KK RYDER ENTERTAINMENT-REVIEWS/INTERVIEWS (Backstage, Beyond n Show nTell)

Articles n Reviews by KK Ryder

kk ryder

Being a Music Family Member in both of the Seattle and Nashville areas has really helped me to spread my "social butterfly" wings and fly as a writer as well! Below are a few Articles n Reviews on some friends I would like to share with you…Please enjoy the following reviews;

Chuck Cannon

Love & Money CD Review

" WHITE "

(A cd release party of a new cool rock band with Alan White of YES fame keepin’ the beat! )

THE FABULOUS WAILER’S (CD)

(50’s-60’s rock and roll band…thier new cd)

* MAC DAVIS *JEFFREY STEELE

*CHUCK CANNON *DAVID PACK

(in the round Nashville show)

LEON HENDRIX KEEPER OF THE FLAME CD

(He’s a cool bluesy rocker and Jimi’s brother…just keepin’ the flame alive)

GRETCHEN CHRISTOPHER (CD) SWEET SIXTEEN"

(She’s one of the songbirds from The Fleetwoods)

4 TH ANNUAL GUITARBQ

(NASHVILLE MUSE)

BABY GRAMPS

VAN PRESTON (SELF TITLED CD)

MICHAEL GELBART (COMEDY CD)

REVIEWS IN THE WORKS:

NIGHTHEART

CHUCK CANNON LOVE AND MONEY CD REVIEW

CHUCK CANNON LOVE AND MONEY CD REVIEW-
What do ya do if your Daddy is a Pentecostal preacher when you’re just a young boy in the church pew? You capture some of those Bible stories in your soul, listen to the Beatles and Johnny Cash turn to your rebel side…you grow up ,write songs for some pretty huge Country Stars, get awards and go in the studio to record your own CD’S co-written by yourself and your co-writing buddies! CHUCK CANNON LOVE AND MONEY is Chuck Cannon’s Follow up to GOD SHAPED HOLE which was a true to life brilliant creation in it’s own right, from the eye catching and thought provoking cover with the slightly tilted cross as if God Himself were scoping out what all His little Children were up to on this big blue marble called Earth, to the songs inside, that were also thought provoking and very truthful lyrics all rockin’ in their own special way. I highly recommend that CD and you will find more of my comments on itunes soon about GOD SHAPED HOLE, however, this review is about Cannon’s follow up, CHUCK CANNON LOVE AND MONEY appropriately titled. Cannon reveals both sides the Rebel and the God Lovin’ Soul searching songwriter with in him telling stories about…you guessed it LOVE AND MONEY!
A lot of this CD gave me those comforting goose bumps from the song choices to the detailed painting of the lyrics, not too mention every song relaxes nicely through and through with Cannon’s deep sexy and rich voice and shining, ribboning through are some pretty tasty backing vocals!
LOVE AND MONEY starts out with a short suspenseful instrumental that readies the listener for what is to come! Cannon makes sure to give it to you straight on two very different points of view songs about the Devil, and two of my very favorites were “swamp” rockers that immediately get your blood pumping called BET YO MAMA and the CHUCK JONES/CANNON co-write STRANGE (check out the you tube on STRANGE and you can read my comments and see Chuck rockin’ out acoustic style) the lyrics are tounge in cheek entertaining and the music is a great rocking match on both of them.
Cannon reveals a taste of his crooning sexier softer side on OUTTA THIS TOWN (co-written by MAC DAVIS and JEFFREY STEELE, LOVE ON YOU and also BEAUTIFUL GIRL which he penned with co-producer LARI WHITE. One song that you truly have to experience for yourself that made my goose bumps jump for joy was OH MY LORD and when you hear this song in its entirety you will understand why.
I love this CD and enjoy crusin down the road getting a little bit of life’s lesson’s along the way on LOVE AND MONEY CHUCK CANNON STYLE… way to go Chuck you have done it again two thumbs rockin way up high and a Ha-lay-lu ya to match here is the link to download these songs and read a bit more on CHUCK CANNON http://cdbaby.com/cd/chuckcannon2

WHITE
CD RELEASE PARTY WELL WISHER’S

WELCOME “WHITE”


by kk ryder 4/06

CD release party well wishers welcome progressive rock drummer Alan White of “Yes” fame and his new band… “White!” White is the name of Alan’s new really “kewl” rock band…no not The white band or even White Band, nope, it‘s just simply WHITE! A little “progressive and although at times very reminiscent in the undertones of the vocal harmonies of Yes, this band definitely has a sound all their own!

If the elbow to elbow attendance at the World Famous/infamous “rock and’ roll fishing - hole” known as The Edgewater Inn located on pier 57 in Seattle Monday night was any indication of this bands popularity, than we just may have yet another band “blastin‘ off…straight outta Seattle and into the “arms of the World!”

This party was fun and full of so much love in the room as

30 small TV sets connected the bands every movement of a pre-taped video performance from New Year 2006 the band members got to mix it up, laugh and mingle with the attendees. “have pen will travel” that’s my moto…so I commenced to have a little fun and let the crowd become part of my lil’ review and simply let them tell me their thoughts n feelings…and I have included some below…thanx for a night of “MIGHTY LOVE” White!

We all wish you Peace, Love and Eternal Grooviness as vivid as the “Roger Dean” artwork that has graced the Yes album covers of yesterday and well into the future… and the future of WHITE!


FAMOUS QUOTES AND WELL WISHES FROM "WHITE-ON MATES"!

