About me
My Current Video:
N'KENGE's performance of 'Everything to Me' at Mysti + Mandocello's RIO GRANDE event in New Mexico.
N'KENGE's performance of 'Everything to Me' at Mysti + Mandocello's RIO GRANDE event in New Mexico.
~~~ My Sellaband Story ~~~
I arrived at this brilliant site by a circuitous route, thanks to Clémence:
To improve my French I thought it a good idea to look at French broadcast websites, and while checking out the TF1 music page I came across CLÉMENCE's single 'La vie comme elle vient' and was struck by her unique voice and the romantic sentiments in the song. I managed to buy the CD on my next visit to France.
A quick Google found her website and the clips on it from her 'Mes jours' album. I emailed Clémence to find out why I couldn't get hold of these tracks and got the reply that the release was delayed due to re-recording some tracks in English to gain appreciation by a wider audience.
In trying to get first news of this album I looked at her several fansites and investigated a link to SELLABAND. I read how Sellaband worked and thought what a great idea to support new artistes and feel part of their successes. I was obviously devastated that I was too late to 'believe' in Clémence, but I saw the ad for Sellabration '07 with Clémence in it and resolved to go to AMS.
[See my blog about our AMS visit onwards]
Expand My Blog
Z09MAR08 - Heidi @ UK Unsigned Semi-Finals (The Theorem Complex, Willesden.LON.uk)
This was an interesting evening with artists of varying standards with a maximum of five places available in each of two categories, with the proviso that all artistes had to achieve 30 out of a possible 40 points to go forward to the final on 30MAR @ Hackney Empire.
The first category was for those aged 20-30 where Heidi made a great impression singing her own song "Way Down". When it came to announcing those who had succeeded it was stated that because the standard had been very high, each of the finalists would only have 4 instead of 5 minutes in the final to allow seven to go through. One of these naturally was Heidi!
As a contrast the standard in the over 30 category was only high enough to allow three to go through.
J21-S23FEB08 - Festival SellaBand Rio Grande (T&C.NM.us)
This was a great trip - our first to southern Arizona and New Mexico. The weather improved quickly from a day of rain to warm sunshine by the time we reached Truth or Consequences, a sleepy town almost in the middle of New Mexico surrounded by scrub desert and mountains. Mysti & Shawn (Mandocello) have both moved there and were there when we arrived on the Wednesday, together with Patsi (Moonbaby), Mechelle (Menvillemaniac) and Ray Baisden.
Sometime the next day we met Martha (MC), then Pim arrived with Jake (CubWorld) and Chris from the Netherlands who won a free trip by jumping naked into the North Sea! Hogdaddee arrived with John & Mike of Private Nation. The highlight of the trip just had to be collecting N'Kenge from Albuquerque!
Mysti and Shawn had done a wonderful job of organisation, sorting out venues, advertising and accommodation etc., besides all the detail related to their own performances. We were given plenty of opportunity to appreciate the skill and versatility of this unique combo in its three guises of Mysti, Mandocello and the fusion of the two that is Spellbox. They really worked their socks off both evenings!
Jake (CubWorld) gave us the benefit of renditions of all the tracks of his Sellaband album with his unique downhome style, and all this just 2 days after the birth of his daughter!
Two fourths of Private Nation, John and Mike, gave a sterling acoustic performance on the first evening despite being without the support of their other two members. On the second evening the Dusty Buskers gave a very energetic performance which set everybody's toes tapping.
I said that picking N'Kenge up was the highlight of the trip, but actually this was superseded by her two performances. She was not listed to sing on the first evening, but was persuaded to sing 'a capella' (unaccompanied). She sang Puccini's "O Mio Babbino Caro" from Gianni Schicchi which she made more acceptable to classicophobes by describing it as an accompaniment to a cheese commercial! She followed this by my favourite "Everything to Me". This was the first time I had seen and heard her sing, and it really blew me away. As I told her when she came off, I now fully understood I Hwa's comments on her SAB page, where she writes, "what would you do if you saw the most talented Artist ever not be properly noticed?"
On the second night N'Kenge used 'tracks' (CD player) as backing for some of her songs and for the rest Lucia Iman accompanied her on the keyboard. She was able to sing many more of her songs this time, all familiar to me including once more my favourite, this time accompanied. It was as much as I could do to prevent myself jigging in time to the music, but in this I was constrained by needing to try to keep my camcorder steady - I'm not sure I entirely succeeded!!
Lucia started her own set duetting with CubWorld followed by her own solo performance accompanying herself both on the keyboard and the guitar. The whole thing was over far too quickly, although we maximised our contact with N'Kenge by taking her back to Albuquerque to catch her flight back to NYC. During our stay I even shared a hot tub with N'Kenge - One day soon when she is world famous I'm sure that sort of thing would make the front page of some newspapers!!
I'm sure this review will seem biassed, but I cannot help myself having heard N'Kenge 'for real', and I'm sure all those at the venues were equally impressed.
Z03FEB08 - SellaGig UK Rebecka Haak (229TheVenue.LON.uk):
A regrettably low turnout for this gig, despite the presence of market-leader Kaitee Page! Despite this (or because of it?) a most pleasant evening.
F01FEB08 - SellaGig UK Rebecka Haak (Storm.LON.uk):
Sheet Metal led an all-star line-up for SellaGig part 1.
S26JAN08 - CD-RELEASEPARTY Two Way radio (AMS.nl):
As my wife, Suky had gone to Cape town for a visit to friends there, I went alone to Two Way Radio's concert in Amsterdam to mark the release of their CD.
I believe I was the only representative of Sellaband there, having been invited by Dorus, who plays lead guitar. They are not really active on SAB, having been busy with this CD, so have not attracted the attention I think they deserve.
They played to a packed Melkweg audience of about 700 each of which got a copy of the CD. There are 7 members of the band and they all contribute to the songwriting process. This contributes to the variety in their songs.
I am their chief Believer albeit with only 2 parts - there are three other Believers with one part each, but this gives a truly erroneous view of their worth - they just need more and wider exposure. This CD was self-financed but with Sellaband's help (if they haven't been snapped up by a traditional label) I believe they could make really good progress.
J29NOV07 - Sheet Metal @The Peel (KIN.uk):
As usual Dreb & Co blew the other two bands out of the water! Despite the rather colourful language which seems to be a sine qua non at metal gigs the words to their songs are understandable, which makes it a little more worthwhile writing them I expect! All in all a really enjoyable evening spent with some of the regulars (Isca, Martin, Lu & Co.).
F09NOV07 - Roll over Austria (SZG.at)
This was our second venture abroad to see a Sellaband gig and one I had been looking forward to, as in particular I liked the Solid Tube sound as being an unusual and therefore one of a kind variant of the country sound which is one of my favourite genres.
J01NOV07 - Kaitee Page (Clapham Grand.LON.uk)
I suppose I hoped for two outcomes in going to Kaitee's gig - first and foremost to hear and see her songs, which had already caught my ear on SAB performed live, and also to see what I could achieve in the way of photographic experience following an OU course. Although some of my concentration went into trying to get reasonable pictures in a challenging environment of mostly low lighting combined with almost constant movement of the subject, without using a flash, this didn't detract from appreciating the unique songs and delivery that Kaitee brings to her art.
Listening to Kaitee's skill with the three instruments she often uses in a single song - violin, keyboard and of course her voice when combined with her insightful lyrics is a uniquely pleasurable experience. It is also amazing that her lyrics and tunes cover a broad spectrum of subject matter and styles while at the same time remain true to Kaitee's sound.
Kaitee's was the first act of the evening and I stayed for the later two non-SAB offerings. Rebecca Poole and the Gentry followed by The Four Kornerz were both also very good and professional, but I couldn't help feeling that as the numbers in the audience built up through the evening, the late-comers had missed out on the best and most unique band of the evening.
Z21OCT07 - Ladysmith Black Mambazo (The Anvil,Basingstoke.uk)
I had wanted to see LBM live ever since hearing them in South Africa and buying several of their CDs there. It was a fantastic evening with many different songs, chants and dances. They were ably supported by Vusi Mahlasela who sang and told of his experiences in Apartheid-era South Africa.
18OCT07 - Sheet Metal : #1 UK metal band on SAB
I invited J-Lo, a colleague of mine to The Tumbledown in beautiful downtown Farnborough. She is my advisor in all things Metal. J-Lo has been a Metal fan for many years, whereas I only started to appreciate it this year!
There were two other bands on the menu bracketing Sheet Metal, which J'Lo described by a technical term...no, not that - 'thrash', which she has no liking for.
The guys introduced themselves and their entourages (as Dreb put it) to us
before they went on. Isca and Martin Nicholas I remembered from LR and UBG I recognised from his pix on various artistes' SAB pages.
As to the music - It was great to hear Twenty to Life and My Name is Law live - awesome :-))) ...AND...J-Lo gave it the thumbs up too!!!
Hope to see you at The Peel, guys.
07SEP07 - London Rising (LON.uk)
I know it's a bit late to say much about London Rising - it's all been said by Isca, Richard Markham and others. I'd just like to thank Richard for being the first to welcome my wife Susan (Suky) and I. We seem to lose Richard in the Storm (!), but we haven't forgotten we owe him a drink ;-D
Meantime if anyone wants to have a look at my pix they are on Flickr here.
