Summer Storms

Clockwise: Album covers from Long John Baldry, Declan Bennett, Jake Walden, and Jeremiah Clark.

Here on the East Coast of the United States, we've had some weather moving through. Yesterday, today, and possibly tomorrow, there have been flash storms, with wind, rain, thunder and lightening that have been moving all around. So far, we've been pretty lucky, and the worst has missed us, but as summer progresses, you don't know what will happen. So I thought I would offer up this post to the weather Gods, and see if singing about storms will suffice. There are four entries for this post, and they all have their own sounds, and a different feel. I will begin with a personal favorite of mine. I am a huge fan of Long John Baldry, the legendary Blues and Rock man I still love to hear. My first offering is Long John singing "Stormy Monday Blues". This is from a performance in 1968.

The song can be found on his album 'On Stage Tonight: Baldry's Out!'. You can find the album on iTunes and Amazon. Next up, I have another favorite. I am still just as crazy about Declan Bennett as I was when I first discovered him a few years ago. Declan recently finished a stint on London's West End, starring in 'Once, the Musical'. I wish I could have made it to England to see him! I thought he was a perfect guest to invite to the party, so this is Declan Bennett singing "Storm" off his album 'An Innocent Evening of Drinking'.

For more about Declan Bennett, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. You can find 'An Innocent Evening of Drinking' on iTunes and Bandcamp. I first discovered the music of Jeremiah Clark through Tom Goss, and I can thank Tom for that. I do enjoy Jeremiah's music, and listen to it still. This is Jeremiah singing "The Storm Song" off his wonderful album 'Just Another Sad Song'.

For more about Jeremiah Clark, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. You can purchase 'Just Another Sad Song' on Bandcamp. And for the final offering to the Gods, I have another of my musical favorites. Jake Walden is a sweet and talented man, and I am a big fan. I didn't think I could do this post without including his song "The Storm", off his album 'Alive and Screaming'.

For more about my buddy Jake, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. You can purchase 'Alive and Screaming' from iTunes and Amazon. I hope I have appeased the Gods, and we all get some mild weather for the next few days.

Valentines For Independent Hearts

Clockwise: Jake Walden; Matt Alber; Billy Porter, and Bobby Jo Valentine.

This morning, I brought you a collection of love songs that was heard on mainstream radio in the 1980s, so I thought for tonight, I would venture into the more independent music of some amazing LGBT artists I listen to all the time. And, as you can tell from the pictures above, they also happen to be very handsome, too. And they all deliver these songs like only they can, making it very special, indeed. I will begin with a song written by singer/songwriter Jake Walden for his sister's wedding. He wanted to capture the love of the event, as well as the love he felt for her, all into this song. It was later included on his most recent album, 'Same Something Different'. He also released a music video including images from the wedding. Enjoy as Jake sings "For You Anything".

The next song comes from an artist how continually manages to surpass my expectations. When I first heard Matt Alber's recording of "End of the World", I was blown away. When I first heard him live, I didn't think he could equal that, yet he did, perhaps even topped it. When I heard he rerecorded it, I was excited to hear what he could do with it. When I saw the video of Matt singing it live with the Cello Street Quartet, I was once again astonished. Hit play, and allow Matt Alber to take you away with "End of the World".

Bobby Jo Valentine is a more recent addition to my playlist, having only discovered his music last year. But that has not kept me from falling hard for his music, which has more charm than a Disney parade. His latest release, 'Home' wraps you up warmly in Bobby Jo's voice. With his recently released music video for "Come Back To Bed", there is a wonderful intimacy, both in the performance and the song.

I am a huge fan of Billy Porter, and the final entry is one of the reasons why. Porter is a gifted performer, both in the studio and on the stage. I think most people became familiar with the vocal talents of Porter when he sang "Love Is On the Way", featured in the 1996 film 'The First Wives Club'. It was also on his 1997 album, 'Untitled'. And there is a magnificent live version of the song on 'At The Corner of Broadway & Soul', a truly great album. Here is Billy singing the song live on Rosie O'Donnell's talk show about the time the single was playing on the radio.

