From Early Influences—to singing in the City by the Bay

Growing up in Pennsauken, NJ, Jeffrey was exposed to music at an early age. He began singing as much as possible—from choral groups to school and community theater musicals, including roles in Guys and Dolls, Grease, How to Succeed in Business and Little Shop of Horrors—and credits his public school education for fueling a lifelong love of music and theater. After college, Jeffrey moved from Philadelphia to San Francisco, a move that changed his life. “The city opened many doors for me,” Jeffrey fondly recalls, “I met friends I will have for life, very talented musicians and I really grew as an individual.” He joined the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, and over five years recorded three CDs with the group, performed at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall, and alongside Megan Mullally, the late Nell Carter and Joanna Gleason. But while it would appear that everything was great—for Jeffrey, musically, something was missing.

Facing his path in life—with determination and passion

In 2002, Jeffrey moved to Portland to take a day gig that was “too good to turn down.” Here, at a company event, he was asked to sing a few numbers. Afterwards, coworkers and guests alike were asking him what he already knew: Why aren’t you doing anything with your music? It was at this time that Jeffrey remembered something Linda Christian (his first vocal teacher and a member of the Singers’ Workshop in SF) said: “accept your path in life and don’t fight it.” Within a few years, Jeffrey was in NYC, pursuing his music - and never looking back.

The move to NYC—honing his craft with some of the city’s top teachers

In New York, Jeffrey began studying with Patrick Wickham and Kevin Wilson at Wickham Vocal Studios, where the emphasis is on crafting the song and getting “into the head” of the character—something that immediately helped Jeffrey’s stage performance. This past fall, he had the opportunity to study with Billy Porter in an advanced vocal performance class and credits all three of these amazing teachers for the growth he has achieved. “I think it's the honest approach they have that I admire the most. Nothing is sugarcoated, it’s all very direct.” Besides making Jeffrey a better singer, this tough-love approach is perfectly fine for someone whose favorite quote has always been from Dr. Seuss: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter.”

Jeffrey Wilgus—a singular voice

Of course, a big part of what makes Wilgus such an engaging presence is his voice, which can cover a wide range of ground; he’s equally comfortable singing his own up-tempo, driving pop songs—or a laidback swing tune, soft piano ballad, or rollicking Billy Joel cover. His own original lyrics only add to the power of Jeffrey’s voice: they are optimistic, but realistic; tough, but sensitive. And while Jeffrey may strive to “Be who you are and say what you feel”, that can, at times, be a bit difficult, because our lives are, of course, shared with others, as he eloquently states in “I Don’t Get What I Give”: “I don’t get what I give. It’s a simple lesson you learn as you live. Walk that fine line; don’t give too much, just enough to stay in touch.”

Promoting Signature—with an eye towards Broadway

Jeffrey is currently promoting his recently-released CD, Signature; produced by the renowned Haim Cotton (on the faculty of the New School, and who has recorded with a long list of vocal and jazz heavyweights). Jeffrey will also continue to gig around NYC (recent performances have included The Triad, Rose’s Turn, Don’t Tell Mama’s, Danny’s Skylight Ballroom, the D-lounge and Dillon’s.) Constantly challenging himself—as both a singer and songwriter—Jeffrey is already at work on his next CD of all original songs. He is also continuing his studies at the Wickman Vocal School with Billy Porter, focusing on Musical Theater—with an eye on Broadway for the not-too-distant future.

And wherever he ends up, we’re just glad that Jeffrey Wilgus is who he is and is singing what he feels.

The Distractions hold the song up above all else. With over 300 under their belt, they know songs well. They are a band of brothers, having spent their entire lives together, playing, writing, recording, touring, and rocking together. As life moves forward and sideways, the music maintains, sustains, and permeates all. The SONG is the key.

The Distractions are professionals who do not allow the profession to interfere with the art... or the fun. The album, is fantastic. There are eleven songs, some rock hard, some are just a good time, and others softly carry you along. They all matter. And they're damn good.

Award Winning Artist Debbie Hennessey Releases Good As Gone Music Video

Award Winning Artist Debbie Hennessey has just released her first music video for the song Good As Gone, from her new CD of the same name. Directed by Zach Jordan of Macatawa Pictures, the video was shot entirely in High Definition over two days and two locations. The video is a cinematic performance piece that showcases Hennessey’s distinct vocals and engaging personality.

