Radio Regulars
Radio Regulars
supporting the music and musicians heard on public/community/non-commercial radio in the Twin Cities area since 1991
Past
CD spotlights and mentions:
S' Gershwin- Prudence Johnson / Dan Chouinard (Sleeper Music)
Perhaps you've noticed a trend nowadays of artists jumping on the bandwagon to record albums of pop standards. Some are because it seems to be "the hip thing to do", hoping it will boost sagging record sales. Here in the Twin Cities, though, we have a number of artists who have a long term commitment to that material and really know how to sing this music--folks like Arne Fogel, Connie Evingson, Debbie Duncan and others come to mind. So, when two other of the area's master pop classic interpreters team up for a project, it's an occasion to take notice. Prudence Johnson and Dan Chouinard join forces on an album of George Gershwin songs, "S' Gershwin" . There's a no-frills approach to the music, but none are necessary...with Prudence's pure, silky voice and Dan's piano genius, you've got a winning combination of respect for tradition plus a fresh approach to some of the timeless songs of the 20th century.
Prudence
Johnson - Moon Country (Sleeper Records)
One of the best singers the Twin Cities area has ever known is back with an
interpretive collection of Hoagy Carmichael standards. Prudence's lovely voice
wraps a silk and satin blanket around some of Carmichael's best known and maybe
not so well known tunes.
Rich Dworsky's "So Near And Dear To Me" and Pat Donohue's "Radio Blues" contains the music you hear on skits, underscores and segues from one segment to another on the show.
Rich Dworsky has, as he's done for the past 20 years or so, made the piano sing and take on a life of its own. As Garrison Keillor points out so well in his liner notes to this CD, Rich's versatility and knack for improvisation is unmatched. His original compositions run the gamut in style and orchestration, some solo piano, others aided by cello or ensemble. He's joined by, among others, Peter Ostroushko and Shoe Band mates Pat Donohue and Gary Raynor.
Pat Donohue has made us laugh and touched our hearts with the many songs he's performed on the show. The fun stuff ("Sushi-Yucki") and the stylistic versatility are well captured on this CD. The Shoe Band members, the Memphis Horns, Butch Thompson and others guest on this one. Particularly poignant is the late Chet Atkins joining Pat on his tribute song "Stealin' From Chet."
Arne Fogel "Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams" (Becca Records, PO Box 26202, St. Louis Park, MN 55426), also featuring the Wolverines Quartet. It's an album full of standards as only Arne, a master interpreter, can sing them.
Pat Donohue , "American Guitar", filled with instrumentals in his trademark, award-winning fingerpicking style. (Information: BlueSky Records, PO Box 40012, St. Paul, MN 55104).
Richard Dworsky- "The Path To You" (Inner Vista Records, PO Box 27597, Golden Valley, MN 55427-0597, InnerVistaMusic@aol.com; order from the Prairie Home Companion catalog.)
Peter Ostroushko - "Sacred Heart" (Red House Records, PO Box 4044, St. Paul, MN 55104, www.redhouserecords.com)
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