SONGWRITERS ON THE CD

“BEYOND THE SEA OF LIES“ / “GIVE UP GIVING UP” and “ONCE AND FOR ALL” CO-WRITES HAD THIS TO SAY…

COOPER EDENS– “White is not a “hype” band they are just people playing music!” but hang on to the catapult…a way we go!”

WAYO HOGAN- “I’m just so honored that someone such as Alan White who has been such an integral part of music history…Lennon, Harrison whew, I am just honored that our songs were included on this cd Thanks WHITE!”

WHITE (BAND) MATES

KEVIN CURRIE
”This is such a great feeling! We have waited, ,anticipated, cried and almost gave up! But finally the WHITE record will be on the shelves!” Thanks to everyone!”

STEVE BOYCE
It has been a long time comin’ Merkaba became WHITE…and we’re having a great time!

MATES

ROGER FISHER
“When I listen to WHITE’S album I recognize a sound that puts them amongst the elite of rock and roll!”

REEK HAVOK
“The essence of WHITE is the great core of it’s member’s…the album reeks of it’s great soul!”

MICHAEL MCMORROW
Alan, non-chalant Genius has not only created a timeless masterpiece of British-American musical landscape but has created a musical energy in Seattle that has not been since Hendrix!”

PAUL SECORD(WEBMASTER)
“Long anticipated but well worth it! Now the World can hear what We’ve all been enjoying for so long!”

AURY MOORE
“It is about time! I have been waiting for the WHITE cd to come out for a long time-WHITE’S sound has such a refreshing drive and Kevin’s vocals and the bands harmony’s are very refreshing-so excited!”

KK RYDER
This album is full of Peace, Love and Eternal Grooviness as vivid as the “Roger Dean” artwork that has graced the Yes album covers of yesterday and well into the future of WHITE. cool guys with a cool sound!"

EDGEWATER INN- SEATTLE 4-17-06 “The Party Buzz”

JEFF “The Fish” AARON
“It’s so nice to see Alan’s Passion re-kindled in another band, you can tell he is very proud of WHITE…so much so he has lent his name!

DONN GARRETT
“I would not have missed this release party for anything! Reconnecting with old friends and making new ones, I love the guys!

RANDY OXFORD
Alan was an idol of mine in the 70’s in Chicago, so to be here in Seattle 30 years later at his release party is just cool!“

DAN WINGARD
“Great to see WHITE’S release party bringing together so many supportive and exceptional musicians!”

MARV SMITH
“Big congrats! The music, the hair (on most) the fun…all exceptional people, All the best!”

TRACY MOORE
“Music is food for the soul-You don’t need a full plate just enough to fill you up!”

TONY LA STELLA
“Alan- Great artist ,great friend…and a part time Goomba!”

WENDY BUS
“Cheers to all of WHITE and here’s to incredible music and an amazing success- Rock on,keep rollin’ and Alan…You’re the Man!”

JJ (SOUTH SIDE)
“ The atmosphere of the Edgewater was just so nice the sun glistening off of the water, and just a great group of people, I wish WHITE all the best, they are a great band!

PETER SAUNDERS
“So many Brits…is that Lennon’s fishing line?…I think he must’ve hooked a GREAT WHITE!”

EDDY FERGUSON
“Great Evening of great music, musicians and friends!”

DENNY MASON
“The mellow disposition and positive influence, puts the band “top of the pops!” because there is nothing mightier than the Meek!”

BONNIE FITGERALD and JUDY VARGISON
“We have been friends for years and have not missed a “Yes” concert in 10 years! This is exciting!”

MIKE (BARTENDER FOR EDGEWATER)
“The WHITE Party kicked ass!”

THE WAILERS CADILLAC TO MEXICO
CD REVIEW 2/06

The Wailers…are not the same old LOUIIE LOUIE Wailers, although Louie Louie will be a staple classic rock tune forever in our hearts!…Like fine wine that has aged to purrrfection…these “cool cats” are coming back out with a …”roar”!

I love this cd! As a matter of fact…it is my favorite cd these days!

The title cut CADILLAC TO MEXICO reminds me of the ever popular vocalist from the 80’s band INXS! Kent Morrill’s vocals are sexy and draw you in as if you were in his “Cadillac to Mexico” (close your eyes…think back to “Pulp Fiction” John Travolta could definitely get his “groove on” to this track) The first cut “RUN TO THE BORDER” is a fun upbeat song that by the third chorus you may catch yourself joining in! If you are a Jimmy Buffet/Roy Orbison fan you will really enjoy HEY SENORITA!

MOOD ELEVATOR has a great play on words that just may remind you of the reason why an ex is just that…your X! SWEET LITTLE DANCIN’ LADY transforms you right back to the days of poodle skirt wearin,bubble gum chewin’ saddle shoe’d cheereleaders!

LOOKIN’ FOR SOME RYTHEM AND BLUES was very slyly penned by Kent Morrill and the WAILER’S own late great Guitarist Rich Dangel about their love for R AN B they stay true to the sound of rythem and blues on this track,Morrill’s vocals stand up to that of Little Richard…complete with WHOOOOOOS!

For those of you that just want some music to “chill to” there are also some great instrumental tracks on this cd! And if you like the saxy sounds of the “sax” Neil Rush and Kim Egger’s have a real treat for your ears! Major bonus for those of you who

may remember all of the words to…”It’s You Alone, BONUS You’re not alone… Morrill’s voice is soothing and smooth like buttah on this updated version.