Day 1 was shot at Woodcliff Studio, where the entire Good As Gone cd was recorded. The video starts here and shows Hennessey close-up and interacting with the audience through the camera. Day 2 was shot in Llano, CA in the High Desert northeast of Los Angeles. With the desert in the foreground and the snow covered mountains in the background the scenery is one of rugged beauty and open spaces. Here Director of Photography Glenn Sauber uses abandoned buildings, open spaces and endless roads to striking effect, shooting Hennessey in the various settings and capturing the energy of one of her live performances.

To view the video, please visit one of these sites: http://www.debbiehennessey.com, http://www.youtube.com/dhenn1, www.myspace.com/debbiehennessey or right here at MusicSubmit.

The song Good As Gone was written by Mark Luna and Richard Wold and is a powerful song about self-realization and finding the strength to follow your dreams. The music grabs you from the first beat and with an undeniably hooky melody stays with you long after the last note. The video truly captures the emotion of this powerful and uplifting song.

The Macatawa Pictures crew includes: Executive Producer/Director - Zach Jordan; DP/Editor - Glenn Sauber; Audio Playback - Juan Reynoso; Hair/Makeup - Sherilyn Segal; PA - Jose Lizaola. They can be contacted through the website at http://www.macatawa.tv

As an added bonus for fans, behind the scenes photos and amusing notes on the filming of the Good As Gone music video are available on Hennessey’s website at http://www.debbiehennessey.com/photos-group-22.html

Debbie Hennessey is the winner of the AC40 Female Artist of the Year from New Music Weekly, an ASCAPlus Award recipient, was included on CDs from CMT New Music Collection, GoGirls MusicFest and the MS Music Fest, received a Billboard World Song Contest Honorable Mention, named Best Vocalist of the Month by SingerUniverse, and a Two-Time Artist of the Month by Songsalive! Her music is a blend of country/rock/soul, with distinctive vocals and catchy melodies. Debbie’s new cd, Good As Gone and debut cd Rustic Heart, were both produced by Rye Randa and are available through many music outlets including iTunes, CDBaby, Amazon, and Best Buy or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD. For more info visit www.debbiehennessey.com.

Contact: SqueakyCatMusic/RusticHeartRecords (310) 535-6766
www.debbiehennessey.com & www.myspace.com/debbiehennessey
debbie_hennessey@hotmail.com

All of my music is available for download from www.amazingtunes.com and www.itunes.com plus other download sites Rhapsody, Napstar etc.

Now and then I get asked to do some acting work, I was in one of the Harry Potter movies, I have been in pop videos and I have recently made a car commercial in Greece. (only going to be shown there)

Persistence. Determination. Communication.

Three descriptive definitions that encapsule the life of singer/songwriter Kenny Harlan.

Born Kenneth Harlan Sachs, he was raised by working-class parents, just a stone’s throw (or two) away from Wrigley Field in Chicago. Being a Cubs fan was in his genes. So was an all-around athleticism (baseball, football and basketball) and a burning desire to fulfill his musical calling. After harmonizing with the junior high chorus, Kenny’s first taste of what would later become his life’s ambition came when he and two of his buddies entered a school talent show, with rousing renditions of “Rock Around the Clock” and “Crocodile Rock.”

The songs, while still raw and rough around the edges to Kenny’s liking, were every bit about who he was and what he wanted to communicate. From that point on, he picked up the music he had once so reluctantly laid down and began pursuit of his dream.

After moving to Nashville, he met his soon-to-be wife, Marina (a Ukraine native) while on a connecting flight to Munich. When you see Kenny in concert, look around the room. Somewhere, you’ll find Kenny’s biggest fan, as both she and Kenny share a love of music and the open road. As a matter of fact, if you listen closely to Kenny’s debut CD, you’ll hear snapshots of Kenny’s life, painting pictures of broken relationships (“Letting You Go”), unrequited and requited love (“Amsterdam”, “Thing About Love”) and longing for the girl of his dreams (“Waiting for You”). The Beatles, Genesis, James Taylor, Dan Fogelberg . . . these powerhouse acts have had a profound influence on Kenny, not so much in style, as in the ability to craft a song with lilting pop/acoustic/rock melodies and memorable hooks.

