This year has definitely been a good year for music, and 2011 looks very promising as well. As previously reported, I have spent time in the studio with Keaton Simons, and can hardly wait for the release of his new CD. In addition, David and Devine are preparing for the February 22 release of their first EP with a Release Party at the Hotel Cafe on February 26, 2011. Also forthcoming in 2011 are new releases from Karmina, Kat Parsons, and the release of the first CD for Jim Vitale, former guitarist of the Johnny Cash tribute band, With a Bible and a Gun.
Here are my Top Ten releases of 2010. Please note that this is based on what I have received or learned about through my research. If you released (or know an artist that released) a new CD or EP during 2010, and you're not on my list, please contact me at lamusiccritic@yahoo.com so I can update my list.
No. 10 - Kevin Daniel - Dreaming 'til Dawn - This EP, produced by Mikal Blue, is the first for Kevin, and contains six songs, all written by Kevin. One of the songs, "You and I," was selected by Clear Channel Radio for its New Music Monday show. This is a fine first effort and I predict future releases will be even better.
No. 9 - Trent Hancock - ghostbird - This EP, produced by Mikal Blue and Andrew Williams, also features the piano and BGV of Kevin Daniel, as well as the guitar of Alex Balderston. My favorite cuts are "Me & You" and "Falling Faster."
No. 8 - Shaye and the Dreamers - Rain - The full length CD, produced by Kevin McKee, is the first release for these tween sensations. The band recently secured three nominations from the SoCal Music Live competition, as well as winning an Inland Empire Music Award. My favorite cuts are "Alice," "Eyes," and the title cut, "Rain."
No. 7 - May Stands Still - matter of time - This EP, produced by Milestone Studios, is the first release for this powerhouse quartet composed of Emily Herndon, Tom Atkins, Asha Sukumad and Wesley Switzer. Their sound is a mixture of downhome bluegrass and americana, and the vocal harmonies ooze with honey. This is a strong effort and I like it from start to finish.
No. 6 - Marina V - My Star -This full length CD, produced by Guy Erez (Gipsy Kings), is a shear joy from start to finish. In addition, part of the success of the CD is the fact that it was paid for 100% by fans, who also bombarded the YouBloom.com website and selected "You Make me Beautiful" as the third best song of 2010. My favorite cuts include "Unbalanced," "You Make Me Beautiful," "Weight of the World" and "Killing my Dream." This is a "desert island" must have.
No. 5 - Kelly McGrath - Waiting for Mine - This EP, produced by guitarist Larry Marciano, fully showcases Kelly's country roots. With songs that speak from the heart, Kelly bares and shares her soul. My favorite cuts are "Just Like That," "Don't Wake Up," and "One Foot in Front of the Other." This is another definite "desert island" necessity.
No. 4 - Jenni Alpert - Underneath the Surface - This full length CD, produced by Brad Smith (Blind Melon), is the fifth of her career. It features Jimmy Paxson, drummer for Stevie Nicks, as well as the percussion skills of Lenny Castro, coupled with the strong piano and vocal skills of Jenni. My favorite tracks are "I'll be Gone," "Underneath" and "Love is Enough."
No. 3 - Jamie Green - Chase the Rain - This full length CD, her third, is by far her best to date. With a combination of writing styles and influences, it showcases both her original material and her interpretative abilities. In addition to the 11 original tunes, Jamie includes cover's of Ali Handal's "I Miss You" and The Police's "Message in a Bottle." My favorite cuts are "Show me how 2 Love U," "Chase the Rain" and "Girls Night Out," as well as both covers.
No. 2 - Katie Costello - The City in Me - This EP, produced by David Lamoureaux, is a natural follow-up to her earlier efforts. It is also the precursor to her full length album, Lamplight, which is scheduled to drop in February 2011. Katie also uses her iphone to make some very creative music videos. My favorite cut is "Cityscapes," which also has a remarkable video.
No. 1 - The Wellspring - Their self-titled EP, produced by Bill Lefler (Dashboard Confessional, Ingrid Michaelson), is the debut for this very talented duo composed of Dov Rosenblatt and Talia Osteen. The EP is full of great tunes, and I love everything about it. The duo will be taking to the road in 2011 - don't miss the opportunity to hear them live.
Honorable Mentions: Manda Mosher (City of Clowns), Jayar (Remain), Alyssa Jacey (Here's to Change), Carrie Wade (The Old Ways)
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