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Wake Up Process
Artist: Justin Beckler
URL: www.justinbeckler.com
Label: Indie
Blues, pop, and acoustic rock blend together in Beckler's 2004 release. His lyrics are provocative and his vocals are grainy, whiny mix that fits his style well.  (Jonathan Avants )
 
Be Still Oh Child of Earth, All Heaven is in Your Hands
Artist: Cut The Red Wire
URL: www.cuttheredwire.net
Label: Plastiquemusiq/
Andy Bird handles the writing and performing of Cut the Red Wire's debut record. And he's quite good at all of it.  Catchy and danceable song writing, interesting production, and solid lyrics throughout aimed at praising God in the midst of heartache and sadness.  (Jonathan Avants )

All the Houses Look the Same
Artist: Deas Vail
Label; Brave New World Records
I'm always interested in the bands that are going to play Cornerstone.  When I hear they are going to be on the Gallery Stage, I'm particularly interested.  So I slip in the CD wondering what I'm going to hear.  Wow! Their delicate melodic pop reminiscent of Mae and Lovedrug the soft sound is sure to please the ear.  The guitars and piano tease the ear gently but do get to relaxed they can rock out in places.  Definitely on my shows to see at cornerstone. (Shari Lloyd)

Side Show Revival
Artist: Tom Feldmann & the Get-Rites 
Label: Magnolia Recording Co.
Another interesting artist from the Minneapolis area. Singer/songwriter/guitarist Tom Feldmann was weaned on the dirty, back-woods moans and hollers of blues legends like Son House, Mississippi Fred McDowell, and John Lee Hooker, but over the years he developed a plethora of styles, including folk, soul, country, Americana, and gospel.  With a deep voice and an Americana folk sound, Feldman delivers a nice old time album reminiscent of Ralph Stanley but much more modern. (Shari Lloyd)

Naked and Naive
Author: Phil Honey-Jones
Label: Banana Castle Records
URL: www.myspace.com/philhoney
Time: 12 Tracks 47:18
This young acoustic/rock/blues/folk musician reminds me quite of a bit of Tom Petty. His voice has a distinct nasal tone to it, which could also call to mind Tom Waits and a little bit of Bob Dylan. There are some songs here that I enjoy quite a bit. This man can play a guitar folks! There are some great acoustic, classical-guitar-style, picking songs and some solid rockers to  boot. Mandolin on certain songs adds a flavor as well. Favorites of mind include “The Alchemist” “Train To Nowhere” and the closing three songs: the fun, “Bop-De-Bop” the catchy “Crazy Drug” and the beautiful “Dancing Duel.” (James Morovich)

The Hotpipes
Author: The Hotpipes
Label: Indie
URL: www.hotpipesmusic.com
Time: 11 Tracks 38:11
Right here we have an example of retro sounding rock and roll at his best. Like The Elms, The Hotpipes have found a way to play loud, crisp rock and roll that calls to mind The Velvet Underground, The Doors, Procol Harem, Deep Purple and a little Jimi Hendrix, in the most enjoyable and fun fashion. Loud, distorted guitars, organ on some songs, driving drums and vocals that sound like any late 60’s rock band. Songs like “If…Don’t” and “Rattle Cats” are great examples of drum driven hard edged rock, while other tunes like “Much Too.” “Lota Lee,” and the great acoustic driven, “Love in 3’s,” show that this band can play ballads as well.  (James Morovich)

Our One Mistake
Artist: The Old Ceremony
Label: Sona Blast Records
URL; www.myspace.com/theoldceremony
The Old Ceremony had this album voted at the top album of 2006 by Paste Magazine. This is a huge accomplishment and one that this critic pays attention to. Let me just say that this album didn’t disappoint. These guys are one of the most talented bands I’ve heard in some time. They’re sound reminds me of Wilco, yet not to the extent that you feel they are trying to be copycats. No, these five guys are doing something that is totally their own, but fans of Wilco will find a lot to like about this band. Highlights for me are the piano ballad, “Talk Straight,’ the pop/rock masterpieces “Papers in Order” and “Get To Love” and the funky “Radio Religion.” The whole album is absolutely brilliant though, and I would suggest you check these guys out! (James Morovich)

Nothing Short of Now
Artist: Brandon Pfeiffer
Label: Little America Records
URL: www.myspace.com/brandonpfeiffer
 This young man is a highly talented newcomer to the indie/rock/pop scene. The six songs on this project are highly enjoyable. If you are a fan of artists like Jonathan Rundman, the Umbrellas, and any other jangly guitar band like the Goo Goo Dolls, you’ll enjoy Brandon Pfeiffer. The songs are all about love and romance and are fun and peppy, with the exception of “Missing You” which is a rather amusing song that is a bit on the sad side, as Pfeiffer laments missing a girl he broke up with more than he expected. Another highlight is the six and half minute “Be The First To Die” that builds into a mix of distorted guitars and synthesizer riffs, which give the listener a techno vibe.  (James Morovich)

Inside Out
Artist: Robert Pierre
Label: Thinkaboutit records
Looking for something to share with your teens.  This 14 year old pop singer may be just the thing.  He's doing inspirational music for other kids. This music appeals to kids and you might like him too. It's a positive album that parents won't want to throw out the car window on a road trip- it's seriously very good music and sooooo catchy. I also think this is something parents (Mom's especially) can use to talk to their kids about the Lord and that they can share together. (Linda LaFianaza, Shari Lloyd) 

Seasons Change
Connie Scott
URL: www.conniescott.com
www.voiceofhopeministries.com
Label: Independent
Connie Scott has a classic church worship singing voice, very sweet and matured. Her debut solo release is nicely produced and well performed throughout. (Jonathan Avants )
 

With a Kiss 
Artist: With a Kiss 
Label: Indie
With a Kiss screams and sings in their debut, 4-song EP. They handle their two stylistic fronts well, with both slower and scream-filled rockers mixed together effectively.  (Jonathan Avants )

Reflection
Artist: Willie Will
Label: Beatmart Recordings
Willie Will is ready for the big time. He grew up in a musical family in suburban Seattle, Washington, where is mother was a choir director and his father sang in quartets. At the age of seven, he started his musical career which included an extensive stint with his brothers in the family groups Pop Heavenly and The Heavenly Boyz. Most importantly, at age twenty, Willie Will made his faith his own. "God got a hold of me in a very real way." Becoming his own man means embracing his own style, which is hip-hop, and cutting three independent releases prior to being picked up by Beatmart. 
Reflection is slated for early June, 2007, release and features outstanding settings for Willie Will's artistry. A young performer who will benefit from rapping before live audiences to refine his delivery, Will is an artist with whose divine motivation will no doubt keep him creating  and developing his music throughout his life. It will be nice to look back at Reflection, an early, promising effort. (Linda LaFianza)