David Alberding |
Randy Barrett |
Matt Holsen |
Lisa Taylor |
|
David Alberding |
Randy Barrett |
Matt Holsen |
Lisa Taylor |
A
formally trained performer and songwriter who uses his voice and presence
in the telling of the unique stories he has created. Blending together
elements of folk, rock, jazz and blues, David
Alberding creates characters with his voice and his words
that share with you an insight into the human condition.
If you asked singer-songwriter David A. Alberding what he would be doing if not performing, the answer wouldn't come quickly. Music has always been an important part of his life; important enough that, in 1995, he left his day job to pursue music full time. That decision, though financially difficult, has paid off in other ways for Alberding. After only a year, he has become recognized as a major contributor to Washington area music, receiving a nomination for a Washington Area Music Association WAMMIE award in the contemporary folk vocalist category. Twice now he has entered the Mid Atlantic Song Contest, sponsored by the Songwriters Association of Washington, and twice he has scored as a semifinalist for his songs "Heavy" and "Circle of Three." This recognition, in combination with the experience and the friendship he has gained, has made this a pretty good year for David. What would he be doing if not performing? " I'm glad I don't have to answer that."
Randy Barrett is
a growing presence on the acoustic scene. His songwriting has won numerous
awards (including
First Place in the Folk category for "Hold Me Forever" in the 1995
Mid-Atlantic Song contest) and his soulful baritone is gaining fans
wherever he goes. Randy garnered the 1996 Washington Area Music
Association award (WAMMIE) for Best Male Vocalist in the Traditional
Folk category and his CD Each & Every Day has gained accolades
from a wide variety of listeners. It features eight originals and
two updated classics and has a stellar lineup of supporting musicians
including Mike Auldridge, Buddy
Charleton, Jon Carroll, Pete Kennedy, Dede Wyland and Grace Griffith.
"Indeed, if Barrett never wrote another lyric he easily could get by on his singing alone, thanks to his handsome, rough-hewn baritone. It's a storyteller's voice, personable and persuasive, and it swiftly brings to life the characters who populate his ballads and love songs."--The Washington Post
Lyrics,
guitar, voice, and heart come together into one instrument that Lisa
Taylor handles with the grace that
proves the artist; it becomes clear that she is one of those rare people
who can communicate, completely, through words and music.
She is a 1995 Kerrville New Folk finalist, has been featured nationwide on folk and acoustic radio shows such as "Traditions" with Mary Cliff, Dick Cerri's Music Americana Showcase, and has appeared on cable television's Metropolitan Magazine and Songwriter Showcase.
Lisa has received numerous awards for her songwriting throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, and her debut CD, Sibling Rivalry, has garnered her an astonishing 7 nominations for 1996 Washington Area Music Association (WAMMIE) awards, including Best Album, Best Female Vocalist, and Songwriter of the Year.
" songs that are innocent and
knowing, tender and pungent, whimsical and wry....she uses her soprano
expressively, exploring the contrasting emotions with warmth, conviction
and vitality"The Washington Post
" A superbly wonderful entertainer, Lisa
Taylor is a master in the craft of reaching out to everyone in the
audience. Her songs are about 'real life' and will touch everyone
at some point in the performance. She is truly a pleasure to listen
to."Dave Caouette - Stringfellows
" Sibling Rivalry is one of the best new CDs to come through my mailbox this year. I usually mark good cuts for airplay on the back of the jewel case; Sibling Rivalry has blue dots up and down the list."Frank Gosar - KLCC 89.7 FM, Eugene OR
Matt Holson is a unique perfor
mer. His trademark is a powerful solo
guitar style that draws on pop, rhythm & blues, country, jazz, latin
and even classical styles. As a singer he's equally at home with a Duke
Ellington tune, a foot-stomper from John Prine or a mariachi song.
As a songwriter Matt covers a wide range as well, from country-tinged
anthems to driving R&B tunes, with a couple of wistful jazz ballads
thrown in. His songs are thoughtful, sometimes wry musings about quarreling
lovers, lost faith, old regrets, and how love just might win out anyway.
He mixes them with gems from a large repertoire (about 800 songs) that
spans seven decades, several styles and two languages (he lived for years
in Spain and Chile and still loves to sing in spanish). Matt's show is
full of vocal and instrumental fireworks: agile scat solos, a startling
"vocal trumpet" and his distinctive guitar playing that seems
to be bass, rhythm and lead combined. It's not all flash, though. Often
a simple, direct rendition of a classic song is a high point in the show.
Then there's his notorious Russian baritone version of "Country Roads,"
;
a rabble-rouser that can get folks doing Cossack dances in the aisles.
Impressive musicianship, a powerful, versatile voice, and an endless trove
of musical treasures to share. . . it all adds up to a show you will not
forget. Listen to Matt Holsen. You'll want to listen again and again.
What's up next --
The June 27 show includes Bill Parsons, Jesse Paledofsky, Cathy Horner, and another player to be named later. Bill Parsons is rapdily achieving national prominence. Many of you may have noticed his article in the last Performing Songwriter magazine. Cathy Horner dazzled the locals last year with her guitar work.
The July 25 show includes Mary Flower (mark your calendars for this one!), Damian
Siford, Bob Gramann, and Sara Landymore. Mary Flower is an outstanding blues
artist. Sara is at the center of the music scene in Northern Virginia. In addition
to performing in her unique style, she is very supportive of other musicians in the
area. This will be an exciting show.
Bob Gramman
122 Laurel Avenue
Fredericksburg VA 22408
Send rants/rave to above mentioned Ackermann at ernie@mwc.edu
Every pea helps to fill the peck.