When You run out to grab this cd…pick up two, one for the house cd player and for the

car…careful, you may just drive over to your local car dealership and groove to this cd in your own “CADILLAC TO MEXICO”

MAD MAC SHARES THE STAGE WITH HIS HIS ROCKIN’ ROWDY REBEL FRIENDS!

A Nashville review on the Mac Davis, Jeffrey Steele, Chuck Cannon and David Pack show March 29th 2006 by kk ryder

Whew hoo! What a party! Ok, ok I know that there were some great rounds to go to in Nashville on March 29th

but the one that I choose to go to was brought to you by TIN PAN SOUTH’S own….NSAI (Nashville’s Songwriter’s Association International) at THIRD AND LINDSLEY. We were there to see the Mac Davis/Jeffrey Steele/Chuck Cannon/David Pack songwriters showcase.

My new NSAI songwriting friends and I stood in the TPS pass line and we anxiously waited for the first show to clear out.

Our line started moving and we were reminiscing about our favorite Mac Davis songs…just the fact that Jeffrey Steele,Chuck Cannon and David Pack from Ambrosia would be kickin’ out their hits too was a major buzz!

Once inside… past all of the “reserved seats” for NSAI staffers, Gibson Guitars and friends we took a seat stage left, ordered our drinks, someone said something funny about a shirt I was wearing and all of us being songwriters at our table, before the start of the show were so inspired to start a 4-way co-write. A drink was spilled on our table and the bartender had givin me a stack of napkins and thus started a very unplanned review of one of the best “rounds” I have ever rocked out with… ever!

The show rocked, rolled (once Chuck Cannon nearly rolled off his seat with laughter from a comment that Mac had made…ok well there was a lot of humorous banter going back and forth on stage…there were jokes jokes and more jokes that flailed around to all in the “hot seats“…ah but the music…not to sound cheesy, but yes Mac…”I Believe in Music” and for the filled to the capacity…standing room only THIRD and LINDSLEY crowd we were entertained and all believed in the music that provided the very electrifying night!

Chuck Cannon kicked off the show with his Toby Keith hit “We were in love” and just to tell ya how cool Nashville is at TPS time Chuck’s co-writer on this song Allen Shamblin was down the road playing at another round. When Chuck got through with his song

He let out a deep sigh “I think this is one of the coolest things ever…man and he called Mac his hero.

Mac turned out a real “rib tickler” in true Mac Davis form he sang a song “like a bat outta hell… “Here I come back from the dead” He said if he ever needed to make a comeback that’s what the song would’ve been…I say, you can’t come back if you never really left Mac…You still rock!

Then Jeffrey Steele erupted the crowd with one of his many Montgomery Gentry hits “Help Somebody” and then…it was David Pack’s turn of the harmonizing mystifying band from the 70’s “Ambrosia” fame he said he felt like the “black sheep of the family” cuz he was behind the keyboards and from the stage you heard one of the other players say “but we loved him tearin’ up the stage singing …and you’re the “Baaaaaaaaaaaaad Sheep!”

He may of said he felt like the “black sheep” but he traded off songs in this round like nobody’s business…his voice is incredible!

More jokes ensued as if you were watching “the Blue collar comedy team” only in musical format!

Mac busted through with a slow cool ballad that touched the crowd and me…ok I‘ll admit it as a teen- ager in the 70‘s I would hole up in my room alone and sit amongst the pops and clicks of my Kenwood stereo listening to Mac Davis albums!

Then Mr. Jeffrey Steele hit us with a freshly penned tongue n cheek groove about a Drunk Girl (he’s just such a lean mean writin’ machine these days!(oh whoops wasn’t that the title for the JS/co-writin’ Rascal Flats hit?) He’s everywhere…but on this particular night myself and a standing room only crowd were amongst the lucky in Nashville to experience this rare occurrence all of this under one very rockin’ roof located at the 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill. Mac even shared with us his very first song he ever wrote… which was a touching little song ”I Like You” then he made the crowd laugh and sing along on the chorus of that extremely “humbling” song from the 70’s “OOOOOOOOh Lord it’s hard to be humble…! Then Mr. JS unleashed his Larger than life Montgomery Gentry hit “Gone” crowd participation ensued!

Then David Pack played us all a song on guitar that he was embarrassed to bring to his band…but what a smash hit it became…the whole crowd was singing along… the song…”How Much I Feel” Then Chuck shared a new song with us from his new cd. Mac’s turn…Lubbock In The Rearview Mirror ahhh, then JS takes us back to his younger years and let’s loose with his emotional story song “20 Years Ago“. I had to take a potty break and wait in line so I missed the last couple songs…then I heard a guy and girl outside of the bathroom door arguing over which version of Mac Davis’ “In the Ghetto” was better…Elvis’ or Mac’s! I came out grooved on some more songs… JS started to play a familiar Led Zepp tune and we heard a little voice from the audience stage right yell something out… and we were all treated to an impromtu duet of “Something in the Water” by the vocal stylings of a cute little blonde “firecracker” named Becka Bramlett (her daddy Delaney Bramlett and Mac Davis were stage sharing,song writing partners from “back in the day” and probably still are!) Then David Pack “raised the roof” with his Angelically Male falseto voice when he reached the chorus of “Make a Wish Baby” Then Chuck kept the emotional train running with his Victoria Shaw co-written “I Love the Way You Love Me” recorded by John Michael Montgomery, to which Mac puts his hand under his shirt and pats his heart! Then Mac jokes about his T.V.show back in the 1970’s where he used to make up silly songs on the spot from the audience suggestions…and he played a few of his favorites….and then he hit us with “the Motherload” the song that put Mac over the top…the song that to this day still hooks us in and keeps us coming back for more….”Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” after he let us have it for old times sake with that one…the other players in the “show-down of songwriters” kinda just threw up their arms in defeat! Chuck Cannon picked up a yellow piece of paper with the set list on it and just started pickin’ songs for Mac to play!

