CD Reviews by Lisa D. Smith
Tracey Lee Nelson & The Native Blues Band         Jon Sherman        Scott Sullivan
Radio Free Earth

Music is one of the oldest forms of communication, celebration, preservation, and healing. These four CDs are creations by musicians and storytellers who have used their talents and tools to broaden our horizons, awaken our senses, reconnect with nature and self, and most of all - be entertained.

'COMMODITY BLUES' - TRACEY LEE NELSON & THE NATIVE BLUES BAND: Sharing a glimpse and feel of life on a reservation, 'Commodity Blues' reminds you of what's real - and keeps you real. A true bluesman, Tracy Lee Nelson is a master storyteller with a deep, passionate voice and an outstanding guitarist with a powerful band to back him. 'Commodity Blues' is alive with variety - from 'Rez Rider' that rocks with a driving blues shuffle, 'Mesa Grande' that features the Delta style slide guitar; to 'La Jolla River' that bursts with a youthful and contemporary feel, and the simple and traditional blues harp and vocals on 'One Step in Your Grave'. Based in the La Jolla Indian Reservation in San Diego County, The Native Blues Band is made up of Tracy Lee Nelson (Luiseño/Diegueño) on guitar and vocals, Ryan Ramos (Mississiniwa/Miami) on harmonica, Harold Hill (Diegueño/Chippewa) on bass, John Ruiz on keyboards, and Benny Magante (Luiseño) on drums. To buy "Commodity Blues' or to get band info and schedule, visit www.NativeBluesBand.com

'UNDER THE OAKS' - SEVEN BIRD SONGS OF THE CALIFORNIA OAK WOODLAND - JON SHERMAN This CD celebrates the bird and natural habitat of the California oak woodland. Accompanied by the beautiful, soothing sounds of Jon Sherman on the Native American Flute, it features the authentic vocalizations of the Red Tail Hawk, Acorn Woodpecker, American Robin, Anna's Hummingbird, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, and Hermit Thrush. Listening to this musical connection between nature and man, one is immediately transported to a calmness - similar to what you would feel when relaxing under an oak tree, listening to the chatter of the birds, and the rustling of the leaves. Jon Sherman is a master when it comes to capturing the essence of nature and sharing it's beauty. Jon recorded, mixed, duplicated and printed 'Under the Oaks' with solar power. To purchase the CD, all or visit Four Seasons Gallery at 6013 Park Dr., Wrightwood, CA. (760) 249-3712. For more about Jon Sherman, visit www.rokcircle.com

'THE CRUSHWATER SYMPHONY' - SCOTT SULLIVAN Real life and real love is never dull - so neither is this album. It hits home with an honest yet light-hearted edge, that can only be carried off with strong song-writing skills, musicianship and composition - Scott Sullivan definitely has all that - plus a good set of pipes. 'The Crushwater Symphony' is an entertaining storybook with a good beat. To hear MP3s, order 'The Crushwater Symphony', or get performance dates - visit www.scottsullivanmusic.com

'CROSSOVER' - RADIO FREE EARTH Radio Free Earth is a musically versatile roots trio that plays all 'the good stuff'. Dubbing their style as "Crossover Music" - blues, country, rock 'n roll, folk and everything in between - they do great songs by unknown people, unknown songs by great people and awesome originals. Radio Free Earth is made up of song-writer, singer and guitarist Josh Wachtel; his wife and vocalist Kimberly Repa; and Joe Hutchinson on upright bass, and vocals. For a copy of 'Crossover', info and performance schedules, visit www.radiofreeearth.com