Simple, but never simplistic, these are songs that encompass chords you can play and choruses you can sing along with.

That’s Kenny Harlan music. Real. Genuine. And from the heart.

"'Waiting for You,' the debut from singer/songwriter Kenny Harlan, charms and soothes the ears... Harlan is a pop artist with a country heart; his voice echoes not only MOR superstars such as Dan Fogelberg and James Taylor but country icons like Toby Keith and Tim McGraw as well."

-Adam Harrington

"From the intimate folk sound of acoustic guitar, voice, and fiddle through full-blown gospel- and R&B-driven arrangements, irresistible rock-steady reggae, and the unclassifiably eclectic hybrids on For the Story, Forest Sun rises up with an authentic, original voice."

—Derk Richardson KPFA 94.1 FM

"Instantly accessible, "Tumbleweed" gets curiosity calls every time I play it. Most folks are a little surprised it's by a local artist; it sounds so professionally mixed and recorded. I wish the major label releases I'm constantly bombarded with would sound this good. "For the Story" is easily one of my favorite releases—indy OR major-label—of 2003."

—Rosalie Howarth, Host and Programmer of KFOG's Acoustic Sunrise

"Forest Sun's music is full of life—real life, that is. It is joyful, but also poignant, upbeat and at the same time deep and soulful. His cd is a must-have, but a live performance is even better. "

—Elizabeth Lesser, Cofounder, Omega Institute, Author of The Seeker's Guide and Broken Open

"There's a powerful intersect between our own blessed American musical roots and a new spirit-path a-borning all about us. Forest Sun's music is right there on the overlap, getting it just about perfectly. He knows it's not enough for music to just lift spirits, you've got to point in the right direction too. This is music you always wanted someone to make--down-home and Out There & maybe get up and dance around a little too! "

—M.G. creator of The Illuminated Rumi, & The Illuminated Prayer

"Forest and his music bring life to anyone who listens. His spirit and voice are a shining gift."

- Joan Halifax Roshi
Upaya Center, Author of The Human Encounter with Death (with Stanislav Grof), Shamanic Voices, Shaman: the Wounded Healer, The Fruitful Darkness, Simplicity in the Complex: A Buddhist Life in America and Being with Dying

"I love your CD, and am grateful you gave me a chance to look into your eclectic abilities. Stay well...keep a good heart and loads of conviction. You sure have the talent to back it up."

—Van Dyke Parks

"I was just messing around on garageband.com & came across your music. Just upon listening to a few snippets I could already tell that I would love the entire cd. There are very few artists that produce a cd worthy enough to be able to listen to every song over & over, but I have a feeling that you are one of the lucky ones. You have a very soulful, bluesy sound. It reminds me of a one of those moments when life is so wonderful it's almost indescribable & rarely do you even realize it until the moment is over. I guess I'm just trying to say that your music has substance & soul. You have a new fan. I will definitely spread the news."

—Karly Mansfield, garageband.com

"I'd say the future of quality folkie-acoustic-singer-songwriters-type music are in good hands. I highly recommend Forest Sun and his band!"

— Kevin Vance, 91.7 fm KALW San Francisco, and 94.1 KPFA Berkeley

"Five stars! As festival promotors, one of top three CD's we've received in 5 years! Even with dozens of demo CD's and promotional packages coming in from all over the country, this one stood out so prominently that we both knew immediately that we'd be willing to pay Forest Sun and his band to fly across the country to play at our little music festival in the Pine Barrens of South Jersey. We ordered 9 more CD's and distributed them to family, friends and a couple of local DJ's, because we're so sure of his universal appeal.

-Lori Dean & John Facchinei , Camp Jam in the Pines

"...11 tracks of lilting, gorgeously orchestrated hybrids of bluegrass, gospel, and folk, all in support of Sun's rich throwback croon."

