Tag Archives: singer/songwriter

Lucy Billings Releases Third Album

Lucy BillingsSinger/Songwriter and KC Cafe Radio Performing Artist Lucy Billings delivers authentic songs with a crystal-clear voice. Reviewers have praised the “warmth and honesty in Billings’ songs that make her music seem closer to the listener” and her “knack for writing songs that make you feel like you’re part of the story.”

Lucy released her third album, Carry the Water in April, 2014. Carry the Water is a compelling journey through the twists and turns that we all experience. Without pretense Lucy examines life’s questions and struggles as a keen observer with a soft heart. A voice that is powerful yet reassuring combined with lyrics that reflect our truths, Lucy’s songs will draw the listener in.

Carry the Water was produced, recorded and mixed by John Jennings at Red Hill. Basic tracks were recorded by Brett Lind at Quad Studios. Featured musicians are Lucy Billings (lead and backing vocals and acoustic guitar), John Jennings (piano and keyboards, stringed instruments, backing vocals and additional drums and percussion), Harry Stinson (drums), James T. Brown (acoustic and electric base) and Vince Santoro (percussion).

Recently, KC Cafe Radio Music Director Kathy Forste talked with Lucy about her newest album, the trials and tribulations of songwriting, her horses, her recent move to Nashville, and a sneek peek into her fourth album, due out next year.

Listen to the interview:

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Music by Lucy Billings on KC Cafe Radio (click here)

KC Cafe Radio Concert Series: Jason & Ginger

Jason and GingerBorn in Kansas, singer-songwriter-guitarist Jason Fickel was bitten by the blues as a teenager. He headed South to Mississippi where he apprenticed himself to blues masters James “Son” Thomas and Othar Turner. Next he went North, first to Rhode Island and then to Chicago, where he honed his songwriting craft. He has been called “Elvis Costello wearing Donovan’s boxers” and his tune “Get Your Car Off My Lawn” was featured this year on NPR’s Car Talk. Jason’s killer slide guitar and wry lyrics create a musical experience whose roots are nourished by the powerful versatility of vocalist Ginger Curry. Born in Kentucky and raised in the rich traditions of Southern Baptist gospel music, her voice communicates the wide range of the human experience from barrelhouse blues to soul-stirring ballads. Beyond gospel and blues, she is an established songwriter in the new thought community and still finds time to express her Kentucky roots singing in a down-home bluegrass combo.

Jason & Ginger released their debut album, “Jokerville,” in 2011 and that same year were semi-finalists at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.  Recent venues have included Two Way Street Coffee House (Downers Grove, IL), Cherry Ghost Coffeehouse (Washington, IN), Crazy Wisdom Tea Room (Ann Arbor, MI), Players Pub (Bloomington, IN), Second Saturday Coffeehouse (Skokie, IL), Quincy’s Café (South Bend, IN), Bryan Park – Bloomington (IN) Performing Arts Series, Oliver Winery (Bloomington, IN), Folk Alliance Region Midwest (various showcases) and WFHB Firehouse Follies. In 2013 they released their second CD, “A Good Man Is Hard to Find: Celebrating the Women of the Blues”, a recording project that emerged from their Classic Blues program of storytelling and songs.

Listen to the performance here:

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Pictures from the show:

Check out music by Jason & Ginger here.

 

Carey Appel: Music Born Out Of Life

Carey AppelCarey Appel began belting her melodic tunes off of her backyard balcony at the early age of three.  “Such a grown up voice for such a little girl” was most often heard.  Grammar and high school musicals abounded until a coach skipped over her for “Fiddler on the Roof”.  Carey gave up music during college and after graduating from UC Berkeley, followed in the family tradition of retail. She opened a chain of gift and home stores, though singing was always her first love.

With a personal life-changing event, this captivating performer and soulful storyteller returned to the music community in 2011 with her first album. “New Favorites”.  Her company, (aptly named Heather Road for the street she grew up on), produced the album of aurally seductive vocals influenced by Melody Gardot, Patti Griffin, Cheryl Wheeler and Judith Owen.

Teaming up with artist and producer Lisa Nemzo of Dream Wild Records -(Bonnie Raitt, David Crosby, Heart, Ray Charles, Hall & Oates;), her recent album was produced and recorded in Nashville in 2012.- “House of Cards” demonstrates Carey’s innate passion and musical finesse, a collection of diverse and riveting acoustic singer/songwriter and rock arrangements with a sophisticated folk flair. It is an intimate and compelling journey to finding one’s own empowerment – where listeners may even hear a piece of their own story woven into Appel’s candidly-written lyrics.

Recently, KC Cafe Radio Music Director Kathy Forste spoke with Carey via Skype.  They discuss the songs on “House Of Cards” and how they are salted with the story of her life.  Carey also shares insights into the people that have influenced her musical career, and those who worked with her on this most recent project.  Carey also teases us with some insight into her new album due out later this year.

Listen to the interview here:

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Music by Carey Appel on KC Cafe Radio: