''I just wanna rock'' Ché Zuro says as she takes the stage holding an
acoustic guitar, no band to support her. And rocks, she does. ''A good song
is a good song, no matter what the instrumentation, and lately I'm prefering
the skeletal acoustic guitar and vocal performance.''
Ché's musical beginnings were unconscious, growing up in a household where everyone would fight for a harmony part, or for the solo vocal part of a folk tune. She hasn't the foggiest idea as to how she learned to sing! ''I just always sang! At family parties, we would all gather around the organ or piano, guitars were grabbed (and spoons!) and we'd sing old songs, new songs, and songs that seemed to be written on the spot - and just as quickly forgotten!!!'' This early training gave Ché an ear for melodies and song structure, and has helped her quickly learn to play many different instruments.
In 1989 Charlie Sexton invited Ché to join his band (as vocalist/keyboardist/acoustic guitarist) for his American and Japanese tours, which ended with a live CD entitled King Elvis. This gave her the confidence to start her own musical project, Trinity Street, upon her return from the road. After a few years of playing as a full 5-piece band, Ché began to concentrate on a more bare-boned version of this music, resulting in a 3-piece acoustic trio, and ultimately, solo performances. ''I am the only one I can count on in this project,'' Ché laughs, ''but seriously, it's true, and it's tough, and challenging, and of course, extremely rewarding.'' 1991 brought an Honorable Mention in the Billboard Songwriting Contest for the tune ''Blue Skies", written with Trinity Street partner, Tisa Adamson. These two prolific songwriters also received an Honorable Mention for their song ''Daddy Had To Go To Heaven" in the First annual John Lennon Songwriting Contest, in 1998, and continue their writing partnership. Ché also has received the Millpond Spirit Award, which was given to her during her second day of performing at 1998's Millpond Music Festival in the Eastern Sierra, Bishop, California.
Ché released her first solo CD entitled "10,000 Jalama Road" in 1997 on which
she played every instrument, sang every note, and produced every track in
addition to designing the package. The success of this homemade recording
led her to work hard on a second one, and release it on her own label,
Youghiogheny River Records. "Welcome Home" (release date January 1, 2000)
was co-produced by old friend Bernie Larsen (Cry On Cue, Melissa Etheridge,
El Rayo-X) at Spinout Studios in Burbank, and layers Ché's acoustic guitars
and vocals with drums, bass, keyboards, and more! Bernie and Ché shared most
of the instrumental duties while some pals (Jorge Calderon, Brie
Howard-Darling of Boxing Gandhis) came in to sing some background vocals and
play some percussion. For Che, who has always hated being in the recording
studio, it was a turning point!
"I can't WAIT to go back in and do my next record!!!"
Look out for Ché! Big things are about to happen!
Welcome Home
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"And I will FUNK until the dawn and all the people there will turn and stop and
stare and slowly begin to move inside their "own" individual groove, as the rhythm
moves us into soul, and the 'freedom to be, who we were born to be,' where we all
sway and drip with sweat, swirling and finally merging into that tiny silent space
inbetween love and hate where I am you and you are me dancing the entire
essence of humanity.....Funk On!!!!"
Christina Fasano definitely is one Funky White Girl (the nickname she most commonly uses for herself). This girl can sing! That's one of the first things I noticed about her CD, Spiritually Wet. This voice isn't a carbon copy of anything you've heard before. Christina really does have a unique sound - and considering all the stuff that's out there, that's saying a LOT. The production values on this CD are fantastic, the players really know how to play. All in all, this is a great collection of funky, feel-good, sexy music that'll make you want to get up and dance.
--Jodi Krangle - The Muses Muse, Songwriter's Spotlight
There is good music and then there is funky good music. I haven't heard music this fun, this good, and this funky in a long time. Christina Fasano has a definite chart burner on her hands with this album. The music on this album draws you into a world where the music is sexy and sensual, then only to realize that you have drifted into a funky groove of your own. You find that your feet start moving to the rhythm, while you soul starts screaming to be released from it's composed state. When the music ends and you find yourself longing for more of what this alluring sound has to offer. I was captivated by the soulful vocals of this funky white girl. Christina presents her music with a passion and embrace that is unmatched by any other artist. This is music that can't and shouldn't be denied.