22AUG07 - N'Kenge - a really lucky find
I seem to have been exceptionally lucky to come across such a talented artiste as N'Kenge within a few hours of her joining SBD and withing a day of my own joining.
Having listened to Goosebump Moment a couple of times I realised what a great voice she had, which with a powerful backing produced a polished performance.
I just had to believe in her, so at 0214 last night I completed my 'form-filling' for SBD and bought my first 2 parts. It is a great start to my interest (belief!) in SBD and feel very happy for N'Kenge now she is off to such a flying start with her first milestone of $1k reached already.
16AUG07 - SELLABRATION '07 (AMS.nl)
Our first impressions on joining the expectant crowd in the Leidseplein just before 1800 were of a really friendly group of people, all trying to help one another. I had expected to be part of the 'audience', but even though we were not yet 'believers' my wife and I immediately felt part (albeit a small part) of this great adventure the artistes were embarking on.
In the Leidsepleine Mel and Ian of Sunsoma welcomed us (we are hoping to see you again on the 7th!) before Francis Rodino arrived to entertain us. He so impressed us that my wife is about to 'believe' in him and I have to say that his enthusiastic rendering of 'Burn' then was if anything better than his recording.
Even though we were newcomers to the Sellaband scene it was difficult not to be caught up straight away in the excited atmosphere with my wife talking to several performing and non-performing artistes as they visited the WiFi Zone. I unfortunately was unable to get so personally involved as I spent most of the time video recording the performances so that I can show my friends what they had missed!
The only disappointment for me was that Clémence sang all three of her songs in English. I realise that a wider audience will appreciate the songs in English, but since she has already recorded the tracks in French, my hope is that she will also release the album in that language.
We came away several CDs and many memories the richer. The big 'downside' is that we talk incessantly about Sellaband and listen all day to random tracks so that not a lot else gets done! Thus I came upon N'Kenge who became the first artiste that I 'believed' in.
Now looking forward to hopefully seeing Sunsoma, Francis Rodino, Trail and Daniel Ward-Murphy at London Rising on 07SEP.
This was an interesting evening with artists of varying standards with a maximum of five places available in each of two categories, with the proviso that all artistes had to achieve 30 out of a possible 40 points to go forward to the final on 30MAR @ Hackney Empire.
The first category was for those aged 20-30 where Heidi made a great impression singing her own song "Way Down". When it came to announcing those who had succeeded it was stated that because the standard had been very high, each of the finalists would only have 4 instead of 5 minutes in the final to allow seven to go through. One of these naturally was Heidi!
As a contrast the standard in the over 30 category was only high enough to allow three to go through.
J21-S23FEB08 - Festival SellaBand Rio Grande (T&C.NM.us)
This was a great trip - our first to southern Arizona and New Mexico. The weather improved quickly from a day of rain to warm sunshine by the time we reached Truth or Consequences, a sleepy town almost in the middle of New Mexico surrounded by scrub desert and mountains. Mysti & Shawn (Mandocello) have both moved there and were there when we arrived on the Wednesday, together with Patsi (Moonbaby), Mechelle (Menvillemaniac) and Ray Baisden.
Sometime the next day we met Martha (MC), then Pim arrived with Jake (CubWorld) and Chris from the Netherlands who won a free trip by jumping naked into the North Sea! Hogdaddee arrived with John & Mike of Private Nation. The highlight of the trip just had to be collecting N'Kenge from Albuquerque!
Mysti and Shawn had done a wonderful job of organisation, sorting out venues, advertising and accommodation etc., besides all the detail related to their own performances. We were given plenty of opportunity to appreciate the skill and versatility of this unique combo in its three guises of Mysti, Mandocello and the fusion of the two that is Spellbox. They really worked their socks off both evenings!
Jake (CubWorld) gave us the benefit of renditions of all the tracks of his Sellaband album with his unique downhome style, and all this just 2 days after the birth of his daughter!
Two fourths of Private Nation, John and Mike, gave a sterling acoustic performance on the first evening despite being without the support of their other two members. On the second evening the Dusty Buskers gave a very energetic performance which set everybody's toes tapping.
I said that picking N'Kenge up was the highlight of the trip, but actually this was superseded by her two performances. She was not listed to sing on the first evening, but was persuaded to sing 'a capella' (unaccompanied). She sang Puccini's "O Mio Babbino Caro" from Gianni Schicchi which she made more acceptable to classicophobes by describing it as an accompaniment to a cheese commercial! She followed this by my favourite "Everything to Me". This was the first time I had seen and heard her sing, and it really blew me away. As I told her when she came off, I now fully understood I Hwa's comments on her SAB page, where she writes, "what would you do if you saw the most talented Artist ever not be properly noticed?"
