Here We Are Review
Copyright (c) 1995, Joe DeRouen
All rights reserved


Here We Are
Independent Songwriters Group


I've always loved compilation CD's; they seem to have more music on them
than regular discs do, and you get to check out a wide range of
different musicians.  After you've listened to it, you usually end up
with a small list of artists you liked and thus a few CD's to search out
and add to your collection. 

HERE WE ARE: AN ASHEVILLE AREA ACOUSTIC SONGWRITER SAMPLER, however, is
much more a full-course meal than a sampler platter.  Recorded in the
Asheville area in North Carolina by the Independent Songwriters Group
and featuring twenty different local acoustic musicians, HERE WE ARE is
a multi-layered musical feast for the ears.  From the opening track of
Phil and Gaye Johnson's beautiful "In the Heart of the Mountains" to the
very last track, David LaMotte's touching "Grey Eagle", the compilation
never hits a slow spot.  The CD is as pure and unfettered as its
Carolina mountain origins would seem to reflect. 

Still, some songs stuck with me more than others.  If the sarcastically
funny "Someday", a song about putting things off for just one more day,
is any indication, Tom Troszak promises to have a great career ahead of
him.  The same goes for Billy Jonas, who's "Chain Letter" is an
out-and-out fun romp that follows the meanderings of just such a
missive. 

I couldn't help singing along with Wanda Lu Greene's "Mechanicsville", a
melodic song about going home, even when listening to it the first time.
Greene has such a strong, clear voice, and a believable sincerity all
too rare in music today.  Her music just grabs the listener's attention
and makes him sit up and take notice. 

Suzi Katz's vocals on "Whispers You to Me" are among the very best on
the album, at once sensuous and haunting.  Her lyrics are poetic in
their own right, intelligent and compelling.  

HERE WE ARE's organizer Jimmy Landry's "Just an Illusion" is a clever,
catchy song, sure to stick in your head long after the CD player has
ceased to spin. 

Nance Pettit's "Aftershock" is an intriguing, complicated song, giving  
evidence of the artist's talents both in her strong rhythmic vocals and
use of words and allusions.  Her work here is moving and compelling, as
deserving of national attention as anything in the mainstream. 

David Wilcox, the compilation's only real "name" outside of the
Asheville area, is another highlight with his "Who's Got Who", a bluesy,
soulful offering with some great slide guitar thrown in for good
measure. 

When all is said and done, every song on the disc deserves to be there. 
Every performer did his or her best, and delivered a strong, solid
performance.  It's an album full of twenty highlights, and there's not
even one weak link to be found. 

HERE WE ARE is first and foremost a representation of the best singing
and songwriting that Asheville, North Carolina has to offer.  But it's
so much more than that.  Any song on the compilation could stand by
itself, and any of the singer/songwriters could carry an album of their
own.  The appeal of the music certainly isn't just regional.  North
Carolina should be proud. 


To order HERE WE ARE, send a check or money order for $15.00 + $2.00
for shipping to:

                 Independent Songwriters Group
                 PO BOX 9974
                 Asheville, NC. 28815

For Visa, Mastercard, or Discover orders, call Rainy Day Records at
1-800-636-6166

