Vanessa y Jason Lively: Premio AG 2013 Pareja Musical Internacional del Siglo

Por su aporte en la musica internacional, El Noticiero Alvarez-Galloso por voto unanime otorga El Premio AG 2013 Pareja Musica del Siglo a Vanessa y Jason Lively

The Great Music Lives On In These Artists

The recent deaths of Barry Gibbs of the Bee Gees and Donna Summer has people wandering about the future of true rock and pop music. Many have been complaining with justification about the death of rock and pop music and its replacement with generic bland music that is mediocre.

The trend appears to point in the direction with the music conglomerates cramming such music and their artists down the throats of consumers. It appears that the conglomerates in Hollywood and New York are winning the battle or are they?

If generic bland mediocre artists with their so called music and sponsors from the conglomerates are winning is because the people allow this to happen. The people who love music are masters of their own domain and do not have to take perpetual stupidity from the conglomerates and their make shift artists.

After all, generic bland mediocre artists and their music is a violation of human rights. It is torture to the ear as well as the eye. For starters, rock, pop, jazz , Latin fusion and country music is alive and kicking on many areas of the United States of America as well as the world.

Texas and Oklahoma

The Lone Star State of Texas and the Sooner State of Oklahoma are one of the state’s leading the revival of great music. Oklahoma has one of the greatest artists in the form of Shawna Russell who released a self titled album.

Ms. Russell is leading the way to true music with hits such as “Sounds Like A Party” blasting through the streets of Main Street America. Ms. Russell is a down to earth singer with a thorough recognition of Country and Rock Music.

Christen Sawyer is another rocker who has a grip on the music with her song “Crazy”. Ms. Sawyer and Ms. Russell are the new generation of rock music with an edge that could give Taylor Swift a run for her money. The reason is [personal opinion aside] that Ms. Sawyer and Ms. Russell are better than Ms. Swift.

Karen Chisholm is another artist whose music transcends boundaries of all types. She recorded “A Perfect World” and made a film (and video) based on the music. Ms. Chisholm also recorded “Random Year” which is a reflection based on the realities of life. Ms. Chisholm is proof that rock music is alive and kicking.

Who can forget other artists such as Jessica Shepherd, Deann Rene, John Arthur Martinez, and Mark Allan Atwood? What about Chip Murrey and Texas Underground as well as Vanessa Peters?

Jessica Shepherd does a great job in combining Rock, Country, and Gospel with songs such as “Pray For Peace and Love” and “Get A Ride With God” in the Rockin Gospel Project.

 

Deann Rene has some of the greatest rock music in the 21^st Century. John Arthur Martinez has some great hits from his album “Utopia” as well as a song called “Cajita De Milagros” which is number one on those who loves great music.

Mark Allan Atwood as well as Chip Murrey and Texas Underground have music that can stun even the mediocre artists. Mr. Atwood’s album “How Country” is an example of such power that provides an alternative to the mediocrity of today’s music.

Chip Murrey and Texas Underground delivers a powerful Texas Progressive Rock to those who need it. The concerts given by Chip Murrey and Texas Underground are so popular because of the musical edge. If there is any doubt, their hit album “Pay Dirt” will convince you.

Vanessa Peters is an artist whose fame has reached the world from Texas. Her album titled “Thin Thread” is an example of how fresh and pure music can be. Ms. Peters even recorded a Christmas album with the title: “The Christmas We Hoped For”.

The song “All I Want For Christmas Is You” from the Christmas album is one of the most powerful songs in the album. The message in the song rings loud and clear. It means that no material good can replace true love whether it is a significant other or a family member. I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that the song touched my heart in a profound way.

What about Nicolette Good, Laura Marie, Vanessa Lively, and Chris Taylor? Nicolette Good convinces people with her music and delivers a powerful message of hope with her song “All My Crying”.

Laura Marie with her song “Good Enough” challenges a pair to accept each other for what they are is a great antidote to the banality of mainstream music. Laura Marie also delivers a rendition of “The Cherry Tree Carol” with depth, emotion, and style that leaves people imagining the scene of the Holy Family. Laura Marie’s rendition of “The Cherry Tree Carol” also touches the heart and soul in a personal manner.

