This CD "Songs From a Charmed City" was the result of a juried songwriting competition held by the Baltimore Songwriters association. Over 80 songs were submitted by members of our organization. Judges from all across the music world volunteered their time to listen to all the wonderful songs submitted, and after a whole lot of listening, each judge selected his or her favorite 10 songs. This CD represents the top 20 songs submitted. This CD is also a celebration of the BSA's 10-year anniversary. Please check out each performers web page and information. And most of all thanks for supporting original music.
"Roses" written by Woody Lissauer
©2004 Balto-Mir Music (ASCAP)
www.woodylissauer.com
Woody Lissauer is a lifetime professional musician. Known as an innovative and virtuosic guitar player, he has also toured on keys and bass, exploring many more instruments on his original music CDs. Decades of constant playing, composing and working side by side with some of music’s top names have contributed to Woody’s eclectic and moving song-craft. He started guitar at the age of six with the result that the fingers on his left hand are noticeably longer than those of the right. Woody now alternates between recording and frequent touring, singing his version of the Baltimore sound around N. America and Europe.
"Everything Bounces"
performed by "The Stalking Horses"
written by Sarah Pinsker
©2007 spinsker music (ASCAP)
Sarah Pinsker got tired of playing solo coffeehouse shows, so she plugged her acoustic guitar into a DOD stompbox and recruited a band from the DC post-punk scene and the Baltimore rock clubs, combining intelligent songcraft with savage rock & roll. Sarah Pinsker & the Stalking Horses have gained a reputation for their energetic live show, playing bills from New York to Texas with Antigone Rising, Michelle Malone and more. Their music has been described as "blissfully ragged melodicism" (Baltimore Magazine) and compared to U2, Joan Jett, and Sixteen Horsepower. Sarah's first CD was produced by SONiA of disappear fear and released on SONiA's disappear records. Their new CD titled "This is your signal" is available now.
"Kiss his cheek and say goodbye"
written by Russ Haire
©2007 rustysongs Music
www.myspace.com/russhairemusic
Russ Haire is in his "second harvest" so to speak. A child of the sixties who wrote songs, played in bands, and appeared in the coffee houses/folk festival scene in his native Florida in the seventies and eighties. Russ has always been involved in the arts in some capacity, A photographer by day www.russhaire.com and a singer/songwriter by night. He has once again returned to his true love...writing songs as well as performing with his guitar.
"I will come for you"
written by Randall Williams
©2007 Musafir Music (BMI)
www.whereisrandall.com
Randall left the world of classical music largely behind, preferring to be with people than in front of them. Travel stories surface regularly in his songs, as do other languages and cultures.
"Ooh Rah"
performed by Second wind bandits
written by Bill Mulroney
©2007 Bill Mulroney (BMI)
Our songs explore the journey of life as we have lived it...the lessons learned along the way and the joys made possible by living with integrity. We are here to take you away from superficial fluff rock and to give you something deeper for your own life’s journey, just as we intend to keep exploring and appreciating all that life has to offer each and every day.
"Held Her" written by Susan Souza
©2005 (BMI)
With a "distinctive alto voice" that makes you "feel in spite of yourself," Susan Souza has an unforgettable name and delivery of passion. Although she describes herself as, "a rocker at heart," Susan's music crosses musical boundaries and reflects her eclectic rock, pop, and progressive influences. Her deep, expressive voice, strong stage presence, and melodic style demands attention while her lyrics reflect soul-searching questions that resonate with her listeners' lives today.
"Think Third World"
performed by John Seay
written by John Seay and Sarah Pinsker
©2005 Barking Beagle (BMI)
http://www.myspace.com/johnseayproductions
Dundalk native - Baltimore city resident. Began writing sons in the sixties. Performs regularly in the mid-atlantic region, produces CD's for himself and other singer/songwriters, keeps pretty busy. Has some issues, minor stuff really. Making progress . On path. Self described "Hell of a nice guy." Who can say?
"You Think It's Easy "
written by Robin Hodson
©2007 Lawn Malice Productions
www.robinhodson.com
Robin Hodson is a British songwriter and performer who moved to Baltimore in 2001. He works in the music software industry for Pro-Tools/Sibelius and runs a home studio when he's not on the road. He plays with the South Baltimore Sheiks, a local jug band, and also is involved extensively with choral and classical music.
"The Enemy"
written by Claudia SanSoucie
©2007
Claudia SanSoucie, originally from Nürnberg, Germany, picked up the guitar at age 9 and took to performing on the streets of Europe at age 16. In 1984, Claudia immigrated to the U.S. and called South-central Pennsylvania her home. Her musical adventures continued — from playing solo performances, to singing on commercials, to playing in several bands such as the popular band "The Moonbillies" — In 2000, she moved to Baltimore where she continues to perform as a solo artist in the Baltimore/Washington.D.C. area.
