SPOTLIGHT ON KEITH THOMPSON

Biography: Keith Thompson, is a professional musician with many years performing experience. He has worked in several bands, and as a solo artist. He has traveled extensively in the UK. and in European countries susch as, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Holland, Poland and Norway. Keith and his band Strange Brew now have four albums on release in Europe on the Swiss label "Brambus". They started touring after signing to the label back in 1998.

Keith’s musical journey began way before however. He first started playing guitar aged 5! By the time he was 8 he won first prize at a Butlin’s holiday camp talent show playing Beatle tunes. The British blues boom of the 60's produced great guitarists like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Peter Green. It was this music alongside popular songwriters like The Beatles, The Stones, and John Martyn and later the British Blues/Rock pioneers Free, Led Zeppelin etc. that Keith grew up listening to. He was 14 when he first started working the pubs and clubs playing mostly covers of these great artists. Soaking in the experience and further influences like, Rory Gallagher & Gary Moore, Keith started to develop his own material. His band, “Poacher Brown” while still teenagers in pre punk 70’s toured Germany, playing 6 nights a week, playing 5, 45 minute sets a night! That was Keith’s first full-time professional stint and it changed his life. This was the same Hamburg culture on which the Beatles cut their musical teeth. He came back in 1978 and joined forces with another local guitarist Mick (Wurzel) Burston (later of Motorhead). This band, “Bunter” started receiving glowing reviews in the national music press.
Keith carried on writing and recording. Working as a session guitarist he has added his skills to various projects including, work on the soundtrack for the best selling computer games. He has released a lot of incidental music for television programs and soundtrack projects and he has sold over 100,000 albums.  As a songwriter he has also gained recognition. A few years ago he was voted “Songwriter Of The Year” in Six Counties. He has added his skills on stage or in recordings to projects by Spooky Tooth, Mike D’Abo, Steve Winwood, Ruby Turner, Larry Burton (Albert Collins, John Lee Hooker) Dave Markee and Henry Spinetti (Eric Clapton Band and Tina Turner) Greg Ridley of Humble Pie, Robbie Blunt (Robert Plant) Luther Grosvenor of Mott The Hoople and many others.

The band has been consistently performing in mainland Europe where they are well known to the large blues following as an exciting live band. They have headlined several European Festivals and last year they headlined the British stage of Colne’s “Great British R&B Festival”.

Between the members of the band they have played with the likes of Mick Jagger, Roy Wood, Steve Winwood, Ruby Turner, Peter Green and others. Check out the web-site for details.

Instrumentation: Keith Thompson - Lead Vocals - Guitar
Neil Simpson - Bass Guitar
Roy Adams - Drums
Discography: 1) Independence
2) Strange Brew
3) Out Of The Smoke
4) Steel Strings & Bruised Reed
Links

http://www.densitymusic.com

SPOTLIGHT ON JARRETT FENLON

Biography: "Singer/songwriter and guitarist Jarrett Fenlon possesses an easy-breezy sonic signature and youthful vocal style that belie his favor for such experienced tastemakers as Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton and Van Morrison......"Sprung" boasts sprinklings of jazz, blues, folk and country...and makes a nice souvenir for fans of the act's live enterprise. Truly, it plays out like a front-row ticket." ~Billboard Discoveries,

The start of Jarrett Fenlon's musical career can be traced back to his early years when he used to sing along to the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Van Morrison and Eric Clapton while riding in the car. These artists and many others can be identified as influences in the songs that he writes to this very day.

Trained in saxophone, clarinet, piano and drums prior to picking up a guitar in his teenage years Jarrett possessed a solid musical foundation prior to beginning his songwriting career. His lyrics speak of everything from lost love to bad whiskey and appeal to people from all walks of life. Anyone who gives this artist half a listen soon find themselves singing along in no time.

Over the past couple of years Jarrett has performed live along with his band at several historical venues throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. With the support of several SF Bay area musical veterans/legends Jarrett has the necessary backing to croon out his soulful ballads and foot stomping blues tunes without missing a proverbial beat. He has also performed as a solo artist up and down the West Coast of the U.S. at dozens of small and medium-sized venues.

