"Change Up" by Lefty Blues Band (Blues/Country Artist from Florida (FL))

Lefty Blues Band, a Florida-based outfit steeped in R&B and roots-based Americana, conjures less the Sunshine State than dark swamplands and backwoods roadhouses on their fine debut album, "Change Up." Led by brothers John & Greg Bell, this 6-piece band is as equally adept with a deep South blues ("All For You") as a George Jones-inspired ballad ("Slow Love Song"), but for the most part carves out a classic rock sound that hovers between John Hiatt & Dire Straits; that is, displaying the former's all-inclusive grasp of Americana, while reflecting the latter's ability to fashion something completely new from tried and true forms. Highlights include the above mentioned "All For You," with its atmospheric Hammond organ and Gospel-like female chorus, as well as the moving "The Rush," a perfect hybrid of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger piano balladry. But in truth, there are no weak songs among these 10 original performances. Lefty Blues Band's new release "Change Up" is a terrific representation of Americana rock that embraces its roots, and fans of Leonard Cohen and Mark Knopfler will definitely enjoy it.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Butter On My Roll" by Sheba the Mississippi Queen (Blues/Jazz Artist from Florida (FL))

Virtually born to sing, Sheba the Mississippi Queen, aka Martha Booker, inherits a proud legacy of female blues belters, adding her own resonant chapter to the story with her wonderful, uptown-style album, "Butter On My Roll." Built solidly on a foundation of the blues and Southern R&B, and utilizing a stellar band that includes a truly galvanizing horn section, Sheba the Mississippi Queen refuses to be constrained on this 13-song collection, sprinkling pure jazz ("Can't Help Lovin My Man"), Southern Soul ("Tell Me Why"), and Funk ("Hay Girlfriend"), and even some classic balladry ("Don't Say Goodbye"), into the potent mix. But let there be no doubt that Sheba the Mississippi Queen is first and foremost a master blues singer, and on mid-tempo numbers, like the Bessie Smith-infused title track, "Butter on My Rolls," or on foot-stompers like "Dance Jump Shout" and "Oh So Good," the singer proves herself more than worthy to join the ranks of successor to the recently departed Queen of Blues, Koko Taylor. Sheba the Mississippi Queen's "Butter On My Roll" will stand as a first-rate addition to listeners' collection of outstanding Blues albums.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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RadioIndy is pleased to present Frank Tuma with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Island Birth"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Frank Tuma with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Island Birth"

Sink your toes in the sand and order up a tall tropical drink as you sit back and enjoy the refreshing "Island Birth" by Frank Tuma. Tuma has compiled a wonderful selection of island music splashed with flavorful textures of Latin and jazz. Production is first-rate as the multi-layered instruments are well mixed and tempos are moderate with an uplifting spirit. The zest of each instrument really brings forth the essence of a tropical paradise and invigorates one's mind and body. "Wild Bossa Nova" is an exciting arrangement in a call-and-response form from the bright synth horns and guitar. A striking synth brass section carries a delightful melody in "New York Salsa" as the percussion keeps a solid beat. Bob Marley and/or Harry Belafonte fans will want to check out "Island Birth," as it is an engaging collection of energetic Latin/jazz music from a tropical setting.

-Diane And the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Frank Tuma 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Gene Hilbert with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Larger Prey"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Gene Hilbert with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Larger Prey"

Seasoned performer Gene Hilbert's latest release, "Larger Prey," is a collection of original music fused with classic rock, jazz, and blues. A one-man show, Hilbert not only is the vocalist and guitarist but also has creatively performed every other instrument. The album's high-quality production is heard in each track, and each track is arranged with excellent distinction between instruments and vocals. Subtle bell sounds and horns complement the razor sharp guitar on "Morning 20." Harmonic guitars highlight the moving piece "March to Baghdad" as it takes on a sound of its own. Vocals are low and clean while the harmonies are perfectly layered on "Talk To Me." Hilbert has taken different musical styles and has compiled a wonderful selection of songs with powerful guitar melodies. "Larger Prey" is a guitar driven album that is well worth hearing, especially for listeners who enjoy Joe Satriani or Santana.

-Diane And the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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RadioIndy is pleased to present Zakben with a GrIndie Award for the CD "In the Beginning…"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Zakben with a GrIndie Award for the CD "In the Beginning…"

In his debut album "In the Beginning…," Zakben launches a spiritual collection of songs filled with rhythm & blues/funk forms. The production of this album is well-presented with a consistent and clever mix of funk and spiritual talent. Vocals are distinctive and sung with crisp clarity, which balances the unity and chemistry between the musicians. Reflecting on his heritage, Zakben sings his well-composed lyrics with sincere and heartfelt tribulations of better times. "12tribes" and "We Are the One" are upbeat songs with a funk style guitar and energetic bass beats. Zakben exhibits his versatility with "Sweetmanna," which brings the tempo down a little to a slower style of rhythm & blues and steady, solid drums. "In the Beginning…." by Zakben will appeal to fans of spiritual-inspired R&B and is one album listeners should definitely take a listen to.

-Diane And the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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Check out Chris DeMarco, one of RadioIndy's favorite Rock artists

RadioIndy is pleased to present Chris DeMarco with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Chris DeMarco-The 80's"

Chris DeMarco's most recent self titled release, "Chris DeMarco-The 80's" is an album that re-invents the upbeat classic pop rock music of that era. DeMarco, a seasoned veteran of music who has performed with various well known artists, has decided to debut his works originally recorded in the 1980's. These catchy pop styles are splashed with light lyrics over striking guitar riffs while keyboards add a touch of pop orchestration. DeMarco's vocals are melodic and rich, exhibiting his polished, strong and distinct voice. Note the high harmonies on "The Same Old Way" and also on "One More Shot." They are undoubtedly a staple of '80's pop. Rock-hard drums streaming with solid fills and edgy guitar licks reach well beyond their roots on "The Mirror." If you like music that captures the essence of 80's pop/rock, "Chris DeMarco-The 80's" is a CD well worth listening to.

-Diane And the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Oceans & Islands" by Dave Spinner (Jazz Artist from New York(NY))

Whether it is a lush contemporary jazz setting or a vocal tune that could've come right out of the classic Brazilian songbook, Dave Spinner takes the listener on an eye-opening trip through various jazz forms on his fine debut CD, "Oceans & Islands." Whatever the style, Spinner proves he's more than adept at navigating jazz' many tributaries on this 7-track collection. Beginning with "Bouncin'," Spinner kicks things off with a radio-ready R&B influenced contemporary jazz tune, followed by "Dinji", a sun-drenched take on Brazilian vocal jazz. But before the album gets too laid-back, Spinner shifts gears with "Lobster Montuno," a spirited and rhythmically complex Latin jazz jam, featuring a Caribbean horn arrangement as authentic as it is assured. Elsewhere, Spinner's keyboard mastery comes to the forefront with exploring and dynamic solos that breathe new life into the traditional piano-trio style "Sweet & Lovely," or raises the roof, as on the swinging Hammond organ workout, "In Your Pocket." Whatever the style, Dave Spinner's excellent CD, "Oceans & Islands" is an exemplary showcase of jazz vocabulary from a bandleader as musically insightful as he is astute.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Dave Spinner#39;s music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites