Tag Archives: country

Allan Frank: A Songwriter’s Songwriter

Singer/Songwriter and KC Cafe Radio Performing Artist Allan Frank has been surrounded by music practically all his life. Growing up in the American Midwestern town of Peoria, Illinois, Frank was caught playing on his grandfather’s piano, making up stories as he played along, at the ripe young age of 3. It wasn’t until age 16, however, when Allan picked up his first musical instrument, a guitar his parents had given him.

As he got older, he became involved in musical theater, and eventually graduated from college with a theater degree. He also discovered his guitar playing skills were in high demand in theater, and he began toying with putting lyrics with song. It wasn’t long that Allan found himself writing for events and issues outside of the theater, and a new songwriter was born.

He later traveled to Europe, and eventually relocated to California, where he continued to hone his craft as a songwriter. His skill as a talented songwriter continued to develop, both in Los Angeles and in Nashville. He became involved in collaborative efforts with some of the most influential songwriters around, including Gary Burr and Chris Tompkins.

Allan’s first full-length album is called The Road So Far, and represents his journey as a genuine singer/songwriter. A blend of Americana, Country and Roots tunes, The Road So Far takes you on a heartfelt journey down the by-ways and back-roads of Middle America. Allan’s gentle down home manner is evident in his songs, reminiscent of the classic stylings of Burl Ives, Pete Seeger and Doc Watson.

Recently, KC Cafe Radio Music Director Kathy Forste spoke with Allan. He tells the story of growing into the art of songwriting, and how he has approached the craft over the years. They talk about the benefits of writing alone versus collaborating with other songwriters, and Allan discusses at length about songwriting as a craft, and the importance of connecting with the listener.

Listen to the interview here:

Lee Sims Sings From Deep Within the Heart

lee_simsSince childhood, music has been in Lee Sim’s blood.  As early as age five, at the encouragement of his parents, Lee was singing.  “As a youngster I would listen to my Mom and Dad’s record collection of Johnny Cash, Jim Reeves, and Tennessee Ernie Ford …” Lee said.  “When I was eight years old my Dad would take me to local music jam sessions, and I experienced the thrill of performing live. It was an incredibly exhilarating and humbling experience.”

It didn’t take long for Lee to begin his performing career.  Lee’s first “real gig” was at a Junior High school talent show, and within a month he founded his own band and was performing professionally.   From his home base in Colorado, Lee and his grass-roots accompaniment, The Platte River Band, have performed across the United States and Canada.

Lee’s authoritative voice has also attracted the attention of radio commercial and television show producers. As a result, his voice has been a staple with Colorado radio listeners for decades.  Additionally, Lee has performed on a laundry list of demos for songwriters, attracting the attention of producers in Nashville, where he was a finalist on the You Can Be a Star! television show.  Lee’s credits also include performing with numerous Country Music stars including Waylon Jennings, Tanya Tucker, Buck Owens, and George Strait.

Lee has earned the distinction of being Nashville’s 3-time Golden Award Winner in 2001, Colorado’s Entertainer of the Year in 2001, and Colorado’s Country Music Hall of Fame Entertainer of the Year in 2003.

Lee’s latest album, Deep In The Heart of Me represents a culmination of Lee’s musical career and influences, with nine original songs, world-class musicians, and Nashville production.  It has already rocketed to the top of the music charts, hitting #1 on the New Music Weekly Chart (Blues on Parade) and #7 on the Roots Music Report’s Weekly Top 50 True Country Album Chart.

Recently, KC Cafe Radio Music Director Kathy Forste talked with Lee.  He shares his memories of growing up in the performing spotlight under the encouragement of his parents, as well as his experiences performing along with some of country music’s greatest talent.  We also get a peek into what Lee has in store for the future, with some news of his upcoming projects slated for release later this year.

Listen to the interview here:

Download the interview here: Interview: Lee Sims 5/25/2016

New Music on KC Cafe Radio: March 15, 2016

The Tearaways The Tearaways (singles)

  • Rock

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Kylie Hughes - Calipopicana Kylie Hughes – Calipopicana

  • Pop

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KC Cafe Radio Rich O’Brien (singles)

  • Americana

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Billy Jack Purnell - Simple Life Billy Jack Purnell – Simple Life

  • Americana

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Jaspar Lepak -Forgiving Wind Jaspar Lepak -Forgiving Wind

  • Country/Folk

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Jaspar Lepak - Send Me Home Jaspar Lepak – Send Me Home

  • Country/Folk

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Lee Sims - Deep in the Heart of Me Lee Sims – Deep in the Heart of Me

  • Country

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The Matchsellers - Songs We Made Up The Matchsellers – Songs We Made Up

  • Folk/Bluegrass

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Wes Weddell - By the Side of the Lake Wes Weddell – By the Side of the Lake

  • Americana

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Robot Raven - Greatest Hits Part One Robot Raven – Greatest Hits Part One

  • Pop/Rock

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Robot Raven - Greatest Hits Part Two Robot Raven – Greatest Hits Part Two

  • Pop/Rock

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The Railsplitters - The Faster it Goes The Railsplitters – The Faster it Goes

  • Folk

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Karrie Pavish Anderson - Twice As Nice Karrie Pavish Anderson – Twice As Nice

  • Folk/Pop

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David Hakan - Stone and Steel David Hakan – Stone and Steel

  • Folk

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Denise Glover - Pathways Denise Glover – Pathways

  • Folk

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Rick Malsick with Evan Smalley- Philodendron Rick Malsick with Evan Smalley- Philodendron

  • Modern Folk

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Barak Hill - All the Empty Space Barak Hill – All the Empty Space

  • Modern Folk

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Life Is Good For John Roy Zat

For singer/songwriter John Roy Zat, life couldn’t have him in a better place than he is right now.  “I have worked blue collar and white collar day jobs, with people in many different parts of the world,” Zat says on his website.  “With some mileage on my chassis now and a lot of this planet traveled, I can say that music is one of Nature’s laws. Everybody is moved by music. Everyone has a favorite song, or two, or twenty. One of my greatest joys is making music and sharing songs with people, and the more the better..”

Zat describes himself as “a singer, songwriter, fiddler, and guitar picker,”  He plays both classic American roots, folk, country and bluegrass standards, and also original songs.  It’s the original songs where Zat’s talent really shines brightly.  “I like songs that lift spirits, brighten hopes, make us laugh, and maybe cry a little,” he says.  “I want to celebrate love, mourn loss, ponder mystery, and especially have fun!”

Zat started playing guitar and singing in High School.  He took up fiddling shortly afterward, and began writing music in his early twenties.  His work has garnered the attention of the likes of music legends Caroline Herring and Kate Wolf, who recorded his words to “Midnight On The Water” in her second album.

Zat’s newest music endeavor are two albums.  The first is simply titled Solo, and features Zat playing and singing all his music. The second is an album that is 10 years in making, aptly titled Collaborations.  It features Zat playing his music with other musicians .

Recently KC Cafe Radio Music Director Kathy Forste spoke with Zat.  They talked about his long career, how he got started playing guitar and fiddle, his musical influences and how he chooses the traditional songs he loves to play.

Listen To The Interview:

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Music By John Roy Zat On KC Cafe Radio: