Robert Harris' "Monaco" debuts Nationally

The new Robert Harris album, "City Lights," is gaining prominent, national recognition.

Harris recently explained the news:

"I have some exciting news to share with all of my fans and friends who have supported me over the past several years. I have teamed up with a well established promoter out of LA who believes, as I know most of you do, that the "City Lights" CD has the right stuff to take the Robert Harris Group to the next level. We launched the song "Monaco" last week nationally. Yes,you read correctly "nationally". Every smooth jazz station in the United States and a few in Canada are currently listening to the "City Lights" CD and hopefully putting "Monaco" on their play list. Well, now for the real good news! After only our first week, we came in 2nd place on the "Most Added" list for smooth jazz stations across the country. This means that out of all smooth jazz artists in the US market, we came in 2nd place for new artist added to a smooth jazz play list. This is just the beginning. Now we will wait and see how many more stations add us, and then see if Monaco has what it takes to climb the charts! I want to thank everyone for your support."

Congratulations to Robert and to all who actively participated in the album (including Katie)!

Perhaps the local smooth jazz radio station will now air more local talents and actually participate in the promotion of all the great musicians Central Florida has to offer.

For further information on the "City Lights" album, visit the Robert Harris website.

Naome Bradshaw

Naome Bradshaw, who simply goes by the name of "Naome," says she is a "born performer."

First taking the stage at the age of 4, Naome has followed the calling to serve in the spotlight. Several family members have also been involved in the entertainment field including her grandmother, brother and her mother, whom she considers her greatest musical influence.

Coming from a "fragmented" family, she did not meet her brother until he was 8 years old or her grandmother until she was 19. Nevertheless, Naome admits that "music was our constant; our healer."

Naome explained that she performs a variety of music, primarily rock. Listening to her tracks on her myspace website, she covers a full spectrum of music. The music is pleasant and carries an inviting rhythm. The simple and delicate "A Child Again" takes Naome back to her childhood while she questions why she can't do those fun and fancy-free things she did back then.

Citing Bonnie Raitt, Heart, Melissa Etheridge and Journey as some of those artists who have influenced her style, Naome's emotions can be felt in her ballads. She has the ability, however, to "glide effortlessly from one style to another honestly and powerfully."

I asked Naome how she feels about the "music scene" in Orlando. She was concerned that Orlando "needs more venues that support live entertainment." She continued, explaining that the area "also needs more people to support the extremely talented musicians that are right here in our own backyard."

"My favorite venue," Naome explained, "is Cricketer's Arms in Festival Bay. They have always supported local musicians and they have entertainment 7 nights a week."

Her first album, self-titled Naome, was co-written with guitarist/producer Guy Walker. The album is available at CDBaby.com, at her website.

Naome is currently working on her second album with guitarist/producer Jim Gentry . She considers her favorite song, at this time, to be, "Maybe Someday." It reflects on the "hope of resolution and the gift of forgiveness." It is a love song, it speaks of the power of love and how forgiving can heal. I got the impression she really likes her own music and puts her soul into the heart of her compositions.

Notably, Naome's voice can be heard on the Simpson's episode that featured N"SYNC. She is also married to Jack Bradshaw who produces the Philip's Phile talk show on REAL Radio 104.1. The Bradshaws are blessed with three children and reside in Orlando.

She performs regularly at the Backstage at the Rosen Plaza and is scheduled to sing the National Anthem at the Amway Arena on April 20th, 2008 for the Orlando Magic.

Naome may be reached for bookings at naomebradshaw.com or through her myspace site.

Billy DenMead

"It's time to rock and roll again!"

Those are the words of Billy DenMead, an Orlando musician who was previously with the band Dorian Gray. Formed by Jani Lane (Warrant), the band also featured Dave Chamberlain of DBW Productions. The group, however, disbanded several years ago so DenMead could focus on raising his family.

The kids are grown now and his new band, Billy DenMead and the Union of Faith, is quickly rising in popularity throughout Central Florida and other parts of the Southeast.

The Union of Faith consists of Billy DenMead (lead vocals, guitar), Ken Hountz (guitar), Marc Cook (guitar), Bobby Fraga (bass), Kurt Kellicut (drums), and Dawn Sherman (backing vocals).

Originally from Buffalo, New York, DenMead moved to Cleveland, Ohio after high school because "that was the place to be." There, he helped form the band Alexander with Steve Keopka, Jeff Hair, Frank Pannell and Eric Alexander.

Seeking a new direction, DenMead put together Dorian Gray with Jani Lane on drums, Dave Chamberlain on lead guitar and Kevin Ryan (Rick Derringer) on bass. Making Orlando their home, the band successfully toured the Southeastern states.

DenMead released the album, "Me," in 2006. Recorded in Los Angeles with Dave Chamberlain and Steve Chamberlain (also of Warrant).

Today, the Union of Faith is ready to continue the history of success. They recently performed at the 2008 Downtown Art and Living Expo and will be appearing at the Eddie Rose Amphitheater in Altamonte Springs on April 25, 2008.

Speaking of the Orlando music circuit, DenMead feels that "there are some really great bands and musicians in Central Florida. There is so much talent and I want to see it contunue to thrive like it has been lately."

His favorite venues include The Social that features original music, and the House of Blues because it is "very intimate and sounds great."

DenMead was selected as the December 2007 Independent Artist of the Month at powerhouserock.net. His current album, "Me," is available on his website where you may also listen to select tracks including "Fathers Day," a tribute to his father. Other sources for his music include CDFreedom.com, CDBaby.com and iTunes.

Smooth Jazz - Who's On The Play List Today?

When I thought of smooth jazz, the artists that came to mind were Peter White, Chris Botti, and Boney James to only name a few. However, when listening to the primary local "smooth jazz" radio station, I get somewhat confused.

On the play list today, the station included tunes from the Doobie Brothers, Toni Braxton, Smokey Robinson, Taylor Dayne, Average White Band and Pussycat Dolls (I will have to check them out, I never heard of them).

Although I do not object to anything on this play list, it made me stop and think. In an attempt to soothe my curiosity, I fired up Wikopedia, and this is how smooth jazz is defined (as of April 12, 2008):

"Smooth jazz, also sometimes referred to as new adult contemporary music, is generally described as a genre of music that utilizes instruments (and, at times, improvisation) traditionally associated with jazz and stylistic influences drawn from mostly R&B, but also funk and pop."

One anonymous critic obviously is not impressed with the type of music, no matter how wide the variety, when he cited that "smooth jazz as a genre is like just random pop musings with no real focus or purpose or anything... A good description of 'smooth' jazz" is elevator music. It's soft and boring and unoffensive... perfect for older people." I wholeheartedly disagree with him, but it further describes just how confusing the term can be.

Perhaps "smooth jazz" is similar to the term "oldies" in the sense that, as the years progressed, the play list grew along with them. At one point in time, I considered oldies as music from the 50's and 60's; perhaps up to the onset of the psychedelic era. It was not long before Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin joined the ranks.

If you are more confused now, then you are with me. Perhaps it is best to simply enjoy the music and appreciate all the different styles that we are blessed with - regardless of what he, she or they decide to call it.

The (Struggling) Orlando Musician

We go to several concerts in and around Orlando throughout the year. Not at the large, impersonal venues such as UCF or the Amway Arena, but the more intimate and personal types like Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs, the Town of Celebration events or the Winter Park concerts. At times, we may also venture out to the local pubs or community fairs.

We have met many fine people through these musical outlets. Typically, these musicians do not arrive in limousines nor are they surrounded by Mr. T-looking body guards. They do not avoid the audience; they mingle, chat and share stories with those who have gone to see them perform.

Many of these musicians also hold full-time jobs during the week. Yet they take the time to practice, compose new material and seek out new venues. After they clock out on Friday afternoon, they pack their cars with their equipment and head off to their evening performance. In place of bouncers are family members and friends.

Setting up their equipment is a long and delicate process. In addition to the amplifiers and instruments is the fine-tuning of the sound system. Often, this involves patching into the venue's own sound equipment. After the concert, they meet with the audience, sometimes signing albums they may have on the market that were produced with their own money.

I salute these many fine men and women. They are hard workers and after a long week, they maintain their character throughout the performances. The artists are well-trained and they care about the music and the audience.

Unfortunately, there is no radio station that I am aware of that caters to these rising musicians. It seems most radio stations are controlled by large, corporate conglomerates that don't really care about the local scene. I don't see how it would hurt to select a few songs from area musicians and air them to see how the audience responds. It would help the radio by not repeating the same songs and it would help the musicians by creating an interest and building a following. Furthermore, the local advertisers would appreciate the effort.

We can also help by attending their performances, sharing what we know about the musicians, and by purchasing their music. Most of these artists have a myspace site or their own website where you may listen to audio clips or full selections. Check them out. I assure you, they will appreciate the interest you have in them.

Sean Edward Ghannam

I was emotionally drawn to Sean Edward Ghannam because one of the instruments he plays is a double-neck guitar. My brother, Brad, a Chicago luthier who passed away three years ago, worked with Scott Stenton to create the "Larson 16 String Doubleneck Archtop" and the "Larson/Ibanez Doubleneck Detachable."

Ghannam holds a BA from the UCF film program and worked in the motion picture industry for ten years. Discovering that the "big Hollywood egos got the best of him," he returned to his true passion; music.

Taking up the guitar at the age of seven, Ghannam turned to the saxophone when he was 10 which he studied for three years. In 1984, he picked up the guitar again and this has remained his primary instrument.

The spectrum of Ghannam's musical genres includes "jazz-fusion, progressive rock, experimental/new age and smooth jazz." He is currently working with two original groups - Sonic Playground and Space Circus. Joining him on these ventures is Reed Hayes on drums, Chad Kulscar on bass and vocals, and occasionally Brian Giarraffa on keyboards. Ghannam has also has performed with the Jeff Coffey Band.

Citing Alex Lifeson of Rush as one of his greatest influences, Ghannam has appeared with a Rush tribute band, Toronto Airport, at the Rushcon 3, 4 and 6 in Toronto, Canada. He has been featured in Guitar Player Magazine and Southeast Performer.

Ghannam founded Sonic Playground Studios which produces "freelance sound design and original music composition for all entertainments/media industries- including video games, radio and television."

Tracks are available for listening at guitar9.com, sonicplayground and on his myspace site.

Commenting on the Orlando music scene, Ghannam believes it is "great in Central Florida for a working musician like myself." However, he also feels that "there aren't any real places with real support for original music," adding that he "wishes there was more of an [active] jazz scene."

Perhaps as a challenge to all of us, Ghannam invited "anyone that's into music as an art form to come out, support live music, and help establish Orlando as a real cultural music scene."

Ghannam lives in Winter Park where he offers private guitar lessons throughout the Orlando area and may be contacted at his myspace site .

Von-Marie

I was invited to see Von-Marie perform at the Explosion Salsera concert in Kissimmee. I waited at the stage entrance with Hector Montijo, Von Marie's father. The area was bustling with activity as the different musicians arrived - some, one by one, others by bus. Security was tight, but the mood was friendly and warm.

Once on stage, Von-Marie captured the attention of the fans with her smooth movements and glimmering smile. She sang in Spanish and, admittedly, I could not understand the lyrics, but the sound was solid while the Latin percussion kept the songs and the audience alive.

Von-Marie is a 21-years-old Bronx, New York native who now resides in Orlando, Florida. Her musical aspirations were sparked at the age of 7 when she would participate in school activities and in the church choir. Throughout Von-Marie’s childhood and teenage years, she has performed as a soloist. She loves music and her dream is to one day become a "famous singer." She enjoys writing and learning new songs and is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Among her appearances, Von-Marie has performed at the Motown Café at Universal Studios, where she got her big break and the chance to record her first album with an independent record label in Nashville, TN. She performed as the guest star at the Alabama Show Palace and in the Wyndham Palace and Walt Disney World Resort. She also performed at charity events for the Osceola Museum of Arts.

Von-Marie is a graduate of John Casablanca modeling agency. Her first album was released in February of 2001, and on June 26, 2001, she was invited to perform at the Airplay International Awards Show where she was awarded the “International Album of the Year,” and “Career Achievement Award” in Nashville, TN.

Her recent performances include the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, the Aladdin Hotel and Casino, Wyndham Palace in California, and Madison Square Garden in New York City. Von-Marie was also a third time winner of the “Best Female Latin” Award in the New York International Music Festival. In July 2006, Von-Marie won Female Latin Revelation of the Year at the Premios Paoli awards in Orlando, Florida.

Von Marie takes her musical career seriously and "never ceases to strive for new pinnacles" and opportunities. She may be contacted at vmrecords2000@aol.com.

Sleep Until Noon

We are frequent visitors of Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs, and while we are there, we also stop by Gina's Lakeside Grill for dinner and a drink. It was at Gina's that we first enjoyed the music of the Sleep Until Noon band (formerly, Playin' Hooky).

It is quite apparent that the audience awaits the band's performance with eager anticipation. The atmosphere at Gina's is warm and pleasant. The staff, waiters and waitresses are always courteous and helpful. The band members are no different. It is one of those bands that enjoys what they do.

Michelle Morrison, the lead singer, greets everyone with a smile. The other band members tweak the equipment to make sure it will be an impeccable performance. They want the patrons to enjoy the music as much as the band itself does.

Other members of the tightly-knit group include Michelle's husband, Dr. John Morrison, on drums and vocals. The talent of Robert Allison is featured on keyboard and his brother, Sam Allison follows on bass. Lead guitar and vocalist Mike St. Amour completes the rich, full sound.

Sleep Until Noon always kicks off their performance with the popular hit, "Get This Party Started." The dance floor begins to populate almost immediately fulfilling their proclamation of "Florida's Finest Dance Band." Other favorites on the play list include Man, I Feel Like A Woman, Takin' Care of Business, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Mustang Sally and Sheryl Crow's, Soak Up The Sun.

Bruce Brubaker, manager of Gina's Lakeside Grill, recognizes Sleep Until Noon as a very popular group that has performed there for over 1 1/2 years and "always draws a nice crowd."

Besides Gina's, Sleep Until Noon also plays at The Why Not Lounge in Altamonte Springs on State Road 436 at I-4 and Dexter's in Lake Mary. A complete schedule is available on their website at www.sleepuntilnoon.com. For bookings and other information, contact 407-463-8010.

Just for the record, I happen to know that the entire band does not sleep until noon. Michelle and I exchanged emails one Sunday morning at 11:40.

Robert Harris City Lights Album Cover

We were offered an opportunity that we could not refuse. Our favorite local smooth jazz musician, Robert Harris, was working on a new album and asked us to do the photography for the cover. Without hesitation, we accepted the opportunity.

First, we had to gather information about the album. We needed to know the theme, the tone Robert wanted to convey and what the title was. He was torn between City Walk and City Lights. Robert gave us a brief description of what he wanted on the cover and our thoughts went to work.

Vida and I had recently photographed a wedding at Church Street Station in downtown Orlando and thought that area of town would be a good place to start. The city is bustling in the after-hours in that area. Nightclubs, citizens without homes, party-goers, and many young people struttin' their stuff in the hopes of finding Mr. or Mrs. Right - even if only for that evening. The setting was perfect.

As an early riser, it was difficult for me to wait until the sunset before we even left to survey the area. Once there, however, the atmosphere served as a natural stimulant. We walked up and down the streets, talking with the people who seemed friendly and quickly avoiding those who were eyeing our camera equipment.

Robert explained that he wanted lights from the city with the motion of car and bus lights streaming down the street. We found some excellent side streets with divided roads and older streetlights. While capturing these images, we realized the streets in that particular area were somewhat isolated from cars and people. Grabbing our gear, we continued our journey in search of the perfect spot.

Along the way, we met all kinds of people. The small group of young females that were "dressed to kill," at least that's what they thought. Two of them ran up to us pleading to get their photo taken and explaining that we could put it on any magazine cover. Another was a gentleman tucked in a darkened doorway savoring a hard-earned 16-ounce beer concealed in a brown bag. You know the kind of bag, the one you get when you buy one cold beer with loose change at a time. He insisted my name was Chris and I just played along trying to tell him everything is ok and to take it easy for the rest of the night. I doubt he took my advice, but I think he appreciated the concern. We closed up our mobile studio and called it a night.

The next evening, we returned to the same area. Again, we walked up and down the streets hoping something would spark our interest.

As we continued our journey, we came across a cafe with outdoor seating. It looked nice and we stopped for a drink. Vida had a glass of Chardonnay and I had my usual sweet tea on the rocks. I situated my tripod against a palm tree to keep it out of the way of others and happened to glance to my left. There it was. I grabbed the camera and checked the scene through the viewfinder.

The street was busy, the lights were pronounced and the road split at the end circling around a sculpture. Behind that, was an intriguing building towering several stories above to complete this seemingly perfect position. The image was contained yet the composition was wide open. We finished our beverages and began finding the right angle to adequately capture the scene. I found a bus hut that had a small passage area allowed only by the buses. I could safely take the photos without worrying about oncoming traffic while maintaining the appearance that I was in the street.

We took several shots and safely made it home before midnight. I was still able to wake up early to start processing the images and forwarding them to Robert so he could give his comments and see if he felt the same as we did. We returned the next evening and took more photos from many angles and using a wide variety of settings.

Robert thought that the area we found was precisely what he had in mind. One important element was missing, however - Robert! So we made arrangements to meet him at the same spot the following week.