—Portland Mercury Oct 16th, 2003

Sometimes a nondescript CD from an unfamiliar artist shows up in the WW offices in a plain plastic clamshell case, devoid of any packaging or promotional material. What's much more rare is when the sounds that rise out of said disc emerge with a fully formed musical vision and immediately resonate soulful authenticity and an effortless cool. Believe me, I don't lightly invoke Van Morrison's name, but that's whose early work came to mind when I first heard Forest Sun, along with more recent reverences like Chris Whitely and Shawn Mullins. It's not every winter's day that a Sun comes up to Portland from down California way/ I, for one, welcome the opportunity to bask in this one's warm glow.

J.R.
Willamette Week Feb 6, 2002
Portland Oregon

The folksy, soulful approach of this Northern California singer-songwriter has drawn comparisons to the early work of Van Morrison. This Sun seems likely to shine on a path of his own.

—The Oregonian

This Bay area singer/songwriter tromps through Uniontown like a true vagabond - carrying the heart of music in his knapsack - roots, jazz, folk, gospel, soul and speakeasy blues.

—Hipfish
Ashland, OR

"Forest Sun is the real thing. His songs are life affirming and joyful and you can only do that as a songwriter when it's a genuine expression of your heart."

—Mark Eitzel

Maybe the thing not to do when listening to Forest Sun's new record "Plenty" is bother yourself trying to trace the dazzling, sometimes dizzying array of musical genres and traditions mined and ingeniously woven throughout this collection of songs. It's tempting to do, and some folks will certainly succumb to their inner music-geek and make the attempt. If so, they'll have to be on pretty good terms with most of the American music made in the dearly departed 20th century, and have a good bit of international know-how to boot. I think Mr. Sun would agree with me when I say that this sort of exhaustive musicology isn't really the point. Although Forest is a stunning multi-instrumentalist with deep-rooted command over a variety of instruments and styles that find their way onto this record (see the mournful delta slide-guitar of "Plenty" or the irresistible, Latin tinged guitar-hook of "Alchemy" ) he is a songwriter and composer first, and brings his command of so many genres and manifold chops to bare only in service of his songs… there's no jam-band, chops-for-chops sake noodling to be found on "Plenty." Luckily, Forest has enough soul and unaffected, emotional honesty in his song-writing to hold his patchwork of styles happily together.

Forest has been compared to Lyle Lovett, Taj Mahal and Ricki Lee Jones among others, and those comparisons seem well-founded, not so much because he sounds much like any of them, but more for an ethic they share -- that each song is an entirely distinct vessel and that it's the songwriter's job to have a broad enough musical palette to fit the peculiar emotional demands of a given "story." Hence, the joyous, clarinet (clarinet!) propelled, speakeasy romp of "My Queen" is absolutely right for the winking, light comedy of the tune, just as greasy Hammond B-3 pads and rock-steady, R&B drumming perfectly buoy the triumphant (and chart-ready) melody of "No Anchor." Special mention must be made of the Indian spiced guitar line that snakes through " Wishing Well," and the exquisite Tabla playing that complements this brooding, ambitious song. Again, though, this is not a "my grandparents went to New Delhi and all they got me was this lousy sitar so I guess I'll use it on my record" moment. Hearing the tune, you automatically can't imagine any other instruments serving as the musical bedding for it's melancholic, hard-gained wisdom.

With "Plenty," Forest Sun has achieved a marriage that seems to elude many chasing a similar laurel: that of first-rate, lyrical musicianship and a batch of songs that are damn well worth such heady playing.

—Anthony Klapp
Midwest music Journal

"A strong, heartfelt composition which blends folk, gospel, soul, blues, and jazz. Fans of Ben Harper or Van Morrison, pay attention!"

—Cdbaby

Here is an honest artist ...beautiful lyrics, straight-forward, willing to put it all on the line. Nice, easy rhythms, many with a great twist, all backing lyrics that show why the indie artists are always the ones with the straightest message. The ones that speak truths that will endure our lifetimes and beyond."

—AirMusic

June 18, 1999

I met Forest during the Tibetan Freedom concert in Amsterdam Holland. I was introduced buy the promoters of the whole show. I was a camera operator who got stuck filming a three hour outdoor concert without a tripod. Forest helped me wrangle cable for the first few acts then excused himself. To my surprise he appeard on stage to perform a short set. It was fantastic. As a person, he is humble, and straightforward, his music tells stories that immediately deliver you to a highly relfective state. He is a truly talented and very special musician. Give him a chance, let yourself go, you won't regret it.