On the second night N'Kenge used 'tracks' (CD player) as backing for some of her songs and for the rest Lucia Iman accompanied her on the keyboard. She was able to sing many more of her songs this time, all familiar to me including once more my favourite, this time accompanied. It was as much as I could do to prevent myself jigging in time to the music, but in this I was constrained by needing to try to keep my camcorder steady - I'm not sure I entirely succeeded!!
Lucia started her own set duetting with CubWorld followed by her own solo performance accompanying herself both on the keyboard and the guitar. The whole thing was over far too quickly, although we maximised our contact with N'Kenge by taking her back to Albuquerque to catch her flight back to NYC. During our stay I even shared a hot tub with N'Kenge - One day soon when she is world famous I'm sure that sort of thing would make the front page of some newspapers!!
I'm sure this review will seem biassed, but I cannot help myself having heard N'Kenge 'for real', and I'm sure all those at the venues were equally impressed.
Z03FEB08 - SellaGig UK Rebecka Haak (229TheVenue.LON.uk):
A regrettably low turnout for this gig, despite the presence of market-leader Kaitee Page! Despite this (or because of it?) a most pleasant evening.
F01FEB08 - SellaGig UK Rebecka Haak (Storm.LON.uk):
Sheet Metal led an all-star line-up for SellaGig part 1.
S26JAN08 - CD-RELEASEPARTY Two Way radio (AMS.nl):
As my wife, Suky had gone to Cape town for a visit to friends there, I went alone to Two Way Radio's concert in Amsterdam to mark the release of their CD.
I believe I was the only representative of Sellaband there, having been invited by Dorus, who plays lead guitar. They are not really active on SAB, having been busy with this CD, so have not attracted the attention I think they deserve.
They played to a packed Melkweg audience of about 700 each of which got a copy of the CD. There are 7 members of the band and they all contribute to the songwriting process. This contributes to the variety in their songs.
I am their chief Believer albeit with only 2 parts - there are three other Believers with one part each, but this gives a truly erroneous view of their worth - they just need more and wider exposure. This CD was self-financed but with Sellaband's help (if they haven't been snapped up by a traditional label) I believe they could make really good progress.
J29NOV07 - Sheet Metal @The Peel (KIN.uk):
As usual Dreb & Co blew the other two bands out of the water! Despite the rather colourful language which seems to be a sine qua non at metal gigs the words to their songs are understandable, which makes it a little more worthwhile writing them I expect! All in all a really enjoyable evening spent with some of the regulars (Isca, Martin, Lu & Co.).
F09NOV07 - Roll over Austria (SZG.at)
This was our second venture abroad to see a Sellaband gig and one I had been looking forward to, as in particular I liked the Solid Tube sound as being an unusual and therefore one of a kind variant of the country sound which is one of my favourite genres.
J01NOV07 - Kaitee Page (Clapham Grand.LON.uk)
I suppose I hoped for two outcomes in going to Kaitee's gig - first and foremost to hear and see her songs, which had already caught my ear on SAB performed live, and also to see what I could achieve in the way of photographic experience following an OU course. Although some of my concentration went into trying to get reasonable pictures in a challenging environment of mostly low lighting combined with almost constant movement of the subject, without using a flash, this didn't detract from appreciating the unique songs and delivery that Kaitee brings to her art.
Listening to Kaitee's skill with the three instruments she often uses in a single song - violin, keyboard and of course her voice when combined with her insightful lyrics is a uniquely pleasurable experience. It is also amazing that her lyrics and tunes cover a broad spectrum of subject matter and styles while at the same time remain true to Kaitee's sound.
Kaitee's was the first act of the evening and I stayed for the later two non-SAB offerings. Rebecca Poole and the Gentry followed by The Four Kornerz were both also very good and professional, but I couldn't help feeling that as the numbers in the audience built up through the evening, the late-comers had missed out on the best and most unique band of the evening.
Z21OCT07 - Ladysmith Black Mambazo (The Anvil,Basingstoke.uk)
I had wanted to see LBM live ever since hearing them in South Africa and buying several of their CDs there. It was a fantastic evening with many different songs, chants and dances. They were ably supported by Vusi Mahlasela who sang and told of his experiences in Apartheid-era South Africa.
18OCT07 - Sheet Metal : #1 UK metal band on SAB
I invited J-Lo, a colleague of mine to The Tumbledown in beautiful downtown Farnborough. She is my advisor in all things Metal. J-Lo has been a Metal fan for many years, whereas I only started to appreciate it this year!
