return To Me up and ask for seconds afterwards. I would definitely not crank this up in front of my metal loving friends. So, for most guys, Return To Me is a guilty pleasure that you listen to in the car on the way to work or when you are in the mood for uplifting and catchy music with some soul behind it. Cox could become the next big thing in “adult contemporary” as long as Return To Me can pick up some steam on the radio and in the press.
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Review: Trey Green - Trey Green
Trey Green - Trey Green
2008, El Stormo Productions
I'm not qualified to make a clinical diagnosis, but Trey Green is nuts. Bonkers. Stark-raving mad. Let me be clear about this. Trey Green is indubitably, wonderfully insane. His bio references accomplishments such as being hospitalized with several fish lodged in his nasal passage and being arrested on three occasions for failing to move at a green light. Musically, Green is an enigmatic figure, playing whatever he pleases from moment to moment. Stylistic consistency goes out the window in favor of whatever pleases him. This probably explains why Green connects so well with audiences. There is no planning, no pre-packaged musical experience. Trey Green is what he is, like it or not. His debut album, Trey Green was made after the same fashion. No matter who you are, you'll find something you like here.
Trey Green opens with Smooth Breakdancin' Guy, a tongue-in-cheek exploration of a guy who thinks he can dance. We all know someone like this, or are that someone. The dancing is probably more legendary in the mind of the dancer than in the viewing public. My Girlfriend is an extreme example of excusing the shortcomings of those we love. Green puts aside the novelty material for Won't Last Forever, a poignant look at goodbyes. Green hits the height of hilarity on My Fantastic Ass. I don't think I need to say any more.
Part of the mystique of Trey Green is his voice. It's not perfect. It's not pretty. It's slightly jarring and top heavy, but it's perfect for the material he sings. Anachronistic in a way that is memorable and distinct. Once you know his voice you'll always recognize it right away. This quality is often times more desirable than "pretty". Just ask Brad Roberts (Crash Test Dummies). You'll want to check out Mad Crush and Go Away. Other highlights include The Forever And Ever Song and Tavarua.
Trey Green mixes observations inane and insane with poignant moment and memorable arrangements on his self-titled debut CD. The end result is a journey through madness with the occasional foothold on sanity; creating a highly entertaining if off-kilter musical experience. Trey Green isn't afraid to just be who he is on CD and let you judge him on the merits. The end result is glorious insanity, the kind you run into every single day in the real world, but with a touch of humor and panache. A joyous romp through Green's Id without safety nets. A must-hear.
Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Trey Green at http://www.treygreen.net/. You can purchase a copy of Trey Green at www.cdbaby.com/cd/treygreen, or on iTunes.
