Spotlight

NEW Music Video

from Madilyn Paige

This video really showcases her talent!

Get her full CD HERE

2015 debut EP features a set of tunes notable for their raw emotion and beautiful soundscapes. Madilyn wrote or co-wrote every song on the release, drawing from her own struggles as a teenager and her heartfelt expressions of the joy she finds in life. 

The first track, "Irreplaceable," begins with aching introspection and soars to an assurance of self-worth; the following track, "Foolish Game," was written right after Madilyn left the TV show The Voice and gives insight into the inevitability of discouragement in life and the realization that you can rise above the games that people play. 

An epic movie score string section combines with powerful rhythms on "Undercover," a breathtaking song about overcoming sadness and seeking the light all around you. 

The final track, "Little Things," playfully reminds us that the little things in life are the source of true joy.

Madilyn Paige

The other day I posted this inspirational song to girls and women everywhere that no matter how hard life may be, or how down you may feel that you are, in fact, Irreplaceable.

~ THE CD IS NOW AVAILABLE ~

I LOVE Madilyn's voice!

Clear, vibrant, fresh, fun!

"Madilyn wrote or co-wrote every song on this release, drawing from her own struggles as a teenager and her heartfelt expressions of the joy she finds in life."

"The first track, "Irreplaceable," begins with aching introspection and soars to an assurance of self-worth; 

the following track, "Foolish Game," was written right after Madilyn left the TV show The Voice and gives insight into the inevitability of discouragement in life and the realization that you can rise above the games that people play. 

An epic movie score string section combines with powerful rhythms on "Undercover," a breathtaking song about overcoming sadness and seeking the light all around you. 

The final track, "Little Things," playfully reminds us that the little things in life are the source of true joy."

This CD is sure to be a FAVORITE!

AMAZON

Madilyn Paige lived in Japan as a young child and has taken up singing since moving back to the U.S. She loves making music videos and short films with her friends and has performed in various local competitions. She has graduated from “The Voice."

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Angels We Have Heard on High - Guinness World Record - ThePianoGuys Christmas #ShareTheGift

This music video really touched me and I wanted to share it with all of you...

May this season be one of rejoicing :)

#SharetheGift

Meet Music Artist Alex Sharpe

I was introduced to Alex Sharpe by Dr. Steven Young an ophthalmologist in Logan, Utah.

Dr. Young is a gifted pianist/organist himself and finds great pleasure in sharing the power of beautiful music.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Once there was a very shy and quiet young girl.... until one day she stood on a stage and a marvelous and magical journey began!

Alex Sharpe began her career playing Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin.

Since then she has enjoyed playing the following roles.

Bernie, The Raven Beckons, Mila, Aloha Kamiano, Riverbank Theatre Dublin.

Young Sally, Follies in Concert, National Concert Hall, Dublin.

Jenny, Aspects of Love, Olympia Theatre, Dublin.

Kate Foley, The Wiremen, Gaiety Theatre, Dublin.

Cathy, The Last 5 Years, Mill Theatre, Newtownabbey, Lady Ulveigh The Promise Helix Theatre.

Cinderella, Aladdin, Sinbad and Mother Goose, Gaiety Theatre, Dublin.

Eponine, UK National tour; Les Miserables, and Concert tour of Scandinavia.

Bernadette (original cast), in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Beautiful Game, London.

As guest soloist Alex has appeared with the RTE Concert Orchestra, Dublin, in The Romps, The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Razzle Dazzle, Show Stoppers, Super Troopers, Love is in the Air, Christmas Gala, Broadway and Beyond.

Night of a Thousand Voices, Belfast.

Academy Award Winners, The Birmingham City Orchestra, Birmingham.

Hallé Orchestra, Manchester, the Welsh National Orchestra, Cardiff and the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in Norway.

With West End International in Beatlemania! Götenborg Opera House, Reykjavik,Iceland Bond - Shaken Not Stirred in the UK.

Show Stoppers, Danish National Symphony, Helsinborg Philharmonic Orchestra.

In 2008 Alex was asked to be one of the soloists with Celtic Woman she toured the States for three years and had the opportunity to perform live on, Dancing with the Stars, The Today Show, Good Morning America and for President Obama at the National Christmas Tree Lighting 2009, along with TV appearances in China and Japan.

In 2009 she recorded the Emmy nominated DVD and Album Songs from the Heart.

Alex appeared as a guest on Jenny Oaks Baker’s Christmas Album “Noel” produced and arranged by Kurt Bestor in August 2012 and was guest soloist on the 25th Anniversary of “A Kurt Bestor Christmas” SLC, Utah and guest soloist with Craig Jessop and the American Festival Chorus and Orchestra at the Ellen Eccles Theatre, Logan, Utah Dec 2012

December 2013 Alex performed with Jenny Oaks Baker at the Festival of Lights in Washington DC and the Annapolis Christmas Pops in Maryland

On the 7th of April she released her debut solo album “Be Still My Soul”

In December 2014 she will play the role of “Maleficent” in The Cork Opera House’s production Sleeping Beauty.