There were two other bands on the menu bracketing Sheet Metal, which J'Lo described by a technical term...no, not that - 'thrash', which she has no liking for.
The guys introduced themselves and their entourages (as Dreb put it) to us
before they went on. Isca and Martin Nicholas I remembered from LR and UBG I recognised from his pix on various artistes' SAB pages.
As to the music - It was great to hear Twenty to Life and My Name is Law live - awesome :-))) ...AND...J-Lo gave it the thumbs up too!!!
Hope to see you at The Peel, guys.
07SEP07 - London Rising (LON.uk)
I know it's a bit late to say much about London Rising - it's all been said by Isca, Richard Markham and others. I'd just like to thank Richard for being the first to welcome my wife Susan (Suky) and I. We seem to lose Richard in the Storm (!), but we haven't forgotten we owe him a drink ;-D
Meantime if anyone wants to have a look at my pix they are on Flickr here.
22AUG07 - N'Kenge - a really lucky find
I seem to have been exceptionally lucky to come across such a talented artiste as N'Kenge within a few hours of her joining SBD and withing a day of my own joining.
Having listened to Goosebump Moment a couple of times I realised what a great voice she had, which with a powerful backing produced a polished performance.
I just had to believe in her, so at 0214 last night I completed my 'form-filling' for SBD and bought my first 2 parts. It is a great start to my interest (belief!) in SBD and feel very happy for N'Kenge now she is off to such a flying start with her first milestone of $1k reached already.
16AUG07 - SELLABRATION '07 (AMS.nl)
Our first impressions on joining the expectant crowd in the Leidseplein just before 1800 were of a really friendly group of people, all trying to help one another. I had expected to be part of the 'audience', but even though we were not yet 'believers' my wife and I immediately felt part (albeit a small part) of this great adventure the artistes were embarking on.
In the Leidsepleine Mel and Ian of Sunsoma welcomed us (we are hoping to see you again on the 7th!) before Francis Rodino arrived to entertain us. He so impressed us that my wife is about to 'believe' in him and I have to say that his enthusiastic rendering of 'Burn' then was if anything better than his recording.
Even though we were newcomers to the Sellaband scene it was difficult not to be caught up straight away in the excited atmosphere with my wife talking to several performing and non-performing artistes as they visited the WiFi Zone. I unfortunately was unable to get so personally involved as I spent most of the time video recording the performances so that I can show my friends what they had missed!
The only disappointment for me was that Clémence sang all three of her songs in English. I realise that a wider audience will appreciate the songs in English, but since she has already recorded the tracks in French, my hope is that she will also release the album in that language.
We came away several CDs and many memories the richer. The big 'downside' is that we talk incessantly about Sellaband and listen all day to random tracks so that not a lot else gets done! Thus I came upon N'Kenge who became the first artiste that I 'believed' in.
Now looking forward to hopefully seeing Sunsoma, Francis Rodino, Trail and Daniel Ward-Murphy at London Rising on 07SEP.
Expand 
In the spotlight_
N'KENGE...PERFORMING IN MONTE CARLON'Kenge has been impressing listeners to her music ever since she started with SAB with her multi-language, multi-genre versatility, strong trained soprano voice and her sheer enthusiasm.
She sees it as a daily goal not only to keep in touch with her believers, but to spread her incredibly infectious happiness - just look at this part of a Forum post from her:
"...I know that I am so lucky to be apart of this SAB community and if I can bring fun, laughs, joy or any emotion to someone on SAB either through my music or my uhmmmm....charrrrrrming personality...I know that I have done my job for the day;-)"
So just head on over to her page and listen to her varied songs - you'll find they're all great and will have a big impact on the wider international listening public when her CD is released.
_____ Become a Believer today _____
______ You know you want to! ______
She sees it as a daily goal not only to keep in touch with her believers, but to spread her incredibly infectious happiness - just look at this part of a Forum post from her:
"...I know that I am so lucky to be apart of this SAB community and if I can bring fun, laughs, joy or any emotion to someone on SAB either through my music or my uhmmmm....charrrrrrming personality...I know that I have done my job for the day;-)"
So just head on over to her page and listen to her varied songs - you'll find they're all great and will have a big impact on the wider international listening public when her CD is released.