We all have busy schedules, but agreed to meet on a Thursday evening. It had been raining on and off all day, but that was typical of Florida weather and that did not prevent us from trying. We called Robert and since he lived closer to the photo site, it was decided that Vida and I would go there first, then call Robert with a precipitation update. The rain had stopped for the time being and when we called Robert, he was already in the area walking down the street nearby.

After an exchange of friendly greetings, Robert smiled with approval and asked how we found this spot. I suppose it was a fine mix of precision searching coupled with our keen sense of artistic desires - something others may call luck. The streets were still wet from the rain and it seemed to add a nice flavor to the setting. Robert brought two guitar cases - one black and one tan. He also sported his trademark Panama hat.

We took several shots from different angles, with different stances and settings. The rainy day made good on its word and we took shelter briefly under a bus hut. Anxious to continue, we decided to dash across the street since Robert wanted some pictures of him coming out of a nightclub. The bouncers and other greeters were friendly and cooperative allowing us to move chairs and blockades so they would not interfere. Many were eager to get their photo taken with Robert once they learned this effort was destined for his new album.

We completed the photo shoot and went our separate ways. It was now up to Vida and I to go over the photographs and decide which ones might meet with Robert's approval. He left that task in our hands since he was busy making the final touches on the album itself. We found several images, made adjustments, cropped a few, added the title to some and submitted the proposed work to Robert. Once again, he was very pleased, but he needed more fine-tuning of the images.

We exchanged several emails with attachments before we received the final memo that exclaimed, "I think I have what I need!" Then we waited while Robert added the text and performed his surgical expertise with Adobe Illustrator. About a week later, we received his final layout. It was great to see our work on an album performed by someone we both admire. Robert also sent an MP3 sampling with a song from the album written for his steadfast friend, Katie, his German Shepherd, who also sings the final note on the last song.

The completed album, which I highly recommend, is available at http://www.robertharrismusic.com/.

Lindy Romez

"Life is a journey that is worth traveling." These inspiring words can be found on Lindy Romez's website. Looking at her accomplishments and her dedication to helping causes that are important to her, Lindy lives her words.

"My experiences up until now have prepared me for whatever blessings comes next and I look forward to where the journey takes me," Lindy explains. "I know we can all make a difference and contribute to positive change one at a time and it is this thought that empowers me to strive."

She works a typical forty hour week like the rest of us. In her free time, however, Lindy is a musician; a very talented musician. Her debut album, "New Day," was released January 2, 2007 on her own label, Amrak Records. Lindy realized the need for her own production company so she could focus on exploring her own direction, without the restrictions of the mainstream labels. Amrak is known as "a record label with a song and a prayer." When asked what Amrak stands for, she replied with a smile, "spell it backwards."

Lindy started her musical path at the age of 11 when she began playing the trumpet. After years of classical training, she enlisted in the U.S. Army band program. There, she attended the Military School of Music in Norfolk, Virginia studying voice and piano. According to Lindy, "the spoken word was the key to writing heartfelt songs and delivering a message." Later, she was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina where she completed her military tour.

Following her passion, Lindy moved to England to attend the American College in London. Unfortunately, she had to return home when her mother became ill. Two years later, her mother passed away. The track, "Angel in the Sky," on the New Day album, "celebrates her [mother's] spirit and her grace.”

Off stage, Lindy is a very sensitive and caring person. Her interests are varied, but her values remain evident and consistent. Early one Sunday morning, we told her we were going to our backyard to listen to her album over a cup of coffee. In her down-to-earth style, she said she wanted to join us to help ease in the morning.

Lindy assembled her current band, Sol Y Mar, that features Hector Mestre on drums, Juan Leon on bass, Chapman Stick and flutes, Johnny Sepulveda on Latin percussion and Gary Tompkins on guitar.

In concert, Sol Y Mar introduces a wide variety of music including Latin, Native American, and contemporary jazz. Lindy's skillful performance on the trumpet carries a Chris Botti influence while maintaining her unique style. Each performer is allowed to exhibit their own musical personalities without losing track of the core composition.

Lindy is deeply involved with several charitable organizations including the Children's Miracle Network, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and American Cancer Society. She contributes a portion of her album and concert earnings to these and other causes.

Driven by purpose, Lindy explains that she "tries not to regret anything in life and believes that all things happen for a reason."

The Lindy Romez website contains concert schedules and contact information. Visitors can also order her New Day album from this site located at http://www.lindyromez.com/ or listen to an audio preview of the title track.