His sophomore album "Sprung" intertwines elements of country, jazz and pop while at the same time paying proper homage to his blues roots. It was produced/arranged by Steve Kirk who's credits include the composition/production/arrangement of the soundtracks of several well-known video games including Facebook's "Farmville" and Disney's "The Princess & The Frog."

Jarrett graduated from UC Berkeley in with a Bachelor's in Political Science. While attending Cal he walked-on to the Varsity Football team.
Instrumentation AVAILABLE AS A SOLO ACT AS WELL AS A FULL BAND W/THE FOLLOWING:

Vocals & Guitar: Jarrett Fenlon
Lead Guitar, Mandolin: Steve Kirk
Bass: Dave Jess
Drums: Robin Roth
Keyboard: Casey Filson
Harmonica: Butch Fenlon
Trumpet: Chris Grady
Trombone: Jeanne Geiger
Saxophone: Sheldon Brown

Discography Sprung 2010
Autumn
Love Slave
Boots
Sprung
Love a Little Bit
From the First Moment
Mean Ol' Woman
True Love

Blues & Soul 2006
Love Makes Me Cry
Maui
Hey Lady
Workin' Man Blues
When We Are Young
Old Crow Blues
Love You For Awhile
La La La
I'm Not the Man You Need
You Lied


Links

http://www.myspace.com/jarrettfenlon

SPOTLIGHT ON ERYN SHEWELL

Biography:

2009 Asbury Music Top Female Vocalist
A sophisticated cocktail of sound fusing jazz , blues, and country with a splash of Motown and a whole lotta soul!
What are others saying about Eryn Shewell and 4th & Broadway?
“3.5 stars out of 4 - Eryn’s latest record is like a time machine that gracefully glides between two worlds and creates an utterly timeless experience that will grow on you with each and every listen." Gary Wein – Music Journalist (USA)
A recent press article described Eryn as having "the power to woo audiences into an amused silence", with a seductive range changing voice,,," "...bending and moving to the music, especially in tunes where her voice trails off in jam band moments of pleasant belting-meets-screaming...when songs later her voice is soft as butter and seems to roll off and melt into the air around you." Lisa Rich, Backbeat (USA)
“I genuinely cannot believe this great musical talent is not signed to a major record label. Are they deaf or just plain stupid? Eryn is light years ahead of so many of the signed artists out there.” - Tom Evans, Palreviews (UK)

“…the fusion of genres is this CD's greatest strength. The songs Eryn writes are so strong that they transcend the standard blues, jazz and soul we hear so often and Eryn always adds something of her very own. The songs get better every time you listen…”  Ron Bervoets, Rootstime (Belgium)
4th & Broadway, Eryn Shewell's sophomore album released January 2, 2009, which has already received rave reviews both locally and in the UK and Europe, continues to showcase her ability to create music that is an inviting fusion of genres blending blues, soul, country and pop into a unique yet somehow comfortable and familiar sound.
Eryn began performing her original music in 2007, and now tours and performs nationally showcasing her original compositions with a few of her favorite cover songs thrown in for fun.  Eryn has performed at legendary venues including the Stone Pony, The Cutting Room, Bluebird Café, and, Six Flags theme parks, as well as popular clubs from Nashville to NJ and New Orleans to NY winning over the crowds with the power and sweet sound of her voice.

2009 Semi-Finalist - Songwars Songwriting Competition
2009 Top Ten Finalist - 100% Music Songwriting Competition
2009 Honorable Mention - Gary Allen Music City Song Competition
2009 Honorable Mention - BillBoard World Song Competition
2009 Asbury Park Top Female Vocalist
2009 International Blues Competition – Regional Finalist