 Website | FanPage | FaceBook | Twitter

I ASKED ALEX TO TELL US

TEN FUN THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HER

1. I can touch my nose with my tongue…now there’s a talent.

2. I can play the spoons (badly)… I learned to do it for an Irish cabaret and when I was rehearsing The Beautiful Game in London, Andrew Lloyd Webber ask the cast in rehearsals one day if any of us could play any instruments… I said I could play the spoons (mostly as a joke ) and he said OK! Well show us what you can do, and from there on in it stayed in the show in the party scene.

3. I have had a wig fly off on stage!!! Very funny and embarrassing.

4. I quite often answer the phone in a variety of different accents to my friends and find it hard to go back to speaking normal.

5. I am great at the Hula Hoop ;-)

6. My favorite quote is “ to thine own self be true” by William Shakespeare.

7. My favorite flower scent is Freesia.

8. I was raised by a single Mother and I have two brothers. (I am the middle child)

9. I have a guilty pleasure in watching Sumo Wrestling…. I have no idea where that comes from…I find the sport and the whole culture about it fascinating.

10. I learned that I could sing while mimicking my Grandmothers voice.

NEW ALBUM ~ BE STILL MY SOUL.

Here is what Alex says about this album:

For many years people have asked me to record the songs they have heard me sing in church.

They have shared personal experiences with me in those moments of listening that have convinced me there is a great power in sacred music that goes beyond the abilities of the human voice.

Although I have made a career out of being a Musical Theatre performer and as a soloist performing a wide variety of musical styles, I cannot deny that singing a hymn or song sacred in nature is a very different experience.

Alex has an incredible voice!

This really is a BEAUTIFUL CD...I have already fallen in love with it and have listened to it over and over again :)

Songs included are:
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Abide With Me, I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go, Jesus the Very Thought of Thee, Joseph Smith's First Prayer, I Am a Child of God/Love One Another, His Name, O My Father, Be Still My Soul, I know That My Redeemer Lives, My Heart Was Home Again

This CD carries with it a power to 

change lives!

Many stories have already been shared where this CD has made a difference

~ Let it touch your heart ~

Amazon | Deseret Book

Tyme, Aspects of Home

Sometimes I am lucky enough to share with you an AMAZING MUSIC CD...

This is one of those times!

I was introduced to the music of Cedar Breaks from the music CD included in the book...Upon Destiny's Song.


TYME, ASPECTS OF HOME is the debut album from the new band Cedar Breaks.

"The album is a groundbreaking musical tribute to the exploration of life and home. It examines our relationships with each other, and with the world around us. The album is a collage of strong harmonies, beautiful instrumentation, and thought provoking lyrics."

Their music is so beautiful it will resonate with your heart. 

One of my favorite songs on this CD is called PRAYER~ "Prayer is a song that give thanks for the experiences of life and how it builds character. A prayer that thanks and doesn't ask. True gratitude." 

Other songs include: 

Believe, Morning, Set To Wander, Rainy Day, Home, Snow, Always Mine, Tyme, Aspects, Eutaw, Twilight, Strong, and No Place

This is a CD you will listen to over and over again!

AMAZON | BLOG | YOUTUBE

artists

Rebecca Croft

 vocals

With her captivating lyrics and moving melodies Rebecca Croft captured the attention and hearts of many. She has preformed as a guest artist with Paul Cardall, the Salt Lake Choir and Symphony, Salt Lake City Lights On, FM 100 Mini Concert Series, Festival of Trees, and recently released her debut album. Rebecca began vocal training in Northern California at the age of eleven; it was then she discovered her love for singing and performing. She is now an accomplished artist with many awards and performances to her name. Rebecca’s debut, self-titled album is now available through itunes and www.rebeccacroftmusic.com.

Michael Gibbons

 vocals & acoustic guitar

Most people are born in a hospital; Michael was born in the control room of a recording studio. His father, Barry Gibbons, started Platinum Sound and Mastering Labs. As a child Michael sang and played the piano. Yet, when he heard his dad mimic the guitar solo from “Freedom” by Bread, he found his second voice: the guitar. He is now an audio/mixing engineer, producer, and musician. He has engineered countless albums, produced and engineered over 40 Broadways shows, and has written for commercial projects including the theme song for EFY 2008, “Steady and Sure.” His love for music lives not only in the studio but also with his wife and beautiful daughters.

