Friday, July 30, 2010

Grace Stumberg: "to whom it may concern" CD Review

Grace Stumberg soars as a supernova on her first CD,  "to whom it may concern."  Released by Popadelic Records, produced by Bob James/Cabin5Studios, Grace Stumberg, Audio Magic, CGR Audio, Soundscape Recording and Zittel Street House of Sonic Affairs; this 12 track masterpiece is exactly what this world is waiting and bleeding for.

Grace Stumberg, an enlightened young woman, gives thanks to her parents for providing support, introducing her to music at a young age.  In addition to Robert James, musical career coach and guitarist, and musicians such as:  Bob James, Howard Fleetwood Wilson II,  Robby Takac (Goo Goo Dolls), Emmi James, Dave Riffel, Marc Hunt, Bethany Deyell, Cathy Carfagna, Rob Deyell, Jim Calabrese, Buffalo Select Chorus, Ana Vafal, Diana Nowak, and Brian DeJesus; with design by Erica Eichelkraut and Music in Action; this CD is well worth owning.   

The first track, Change the World, is a global call for solidarity. From the voice of one Western New York musician, first performing this at New York State's Capitol in Albany; Change the World embodies all our voices into one musical message, apparent in the chorus, "Cause I will change the world / with all that I am / I will change the world / I know I can."  Grace's powerful vocals are intoxicating, stirring the spirit to act seen here, "Life is too short to waste any time / so I'm gonna sing this song and shine."  Change the World is prolific. It is a message of a generation, "So many faces around me / so much pressure to fit in / Who will I be / where will I begin / is the question I ask from within / But I won't stop / until I know that my dreams will come true."  

© Erica Eichelkraut

The title track, to whom it may concern, is a story of how often we are shot down for our dreams. Grace's acoustics along with Cathy Carfagna on accordion, Bethany Deyell on violin, Rob Deyell on acoustics and Howard Fleetwood Mayall II on percussion, make this a powerful call to never allow anything to stop you from reaching your goal. " Ready or not here I come / Now that I'm tall / you hold my dreams so low / Keep trying to shoot me down / but I won't give in, no."

Track 5, "The Roses", (my personal favorite although the entire CD is simply divine), begins with a melancholy Dylanesque acoustic similar to the intro of  "One More Cup of Coffee."  Grace's vocals belt angelic, "She said ohhhh . . . look at the roses / so beautiful and bright."  This tune brings folk and bluegrass  mainstream.  The Roses" is bittersweet, beautiful hurt.

Track 11, WarTune, is a raw outpouring of emotion, "Why do you let them put you through / what you don't want to be put through?"  War Tune is a nice surprise coming from this acoustic/electric performer, "Some say the present/ learn from the past/ if that's the case / then why the hell are we in a war that lasts?" Simultaneous, Grace manages to speak of her own experience, as well of that of the world. The chorus is like a ball and chain hitting a brick wall. This must be listened to very loud.

Grace Stumberg is a genius. She is a powerhouse of positive. Her music is proof that music is not dead nor dying. "to whom it may concern'  is full of life, talent, ambition, hard work, and a call to wake up and pay attention because life is much to short. The beauty that surrounds Grace is humbling.  She is so talented and unpretentious which makes her valuable.  Her voice, guitar and outlook on life is exactly what is needed in this chaotic world. This CD never leaves my truck. If you haven't bought it, do so, now.  "to whom it may concern" is thick with healing, cohesion, social justice, solidarity, growth, pain, love, happiness and raw, rare talent. This is what music is all about.

Grace can be heard on WBFO, Think Twice Radio, grab the CD on her website and CD baby. She is a shooting star. This young woman has the entire package and she isn't gloating about it either. That is art, music and life.  Grace, in her sweet innocence, brings us back to ourselves questioning exactly why we are all here.

©  Susan Marie 2010

 

Friday, July 23, 2010

Interview with Iara Lee: Mavi Marmara: Cultures of Resistance



Iara LeeIara Lee, a Brazilian of Korean descent producer/director/activist, speaks of her experience on the Freedom Flotilla to aid Gaza May 2010, the Israel (IDF) attack on the Mavi and passengers (children and adults), her film history, Caipirinha Productions, Turkish NGO IHH, civil disobedience, her firsthand experience 2006 Lebanon War and her stay in Iran 2008.


Iara's organization, Cultures of Resistance, utilizes all genres of art as a vehicle to promote social justice globally.

View Iara's documentation of the night of the attack on the Mavi Marmara in International Waters, as well as her presentation of that case to the United Nations on YOU TUBE.

A USA To GAZA Freedom Flotilla is being formed in New York City. To donate, sponsor, or become a part of the next boat to Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid, go HERE.


Cultures of Resistance



Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Interview: Grace Stumberg: Change the World

LIVE INTERVIEW HERE

© Erica Eichelkraut


Singer/Songwriter Grace Stumberg has just released her first album entitled " To Whom it May Concern."  This album touches on many issues that are both social and simply fun. It taps into something soulful and meaningful. No auto-tune, no click tracks, just simply the power of song. 


"to whom it may concern" can be purchased on her WEBSITE. 


Grace you are a supernova. This is so beautiful and positive. This music just fills me right up with so much hope and she is so talented. Beautiful vocals and guitar. I mean you MUST have this CD its amazing.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Voices From The Herd: An Anthology For Buffalo, New York



Voices From The Herd: An Anthology For Buffalo, New York, is an anthology of Western New York writers as an homage to the city, its people, struggles, triumphs, weather, sports and historical landmarks. This volume is an incredible collection of fiction, nonfiction and poetry. 

Writers include:  Alycia Ripley, Tom Waters, Cindy Mantai, Susan Marie, George Tutuska, Christina Wos Donnelly, Sadie Worth, Stephanie Russell Haefner, Diane Meholick, Joanna Wos, Sean Scarisbrick, Paul Rehac, Ralph Walstrom, Caitlin Militello, Todd Shoepflin, Billy Mariani, Rachel G. Hunt, Jeff Schoeber, Lesa Quale, Joe Genco, Judith Frizlen, Karen Lewis, Martha Deed, Frank Thomas Croisdale, Charles Forness, Denise Amodeo Miller, Dan Sicoli, Karen Sands O'Connor, Carol Townsend, Marina Blitshteyn, Jennifer Campbell, Perry Nicholas, Peter Fernbach, Courtney Aja Barton, John Marvin, Jane Sadowsky and Jason Franco. 


To purchase, go to www.Lulu.com and search: Voices from the Herd.  $12.99 for paperback or direct download for $4.99.  100% of the proceeds will be sent directly to the Just Buffalo Literary Center.  You can also post your own reviews on the lulu site along with ratings for prospective readers.   
  
Support our arts, Just Buffalo Literary Center and the work of Western New York writers, editors and designers.

Voices From The Herd is a not-for-profit anthology about the present day city of Buffalo.  All royalties will go towards the betterment and continued success of the Just Buffalo Literary Center.

© Susan Marie 2010

Monday, July 12, 2010

Think Twice Radio on Kasama Project.Org & Gaza Freedom March.Org


By Susan Marie, Think Twice Radio |
July 06, 2010

Shadi Salman: Gaza Strip on Gaza Freedom March.Org HERE

Shadi Salman, Palestinian photographer, human rights activist, lives on the Gaza Strip. Shadi is involved with The International Solidarity Movement, Free Gaza and Gaza 2 Istanbul. The Israel West Bank barrier violates international law. All people, especially children, are subjected to violence, oppression, little or no food, medical supplies/medication, freedom to move in their country, and the world, due to the Gaza blockade. Shadi speaks from a human perspective, not a political or religious viewpoint. He is dedicated to educate globally of the conditions on the Strip in order to replace what has been lost for the people of Palestine.

Listen to Radio Interview

"Gaza 2 Istanbul" Campaign

________________________________________________________________


Stephanie McMillan, creator of Minimum Security cartoons, on Kasama Project.Org

Click here for the interview.

Stephanie speaks on capitalism’s destruction of the earth, organizing resistance to the British Petroleum oil spill, and the difficulties of stereotypical left outreach, and the essential need to live independent of all systems currently in place for complete survival of this world. Share this statement about the urgency of this moment. Act together. You can subscribe to her work at Minimum Security and go to Sneak Previews.





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Thursday, July 8, 2010

Interview with Stephanie McMillan: Minimum Security: Code Green

Stephanie McMillan, political and environmental activist/cartoonist, educates the public on social, political and environmental issues through her website, Minimum Security through her self-syndicated weekly editorial cartoon, Code Green.

This is an amazing interview frank and upfront speaking of the state of the world and the United States Government.  Listen HERE

Stephanie speaks of capitalist economy, the British Petroleum oil spill, awareness with action, the destruction of our planet, societal/governmental systems, and the essential need to live independent of all systems currently in place for complete survival of this world.

Subscribe to her HERE at Minimum Security and go to Sneak Previews.

Stephanie is a fantastic artist, her cartoons are hysterical, as well as educational. She is a true artist, with an intellectual background in activism. She can be found on facebook.




Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Live From the Gaza Strip: An Interview with Shadi Salman

Listen LIVE Audio HERE
 
Shadi Salman, Palestinian photographer, human rights activist, lives on the Gaza Strip

Shadi is involved with The International Solidarity Movement, Free Gaza and Gaza 2 Istanbul

The Israel West Bank barrier violates international law. 

All people, especially children, are subjected to violence, oppression, little or no food, medical supplies/medication, freedom to move in their country, and the world, due to the Gaza blockade.  

Shadi speaks from a human perspective, not a political or religious viewpoint. He is dedicated to educate globally of the conditions on the Strip in order to replace what has been lost for the people of Palestine. 

Check out: Death in Gaza and The Gaza Flotilla Raid

Picture: ©Shadi Salman:  Control tower shoots to roads, farmers and all people approaching the border up to 300 meters.  Region: the borders of the Gaza Strip Khuzaa







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