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AcoustiCafe Featured CD ~ October 2002 |
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John Vento ~ Reflections of an Average Soul |
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 When he turned 40, John Vento didn't go through a mid-life crisis, but he did want to do something different...so he sat down with some friends and fellow musicians and wrote "Reflections of an Average Soul". Lead singer for one of Pittsburgh's most philanthropic rock bands, The Businessmen, John wanted to go in a different direction musically.
Sparse, and intensely personal, "Reflections of an Average Soul" is a recording of original music created as a collaborative effort between singer John Vento and many of his talented friends, including composer John Fox, Buddy Hall, B.E. Taylor, Reb Beach, Norm Nardini, Tim Hadley, Sean McDowell, and Rob Garrison. The featured track, "The Day the Lady Cried" song and video, translates the tragedy of the 9/11 into a celebration of the American Spirit.
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AcoustiCafe Featured CD ~ September 2002 |
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Lucas Carpenter ~ Life's Honest Rhythm |
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 Lifes Honest Rhythm - Lucas Carpenter
The music of Lucas Carpenter pulls from many different genres from folk to hip-hop, with influences that include The Beatles, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Bjork, Sting, Rusted Root, and musical composer Jason Robert Brown. Landing in Pittsburgh by way of the Jersey Shore, Lucas has slowly began to make an impact on the local singer-songwriter scene.
Life’s Honest Rhythm was created with the help of engineer/co producer and Squonk Opera percussionist Kevin Kornicki. With the help of Kevin, drummer John Brewton, and bassist Nathan Fay - Lucas has achieved a much bigger sound than his previous work; adding in electric guitar, string arrangements, and programmed style drum grooves to compliment his signature vocal style. Great songwriting with groove - in songs of life, love, and the spirit that binds it all together, from a young songwriter with great promise.
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AcoustiCafe Featured CD ~ August 2002 |
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PAUL HANNAN ~ "Pedal Hard" |
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 Pedal Hard marks the 1st formal release by the promising songwriter/performer Paul Hannan, yet the material reflects the maturity of a more seasoned recording artist. Having spent the last several years performing his music in clubs, as well as providing session work in the studio for others, Paul felt it was time to commit his songs to a more permanent venue for his fans to enjoy.
Produced by the Gathering Field's Dave Brown, Pedal Hard's eleven tracks offer a range of styles sure to appeal to just about everyone. Whether your preference is contemporary folk, bluegrass, soft ballad, up tempo, or even jazz, Pedal Hard will please.
Paul's lyrics deftly deal with topics of love and death, joy and heartbreak, all interspersed in clean melodies and refreshing arrangements which jump out and grab you, from the first measures of "Love Has Its Own Mind" right through the reprise of "See Your Smile Again". With a very unique vocal style and a straightup songwriting style, Pedal Hard aptly demonstrates the depths of Paul Hannan as both a songwriter and performer.
Listen to this CD and buy it here!
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SUBMITTED BY PAUL CAROSI |
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GRANATI BROTHERS ~ "Continuing Adventures of ..." |
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 The Granati Brothers are recording and performing artists who blend a variety of Rock, Pop, R&B, Reggae, Rock-a-Billy, Jazz, and Classical idioms into an addictive musical synthesis. They have independently wrote, recorded, released the "Continuing Adventures of the Granati Brothers" CD on their own Three Twins label. The CD was recorded at Dave World Productions 48 track studios. Brian Foraker, who has worked with Moby, Heart, Yes, and others mastered the CD in Nashville. Upon hearing the songs Brian called it " A superbly crafted masterpiece of rock". A string quartet comprised of principal players from the Pittsburgh Symphony provides rich backgrounds reminiscent of Abbey Road and Sgt. Pepper. The Granati Brothers appeared at 78 sold out concerts with Van Halen in the 80's. David Granati's soaring melodic riffs earned him a nomination for player of the year by Guitar Player Magazine in 1981. Their earlier recordings on A&M Records include G-Force (1979) and Propaganda (1979). They have also performed or recorded with Bruce Springsteen, J. Geils, Ian Hunter, the Doobie Brothers, Joe Grusheky, the Jaggerz, the Clarks, BE Taylor, Heart, Peter Frampton and others.
You can hear some of the songs at the G's website at http://www.g-brothers.com
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REVIEWDED BY A. E. BROWN FOR "REAL FOOD" |
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CHERYLANN HAWK ~ "Live @ Moondog's" |
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 A live album at Moondog’s?! In Blawnox, Pa...Whoopee! Ah, grasshopper, you have much to
learn… It always gets me: “Rays that Shine” is an excellent intro to an hour
or so of tightly woven harmonies and a huge three piece sound: Rob Grano, percussion, Nathan Wilson
on bass, and Cherylann herself fronting and playing acoustic guitar. The family sized fun of this live
album is provided by special guests all over on lead guitar, sax, accompanying voices and piano
(to numerous to mention here, buy it or read the website.) “ Midnight Sunrise”
-pretty, dark melody. A nice arrangement that brings out my two favorite things about this group:
Nathan’s bass and Cherylann letting go a little. “Hortense Funk”, what
a lady, what a name. A personal history lesson, and a gorgeous folk melody that somehow reminded
me of Dan Fogelberg. Go figure. I dig this group, they sound great live and if you listen carefully, you
can hear the crowd getting into it too. Get to a show and take Cherylann home with you. Visit
www.cherylannhawk.com for more info.