The same can be said about the rendition of “Angels We Have Heard On High” by Chris Taylor. It is these songs that sooth the heart and soul. Vanessa Lively with her rendition of “Alleluia” and “Los Hermanos” is an alternative to the banality of mainstream conglomerate music for its down to earth freshness.

Who cannot forget about Brenda Kay and her music? Her rendition of Red Dirt music is an example for future generation of singers and musicians. We cannot forget Katherine Dawn and her music.

Katherine Dawn has nearly three decades of musical experience under her belt. Ms. Dawn’s rendition of “San Marcos River” is a classic that could compete with greats such as Linda Ronstadt.

I remember hearing Katherine Dawn’s music while living in Venezuela. It was during a visit to a friend’s house and the cassette player was on.

The friend was from Oklahoma but she spent time between Oklahoma and Texas. She told me that the singer was Katherine Dawn. I tried to find the music but lost contact with it until recently.

I now hear Katherine Dawn’s music regularly on the internet and enjoy it. The same applies to the music of Debbie Forrest which has been instrumental in getting people closer to God.

Grupo Fantasma with their mixture of Santana, Fania, and Cumbia are also great. Their latest album called “El Existential” is an album that is great and exciting from the beginning to the end.

The group appeared in Austin City Limits and NPR to wide acclaim. One of Grupo Fantasma’s songs “Mentira” is made in the true Latin Jazz and Cumbia fashion. Another reason why the music is alive.

The Midwest Meets Nashville

Jim Callahan recently recorded an album titled “The Poet” which is becoming popular. The album is an example of folk music mixed with rock and country which gives people an image of simple living.

It is an album that deserves to be on the shelves of music lovers and proof that the music is still alive. Jim Callahan who is originally from Ohio even did his version of “The Night Before Christmas” which was lively and better than the original version.

Jessica Rae is another example of how the Midwest meets Nashville. The Chicago, Illinois native is lively and down to earth in her concerts as well as her music.

I had the honor of meeting Ms. Rae during the 2011 Key West Singer Songwriter Festival. She is a decent and caring human being who is concerned for the welfare of the USA as well as its music.

Jim Callahan and Jessica Rae are also proof that the music is still alive and kicking.

Latin America Meets Tennessee

Johnny Vasquez is a Guatemalan singer who currently lives in Tennessee. The pop and romantic ballads that he interprets harkens to a day when music was sincere.

What can be said about his music comes from his album “Lo Mejor De Mi”. The album is one of the greatest in today’s world with its lyrics and melodies.

Johnny Vasquez sings a romantic tune in a way that today’s singers and musicians do not. He does it with the heart and soul of a true romantic.

Johnny Vasquez is another reason why the music regardless of the language is still alive and kicking.

North Carolina

Amanda Pollard is one of the few artists who managed to capture the essence of true R&B as well as Soul music. It is for this reason that she is also called The American Diva of the 21^st Century.

Ms. Pollard was born in Michigan which was the home of the Motown sound. She moved to North Carolina where she advanced in the music scene. Ms. Pollard has received praise for her style of singing with different vocals such as “Loss For Words”.

Amanda Pollard is the latest in the long line of divas from Ella Fitzgerald, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Whitney Houston, and Beyonce. Amanda Pollard is also an expert in presenting great entertaining shows with her dancers while performing.

The music that is interpreted by Ms. Pollard is stunning and refreshing to the point that continents such as Asia and Latin America are taking notice. Amanda Pollard is another example of how the music is still alive.

California

While the conglomerates are with the bland generic brand of music, The Fashion Slaves are heating the airwaves and streets in this state and the world. The Fashion Slaves with Emily Jayne recorded “Psychotic Reaction” and a revolution in music was born.

The Fashion Slaves are another example of fresh rock music that is out of this world. The group can be compared to The Pretenders and Blondie. Emily Jayne is the logical successor to Debbie Harry and Chrissie Hynde in the rock music today.