I still get chills thinking’ back on the whole evening, it was both inspirational for all of the songwriters in the room attending this very cool performance as well as just a fun time hangin’ out with Mad Mac and his Rockin’ rowdy Rebel friends! Thanx Ya’ll for the memories!

"KEEPER OF THE FLAME" LEON HENDRIX
CD REVIEW 3/06

Let’s strip the name, the exotic Cherokee chiseled looks of his older brother (only with longer hair) and you can’t escape certain qualities in that voice coming through with conviction.With strong powerful messages coming straight from the love in his heart and an art for keeping life real through his own style of music Leon and his power drivin’ band are rockin’ stages from Seattle to Vegas!
Continuing through music… the Hendrix Legacy rides on!
On the cd KEEPER OF THE FLAME there is an unmistakable quality in the voice and this time around… That voice belongs to none other than Jimi’s baby brother….Leon Hendrix.
The messages that Leon spells out as the KEEPER OF THE FLAME, reflect passion and the true honesty that ribbon through the Hendrix Legend!
Throughout KEEPER OF THE FLAME Leon welcomes the listener to a little "pow-wow!"
As you sit on the branches of his family tree, simply sway in the breeze and feel free to just rock out..as he reveals story upon story of his true feelings… you can almost feel older brother Jimi Hendrix rocking out with him in spirit!
The touching BLUE SEPTEMBER is a "heart warmer" it’s almost as if you…the listener are eves dropping in on a one-sided conversation between the two Brother’s Hendrix, as Leon pours out questions to his big brother about what it will be like when the two see each other in Heaven.
Now don’t get me wrong…KEEPER OF THE FLAME is not only Hendrix Legacy drivin’ Leon also shows his Patriotic American pride on the cut FLIGHT 93 which starts off with the haunting melodic keyboard played brilliantly by Neil Kirkland and then Leon speaks from his Patriotic heart about his dedication to all the heroe’s on that dreadful day… as the band rips into the song with metal "balls to the wall force!" if music is truley the sound track of our lives you can almost scence at which point in the music the Heroes became…well, Heroes of FLIGHT 93!
My choice track on the cd, really has nothing to do with being "Hendrix" at all, except maybe the "Cajun Gypsy" feel in the music which flows deep in the Hendrix blood from Leon and Jimi’s Mama’s side of the gene pool, It’s a track called VOODOO RIVER …and once again history is made…in leon’s on right…Hendrix style!
May the "KEEPER OF THE FLAME" Blaze on into a bright future!

GRETCHEN CHRISTOPHER SWEET SIXTEEN!
THE FLEETWOODS FAME &
BMI MILLION-AIRS SONGWRITER CD REVIEW

"A FLEETWOOD STEERS HER OWN CAREER TOWARDS SOLO SUCCESS"

Gretchen’s SWEET SIXTEEN! (SUITE 16) celebrates and documents - with 16 sweet, soulful, insightful songs (including "Come Softly To Me" and "Graduations Here&quot ;) - the soundtrack of our lives. After 11 Billboard hit singles and 15 albums as the Fleetwoods’ female lead vocalist, arranger and BMI Million Airs songwriter, Gretchen Christopher has finally written and recorded her own FIRST SOLO CD. It is reviewed, as follows, by KK Ryder:

Gretchen Christopher has captured on Gretchen’s SWEET SIXTEEN! (SUITE 16). A birthday present, not only to herself, long waiting fans, but also to the very FIRST love of her life, Vos!

The CD helps one to envision sitting in a Broadway play or at a ballet with a story unfolding before their eyes - of, well, her life!

It’s like a fairy tale… For her to now be with her very FIRST love, after years apart and a series of emotional roller coasters, including triumphant victories with her career as a songwriter and as one of the beautiful songbirds of THE FLEETWOODS.

Gretchen Christopher regally captures her soul on not vinyl, this time around, but on CD. She shares with the listener hit songs of her FLEETWOOD cruising day’s "Graduation’s Here" and two versions of "Come Softly To Me" one is performed live beautifully a cappella and the other has a nostalgic quality revisited in this studio arrangement. "The Hardest Promise I’ll Keep" is an anticipation song about when your heart knows that you have to let a love go…but knowing deep down if the love is a forever love that it will come back. On "What Good Is Pride When You’re Dyin’ Inside" a fun reggae feel mixed with a cool 50’s guitar makes an appealing interesting combination. "Blues Go Away" Gretchen’s voice has a great bluesy Etta James, Nora Jones quality to it!
The songs she has written and chosen tell the story of her life… They are songs that are relatable and heartfelt. I could even see someone like Norah Jones covering one or two of Gretchen’s songs.

Gretchen has a very unique voice, she has the same beautiful songbird qualities of her FLEETWOOD days,but she also delivers a fresh jazzy,bluesy,theatrical feel which will pick up the listener and take them along on a journey as they follow Gretchen softly winding through the colors and emotions of her life, which could help this CD roll right off the shelves and help steer Gretchen Christopher into the hearts of her long waiting fans as well as new listener’s!

SONGWRITER’S…
FOLLOW THEIR NOSE TO BREWS, TUNES AND THE NASHVILLE MUSE GUITAR-B-Q’S

Hey Attention all songwriters and artists… weather you are dreaming about your very first big cut, have had cuts, hits, or even had big #1 parties thrown in your honor …I want to let you in on one of Nashville’s fun for the whole family, best kept secrets. It’s called a GUITARBQ! I know you’re probably thinking’ “a Guitar B what?” A GuitarBQ!
This is where your very generous host Doak Turner owner of the Nashville Muse supplies 50 lbs. of really great Bar BQ meat and the entertainment is provided by YOU and folks just like you!
The annual GuitarBQ which takes place in the Spring time usually has over 300 hungry individuals who are either songwriters, guitar players, people who like listening to guitar players, singers, people who like listening to singer’s and people who love a good old fashioned down home Back yard Bar BQ! This my friends… is where Folk’s come to enjoy, relax and socialize each month on the third Sunday at 3PM. Unless of course we are talking about the Mondo GuitarBQ which is only once a year and that.. is what I want to talk about right here and now!
It’s a great big music party held at a house, no a party house no well kind of like Animal House only without the toga’s! (Doak your host probably wouldn’t mind if you wore one…he’s kewl like that!)
The 4TH Annual GuitarBQ was a blast, it was held right after Tin Pan South on April 2nd 2006 at a rockin’ house in the West Meade Dist. Not too far from Nashville’s Music Row. Doak Turner the owner of Nashville Muse supplied 50 pounds of GuitarBQ, sponsored by Milos Sweet Tea who donated 200 bottles of their refreshing drink and everyone brought a dish to pass and some Folk’s brought “Brews n Tunes”
It’s a Sunday party where folks get together and share music, live! A couple of very entertaining rounds included Larry Weiss singing his hit song, “Rhinestone Cowboy”, Gunner Nelson performing his dad’s big hit – “Garden Party”, Steven McClintock singing a Tiffany hit, “After All This Time” Marc-Alan Barnette “Too Much Blood in My Alcohol Level and Marc and I even performed a song that we co-wrote "That’s Still Me", Other hit writers included Gary Hannan “Tequila Makes her Clothes Fall Off”, Joie Scott “Shoes“-Desperate Housewives soundtrack” artist Ray Scott “She Don’t Like My Kind of Music”. Gary Talley – guitar player for The Box Tops “The Letter” “Cry Like a Baby”, “Soul Deep”. Songwriter and host of the open mic at the Blue Bird Cafe Barbara Cloyd “Guess You Had to be There” Pat and Pete Luboff authors of the songwriting book "88 Songwriting Wrongs and How to Right Them and they also lead the Sounding Board Songwriting Think Tank in Nashville on Monday nights as well, Tirk Wilder “Theme from Walker Texas Ranger” Charlie Daniels Jr, Dan Harr from Music News Nashville and even Steven Stills daughter Jenn Stills were all in attendance. Songwriters from South Africa, England, Canada and all over the U.S.A.
Everyone at the event just kicked back either inside or outside and had a good-ole time. The house is kind of like a maze almost every room in the house had some kind of rippin’ amazingly cool entertainment going on!
The Mondo GuitarBQ is only held once a year…but you can still have fun throughout the year at Nashville Muse’s 3rd Sunday GuitarBQ’s which are held every 3rd Sunday of the Month! Check out www.nashvillemuse.com for more information and follow the link to see photos that my friend Kat took of all the happenings at this popular Sunday hot spot! Mark your calendars and you will soon be joining in on all the fun…and tote along your guitar a dish to pass and a song to share at Doak’s next Nashville Muse GuitarBQ! www.nashvillemuse.com

BABY GRAMPS PERFORMANCE ON
DAVID LETTERMAN AUG. 28th 2007

I just got word from a very reliable source that tonight BABY GRAMPS will be performing on THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN!
If You have seen the Johnny Depp latest Blockbuster PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN you may have heard the distinct stylings of Baby Gramps.
Baby Gramps has his own distinctive style that really grabs your attention, I first was introduced to this very unique throat buzzing, "Popeye" sounding singing story-telling, guitar "scribbling" kid friendly performer last Saturday at Louie Fest in Tacoma Washington. I was enthralled by what my video recorder was capturing. Little and big kids of all ages gathered round Baby Gramps as they laughed and sang along with this highly hypnotic performer!
Baby Gramps is a steel guitar playing singer-songwriter from Seattle who landed a song like a big fish on one of the most popular movie soundtracks perfect for his personality! Pirates of the Caribbean film! Some of the other "Big Fish" who also landed songs in the movie include Sting, Lou Reed, Lucinda Williams and Bono.
So tune in to The Late show with David Letterman tonight at 11:30 P.M. on CBS and you too can catch the Baby Gramps buzz!

VAN PRESTON’S SELF TITLED CD IS VAN -TASTIC!

