August 2nd, 2008
Robert Benson (if you remember he wrote An Explosion of Blues Music) this time gave me a review about the next big star in Country Music, Laura Roppe (pronounced ro-pay). She has a Shania Twain-like quality and already is receiving major air play in Europe. Robert said me also that he has just launched a giveaway for his ebook “The Fascinating Hobby Of Vinyl Record Collecting” and now it is a free download! The ebook is for anyone who loves music and records and is full of great details about vinyl.
Country Music Star Is Unleashed!
Apparently being the runner up in Kenny Chesney’s “Next Big Star Competition” in May of 2008 is just the springboard that Country Music’s next star needed, as Laura Roppe’s debut CD (homepage) can attest to. The CD “Girl Like This” will soon take the country music scene by storm, as this engaging singer/songwriter is more than just country music ear candy.
For many years, her career in music had taken a back seat to a legal career, marriage and being a mother, but when the ‘music itch’ became too strong, she resumed her career in music. In 2006, Laura was the lead singer of the popular Southern California cover band CoolBandLuke, belting out cover tunes from artists such as Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Blondie, Lucinda Williams, and Kelly Clarkson. Combining an eclectic mix of influences (such as the Indigo Girls, Carly Simon, Shania Twain among many others) and Laura’s unique voice and fresh style, the debut CD is a compelling array of edgy country girl sounds and rare, intoxicating country flavors.
Let’s explore the music: The single, “Mama Needs A Girls Night Out,” is certain to top mainstream Country Radio and is full of fun country music, memorable lyrics (“babies on the brain” and “put your skinny jeans on”) and a “Mom’s Gone Wild” chorus that every mother who hears the cut can identify with. And when you add inventive guitar work, titillating fiddle work and stellar musicianship-you have a recipe for success. The title cut, “Girl Like This,” combines a Shania Twain-like sassiness with an infectious melody and will be right at home on the Country Music Charts.
“Fly Fly Fly,” with Edie Brickel-like vocals, is a fun, country ditty and just makes you tap your foot with anticipation and sing along. “Float Away” may remind some of Jodie Messina, but others may hear vintage Carly Simon and the song is sung with angelic precision and passion. The cut “Little Daughter” may be her signature ballad, with poignant, emotional lyrics that is sung and played with tenderness and warmth that shows you that it is sincere.
Other songs include the sashaying cut “Ooh La La,” with great guitar licks adeptly mixed with her unique country growl and spicy solos. “Come To Me” is another fantastic country number, with dreamy lyrics and achingly tender acoustics. “Sing A Love Song” is full of inventive harmonies and an irresistible chorus. And the cut, “Crazy About You And Me,” just may be a new look at love gone wrong and has a delicious catchiness to it.
All in all, there is not a weak cut on Laura Roppe’s debut CD, “Girl Like This”. The music transcends typical country music boundaries and is full of expressive vocals, polished country pop and well-crafted instrumental sections and will certainly take the country music scene by storm. This stunning debut is just what country music has been looking for and I, for one, can’t wait to hear more!
Posted in Arts, Music, Reviews | No Comments »
November 29th, 2007
Rob Mitchell is a singer/songwriter from Nashville, TN. He has played songs around Nashville and appeared at the Bluebird Cafe. Musical influences are James Taylor, Jim Croce, Jimmy Buffett and John Denver. Rob is not a writer but what he wrote for us is a real writing gem:
Every journey an adventure
Today the weather in Nashville is brisk. I woke to a chilly wind from the North whisking it’s way accross the dairy farm behind my home. Our dog is still curled deep in the cedar chips inside of her dog house as I fill her bowl with water. She stirs and looks at me with a bareful look. I think she wanted to sleep late too!
I notice my steps are short and stiff. The ache is evident in my thighs. Last night was the second of my new nightly routine of running. One mans quest to regain lost youth and health. As I walk back inside I make a mental note to learn to welcome the pain as that is my benchmark of progress. I’ll now cook breakfast for the kids and let my wife sleep late. She deserves the break.
After dropping the kids off at school I begin my 50 mile drive into work. I turn off the radio so I can reaquaint myself with my inner voice. That is the voice of my youth. I try to hear him encouraging me as he did in the old days. The clutter of my daily worries has driven him back into dark places as of late. When he went back there to the fringe of my forgotten subconscious is was when melancholy wandered in. I listen for him and his words of encouragement and hope as the asphalt ribbon runs beneath the car. He speaks softly at first. Unsure and not having the confidence that comes with youth. However the more I listen to him his voice becomes more assured.
I am still the person I was at 20, 25 and 30! So what if the road was more rugged than it appeared on the map. But isn’t every journey an adventure? Don’t all of us end up in detours sometimes or make a wrong turn or two on the road of life? We don’t stop the trip because we get lost. We look at the map again or we ask directions. What if where we finally end up isn’t where we thought we wanted to go? If we choose to linger here a while it can only mean that this isn’t such a bad place to be afterall. Hopefully we can learn from the experiences in our journey and if nothing else come of it; we can look back and say it was one heck of a road trip we took!
Posted in Arts, Culture, People | No Comments »
October 17th, 2007
Musician Matti Mattila wrote his story for us! Please read also his Finnish blog and check his page at LinkedIn.
My first experience with music started as early as four or five years old. Since then I have carefully listened to music and tried to imitate player’s role. Until my twelve years birthday I only loved music by hearing it on the radio. Then I found two tin cans I covered with thick piece of plastic and tightened the film with wires. Grabbing two wooden sticks and starting to beat the cans was a start of my career as a drummer. The rhythm was inspiring and stunning. It kept me beating and changing the speed from slow to quick and back. A new star was born.
We started to play in a rock group with my dear friend Age. He was a guitarist. Our band wasn’t complete until we got base player and lead singer. The year was late 1970’s. Before this we were playing in a group for more than five years having some minor concerts and other happenings. We had a lot of fun, and my first tin cans were changed to real a drum set. Rock music was not so common in Finland those days. Of course there were lot of artist and groups, but the real invasion of popular music bands was in late 1980’s. Our band had quited playing that time, but the members of the group still love music.
Our rock band Shakedown was formed in late 1970’s. The best time was 1982 when we released our first album. It wasn’t a big success, but very important milestone to us. The climate for young rock music wasn’t very friendly in Finland until 1990’s and after. I assume the nation wasn’t ready for limitless free lifestyle and some authorities tried to control what happened in teenagers’ world. Today everything is different. Finland now has many world-famous rock groups like Nightwish, HIM and Lordi. The long waited winning in European Song Contest a few years ago finally nailed our country as a serious music source.
I haven’t retired from playing drums, yet. Although I haven’t played for years it doesn’t mean that rock’n'roll is dead. In fact, I have dreamed of getting a new set of drums and starting to play again. I still love listening to rhythmic beat whenever I hear it on the radio or CD. Many other artistic hobbies have stolen my time. Theater and all kinds of appearance have kept me busy lately. Photography is one of my dearest hobbies. And of course, designing things among others. After all, music is still number one in my heart.
Posted in Arts, Music, People | 3 Comments »