—Jan Eckhard, Digital Club Network

March 11, 1999

Sun's recent albums is one of the most sincere and enjoyable albums I have heard in a long time. His clever lyrics combined with wholesome musical arrangements make for an album that's simply a pleasure to listen to. Sun uses a diverse mix of styles (rock, folk, county, funk) yet maintains a comforting sense of consistancy throughout. From the slower ballads to the more up-beat tunes, it is clear that Sun's songwriting is central to the album. The excellent musicianship of all the players further supports Sun's well crafted lyrics.

Unlike many debut albums, Sun's album does not try to "prove" anything. Rather, Sun presents a mature collection of good songs, sensational performances, and an overall enjoyable atmosphere. I've had the CD in my player for two weeks now and I suspect it will remain there for many weeks to come.

I must congratulate Sun for a very impressive first album and I am eagerly awaiting the next one. For anyone who is looking for a dose of solid songwriting and hearty musicianship, I would suggest "Not Affraid".

—Zach Richards, Amazon.com

AMG EXPERT REVIEW:

Forest Sun — his real name — is a Bay Area songwriter who inhabits a musical world populated by the spirits of ghosts and peers and somehow in his songs manages to keep all those identities separate from his. Indeed, in these ten small gems, Sun offers the Muse the gift of his voice to write and sing though. Traces of rock & roll's past, present, and hopefully future mingle with progressive folk music, textured, moody pop, and a healthy sense of literary finesse. These elements wind together in these songs much as they do in the better work of Joseph Arthur, the groove/soul of Terry Callier, the British Isles progressive folk and rock styles of Paul Brady and early John Martyn, and even the occasional restless country-soul of Lefty Frizzell. The set opens with "Alchemy," a prayer so pure in its humility and so fierce in its lurid delivery it could only have been born from the bosom of rock. Sun's electric and acoustic guitars meet Daniel Schact's elliptical bass line in a dance of yearning. As if to underline the importance of words like: "Love will lay down like a lion at our feet/Your eyes tell the story/That your words can't hide." Dan Foltz's rumbling drums meet the florid percussive interludes of Sun's own congas that accent the end of each line. Another standout is "Red Umbrella," which holds the Celtic soul-brother sung poetics of Van Morrison to the flame of slippery blues and a Caribbean shuffle. It's an easy, deep soul love song (or lust song) that for once puts the low-belly beat inside the body of the tune's lyric concerns. In fact, if it wasn't for Sun's sensual vocal delivery and subtle groove sensibility that allows Matt Henry Cunitz's B3 and Alex Budman's saxophones to waft their way through the middle of the cut, heating up the mix all around the singer, it would just be another folk love song instead of a languid, dripping seduction number. This cat has what it takes to make a mark, if only in a limited way like Dave Carter and Tracey Grammer or perhaps, if he's lucky, a writer like Chris Smither. Sun's music is timeless, which is both its greatest asset and its greatest drawback. Plenty is as fine a singer/songwriter record as is out there. Check it out for yourself: www.paintedsun.com.

—Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

The Local Planet Weekly June 20, 2002

There are times when one positively reels at the gross injustices in the world --- poverty, hunger, Middle Eastern tomfoolery, war, reality TV, natural disasters, and the fact that Dave Matthews gets gobs of fawning press and the adoration of fans everywhere while Foreest Sun toils under relative obscurity.

Who? Exactly. But you read it here first: PLENTY, Sun's newest album, is on eof the best CDs of 2002, and no, it really doesn't matter that we're only halfway through the year.

Forest Sun (his real name) is a San Francisco based singer/songwriter who others in the press have compared favorably to Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, and Van Morrison. But the comparisons generally end there, as if that were enough. It's not. Sun is all that and a bowl of gravy.

By blending soul, blues, jazz, gospel, and a touch of 20th centure "Americana," Forest Sun has managed to carve out a niche that is uniquely his, one which sounds remarkably like all of the above (and a little Keb'Mo' added to the mix) without the unsettling feeling that he's copping others' licks. His is a style of naked, earnest sincerity, with the kind of soul-baring lyrics one expects of someone at least a generation older.