_____ Become a Believer today _____
______ You know you want to! ______
Expand I Believe in_
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My Parts
| Artist | Believed | Parts | ||||
 |
N'KENGE...PERFORMING IN MONTE CARLO | 22.08.07 | 76 | |||
BREAKING NEWS!!! N'KENGE HAS NEW GROUND-BREAKING INCENTIVES! N'Kenge's undoubted musical talents were acquired through studying and graduating from the Juilliard School in NYC followed by lots of experience in many venues. She sings in a wide range of genres and a huge range of languages, and now has a new range of incentives including a personalised mobile phone greeting, a song written just for YOU and even singing in your own living room! N'Kenge (pron. NaKengie) is a lovely lady - she is very active on Sellaband and has a wish not only to keep her fans up-to-date but to make their day just that little bit better. Believe in this multi-talented young lady: N'Kenge is a sure-fire winner - up to and beyond the $50k! | ||||||
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Heidi | 03.03.08 | 12 | |||
Heidi is a very talented singer songwriter, new to SAB on 01Mar08. I have been in touch with her ever since I came across her on FameCast, a (in my eyes at least) discredited website. After she unexpectedly fell out of the contest from No.1 in category I encouraged her to try Sellaband...and here she is! She is a very determined young lady and if you listen to her songs I think you'll agree they have that certain 'something' that makes them somehow special, and her voice obviously matches them perfectly. She not only writes for herself but also notably for a hot girl band Touch2Wild (H&S warning: watch you don't burn your fingers if you visit their site!). All in all a very talented, and attractive young lady. | ||||||
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Lori Greco | 10.05.08 | 5 | |||
What a lovely lady - she has invited me round for a cup of tea. (to be completed) | ||||||
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THE TONIC RAYS....please help us hit 2 K!!!!!!!!! | 04.04.08 | 5 | |||
This is a band of people from different countries who have put down temporary roots in Thailand. Drawing on their differing cultures they produce songs which are both varied and are also in a way which is difficult to describe 'different'. | ||||||
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Gisel de Marco - 24k!!! thank you Christian and Fabian!!! xxx NEW WEBPAGE!!! | 02.04.08 | 5 | |||
Having seen her in action at Phil Sommerby's SellAParty recently, I can say with confidence that this is a lady that is going places! Even at this event she left the stage several times during her songs to mix with the guests and got them all clapping in time to the music, also persuading several to take part vocally! My personal favourite is her rendering of "Don't Cry for me Argentina" which she sings in her native Spanish. I am a fan of songs sung in their original language or in the language to which they are most relevant. Although Gisel is completely capable singing in English, I am glad that she is likely always to sing a part of her repertoire in Spanish. Finally, Gisel is a lovely person with an engaging personality who is also extremely interesting to have a discussion with. | ||||||
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Sheet Metal * | 27.11.07 | 5 | |||
Let me say at first that whenever I have been to one of Sheet Metal's gigs I can easily say that in my opinion they have produced music and a sound which was far and away better than the other bands. My colleague who is an expert in the Metal genre has also given the same opinion - so maybe I'm learning :) Grim recently commented to me saying "I hope my foul ups were not noticed too much!" and "try not to be too harsh mate..." referring to this review. Obviously I wouldn't want to do that or the whole crew would be round my house to duff me up =:-D Seriously though, referring back to my distant memories of attempting to play the guitar I can say that there is a hell of a lot of expertise there with complex solos played in a confident and relaxed way with not a hint of a note wrong - and I have played the videos through several times now ;-P For me the most noticable quality that this band brings is the calibre of the lyrics and - unusual in a Metal band - clarity of delivery by Dreb - it really adds to the listening experience. It would be worthwhile for them to be posted in their blog, as Kaitee Page usually does with hers. All in all I would have to agree that they are the '#1 U.K. Metal Act on Sellaband'!!! | ||||||
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Laïxa | 25.11.07 | 4 | |||
Paméla and Chris, who always prefer to be known as Laïxa are very talented in picture-painting with their songs. Listening to the music of Laïxa transports you into a world of dreams and cauchemars; a lovely almost onomatopoeic word for nightmares...a world of contrasts...of contrary thoughts, tumbling one over another. They describe the lyrics as leading you astray , Agatha Christie-like, before finally revealing a surprising dénuement. My French isn't yet up to confirming this description, so for the moment I'll be content just being transported... | ||||||
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Banshee Celtic Band, new Video!* | 13.04.08 | 3 | |||
080413 | ||||||
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The Collaboration Project | 30.05.08 | 2 | |||
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Dandelium - NEW SONG!! | 10.01.08 | 2 | |||
Having only recently been introduced into the metal world by a colleague, as a hard genre devoid of soft emotion which suited me admirably at the time, it has taken me a while to absorb the differences between the sub-genres. One of my favourites now is Symphonic, such as Nightwish and Sirenia and in my humble, amateur opinion Dandelium is well up to their standard in instrumental mode and outstanding in the 'Stronger' collaboration with Tiffany Gow. Dandelium should be well up there towards the $50,000. I feel that with a good female lead vocalist Dandelium will be unbeatable! | ||||||
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TwoWayRadio(.nl) | 20.10.07 | 2 | |||