It is hoped that one day they can perform in Florida since they are a blast.

Florida

Nil Lara is a Cuban-American singer songwriter who has combined the music of Cuba, Venezuela [where he lived], and South Florida to form his own style. Mr. Lara has come a long way from his birthplace in New Jersey.

His best songs are “Vida Mas Simple” and “My First Child” which reflect a yearning for a simpler time. The concerts of Nil Lara are also great to attend with the artist making the public feel great.

Heather Leigh is a great example of how rock and country music can mix with the word of God. She was once nominated for an Emmy for her song “Paradise Lost” which dealt with the BP Oil Spill on the Coast of Mexico.

Ms. Leigh also has a jazz band and is an example of resilience in front of adversity.

Conclusion

The music has not died; it is still present if people were to reject the mediocre music around them. One way is to listen to the old hits but another way is to listen to the above mentioned artists whose name have been highlighted bold.

The reasons the names of the artists are highlighted bold is so that the public can Google their names and buy the albums as well as go to the concerts. The above mentioned artists are also on You Tube.

Songbirds, unite!

Reblogueado desde Nicolette Good:

I recommend this concert and wish the participants the best.

Vanessa Lively : Premio AG Cantautora Tejana del Siglo XXI/ Vanessa Lively : AG Award for Texas Female Singer Songwriter for the 21st Century

Vanessa Lively por su aporte como cantautora tejana y su canción “Alleluia” y “Baila Conmigo” merece reconocimiento en este blog.

Por eso y mucho mas otorgamos a Vanessa Lively el Premio AG Cantautora Tejana del Siglo XXI.

 

Vanessa Lively in recognition for her career as a Singer Songwriter in Texas including “Alleluia” y “Baila Conmigo” deserves recognition. We have decided to award Vanessa Lively the AG Award for Texas Female Singer Songwriter for the 21^st Century

Vanessa Lively | A Chain Unbroken | CD Baby

Vanessa Lively | A Chain Unbroken | CD Baby.

Vanessa Lively | Let Me Rise | CD Baby

Vanessa Lively | Let Me Rise | CD Baby.

Vanessa Lively | Uncovering Stones | CD Baby

Vanessa Lively | Uncovering Stones | CD Baby.

Vanessa Lively: The Globalizing Effects Of Music

During my cultural journey through Texas, I discovered the music of Vanessa Lively. Vanessa Lively and her husband Jason are examples of the globalization of music. After hearing Vanessa Lively, I invited her and she accepted to be interviewed. The rest is history.

 

1. What inspired you to record “Uncovering Stones”?

 

 

The songs more than anything inspired the record, and I recently had an outpouring of new songs in 2010. I felt that those songs, along with others that had been waiting for a while to be on an album, fit very nicely together. I had originally wanted to record my third full length album with my new material on it for a couple of years, but the project went on hold when Mercedes Sosa passed away in 2009. I decided to do a tribute to her life and to the movement she was a part of called “Nueva Trova” or “Nueva Canción.” That album was called ‘Canto y Cantera.’ So when November rolled around last year, I felt that creative energy resurfacing and decided to just go for it and record another full length with my own songs. I work side by side with my husband, Jason Lively. Jason is a multi-instrumentalist and has experience with audio engineering as well. He was completely on board with the idea, so we just went for it full force.

 

 

2. How long did it take you to record “Uncovering Stones”?

 

 

The actual recording only took about 7 days. We had worked out what we envisioned for each song, and lined up all of the musicians ahead of time. We also had a couple of rehearsals to make sure we liked the way it was all sounding. So by the time the recording began in late February of this year, we had many of the kinks works out, and many of the decisions made. We were working with a fantastic engineer named Keith Gary who brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the project. When I decided to make the album, it was around November of last year, and the first thing I did was paint the cover art. Then we sold the individual canvases to people who wanted to help us make the album and had the money to start the project. Everything was completely finished by March and we had it mastered and sent out in April. So from absolute start to finish, the project took about 6 months.