--Gunther G.-TheGlobalMuse.com
Spiritually Wet
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"Wild Orchids... two women with their acoustic guitars beltlng
out heavenly harmonies and soulful stories
... having written
the tunes (except three covers, one of which is Smells Like
Teen Spirit by Nirvana) they have produced a fine independent
release... engineered and produced by Chris Scheri from
Wild Orchids... well recorded... highlights the depth of
their combined vocals... go girls!"
Felicitv Ballard, Forte magazine.
"Wild Orchids, Past All The Edges... the clarity of mix and
quality of recording by Chris Scheri is highly favorable by
any standard of comparison...songs on Past All The Edges
strongly reflect their abilities as singers, musicians and
song writers... a collage of compositions that encompass a
range of moods and emotions... the cover classic 'Unchained
Melody' is a fine display of Robyn Youlten's ability as a
singer with both her range of notes and the passion with which
she can sing... she also pulls out Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen
Spirit" which is anguished in mood...one feature that enhances
Past All The Edges is the exquisite flute that Chris Scheri
is renowned for... initial comparisons to Ian Anderson... one
finds thet Chris Scheri has her own excellent distinctive
style...pure pleasure… this CD is in all aspects 8 ½/10!!!!
Peter Donald
Beat Magazine.
"Wild Orchids, Past All The Edges...new independent release
makes its mark thanks to the strong songwriting and very
distinctive vocal styles of the two performers...the self
penned numbers encompass enjoyable melodic odes to love and
life... a joyous presentation of music... both women are
multi-talented instrumentalists... the arrangements strike
a nice balance between electronic and acoustic instrumentation...
Interesting...honest...earthy...passionate
Paul Turner, Groove Muse
Sydney Music Press
Past All The Edges
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As a performer, Minnesota singer-songwriter Katy Tessman combines energy and
emotion with genuine warmth and musical passion. Her rhythmic guitar style and
powerful voice express a straight-from-the-heart songwriting style that's won
accolades from fans and critics alike.
Katy has been called an "urban folk purist" by KFAI-Radio and "a power-house in personality and music" by Pulse of the Twin Cities newspaper. With a voice that critic Bill Snyder described as "smooth and distinctive," Katy is emerging as one of the most engaging acoustic talents in the Twin Cities.
Katy's 11-song solo debut CD, "Fall," remarkably showcases her abilities as a vocalist and songwriter. Her acoustic based arrangements are expanded by a talented cast of players. Legendary jazz and studio bassist Richard Davis, innovative funk drummer Clyde Stubblefield, violinist Randy Sabien, and percussionist Wally Ingram make special cameos as well. Released on the independent Rhythmelodic Records label, "Fall" was recorded at Wakefield Mines studio in Madison, WI and was produced by multi-instrumentalist Jay Moran, drummer/percussionist Dave Stanoch and Katy herself.
Since 1993, Katy has been performing her original contemporary/urban folk music at venues in the Twin Cities and throughout the region. She has been featured on Twin Cities Public Television's "NewsNight Minnesota" program, KMSP-TV's "The Buzz" and performed live on KFAI-Radio's folk music programs. Katy accompanies her singing by playing acoustic guitar or mandolin. She often performs in duo settings with guitar, bass, or percussion.
In the summer of 2000, Katy began incorporating a full band into select live performances around the region. Comprised of players featured on her solo debut, the band's sound reflects the fuller arrangements of the songs on Katy's CD. The group members' impeccable musicianship is a great compliment to Katy's dynamic stage presence and positive personality.
Katy is a member of the Minnesota Music Academy and Just Plain Folks, a
national grassroots music networking organization. She was a finalist in the
2000 Minnesota New Folk songwriting contest, and performed at the Minnesota
Folk Festival. Katy has a growing mailing list of over 400 names and
independently manages all booking and promotion.
Fall
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