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REVIEWED BY: NICK GATTO FOR "REAL FOOD" |
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VOXIUS ~ ”Psyclotomis Rex” |
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 The sickly sweet harmonies on the peeler, the eerie way that even scat noises can be evil,
and those questions which plague you right before you go to sleep. Psyclotomis Rex,
Voxius’ first album, features drum beats by Glenn Fischer and Byron Glatz
that will either have you dancing in your living room alone, or at least thinking about it.
But perhaps you’re more the type who would rather knock over tables and
chairs to Bob Loiselle playing the bass. If not, then you must be the type who would
instantly be inspired to pull out that box of pictures of long lost friends, past memories,
all the while singing along with Aaron Brown. Because what lies behind Psyclotomis
Rex is the emotion- those of the bands as well as those of your own. If you don’t
feel ready for the experience of listening to this CD on your own, be sure to check out
one of Voxius’ live shows and see that there are others just like you. To learn
more about yourself, contact www.thereisno.com and buy the CD or see where you
can next catch this band play live. And when that first new shiny bolt of light hits your
noodle, contact Voxius again to explain that you can realize no other option but complete
surrender.
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CONTRIBUTED BY JEN CARTER |
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Concert Review: Bill Deasy & Dave Brown @ Rhythm House Café, Bridgeville, PA |
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Bill Deasy and Dave Brown really put on a really great show tonight. In addition to the regular arsenal
of Gathering Field tunes and usual covers (Dylan, Sweet), they covered David Gray's 'Babylon' and
U2's 'Walk On.' Excellent show!
Now.....the reason I want to write this review is to let people know about the Rhythm House Cafe.
It seems that the Rhythm House has quite a built-in "bar" crowd. During the first set,
the room was so packed that you couldn't see anything, whether you were standing or sitting.
I am sure that the room (which would make a nice wedding reception hall) has a maximum
capacity for fire code regulations, and I’m also sure the crowd was pushing the limits tonight.
The overcrowded room made for angry patrons and angry waitstaff. Not that I doubt the draw of
Bill and Dave, but there were far more people there than I normally see at Gathering Field shows
(anywhere), most likely due to the built in crowd.
During the set break, a lot of the crowd moved to the front room where a DJ was playing dance
music, so the room thinned out to a capacity where everyone could enjoy the show. I think
one of the main problems of this room, besides only having one bar forcing everyone to move
around CONSTANTLY!!!!, is the fact that they insisted on setting up too many tables aiming
for a "coffeehouse" feel that only succeeded in making the room seem more cramped.
The cover for this show was also $8, which I think is a little high for a venue in Bridgeville.
(No offense, I just think covers should diminish as you move away from the city).....and strangely
enough, they chose to advertise this show as the Gathering Field on their website, their sign,
and in the city paper. Only people who look at the Gathering Field website would have known
before tonight that it was indeed only Bill and Dave acoustic, and not the full band.
On a brighter note, drink prices were pretty good, although I didn't eat there, the menu looked
good and reasonably priced, and the acoustics of the room were actually very condusive to enjoying live music.
But of course, this is just my opinion..........
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SUBMITTED BY J G BOCELLA |
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HEATHER KROPF ~ "Sky" |
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Favorite: "Minus the Mood"
I LOVE THIS CD! Heather Kropf has this smoooooth voice that is just so evocative. She has
a truly unique sound. Her lyrics are multi-layered and rich - filled with a sense of longing and
blissfulness. The music is a little jazzy and just the right flavor to complement her beautiful
singing voice. She is the real deal - an artist who writes quality music AND lyrics and does
not sound like an imitation of anybody. Very intelligent and sensitive. Destined for success.
Visit Heather's website at BlueOnion.org, a collage
of Pittsburgh's most vital independent musical performers.
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SUBMITTED BY AL TAYLOR |
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GREGG KRUPA ~ "Walkin' into Warrendale" |
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 Favorite track: "Lonely at the Bottom"
Gregg Krupa, known for his hot blues bands "Gregg Krupa and Dirty Pool" and
the all new "Gregg Krupa and the Boogie Monsters", began performing acoustically
with Brett P. (of "Razberry Wheat") at Brett's Acoustic Open Stage at the Bakerstown
Hotel. The new solo acoustic CD "Walkin' into Warrendale" followed a year of
rehearsal and shows not only the versatility of a fine guitarist, but also the songwriter
Gregg had been hiding inside himself for the past several years. With a country/rock style
based in his blues background, Gregg takes us on a musical journey through his life both on
stage and off. The title track features Gregg playing slide on an acoustic guitar with the touch
of genius his fans have come to expect. Other cuts run the gamut from country ballads to
blues instrumentals. His original tunes are foot-tappers and his covers are not only unusual,
but very much in his own style. I recommend this CD highly to every acoustic guitar fan in the area.
Sit in with Gregg, Brett and Al every week at the Bakerstown Hotel, or catch Gregg with The
Boogie Monsters. Check local listings for dates.
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