You can purchase all these songs online. You can find Jake Walden's 'Same Something Different' on iTunes, CD Baby and Amazon. You can find Matt Alber's 'With Strings Attached' at his online store, and his latest album, 'Constant Crows', on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. You can purchase Bobby Jo Valentine's 'Home' on iTunes and Amazon. You can purchase Billy Porters 'At The Corner of Broadway and Soul' on iTunes and Amazon.

Jake Walden • The Line

Just thought as I have not featured Jake Walden on the blog lately, it was about time I did. And while I am hoping to relax and get my back better, I would post one of my favorite songs by the handsome and talented singer/songwriter. "The Line" can be found on Jake's debut album, Alive And Screaming. Released in 2008, the album effortlessly combines storytelling and music, as Jake's brusk voice slides up and down his range with ease. This is a wonderful live performance that also includes Tom Goss on guitar.

Just a little over a year ago, Jake released another disc of love, Same Something Different. While few thought it possible, the new release was even stronger than the first, seeming more personal, confessional. While Jake's voice hadn't changed, the vocals were even more nuanced, caressing your heart with a softer touch. Take, for example, the beautiful "Almost Brave", one of the many favorites available on the album.

For more about my buddy Jake, visit his official website. You can find Alive And Screaming on iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. You can also find Jake's latest, Same Something Different, on iTunes CD Baby, and Amazon.

The Best of Live Music of 2011

I wanted to compile a video that would prove once and for all what a lucky man I am. After all, I got to see Jason Antone, Levi Kreis, Eric Himan, Tom Goss, Nathan Leigh Jones, Garrin Benfield, Amy Regan, Shaun Hague, Jake Walden, Coyote Grace, Gareth Asher, Avi Wisnia, Jeffrey Johnson, and Namoli Brennet all perform live last year. They appeared at the World Cafe Live!, PSALM Salon, Joe's Pub, Sullivan Hall, MilkBoy Coffee, NightCat, World Cafe at the Queen, and Black Fox Lounge. Yep, I am a freakin' lucky man. Enjoy the highlights of my "show season."

Support independent musicians by attending their shows in your area, and buying their merchandise. You will not only feel better, you will undoubtedly be assured a better seat in heaven when the shows start.

Looking Back at the Year 2011

Clockwise: Tom Goss, Eric Himan, Jake Walden and Garrin Benfield.

They are just the beginning to the list of names of talented artists I shall be mentioning over the next few days. I shall be taking a look at the new music of 2011, much of which I have covered here on this blog. There was a number of amazing LGBT musicians who released new material, and I was lucky enough to see several of them live. But I shall start with what was a bit of a first for me, and that was appearing in a music video. I was able to do that with the gracious assistance of Tom Goss when he was filming the first single off his latest album, Turn It All Around. It's All Over is the joyous first single off a great album, one that really rocks!



You can purchase Turn It Around from iTunes, Amazon, and from Tom's online store.

Another favorite of mine released a new album this year. Eric Himan worked with the the talented Namoli Brennet on Supposed Unknown, a brilliant album that shows Himan's growth as a songwriter and as a performer. It also had a gritty and sexy video for the first single, Dust.



You can purchase Supposed Unknown on iTunes, Amazon, and at Eric's online store.

I managed to catch Garrin Benfield twice in the last 12 months or so, and am grateful for each opportunity. I swear Garrin's music enchants me, and brings me to a place I'd love to live full-time. I was beyond thrilled to make it to his New York City album release party for The Wave Organ Song. It is an outstanding album, one I am listening to once again today, and still can't get enough. Here is the video for the first single, Walkin' Time Blues.



You can purchase The Wave Organ Song on iTunes, Amazon, or on Garrin's online store.

I was introduced to Jake Walden by Tom Goss, and have been blessed to have gotten to know the talented and handsome man. So when he hit the road earlier this year to support the release of his latest album, Same Something Different, I couldn't wait to see him. And I was not disappointed. The new music was great, as you can see in the video for the first single, Even In Your Doubt.



You can purchase Same Something Different from iTunes, Amazon, or Jake's online store. If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to see any or all of these talented artists performing live, I would say do it, without hesitation.

Jake Walden Premiere's Even In Your Doubt

Jake Walden has released the first video from his latest release, Same Something Different. The charming Even In Your Doubt is just a delight to hear, and even better to watch. So join Jake in his walk in this enchanting forest. And if you chat with Little Jake, tell him not to worry, he's gonna grow up to be a handsome and talented musician.



Same Something Different is a great album, and is available for download on iTunes here, and on Amazon.com here. You can purchase the CD on Amazon.com here. Same Something Different is also available from CD Baby here. You can discover more about Jake and his music at his official website here. You can also find him on Twitter to tell him how much you are liking his music. Tweet him here.

Same Something Different On Sale Now!

Jake Walden's sophomore album is available for purchase now, and as someone who has Same Something Different, I can tell you it is well worth buying. From start to finish, the 11-song collection is amazing, start to finish, with a depth and richness in his performance which must be heard. There is the joy found in cuts like When The World Lay Still, or the buoyantly positive cuts like Even In Your Doubt, to the clarion call for happiness of Simple Life, to the ethereal yet never wistful Dreamer, the melodic slice of life of Almost Brave, to the hopeful yearning of We Are Not Broken, the album streams life, pulsates with the collective human experience, and comes out on top, unfazed and undeterred, ready to look at life as the joyous and beautiful experience it is. Jake's voice soars when it should, and softly caresses other times, and never overpowered by the lush orchestration. Same Something Different is never the same as anything, but instead a series of mosaics, depicting life and love with the fabric squares of a life well-lived. Take a listen to a live performance of the title track, Same Something Different, from a recent performance.



Same Something Different is available for download on iTunes here, and on Amazon.com here. You can purchase the CD on Amazon.com here. Same Something Different is also available from CD Baby here. You can discover more about Jake and his music at his official website here. You can also find him on Twitter to tell him how much you are liking his music. Tweet him here.

Jake Walden at MilkBoy Coffee

I was thrilled to be going to see Jake Walden on July 15th, driving to MilkBoy Coffee in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. It's been a couple of years since I last saw Jake, when he played with Tom Goss in Washington, DC. But this time, Jake would be the closing set, with Amy Regan and Shaun Hague there to prime the crowd for Jake's electric set. I was looking forward to the show, for I knew we'd be hearing some of the new music set to be released on the 26th, Same Something Different. That was something that certainly drew me to be even more excited about a show that promised to be sensational.

I saw Jake shortly before the show, and got my first hug of the night. He seemed relaxed, especially for Jake. Now, if I were to describe seeing Jake perform, I would use words like, twitchy, exposed, intense, and even edgy. He seems to be a conduit for his nervous energy, and practically vibrate with that energy, channeled into the most expressive and glorious expression of his talent. This post features videos and pictures I took at the show, so you can share the wonderful experience with me.



He began the show in Jake's own way, singing The Line, the song that opens all of Jake's shows. The song originally appeared on Walden's debut album, Alive And Screaming. It has one of the most beautiful lines in the chorus, "I don't wanna learn in the morning, that I was only dreaming tonight." Le sigh...



Soon we start hearing the music from the upcoming album, Same Something Different. Here, I will start with the joyous and beautiful first cut off the album, Even In Your Doubt. The simple, yet lovely melody drives the song, and makes me want to listen time and time again.





The eighth cut on the new album, Almost Brave, was an interesting one, to be sure. The first few bars grabbed my attention, and Jake's voice came in and snapped that lead, and on the chorus, claimed my heart.



As the final song of the performance, Jake delivered a strong and beautiful version of We Are Not Broken, a song that was first featured on the first album, but was reimagined and included on the new album as well. Jake was kind to mention me in his dialog before the song, but also take note of his thoughts on a video, cause I will be reminding people of it when it is time. But, without further ado, this is We Are Not Broken.



After the show, I was able to catch up with him once again, and tell him how amazing the show was. And I was surprised to find the new album there for sale! So I had a head-start on many, but can tell you the album is amazing! It is just om damned multi-dimensional, so beautiful, so textured. And there is so much joy found in it. You can find out more about Jake Walden here. You can find his first album on iTunes here, or on Amazon.com here. And if you aren't quite convinced about buying the new album, I will remind you tomorrow with a video or two.

Amy Regan Live at MilkBoy Coffee

I caught the performance of singer/songwriter Amy Regan on the 15th, on the same bill as Jake Walden and Shaun Hague at MilkBoy Coffee in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. She opened the show, and did a great job pulling the crowd into her music. Whether on the guitar on at the keyboard, she delivered her songs with a heartfelt approach filled with honesty and charm. Part of that charm came from her between-song banter, little snippets from the live of a singer/songwriter, like her discussion about breaking it to her family that she was pursuing music, and the ensuing music. This is On My TV Screen.



When she moved to the keyboard, she had a sweet section of the set. That included one of my favorite songs of hers from the evening, Afterthought. I think it stayed in that sweet spot in her voice, a rich bottom side that is rich and full.



For more about Amy Regan, check out her official website here. You can find her music on iTunes here, and on Amazon.com here.

Jake Walden & Shaun Hague Preview

I went to see Jake Walden, Shaun Hague and Amy Regan this past Friday, and have been working away since I came back, working on videos and pictures, and giving a listen to Jake's new album, Same Something Different. Sometime soon I hope to give a fuller account of the show and the new album, but I have to say, it was a fan-freakin-tastic night. I've seen Jake a couple of times now, and this was my favorite to date. He was in great voice, and had playful banter with the audience. Jake played a couple of old favorites, but mainly played new material from the album, which he had at the show, but is officially released next Tuesday, July 26th. Here is a preview of Jake's show.



The show opened with Amy Regan, who has yet to get back to me about song titles and videos, so I won't run them quite yet. But the Hoboken, NJ, resident was charming, with a sweet voice, especially in the lower end. I was reminded of the fantastic Fiona Apple when she was performing.



I didn't really know much about Shaun Hague prior to the evening, just that he had an EP on iTunes that I purchased and listened to in preparation. I liked it, but, frankly, was not sure what to expect. Well, Shaun Hague, you've made a new fan in me. His voice is husky and expressive, packed with layers and depth. And, as Jake told you earlier, Shaun has a huge cool-factor going on. He is certainly a working musician, having played in bands for amazing acts like Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Amos Lee. But it could just be the fact his music is so damn good that gives him that amazing cool.



There will be more coverage coming soon. Until then, you can fin out more about Jake Walden here, Shaun Hague here, and Amy Regan here.

I'm Going To See Jake Walden!

Tonight I am driving my happy ass to Ardmore, Pennsylvania, to see my buddy Jake Walden performing live, promoting his music and his soon-to-be-released-album, Same Something Different. Here is a clip of the title song.





He will be performing with Shaun Hague, who I don't know a whole lot about, but bet I shall soon! I sure do like the sound of him playing Eric Clapton's Drifting Blues like this!



So, I hope to have pictures, videos and stories for you sometime very soon! And, if you can make it, they have two shows in Washington, DC, Saturday night, July 16th!

Jake Walden 2011 Tour

In preparation for the release of a new album, Jake Walden is getting set to take to the road. The singer/songwriter kicks things off in Chicago, Illinois, next week, and move to the East Coast for a couple of weeks, ending with two shows on July 16th in Washington, DC. In fact, the pictures above were taken by me the last time I saw Jake play in DC, when he played with Tom Goss. That was a great night! With Jake on the verge of releasing a new album, Same Something Different, there should be great new music, and a real excitement with the tour. I am trying to decide between the DC & Ardmore dates, cause I don't want to miss it.



For more complete information on the dates, check out Jake's schedule on his tour page here. And you can always visit his official website here. You can sample or purchase his first album, Alive And Screaming, on iTunes here or you can check out the Deluxe version here. You can find the Deluxe version on Amazon.com here.



Singer/Songwriter Shaun Hague will be opening for Jake on the tour. He also has a new release out, the EP The Time Is Now. You can hear his music and discover more about him by checking in on his official webpage here. You can find him on iTunes here, and on Amazon.com here.

Visit Jake Walden for the Holidays

The final stop on the Holiday Visit schedule is in California, although we won't be spending time on the beach, enjoying the sound of the surf and the warmth of the sun. You see, we are visiting with Jake Walden, who is spending 12+ hours a day in the studio working on his new album. I first met Jake when he was playing with Tom Goss. Twice, as a matter of fact. I saw him touring with Tom and Stewart Lewis as part of the Rock The Folk Out tour, which I caught in Philadelphia. I also saw him playing with Goss in Washington, DC, at the beautiful Artists Inn Residence.


Jake with Tom Goss in Washington, DC.

I quickly discovered Jake's music to be a combination of silky smooth thoughts on love and smoke-tinged pleas of hope, hurt, and life. Jake slides with ease up and down the range of his voice, bringing the emotional baggage of joy, love, fear and melancholy with each phrase. But speaking from the heart is exactly what Jake does best. Here is a video of Jake's single, For Someone.



Since Jake was busy with in the studio, I thought it best to get straight to the questions. What is Jake's favorite holiday music? "This is easy," he told me. "In my family the only album that plays during Christmas is The Carpenters album. Nothing compares to it. And for as long as I live it will make me think of my Mom. In fact, when I imagine what next week will be like at home, I hear the songs..." Well, as Jake will soon be making his way to his family, I might as well get him ready with a clip of The Carpenter's Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.

Does Jake have a Christmas song he likes to perform? "As far as songs to perform, I don't know yet. I dabbled in Christmas music recording and releasing I'll Be Home For Christmas this year and believe I will do a full album for next year (which we record in the summer...very bizarre). Anyhow, ask me next year. I can tell you it will be a longing melancholic ballad though!" Now, of course I will not be able to resist showing a clip of Jake's Christmas song recorded earlier this year.



When I asked about what are his hopes for the coming year, Jake answered, "If I say it out loud it won't come true!!!!" I would have to think the fates would have a hard time saying no to this handsome and charming man, But I'll let him have his way. To just add a bit more holiday flavor for Jake, I thought it would be nice to bring back Karen Carpenter, singing White Christmas.



Again, I need to find out what music might me on Jake's iPod. Only seems fair, since I admit his music is on mine. So what did he think was some of the great music from 2010? "Favorites are, among others," he said thoughtfully, "Audra Mae's The Happiest Lamb; a few choice Glee songs; Brandi Carlile Give Up The Ghost; Christopher Dallman Never Was, especially the songs Ghosts and Subterranean; and Garrison Starr Sit with me tonight (live). A lot of mainstream pop and even some country too, but these are singer/songwriters doing incredible work from inception to record."

Since being in the studio seems to put Jake into the contemplative mood, I asked about what his goals musically in 2011. "I am looking forward to traveling the country and world with a full band'" he replied. "I am looking forward to creating a highly dynamic show that still makes you cry but also makes you smile and soft rock out! Musically, I'm excited to put out on the stage what I spent 2010 learning to do. I have never been as excited as I am about a new year." Well, with the new album, and a support tour, there is certainly much to get excited about. I will be looking to seeing him when he makes his way East, and expect to do lots of cheering, and getting a big hug.

Before ending the interview, Jake was kind enough to offer a few kind words in my direction. "Thanks Howard for all you do," he said,"for all your support and words and most of all for being you." Well, that certainly made me feel warm all over. And he most definitely wanted to wish a big "Happy Holidays" to the readers of the blog. As this is the last installment of the series, I wouldn't mind taking the opportunity to say my own thank you to Jake and all the rest of the artists who make the music that keeps me blogging, and take the time to answer my questions, and deliver the music that entertains us all. And I will end with one more song from Jake, another of my favorites. It is We Are, with a little help from Stewart Lewis.



For more information about Jake Walden, be sure to check out his official website here. If you go there, you can find all kinds of fun stuff, including shots of Jake getting a tattoo!

Jake Walden - I'll Be Home For Christmas

I think this might be little Jake!

Jake is currently working on a new album, but took the time to sing a little holiday ditty for us all. I think you will enjoy his version of I'll Be Home For Christmas. Jake had put in a request to his fans to send in pictures that inspired the Christmas feeling, and used them to create the video. And at about 1:30 to 1:32, you can see a picture I took a few years ago of the Christmas tree for our family gathering.



As you could tell, it was classic Walden, his voice in great form. Whether he is hitting the high notes or singing with that familiar husk, Jake never fails to deliver the emotion of the lyric. If you like it, you can purchase the single on iTunes here.

Jake Walden at the Seafront Diary

It's not often I do this, but my blog-buddy Jason Shaw did a fantastic interview with Jake Walden, so I thought I would share it with you. While there, you might want to check out the entire site, cause I really enjoy reading Jason regularly.

It’s not often a voice just stops you dead in you tracks and pricks at your very soul, but that’s what happened to to me when I first heard Jake Walden’s ‘Alive and Screaming.’ It’s hard to categorize his sound, as Jake's voice has so many textures, from silky smooth to rough-hewn lumber, forever capturing heartfelt emotion. He can take you from cool sheets to a gravel road, never failing to lend a hand to grasp.

There’s a refreshing honesty to the sensitive and emotive lyrics that have that rare ability to truly reach into your mind, into your very soul and transport you to different place. The son of hippies, born and raised in Northern California, he’s already building up a vast fan base, which is just as well, for his next album really does depend upon his friends and fan’s, no really, it does, literally!

For more of the interview and to visit Jason's blog, click here.

Free Download from Jake Walden

The benefit of lending your support from an independent artist like Jake Walden is the free goodies you can get along the way. One such bonus was the clip of Jake singing his favorite song by the Eagles, Desperado. He certainly gives his own take on the song, with a delivery that is distinctly Jake. Since I am posting this during the day, I guess I should mention that those who watch through to the end truly receive a special treat. Yes, Jake does bare his, um, soul for his fans. Make it easy to get behind him.



And I mentioned a FREE download, well, here it is. The song is the never heard or released version of Alive and Screaming LIVE from the Hotel Cafe (2009). You still have time to join in the support of his latest studio effort, Same Something Different. You can join in here.

It Gets Better - Jake Walden

"What's important is who you are."

I have a couple of recent posts about this young man, and out artists whose music really talks to me. And not just me, as you can see in the recent interview by Jason Shaw, a friend of this blog. You can check out his interview here. But since I have posted about the fundraising for his new album, I thought I should run this, as he mentions that part of the money raised on Kickstarter will be going to the Trevor Project. Check out what he has to say.