I am really surprised that even though it has been a short time since TWR has been in the SAB family no Believers have been forthcoming since the original two. I find that the 3 pieces of music they have uploaded are quite varied and indeed the lineup is unusual and gives them quite a lot of flexibility, which they have taken full advantage of. The driving Wheels on Fire and the sultry Come have made a big impression on me and will do on the many Believers that their music deserves. The music may still make a big impression if there are more visitors to the 2WR page - get out there guys and make yourselves known on the Forum threads!!! Enjoy the ride on SAB, These guys are really worth listening to - their music is really memorable and varied!!! Dave | ||||||
![Nearfield™ ® [The Nears]](/nearfield/photo/search.jpeg) |
Nearfield™ ® [The Nears] | 25.11.07 | 1 | |||
Nearfield have great talent and produce a variety of songs of their own together with some memorable collaborations with other Sellaband artists. A case of even 'Stronger' together - surely a good title for a collab song hahaha. We met Alexx and Olga in Salzburg - really nice people and as others have said great supporters of other artists - I am often coming across their name in my wanderings about SAB!! | ||||||
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Lorraine Jones | 21.11.07 | 1 | |||
What a lovely lady - a great singer with a range of songs that have both moving lyrics and powerful melodies - a very attractive package indeed! | ||||||
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Fanny FRAISSE | 26.10.07 | 1 | |||
A great voice and good songs which transport you to the balmy climate and traditions of the Languedoc - Roussillon region of southern France. Listen to her songs both on SAB and on her own website and leave a comment. | ||||||
Recording
| Artist | Believed | Parts | ||||
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LUNIC (Kaitee Page) | 01.11.07 | 12 | |||
Where to start to review Kaitee Page? I'll consider her from three points of view (there are many more!): Firstly she is an accomplished musician who combines playing the violin and keyboards with varied but always 'different' vocals. Having been to one of her concerts I can say that the performance is every bit as good as the recordings and with the added excitement of her actual performance. I would have thought that it was quite a feat to transmit the excitement that an artist feels while being 'tied' to a keyboard, but kaitee accomplishes this exceedingly well! Secondly she is a songwriter whose lyrics are full of feeling and emotion and whose melodies are a unique and far from simple blend of rock and classical sounds. I really appreciate the fact that Kaitee puts the lyrics to her songs on the info tab of her profile - they are well worthwhile reading separately. Thirdly she is a smart cookie who comes up with sets of well-reasoned incentives, together with efficient ways of promoting them and herself including a very naturally presented video blog. This is a great way of presenting herself as a three-dimensional complete person especially to the many people who would otherwise not be able to see her by visiting one of her concerts. She is a complex lady (aren't they all haha) and I have only commented briefly here, but I have a great deal of respect for this young lady and know that she will make a big impact on the music-buying public before long. | ||||||
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LAdy hAidEe | 03.11.07 | 8 | |||
I would start by assuming that everyone knows Lady Haidée - she is a mainstay of what Sellaband is - part of Pim's philosophy is to bring forward artistes who are not mainstream (whatever that means!) but 'different' in some way to introduce variety into the music industry. Haidée always aims to be mysterious and undoubtedly sexy. I particularly like the description of a fantasy about her from an 'admirer' on her profile blog tab under 23OCT07 - go and read it! I think I could empathise with the writer, were I in such a position! She deliberately cultivates this fairytale air of mystery and sensuality in many of the lyrics of her songs and then tops the songs off with such a laid-back presentation that it suggests to you that she is singing slightly flat, but however she achieves this effect, it really works and definitely achieves her aims! She always seems to be acting and even has amusing snippets of a film called 'Screaming Blue Murder' up on YouTube, one of which perhaps seeded the anonymous admirer's fantasy! | ||||||
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Mysti Mayhem | 15.09.07 | 5 | |||
♫♪♫♪---► Well on the way to the Final Count Down ◄---♫♪♫♪ Will it happen BEFORE or DURING the Rio Grande Festival ??? Either way that well-deserved prize can only be a few days away now! ►♫♪◄►♫♪◄Congratulations on the $45k, Mysti►♫♪◄►♫♪◄ | ||||||
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Francis Rodino | 30.09.07 | 2 | |||
... With Suky Thank you for bringing back 'Drink'...I thought I would die of thirst!!! ♫♪ ♫♪ ♫♪ C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s ♫♪ ♫♪ ♫♪ ♫♪ ♫♪ ♫♪ FRB ♫♪ ♫♪ ♫♪ Our great introduction to Sellaband was Fran & Nik playing in the Leidseplein square in AMS, even singing that "Any closer" phrase from 'Burn' to the passengers getting off the tram!!! I need a fix of FRB every now and then - even MORE than a drink :-) They ARE Sellaband to both Suky and me. He is so genuinely loyal to his Believers, that you can only return that loyalty - he gets in your blood =:-P> | ||||||
Wish List
| Artist | Added | |||||
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Zephyr | 16.09.07 | ||||
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Jasmine Kay | 05.12.07 | ||||
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JULIANA MEYER | 16.12.07 | ||||
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Elina_Thalie | 27.09.07 | ||||
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Matt Byers | 27.09.07 | ||||
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Marijke | 27.10.07 | ||||
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TELEPATHY* | 02.01.08 | ||||
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Wildcat*New Video and Song*Fragile | 27.09.07 | ||||
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SUNSOMA | 05.04.08 | ||||
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SPELLBOX | 11.03.08 | ||||
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Radius - TV promo online now!RADIUS @ TV Noord! | 15.09.07 | ||||
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Jul 24 2008 15:59 CET Gisel de Marco - 24k!!! thank you Christian and Fabian!!! xxx NEW WEBPAGE!!!
