MATTHEW SANTOS: SINGER/SONGWRITER

QUICKLY DISAPPEARING released 1/31/2012 by Singer Matthew Santos, the 3rd studio album from the Minnesota native, best known for his collaborations with Grammy-Award winning hip-hop artist Lupe Fiasco. From the hook man for Fiasco, Santos has switched genres, moving from the hip-hop glam to a practical passionate Folk rocker.
Santos’ vocals are featured on multiple tracks on Fiasco’s Gold Record THE COOL and most widely recognized on the Grammy-nominated single “Superstar”, the song was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the Grammy Awards of 2009

He may have had a lucrative career as a Hip Hop artist, but his heart was telling him it was not meant to be, and his aspirations of becoming a soul-folk-rocker, brought him back to earth and back to the dream he has for his career.

Santos moved to Chicago in 2001 to study music composition at Columbia College and from there he developed a career in 2 different worlds of music.

The vocal phrasing and style of Santos may remind you of James Morrison, from England (review Nov 2010). The voice is similar, but his sound is distinctive.

Santos is currently touring the country promoting his album without his band. Due to the state of the economy for the music business, he will try to pull off what sounds like some complicated tracks in a One Man Show to promote his music. He has world recognition, but no definition and this may make him stand out in the crowd.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaV9yPc_ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtERDrktlXc&feature=relmfuEYw

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CONTINO BAND

Contino Band, an electric roots band out of Las Vegas, with lead Pete Contino has released their debut Album BACK PORCH DOGMA. The Americana, rockabilly, zydeco, blues band, bring a distinctive sound as the talented musicians bring their skills with various instruments and vocal sounds that appeal to many genres.

The Group: Billy Truitt (The Kingsman of "Louie Louie" Fame) keyboards and spokesman for the band, Al Ek (The Spanic Boys 1985, & his own Band) slide guitar and harmonica, Jim Lovgren (30 years of professional experience; world concerts nightclubs and recording studios) drums, Rob Edwards (With his brothers has opened for The Stray Cats, Ted Nugent, and many more) upright bass player, and Pete Contino ( Son of world famous Dick Contino, accordion player , who made Lady of Spain a #1 hit back in the 1950’s) accordion and vocals. While Contino holds close his heritage, he has a much different style that embraces the music of today. Together the Contino Band has a chemistry that streams effortlessly as they trade the spotlight between each other, it seems almost instinctive.

They are movers and shakers, but they also bring a soft side. “Temptation” has a definite European flare; “Three Cool Cats” is a catchy rendition, “Nothin’ You Can Do” moody melody, and “Dog Day” all worth the price of a download.

Contino brings us a sound somewhat familiar but with a certain unique flavor, enhanced with the accordion and vocal style that make this group an engaging combination. You can see they enjoy what they do and doing it together ignites ones pleasure in their music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ivCCo72S6o



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RUTHIE FOSTER: SINGER/SONGWRITER

The Texas Singer/Songwriter Ruthie Foster just released her 5th studio album

LET IT BURN, out 1/31/2012. Foster,  a soulful southern blues singer with rock and roll rhythm and gospel overtones, added to a touch of country and jazz undertones is receiving great reviews for her latest effort. Ruthie has stepped out from behind the guitar and focused on singing and this album with covers and original songs show cases her earthy vocals.

Foster, a former member of the US Navy began singing with pride as part of a Navy band that played pop & funk hits at recruitment drives for the Navy. Following her tour of duty she ended up in New York, and landed a recording contract with Atlantis, but turned it down to explore various types of American music.

She went on to self release her debut album in 1997, and has been on the road touring with The Blind Boys from Alabama, and currently with Paul Thorn (Review April 2011)

You may see articles that sometimes compare her to Ella Fitzgerald, and Aretha, but the comparison is confounded. She is more in the line of Bonnie Raitt, but with a richer soulful voice dabbled with a little KoKo Taylor, Irma Thomas and a snip of Anita Baker. Ms. Foster is on the radar of the recording industry, because in 2009 she was nominated for a Grammy, and 2010 she was nominated for a Blues Music Award.

Maybe, just maybe Ruthie Foster is the next great female blues singer, which are few and far between.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl3xuJ0DWQY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjcCUFPKqGc&feature=related

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