"Move on"
written by Moran-Hill-Hurwitz ©2007 www.studiounknown.com
Moran-Hill-Hurwitz ©2007
Moran/Hill/Hurwitz is an experienced songwriting team focused on chart-topping pop, rock, and contemporary country songs for select artists and well as film and television placement.
"America" written by Karyn Oliver
©2007 Karyn Oliver (ASCAP)
Karyn Oliver, an up-and-coming singer-songwriter from Baltimore, has been turning heads on both sides of the Atlantic with her skillful songwriting and a passionate, soulful voice that could break your heart through a brick wall. 2007 marks the release of Oliver’s debut CD, “Hurricane”, and critics have already begun to take notice. While showcasing a wide range of music styles is usually reserved for established artists, the diversity of Oliver’s music has been getting international rave reviews, simply because she pulls it off so easily.
"Sweet Comfort" by Pat Lakatta
©2005 Pat Lakatta (BMI)
Songwriter/singer Pat Lakatta’ diverse career spans 25 years. Her background in music has allowed her to work with children, parents and teachers giving interactive workshops and teaching music appreciation. Pat is a recipient of a Parent’s Choice Award( 2000) and MD State Arts Council Award for her CD release, Everybody’s Got a Place. Pat’s children’s music is published by Piano Press. She has composed a variety of musical styles, represented in previous BSA collections. Pat holds an undergraduate degree in music and communications from Goucher College and a graduate degree in marketing from The Johns Hopkins University. She owns and manages, Abrakadoodle Art.
"Spin The Blue Fix"
by Jay Graboski
Nita began her musical journey by entering the study of classical music, both voice and cello as a small child. In a sense, however, Nita’s true passion for music began when she found jazz. She has performed with many jazz greats on the East Coast. She has also appeared as a vocalist on numberous recordings by local artists. Nita is well known and respected as a composer and singer. She performs solo, with jazz trios, the pop duo "Ella's Umbrella" and the quartet "The Art of Meaning".
"Stack Of Coins"
Teporah (officially known as Deborah Bilezikian) combines introspective lyrics with an emotional vocal palette varying from upbeat and bluesy, to introspective and soulful. Her influences range from Debussy and Satie to such classic female songwriters as Laura Nyro, and Kate Bush. An accomplished pianist, her style ranges from sweet and soft to acrobatic jazz and blues. Catch her solo act at local coffee houses, featuring ballads with thoughtful, soul-searching lyrics.
"Open Heart Story"
by Paul Iwancio
©2005 The Art of Meaning (ASCAP)
Don’t be afraid of Paul Iwancio’s last name. It’s pronounced eye-wan-see-oh. A respected member of the music community, Paul is the founder and president emeritus of the Baltimore Songwriters Association. He has been writing and performing music for over 20 years now. Besides being a singer, guitarist, bassist and songwriter he is also a teacher, mentor, panelist and advocate for the arts and human rights. His energizing songs are about embracing hope and choosing joy.
"Down To This"
by Chris Vogt
Chris Vogt ©2006
Singer, songwriter Chris Vogt performed extensively during
her college years in and around
"I Am Not A Stranger" by Lea Jones
Lea Jones ©2007 (BMI)
Lea Jones's music career has finally begun to take off here on the right coast, fourteen years after Lea's arrival from the Pacific NW. Always a less than prolific songwriter, Jones emerged from a ten-year songwriting drought late in 2004, thanks in large part to the hilarious hijinx coming out of Washington DC. Since late 2006, though, Lea has sworn off political harrangues, focusing instead on 'songs of peace love and understanding from Bob Wills to Bob Marley with his new combo, The Swing States Road Show.
"Let It Play"
by David Berman
David Berman ©2007
Dave Berman has been writing songs for over 30 years and was active in the New York/New Jersey original music scene before moving to Maryland in 1994. Currently, Dave is playing with local musicians Jason Collender on keyboards and bass, Steve Conaway on drums, and John Guidera on guitar and bass. Dave also enjoys arranging and recording his music in his home studio. His newest musical passion is playing bass.
"Water Rites" by Joe Spatarella
Joe
has been playing music and writing songs since he got his first guitar
at 14. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York listening to Jimi Hendrix and
began his music career playing in hard rock bands. Over time, Joe's
music evolved to original acoustic folk-rock songs about politics,
social issues and an on-going struggle with time. A
resident of Maryland since 1987, he is a board member of the Baltimore
Songwriters Association (BSA) and has released two CD EP’s, “Some Other
Soul” and "Not What You Say".