How fun, Van is a peppy sexy tigeress who’s voice roars out of your speakers and will not let you turn her off, as she turns you on song after song singing 2 step, danceable and belt buckle rubbing songs. This cd is filled with songs about the heartbreak of relationships and how she’s just not going to take it anymore! The catchy toe tapping song HEARTBROKE FOR THE LAST TIME serves up a classic country, fast paced swing feel musically with modern day lyrics, Van’s vocals come through loud n clear and hand the listener the keys as she evicts this heartbreaker from her life! PIECE OF YOU is rippin’, the music has that good ole rockin’ Honky Tonk feel that just makes you want to get up out of your seat and grab a piece of the dance floor! Van’s voice will lure you in and take you places you’ve never been, on this “Dog and Butterfly” feeling song EVERYTHING I’VE NEVER SEEN. This is a song about life opposites like “gravity on Saturns Rings”, or a “constant revelation in an ordinary world” and the “sunshine in Seattle for the whole entire year line” drenched me with a smile! FOREVER AGO is a reminiscing song about a past love that shows the range and emotion in Van’s voice, WHY is just a beautiful song questioning a love that shouldn’t be, with some great harmonies behind it! This CD is loaded with male and female harmonies that ribbon through it magnificently.
Van’s voice is strong, sweet and sexy behind a batch of great songs and awesome country-rockin’ music about relationships…but if all else fails in the relationship department…there is a track on here…which guys you’ll get a kick out of too, but it’s kind of a “chick flick” girly song …it’s so bold and not really talked about but whew Van let’s you have it on this already radio play friendly and I do mean PLAY friendly cut…BOUGHT MYSELF A TOY! Go pick up a copy of Van Preston’s self titled cd and see what all the “hoop-lah,lah” is all about! Out of five stars…this reviewer awards VAN PRESTON with 4 ? with an ohh lah lah to go… Catch Van live for a VAN -TASTIC FUN TIME!

"HELLO COMEDY LOVERS"
MEET FUNNY MAN MICHAEL GELBART
CD REVIEW

Well hello comedy lovers meet MICHAEL GELBART and his new CD titled HELLO COMEDY LOVERS! “Look out here come the jokes!” Throughout this entire CD you can hear laughter, short cackles, whoops, hoots and hollers from the audience. Beginning to the end the only silence on the disk actually heard is when the CD is switching to the next track and there are 8 tracks of side splitting feel good comedy!
Gelbart banters with the audience as he teases, cheeses and pleases with moment to moment quick witted jokes. He also talks about his family, relationships, slightly sinful subjects that range from the boob tube to tube steak and even humor that will make you go oooowh and than think about what he just said and then you find yourself busting up!
Do yourself a favor go see Michael Gelbart the next time he is in your local area, tell him what you thought about the show and pick up one of his CD’S take home some laughs with you to share with your friends and introduce them to HELLO COMEDY LOVERS! michaelgelbart.com

THE SONGWRITER’S SURVIVAL KIT
Authors Danny Arena, Sara Light,
Fett and Nancy Moran

HELP! Somebody call 911 my SONGWRITING needs FIRST AID!
Has this ever been YOU?! Songwriter’s, Help is here! You can get it in the form of a CD House call!
THE SONGWRITER’S SURVIVAL KIT is a double CD and is such an amazing first aid for songwriters needing a little 101 course on the craft of songwriting and or a little 102 refresher course for those of you that already know the basics and would like to get into the real heart of the matter of songwriting do’s and dont’s!

This CD is compiled of great tips from 4 outstanding Professional’s in the craft of songwriting!
Tony-nominated songwriters and Co-Founders of www.SongU.com, Songwriting Courses Online DANNY ARENA and SARA LIGHT as well as songwriter performing artist and one of the performers in the musical Troupe THE FOUR BITCHIN BABES, NANCY MORAN www.nancymoran.com and outstanding independent producer FETT owner of Azalea studios >www.azaleamusic.com in NASHVILLE have all come together and are actually sharing these tips with you, not in a workshop but you can learn in the privacy of your own home or on your commute home from work at your own pace!
Maybe you want to hone your craft because you always dreamed about someday hearing your songs on the radio sung by a big name artist, maybe you are an artist yourself and you just want to learn how to write songs better or maybe you can’t play an instrument, can’t sing your way out of a paper bag but you’ve always been a great lyricist/melody writer and you think you could have what it takes, if you just had some helpful hints and tips to help you along on your songwriting journey!
Do you know how to use good prosody, or how to make every line count, you have heard about re-writing but what is it and are you willing to do it? how do you choose a point of view? Do you know how to match the “level” of the demo to your purpose and the “state” of the song? Did you know you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great demo and how to use the demo once it’s done? do you know how to be aware of your performance when you write? In other words, do you know the rules before you break them? What does that mean? You ask, and how do I find out about all of this and much more?
If you have a yearn to learn more about your songwriting craft than this is the CD for you! An outstanding in depth review was written about this CD by Doak Turner songwriter, associate writer for Music Dish and editor/publisher of the NASHVILLE MUSE by clicking the following link you can read all about this amazing helpful songwriting tool! www.nashvillemuse.com/resources_artical.html

THE SONGWRITER’S SURVIVAL KIT is definitely First aid that no songwriter should live without and is brought to you by www.craftofsongwriting.com and www.azaleamusic.com
So songwriter’s, if you eat sleep and breathe songwriting you can breathe a little easier now…because, help is on the way! To order your copy please visit any of the websites mentioned in this article and enjoy your songwriting journey!

KK RYDER ENTERTAINMENT REVIEWS ARTICLES and INTERVIEWS–I GOT REVIEWED by MICHELE HUDSON! check it out!

  

 Songwriter reviews music reviewer:47 cocktail napkins soak up the story during Tin Pan South  By Michele G. Hudson 

As a newbie to Nashville, my initiation into Music City took place during Tin Pan South when The Jeffrey Steele Band rocked my socks off!  A Central Florida songwriter in town for NSAI’s  smorgasbord of events, I got my Fast Pass money’s worth and more. What made this March 31 show at 3rd & Lindsley extra memorable was whom I shared my nearly-front-row table with:

KK Ryder, a Seattle-based southern rock singer/songwriter and music reviewer.