VENUES
• The BlueBird Café – Nashville, TN
• The Stone Pony – Asbury Park, NJ
• The Cutting Room – NYC, NY
• World Café Live – Philadelphia, PA
• The Bitter End – NYC, NY
• Kenny’s Castaways - NYC, NY
• The Saint – Asbury Park, NJ
• Café Coco – Nashville, TN
• The Beer Seller – Nashville, TN
• Small World Coffee – Princeton, NJ
• Dexters – Riverdale, NJ
• Havana – New Hope, PA
• The Wonder Bar – Asbury Park, NJ
• Twisted Tree Café – Asbury Park, NJ
• KatManDu – Trenton, NJ
• The French Quarter – Nashville, TN
• Fat Baby – NYC, NY
• Fergies – Philadelphia, PA
• The Downtown – Red Bank, NJ
• The Whiskey Bar – Hoboken, NJ
• Blu Bar – Nashville, TN
• The National Underground – NYC, NY
• Bar Anticipation – Lake Como, NJ
• Get the Word Out Showcase – Philadelphia, PA
• Emerald City – Philadelphia, PA
• Orange County Fair – Middletown, NY
• Six Flags Great Adventure - Jackson, NJ
• Musikfest - Bethlehem,  PA
• Friends of the Forgotten Rally – Penns Landing, PA
• Hoboken International Film Festival - Hoboken, NJ
• Hudson Valley Renegades Stadium – Wappinger Falls, NY
• Wave Gathering – Asbury Park, NJ
• Seaside Music Festival – Seaside, NJ
• Red Bank Jazz and Blues Festival – Red Bank, NJ
• Autumn Lights Festival – West Milford, NJ
• Provincetown Rocks – The Festival 09, MA
• Asbury Music Awards Show – Asbury Park, NJ
• FM 102x Song of the Day
• Taste of Triple A CD – February 09, March 09, February 2010
• Tim Qualls Show – Comcast Cable
• Poughkeepsie Live – Time Warner Cable  – February 09
and many more across the country...

Instrumentation Eryn Shewell: (Lead vocals, Guitar, Songwriter)
Pat Ruh: (Lead guitar, songwriter)
Tanya Peterson: (Backing vocals, Viola)
Arne Wendt: (Keys)

SPOTLIGHT ON STORYBOOK ROAD

Biography:
The original fun-loving, soul-searching, good days, rough times sound of Storybook Road is a blend of Indie, Blues and Acoustic. There is no better form of expression than through art, and this art form demonstrates the passion and deep rooted feelings this band brings to life. This talented Chicago-based group showcases their strength of character and composition with acoustic and electric guitars, piano, bass, cello, harmonica, drums, and percussion. The creative driving force has been gaining momentum with no end in sight. Both love and passion have been captured on Storybook Road's recordings with the release of their album, Eastbound 80.

Need a visual? Please visit the Storybook Road YouTube Channel at: www. youtube.com/JoesTunes

Instrumentation
Joe Armani - Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals
Eric Rickards - Guitar, Bass, Cello, Vocals
Ryan Behling - Keys, Bass, Vocals
Rob Davis - Drums, Percussion
Discography Eastbound 80 (LP) 2010 Links

http://www.myspace.com/StorybookRoad

SPOTLIGHT ON CHRIS CANAS

Biography:
Chris Canas formed the Blues Revolution to bring his soul & funk infused blues not only for the seasoned die hards, but also to attract young listeners to help keep the blues alive. His influences include: BB King, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Jonny Lang, Prince, Little Milton, Albert Collins, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and a host of old and new school cats. Chris' blues will set the mood. Whether dark, playful or in your face jammin',  his presence on the stage commands attention from all sides of the room. This band loves a good time. Ambitious, yet down to earth. Blues meet funk meet neo-soul. The Chris Canas Blues Revolution can be seen blazing a trail in the Metro Detroit  area and beyond.  The front man, Chris Canas; self proclaimed soldier for the blues, has put together a who’s who of veteran musicians to help keep the blues alive in the hearts of all music lovers. The C2B Revolution has a well  blended set of classic covers and funky smooth originals that keep the audience jumping and the party going. The group is as diverse as they come with interesting backgrounds in music. The band is available as a solo, Three Piece, acoustic or Six Piece act. This band is driven to pump new life into “The Blues” as well as embracing the rich traditional roots of the past. Brace yourselves for the Explosion.

 Instrumentation:
Chris Canas - lead guitar & vocals
Mickey Coleman- drums
Kevin Schoepke - bass
Shane Rasmussen - keyboard
Angie C.- percussion, vocals
Discography She's Breaking Me -Just released in 2010
Pure As Gold - 2006
Sunshine - 2004
Chris Canas "C" - 2003
Shades of Blue - 2002
Streamed on CD-Baby, I-Tunes, Amazon.com, www.chriscanas.net, and played on local radio stations in the metro Detroit - Ann Arbor area & Globally.
Links

http://www.chriscanas.net

The Official Chris Canas Website

Myspace

Lurrie Bell - I Believe - Chicago Blues: A Living History

SPOTLIGHT ON TOKYO TRAMPS!