 

 

3. Which will be the places where you will perform “Uncovering Stones”?

 

 

We are leaving next week to go on the CD Release tour which will take us through the Midwest, Great Plains and Southeast. We will be performing in Dallas, Topeka, Eureka Springs, Excelsior, Chicago, Cleveland, Nashville, Memphis and Little Rock. Later this year, we might be travelling to the Southwest & West Coast areas.

 

4. Will you ever do a concert in Florida or other parts of the world?

 

 

I have not played in Florida yet, but would love to make it over there someday soon. I tend to perform mainly around the Texas region, Southwest and West Coast. I have toured England in the past and would like to return there and also perform in The Netherlands and Denmark. I am also interested in touring Latin America someday in the near future.

 

5. In the “Uncovering Stones” tour, will you be performing with other artists?

 

 

My husband Jason Lively and I will tour together as a duo. Jason plays the Charango, which is a small Andean instrument similar to the ukelele and mandolin. He also plays the bass and guitar. A few of our shows will have other artists, including one show in Minnesota with our friend Mother Banjo.

 

6. What inspired you to start a career in music?

 

 

I have always loved to sing and perform both with music and theatre. I was a singer in two different bands as a young girl, but did not start writing my own songs until later. I think my first songs were written when I was 23 or 24 years old. Then shortly after I started writing songs, Jason and I moved to South America. This journey had music woven in and out of every experience and I felt more and more drawn to writing songs and singing. While I was living in Ecuador in 2006, I began recording some of my songs in a studio in Quito. I decided to go ahead and record a full length album there, and asked friends who we had met there to come in and record some musical parts. So many of our new friends were incredible musicians

 

7. What artists and genres have influenced you?

 

 

I have been inspired by many artists including Tori Amos, Ani DiFranco, Bob Marley, Tracy Chapman, Ben Harper, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Sarah McLaughlin, The Indigo Girls and so many more! As far as genres go, I have been influenced by folk music, reggae, music from around the world, some pop & rock, and all my peers who are out there hitting the pavement every day sharing their music with the world.

 

8. Do you have any advice for those who seek a career in the music business?

 

 

I say that if you feel that music is your passion and what you really want to do with your life, that go for it 100%, believe in yourself even when no one else does, and have faith that things will work out for you. It is hard work, and it is constant work, but when you are doing something you love, every bit of it is worth it. Getting to live every day doing what you love is priceless and worth all the struggle. Building a community and a support system is vital. There are many times where it can feel overwhelming to do this sort of work where you are responsible for every aspect of your career – the business side, the financial side, performing, creating, etc. So having a community that helps and supports you will get you through the rough spots, and having folks around you that have done this sort of work is really helpful.

 

9. How do you see the Texas Music Scene in the present and the future?

 

 

I think that the Texas Music Scene is thriving! Austin in particular is a hotbed for creative artists and brings with it all those support systems I was just referring to. You are surrounded by other artists, by organizations put into place just for musicians, and the city is supportive of musicians as well. This community is so alive and is growing every single day, and I think that it will continue to do so for a long time.

 

10. Do you have any words for the general public.

 

 

I would encourage people out there to support local artists as much as they can. Instead of buying a gift at a big store, they should consider going to the local farmers’ market or artisan market and getting something from someone who made a beautiful work of art. It will help them to continue doing what they love, and will be so much more special to the person receiving it! And go see some live music once in a while…tip your musicians, and if you like what they are doing, buy their CD and pass the word to your friends. This is a grassroots effort and word of mouth is how each artist grows. Organically and slowly, so people who are art and music lovers are incredibly important to those who are the artists and musicians. Thank you!!

 

 

I would like to thank Vanessa Lively for accepting my invitation to be interviewed. My best wishes for her and her music. The sites where her music can be purchased can be appreciated in the bottom of the page. Until next time.

 

 

 

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Artist Website: http://www.vanessalively.com

 

Online Press Kit: http://www.sonicbids.com/vanessalively

Social Networks: myspace + facebook + twitter /vanessalively

Booking: Talia Bryce – Good Bookin’ | talia@goodbookin.com

Management: Charlie Stewart – Handshake Management  |  handshakemgt@aol.com