What's more, Forest Sun is the consumate musician. Sophomore effort PLENTY features him on -- among other instruments-- both acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, harmonica, and organ; meanwhile, sidemen perform on upright bass, tabla, and sarod. It's an album that simultaneously explores and bends -- and ultimately blurs the lines between -- seemingly disparate genres with ease.

But PLENTY isn't just fodder for music geeks (though one could spend hours dissecting it)/ nor is it merely a vehicle for jam-based virtuosity. Rather, it's a singular marriage of lyric beauty and inimitable craftsmanship; a wholly organic work of musical art.

If you can't catch Forest Sun and his band live (and, quite frankly, some sort of invasive surgery might be the only legitimate excuse), then at the very least buy PLENTY. Right now. Then immediately drop to your knees and thank the good Lord that musicians like Sun still exist.

-Aaron Bragg

From age nine, when he first picked up a guitar and learned the shape of a G-chord, Dean Phelps has made music to bring enjoyment to anyone willing to listen. His folk style, positive demeanor and family-friendly repertoire make his music appropriate for a variety of settings, including churches, coffee shops, restaurants and festivals.

Influenced by a number of singer songwriters like John Prine, John Hiatt, Nanci Griffith and Kate Wolf, his music is an acoustic blend of folk, gospel and Americana. Dean sings songs that are both religious and secular and has made several original arrangements of traditional hymns and songs of the Christian faith.

Born and raised in Maysville, Ky., Dean now lives, works and makes music in Indianapolis, Ind. He grew up singing in churches, often traveling with his father to congregations around northern and eastern Kentucky. His family and musical roots both trace back to rural Kentucky.

The songs he sings tell stories about people, life and faith. Many are not explicitly Christian songs, but they are all songs offered by a Christian; Dean’s faith runs through it all.

Doc Possom of Indy Folk News writes: "Dean is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He is Reverend Dean Phelps, with no apologies, but although he's a Reverend, he's not very churchy. He is a regular guy with a fun repertoire, a relaxed manner, nice picking, and a friendly way of putting a song across!"

Musician-Minister Sings About Faith, Love and a Dog Named Jesus

A voice from the past inspired Indianapolis minister and musician Dean Phelps to record his third CD, Give Us a Song.

Last summer, Phelps was contacted by a woman asking if he had attended the University of Kentucky and who used to play guitar in a courtyard there. He was, and it turns out he had recorded a few songs for her and her roommate when they all were students there in the 1970s.

The woman still had a copy of the tape and sent it to him. The resulting flood of memories motivated him to return to the studio just two years after releasing his second CD, This Old House.

Dean’s latest recording contains an acoustic blend of folk, gospel and Americana. One of the standout tracks is an original song, "If You Come Up Empty." Inspired by a family member's struggle with a teenage daughter, he describes it as a song for parents and prodigals. Alluding to Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son, the song describes the enduring love parents have for their children.

In addition to original music, Phelps reworks traditional folk hymns and performs covers of songs by established writers, such as Kate Wolf's "Across the Great Divide" and John Prine's "The Hobo Song." A featured track is the witty and profound “My Dog Jesus,” written by Nashville songwriter C. J. Watson with Kurt Fortmeyer and Al DeTrolio.

Although much of the CD contains songs from or about the Christian faith, not all of the music is explicitly Christian. Phelps says, "The songs I write and record are about people, life and faith. They may not all be Christian songs, but they are all songs offered by a Christian." His faith runs through it all.

Give Us a Song is also Phelps’ second recording with Indianapolis producer and engineer Steve Creech. It comes two years after This Old House, also recorded with Creech. Phelps’ first CD, Going Over Home, released in 1997, is an acoustic collection of folk hymns and gospel music.

As an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Phelps currently serves the Disciples' Indiana region as Director of Church Multiplication, responsible for new church establishment, communications and stewardship. Prior to moving to Indianapolis, he served churches in Marietta, Cherry Log and Fayetteville, Georgia.

Give Us a Song is available at Amazon.com, iTunes and CD Baby. For more information visit Dean’s web site, www.deanphelpsmusic.com.