Dave!!!!!!!!!!!!!! great pic!!! :DDDDD
Your warder is really happy!!! So, is Sue playing my role of bad girl now? is she making you walk? she should!!! I'll write to her right away!!! :D
Thank you sweet Dave...You can't imagine how much I miss you and all your beautiful family :(
xx
Gi
Jul 23 2008 21:07 CET Inge M 2 k!!!!! and new song
Ohhh how nice picture of you and Gisel!!! I heard you were taking such good care of her! Now I am looking forward to seeing her again!!!
xx Inge
Jul 20 2008 16:22 CET Lori Greco
Oh!
What an amazing story!!!!! What an enormous PM!!!!!
Well, I have become used to them by now...and love you for them.
Now, about your warder...shall we gang up on her?
If she is not happy about the story you told me, perhaps she could let you out of jail for free.
We could use the story as blackmail you see!!! PLUS you have given me the direct link to that famous photo....
It might make some VERY interesting reading in the Forum- all those eyes reading your story....
What do you think?
I await your instructions - with a celebratory drink!
A big kiss gaolman,
Till your freedom,
Lori xxx
Jul 18 2008 02:41 CET Lori Greco
We are close enough friends that I think if I ask her, she will send it!
Let me see...
Lori xxx
Jul 18 2008 02:22 CET Lori Greco
Ah!!!
Lovely Dave!
It's always a joy when you pass by my page and leave me your stories!
So if they have let you out for a bit of exercise, that's great. I am preparing stacks of toast with loads of dripping for you!
Not the right thing to eat after your exercise, but yes ... Mum's the word!!
I hate to see a man starve....
With a big kiss through the bars,
Lori xxx
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Jul 24 2008 15:59 CET Gisel de Marco - 24k!!! thank you Christian and Fabian!!! xxx NEW WEBPAGE!!!
Dave!!!!!!!!!!!!!! great pic!!! :DDDDD
Your warder is really happy!!! So, is Sue playing my role of bad girl now? is she making you walk? she should!!! I'll write to her right away!!! :D
Thank you sweet Dave...You can't imagine how much I miss you and all your beautiful family :(
xx
Gi
Jul 23 2008 21:07 CET Inge M 2 k!!!!! and new song
Ohhh how nice picture of you and Gisel!!! I heard you were taking such good care of her! Now I am looking forward to seeing her again!!!
xx Inge
Jul 20 2008 16:22 CET Lori Greco
Oh!
What an amazing story!!!!! What an enormous PM!!!!!
Well, I have become used to them by now...and love you for them.
Now, about your warder...shall we gang up on her?
If she is not happy about the story you told me, perhaps she could let you out of jail for free.
We could use the story as blackmail you see!!! PLUS you have given me the direct link to that famous photo....
It might make some VERY interesting reading in the Forum- all those eyes reading your story....
What do you think?
I await your instructions - with a celebratory drink!
A big kiss gaolman,
Till your freedom,
Lori xxx
Jul 18 2008 02:41 CET Lori Greco
We are close enough friends that I think if I ask her, she will send it!
Let me see...
Lori xxx
Jul 18 2008 02:22 CET Lori Greco
Ah!!!
Lovely Dave!
It's always a joy when you pass by my page and leave me your stories!
So if they have let you out for a bit of exercise, that's great. I am preparing stacks of toast with loads of dripping for you!
Not the right thing to eat after your exercise, but yes ... Mum's the word!!
I hate to see a man starve....
With a big kiss through the bars,
Lori xxx
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