Artist Information Biography: Hailing from the Land of Rising Sun (Japan), TOKYO TRAMPS is on a mission to deliver joy and excitement of true American music, Blues and Rock'n'Roll. American music had a tremendous power to make three Japanese come down here. The musical journey started when Satoru Nakagawa left Japan to go to Louisiana searching for the roots of American music. Soon he found its father, the Blues.  Yukiko Fujii left a very lucrative job in Tokyo and took a giant step following her heart to play music in America. Kosei Fukuyama had a dream of becoming the best drummer. His ambition is to hit the big time in America. These three had a chance to meet in Boston, where American revolution started.  Satoru took its name TRAMPS from his early idol, Bruce Springsteen's song, Born To Run - "Tramps like us, baby, we were born to run." Coming to a foreign land, not having home or families, traveling from place to place searching for the best sounds of America, what else can we do to make our dreams come true except playing for a Rock'n'Roll band?                                                                                ***************************************** TOKYO TRAMPS won the 18th Annual River City Ohio Blues COmpetition 2010 and proceeded to the International Blues Competition 2011 in Memphis, TN. TOKYO TRAMPS was a semifinalist for "Boston Blues Challenge" in 2009. TOKYO TRAMPS was the Runner-up winner of Boston Phoenix / WFNX 2007 BEST MUSIC POLL Local Blues Act Category. TRAMPS also won Indie Artist of the Year from Immie Award 2007. TOKYO TRAMPS was a semifinalist for "Boston Blues Challenge" in 2004 and 2009. The winner of WMWM 91.7FM radio's Battle of the Bands in 2004. TOKYO TRAMPS has been playing extensively in New England ~ Tri-State area. Some examples of apperances are: Massachusetts - Ryles, Harpers Ferry, House of Blues, TT the Bears, Hard Rock Cafe, ChiliHead BBQ, Dodge Street Grill, Lizard Lounge, Abbey Lounge, Plough and Stars, Church, The Sea Note, Asgard, Midway Cafe, Kirkland Cafe, Next Page Cafe, ChitChat Lounge, Roosevelt, and many more! New York - Kenny's Castaways, Baggot Inn, Blaggards Pub, Lion's Den, The Annex, Alphabet Lounge. New Jersey - the Buffstone's. Pennsylvania - Abilene, Club128, and the Tokio Ballroom. Rhode Island - The call. New Hampshire - the Barley House. ........and many many more!! Showcase appearance are :  Bignoise showcase (Providence, RI) in February2001, CuttingEdge Music Conference (New Orleans, LA), Midwest Music and Film Festival (Lexington, KY) in August 2002, and Indianapolis Music Conference in November 2003,  Millennium Music Conference in Harrisburg, PA and Independence Music Conference in Philadelphia, PA  in 2004/2005/2007, North By North East Music Festival in Toronto, ON in June 2006, and NEMO Music Festival in Boston, MA in September 2006. Most recently, Independence Music Festival in Los Angels, CA in 2008. A few example of TOKYO TRAMPS' appearances in local media are : Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Boston Magazine, Metronome magazine, Soundcheck Magazine, The Noise Magazine, WAAF, WFNX, 92.5 The River, WMWM 91.7FM, AOTV, WIN-TV, and so on. Instrumentation: Satoru Nakagawa / Vocal, Guitar Yukiko Fujii / Bass, Vocal Kosei Fukuyama / Drums, Vocal Discography: "With These Hands" 12 song CD released on October 31, 2009 "TOKYO GUMBO" 11 songs CD released on September 15, 2008 "Lucky Jive Will Come Home On King's Road"" 4 songs CD released on May 17, 2006 "Bound For Glory" 10 songs CD released on June 1, 2003 "Long Way From Home" 7 songs CD released in August 2000 Links http://www.tokyotramps.com MySpace Facebook ReverbNation