If you are someone, or know someone who might be feeling the effects of prejudice and bullying, here is the website for The Trevor Project. They have set up a hotline that can be reached at (866)488-7386. Share the number with those how you think might benefit, because the teenage years are hard enough without the additional issues discovering you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

Jake Walden - Bleeding Love

At the beginning of the month, I posted about the fundraising for a new album from Jake Walden, and he just posted an update that I would share with the readers. But first, I will offer a bit of background. I have had the luck to see Jake performing live twice, one on the Rock The Folk OUT tour with Tom Goss and Stewart Lewis, and again at a show in Washington, DC, with Tom Goss. I met him afterward, and he was very much like he was in this video, adorable as all hell, sweet, and a tad nervous, but a good kind of nervous, like the energy from the shows were fueling him. In the previous post (here), I talked about how he was trying to get funds together to go into the studio for a new album of material, and the first goal was to raise $10,000 by the end of the month. This is a clip of Jake talking to fans at the Dreamers event about the project.



With that first goal met, the cutie now has to complete the next stage, which is to raise more money. He's got the talent, the material, and the drive, all he needs are some more people who will want to hear his music. I have long railed that if we want to hear great music that we enjoy, and that speaks to us and our experience, it is our responsibility to support those acts that fulfill our needs. I do it, and am damn glad I do. I have given to funds for other artists, like Aiden James and Gregory Douglass, or to films like Judas Kiss or Paul Bright's movies. I give what I can, which isn't very much, but I want these artists to understand their music matters, at least to me, and I want more. That is why I gave to this project before I wrote that first post. And just in case you need a little more temptation, I thought I would offer another song. This is a live recording of Jake singing the Leona Lewis song Bleeding Love with Bonnie Somerville, putting their own particular spin on it, making it his own.



So, if you could, take the time to stop by his page on Kickstarter here and watch his video, and see the options available. You can donate anything from $1 to, well, whatever, and for donations over $12, you will get something in return. Most of all, remember the quality of his music, and how proud you can be in supporting an artist in making it. IF you would like to check out some more, go to Jake's official website here, join his mailing list, and get a free copy of the single Alive And Screaming. Give it a listen and I am convinced you will be a fan.

Same Something Different - Jake Walden

Jake Walden, at play and at work.

Announcing he is in the planning stages of a new album, a follow-up to the amazing 2008 release Alive And Screaming, Jake Walden has started a fundraising effort to help with the costs of recording. Before I get too much further into that, let me remind you a bit about the artist. Handsome, out and proud, the singer/songwriter sings highly personal and beautiful songs, his voice at times aching, at other times reveling in life. Take, for example, the song We Are in a live performance.



The title cut from Alive And Screaming is not only a great example of his work, but also was heard on the soundtrack of an episode of the show Scrubs. It is a beautiful song with amazing layers and textures, all shown beautifully by Jake's vocal performance.



And here is a video of the song Same Something Different at a show in Las Vegas. The song shares a name with the new album, so it might just give you a little insight into the music to come. I was lucky enough to see him perform this live at a show in Washington DC. He was there with Tom Goss.



As I said, Jake has started to raise money for his next album, and the first goal is at the end of the month. As with many independent artists, the cost of studio time and promotion of new music is all left to the artist, and is a heavy burden. When you come across talented out artists like Jake, and enjoy their music, what better way to ensure they continue to enrich your life with that music than with your support? So, if you could, take the time to stop by his page on Kickstarter here and watch his video, and see the options available. You can donate anything from $1 to, well, whatever, and for donations over $12, you will get something in return. Most of all, remember the quality of the music on this page alone, just these three songs, and realize this is an artist worth supporting. Need more convincing? Go to Jake's official website here, join his mailing list, and get a free copy of the single Alive And Screaming. Give it a listen and I am convinced you will be a fan.

REPOST - Great Cover from Tom, Stewart & Jake

Jake Walden, Tom Goss and Stewart Lewis toured together on the Rock The Folk OUT tour, performing separate sets as well as doing some together. They did a particularly nice cover of Coldplay's Yellow. The tour was sponsored by OUT magazine and Here! Tunes.



I caught the tour when they were in Philadelphia, and it was fantastic.