 The first thing about KK that caught my attention was all the bling.  A butterfly ring spanned the width of three fingers, and a bejeweled watch with red leather band, were hard to miss. All the glitz, coupled with her Motley Crue t-shirt and appliquéd jeans, shouted “CREATIVE INDIVIDUAL.”  Who was this fashion-rebel, rocker-chick?  I was about to find out.

Emerging from KK’s wavey dark-auburn tresses was a 3-foot-long braded “tail” sporting feathers on the tip.  Rockin’ out in her seat, KK bobbed to Jeffrey’s intense guitar riffs and, every so often, she’d twirl “the tail” in rhythm to the beat.   

When Jeffrey flicked his guitar pick into the mesmerized crowd, I watched in fascination as KK suddenly became a stealth cat:  She crawled all over the floor and under crowed tables in search of that coveted memento like a ravenous lion in search of meat. 

Conversation was limited due to the decibels blasting from the stage, but I was able to ask her a burning question:  “Are you planning to spill something?”  I pointed to a 2-inch-high stack of cocktail napkins perched on the table in front of her. 

Our tone was close to shouting as we struggled to communicate above the band’s roar.

“No,” she laughed.  “I’m a music reviewer and I use the napkins to write my notes on!” 

Weird, I thought, yet now I was really intrigued… a music reviewer.  “I majored in journalism,” I yelled.

“Well, then, maybe you should write a story about me!”  I smiled and shrugged it off.

I was there to be entertained, not work.

Yet, in between moments of fixation on Jeffery and his band, another show of sorts began to unfold in front of me: KK in action.  I watched her snap photos at just the right moments, capturing Jeffrey in the wildest of poses.  I watched her fill napkin after napkin with word after word.  In between her note taking, she relished the concert with a passionate intensity that matched Jeffrey’s guitar riffs and vocals. 

Suddenly, I felt my journalistic instincts kick in.  I grabbed a camera, got out of my seat so I could get the most optimal angles, and started shooting pics of this funky journalist – doin’ her thang.   Stealing a few cocktail napkins from KK’s stash, I began my own note-taking journey. 

I was hooked on the fascinating sideshow that played out during Jeffrey’s concert, and jotted down what would soon turn into this story. 

That memorable night at 3rd & Lindsley proved to be a doubleheader: The Jeffrey Steele Band, and KK Ryder – Music Reviewer, in action!

Get to know this wild chick, what makes her tick, and learn more about her role in crafting music reviews by checking out my email interview with KK, featured below:

  Question:  How did you become a music reviewer, and when?  KK’s Response: Wow…it’s funny you should ask that, because it was last year during TIN PAN SOUTH, at this time, right there at that very club…[3rd & Lindsley] on that very stage…where the whole “KKR napkin review” was born.  It was the Mac Davis, Jeffrey Steele, Chuck Cannon, David Pack show, with very special guest Bekka Bramlett. The show was incredible!  The evening didn’t start out as a review though, it actually started out as just a great night to listen to some major hit songwriter/artists, and hang with a few other NSAI (NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL) coordinators that I had met over the past week.  A drink was spilled on our table right before the show and I went up to the bartender to get a few napkins. I cleaned up the spill and, being a table full of writers, I think we all started just cracking jokes about whatever.  Me being the Chick, I just grabbed a pen out of my purse and we started a “table co-write;” and then the show was about to start.  Chuck Cannon kicked off the show and I just started to write how the music made me feel and the name of the song; then I believe Mac started singing.  I wrote down a little more and went…awww sheee-it, I’m doin’ a review!… and that’s how it all began.  But after Chuck read my review, he and David Pack had it up on their websites for months.  As a matter of fact, check this out…you as a writer will love this:  That night during the show I got up to take a little potty break and when I came out I was walking back by the bar and this dark curly haired guy sees me with the napkins in hand and asks me a “waitress” type question…like d’ya’ll serve…blah blah, and I look at him and say, “Chuck?”  He says, “KK…oh I am soooo sorry… with all the napkins I thought you were one of the waitresses.”  I was impressed he remembered about the whole napkin bit from last year so he says….“Oh you’re here to review Jeff’s show.”  I thought that was great that he remembered that I had written the entire show the past year on a stack of napkins.   Bekka told me after that show that she thought it was “very ROCK N ROLL” of me to write it that way, [on napkins] and I even got some great e-mails from her after that.  I just re-read my review on that show and I think it’s kinda like, which came first, the chicken or the egg…was the table-songwriting session the reason for getting the napkins, or the actual spill on the table?  At any rate I’m glad it happened because a lot of doors opened for me after that night.  My review was passed around NASHVILLE. 

Ya know the whole “reviewing on a napkin” thing, after I did that, and it was published on a couple websites just felt right… so I still use it even while reviewing CD’s and shows from time to time.

  Question:   Have you always had this super-eccentric creative side?     KK’s Response:  Oh my…I have a big huge coffee table book at home that is filled with “Birthday” info and it says DEC. 21ST is the day of …get this, THE GREAT INIGMA hahahaha.  I was also born on FRANK ZAPPA’S birthday so that kinda gives me a license to be as “crazy as I wanna be”…plus a musician!  Even though I was raised on a little farm in Illinois I was the tomboy tree climber who would listen to bands like CHEAP TRICK and wear my blue suede cowboy boots, CHEAP TRICK  t-shirt, and a really funky bowtie like Rick Neilson to High School – just cuz I thought it was kewl.   I didn’t care what other people thought…and I still don’t, really.  I’ve never been good about bein’ someone else’s clone (I even put that in a song).   It’s kinda funny because I used to dress my Barbie dolls up in flashy clothes too, and that’s how my personality is even today.  Part of my heritage is American Indian, hence the braid…which has gotten a little out of hand lately and kept catching on stuff so just recently I had to whack it off …but I saved enough of it at the top so that I can still attach it for when I do shows.  And the feathers, well, they just kinda symbolize freedom of the Native Spirit – and I am also a free spirited southern rock chick.  I am…just, well, I guess:  free to be me…ya know?  And I also needed a new acting headshot and had just been signed to an agency and, braids don’t always work when you are trying to portray characters… so WHACK! I hated to do it though…I was very attached to it…no pun intended.  Question:   What has been your most memorable concert or review? KK’s: Response: No question, hands down…the TPS show that started it all with the “KKR napkin-review.” Before that I had only reviewed my friends CD of THE FABULOUS WAILERS and that was just because I was talking to the bass player Buck Ormsby on the phone and telling him how I really loved certain things in certain songs and he suggested that I write a CD review for their website…so I did.  You can read their CADILLAC TO MEXICO review on my site: www.rebelprincess.com and you can read about these LOUIE LOUIE Legends at  http://www.thefabulouswailers.com  several of my other reviews can be read on my website.  I have reviewed some fun shows and CD reviews, even one about ALAN WHITE the drummer of YES…Gretchen Christopher of THE FLEETWOODS and even JIMI HENDRIX baby brother LEON HENDRIX and recently I reviewed a comedy CD for MICHAEL GELBART hmm so I guess now that makes me an entertainment reviewer but if you would like you can read these by  checking them out on my  blog  http://kkryderentertainmentreviews.wordpress.com/   I enjoyed the process so much that, as you see…I am still doin’ it.  But no… I never really set out to be a music reviewer, it just sorta snuck up on me.  I enjoy the hell out of it and it keeps my creative juices flowing –  plus it helps others!   Question:   What are the challenges and joys of being a music journalist?   KK’s Response: You have to keep really good notes, and number those pages, do your research on the songs, the writers, be aware of what is going on around you and most of all, stay out of people’s way like the staff and crew of the show… oh…as for the guitar pick that night…another lady ended up with it but I have a pretty extensive pick collection and, well, that would have been a nice addition…I guess it was a little “stealthy” but I say, just have fun…don’t ever let a review stress you out.  Go at your own pace after you have collected the information and write the best review that you can, and do it with heart!  Question:  Describe yourself in context to what traits make a great music reviewer?   KK’s Response: Well, I took creative writing in School and have been a poet since oh, probably 9 years old, and a songwriter since 16, and keeping an on-going journal for 20 years about my life certainly hasn’t hurt.   But I just really think that someone who can stay on their toes as a writer and make stuff up out of nothing…ohhhh give me a blank sheet of paper and let me at it…better yet, let’s go out for drinks and grab a stack of napkins and we will have an extremely creative time together! [Laughs].   My mom back in Illinois, for the last 7 years has been creatively and quite humorously cranking out these family Holiday newsletters, and she is one heck of a creative individual with her drawing and writing style.  I get a lot of my creativity from her…she always said “you make your own boredom,” so I got involved in all kinds of creative stuff! Question:  What else would you like people to know about you? KK’s Response: If there is a really awesome show about to happen at a club and I am in the room…hide your napkins! [Laughs].  No seriously, I can be a little on the eccentric side but it’s ok.  I love people, enjoy performing with my band THE EZY RYDERS, and I do a spot on an internet streamed radio show called INTERVENTION RADIO which you can all find out about on my my space at http://myspace.com/kkryder  Hmm… and one more thang… on the creative side, I love photography.   I have designed swimwear in the past and I also design dichroic jewelry and my own line of sunglasses called RYDER ROCKERS. If you look on PAUL RODGERS site there is a picture of PAUL and two of the QUEEN band members with my RYDER ROCKERS on…but don’t quote me on that…they suspiciously sure do look like my brand and it is possible because in Seattle I sit in with a couple of  Paul’s band players Jeff Kathan and Lynn Sorensen. Michele’s Wrap Up: KK’s contagious enthusiasm oozes onto those she encounters.  I found myself mimicking her HIP-TALK and deciding it was KEWL to wear my plaid pants with a polka-dot top.  KK, thanks for sharing the excitement of your Crazzzzy and ROCKIN’ career with us.  Be on the lookout for KK – she spells CRE-A-TIV-I-TY her own unique way… and be sure to bring along plenty of cocktail napkins! ____________________________________________________________________________ KK Ryder is a Seattle-based music reviewer/singer-songwriter/actor and host a spot on a weekly Internet radio show called INTERVENTION RADIO with Dr. David Scratchley and Jerry Benson. http://www.myspace.com/kkryder www.rebelprincess.com  Michele G. Hudson, is a Central-Fla.-based songwriter, TV producer, and owner of Top-of-Mind Music.  She is a SESAC affiliate, and member of Nashville Songwriters Association International.  www.topofmindmusic.com  email: michelehudson@topofmindmusic.com

Published in: on February 5, 2008 at 8:32 pm Comments (0)
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