Diana Glissmeyer

 vocals

Diana Rogers Glissmeyer is a contributing singer with Cedar Breaks. Although she hails from Colorado, she calls Utah home. Previously she has enjoyed the experiences of working with The Children Dance Theater, Tristan Moore, and The Salt Lake Choral Artists Chamber Choir under the direction of Brady Allred. She has taught with the University of Utah continuing Education program Opera Workshop and Vocal Technique’s courses. She currently teaches private voice. Diana has received her B.A. from BYU in Vocal Performance and studied music education at the University of Utah. Her greatest joy is being the mother to three adorable children.

Keith Behunin

 banjo & guitar

Keith Behunin is the lead banjo picker for the Fertile Dirt Band. His talent can be heard throughout Tyme. Keith’s son Kyle Independence Behunin “Indy”, accompanies his father and the band. The Fertile Dirt Band is an audience interactive bluegrass band utilizing antique musical instruments including the washboards, spoons, cow bells, jugs, washtub bass and bending saws. They play concerts, fund-raisers, sing-a-longs, barn dances, family reunions, weddings (only the fun ones), and perform at schools where they demonstrate the physics of sound.

Mike Ericksen

 guitar

Mike Ericksen is a classical guitarist, song-writer, and founder of Cedar Breaks. Before joining Cedar Breaks he produced films and music relating to the journey of early pioneers. He has performed in productions and concerts with music and stories of heritage across the country. Media produced includes: album “Unsung, Music for the Trail” including “Light up the Land performed during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, and “Sojourn – Along the Path”. Ericksen is also the founder of the Empath Media music videos “Walk the Path of Faith” and “Light up the land” containing dramatic footage from Groberg Films set to music; A stunning adaptation of a 1300-mile journey to the Rocky Mountains. “Sweetwater Rescue” produced by Groberg films for the PBS project of the same name. Ericksen was involved in the Lee Groberg production of the “Sweetwater Rescue”, and is featured on the CD that includes the music of Sam Cardon. He is recently working on an historical novel and a book of classical guitar hymns due in 2012. Mike and his wife, Cheri, and family live in  Utah.

(A review copy was provided, however, all reviews are of my own opinion :)

He Is Risen

CD Details
Artist: Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Release Date: April 2014

Music can bring a reverence to your home and heart and give you a wonderful way to worship our Lord and Savior.

Especially at Easter we love to sing the songs of triumphant rejoicing!

These six songs will bring us closer to Christ and give us reason to proclaim our love for His sacrifice.

*Christ the Lord is Risen Today
*In the Garden
*When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
*Jesus Has Risen
*He Is Risen
*Worthy Is the Lamb That Was Slain

Our testimonies will be truly strengthened that "He Is Risen."

Beautifully sung and orchestrated this will be a CD worth playing over and over again.

Amazon * Deseret Book

About the Choir
The 360 members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir represent men and women from many different backgrounds and professions and range in age from 25 to 60. They reflect a medley of unique lives and experiences and are brought together by their love for singing and their faith. Their incomparable voices are the common chord that unites to form the choral group known all over the world as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir originated in the mid-19th century in Salt Lake City. As the Latter-day Saints moved west, Church President Brigham Young included musicians among members of the advance parties. Consequently, a small choir first sang for a conference of the Church in the Salt Lake Valley on August 22, 1847, just 29 days after the first group arrived. The origins of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir may be found in the desire and commitment of early converts to include appropriate music in both sacred and secular events.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has appeared at 13 world’s fairs and expositions, performed at the inaugurations of five U.S. presidents, and sung for numerous worldwide telecasts and special events. Five of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s recordings have achieved “gold record” and two have achieved “platinum record” status. The most popular was the Grammy-Award-winning 1959 release of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

(A review copy was provided, however, all reviews are of my own opinion :)

My Favorite Things Music CD Giveaway

I am SO EXCITED!

Shadow Mountain Records 

is letting me give away another music CD

This time

MY FAVORITE THINGS 

by JOSH WRIGHT

Tracklist -

1. My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music
2. Chopin: Étude in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 10 No. 4
3. Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz
4. Scarlatti: Sonata in D Minor, K. 141
5. Stairway to Heaven/Castle On a Cloud from Les Misérables
6. Ravel: Jeux d’eau
7. Hedwig’s Theme from the Harry Potter series
8. Mozart: Sonata in F Major, K. 332, 2nd Movement
9. Rachmaninoff: Elégie, Op. 3, No. 1/Theme from Schindler’s List
10. Liszt: Paganini Étude No. 6 in A Minor
11. Fireflies (duet with Lindsey Wright)
PLUS, 4 BONUS TRACKS WITH FULL ORCHESTRA
12. Stairway to Heaven/Castle On a Cloud
13. Hedwig’s Theme
14. Rachmaninoff/Schindler’s List
15. Fireflies

Josh is an extremely AMAZING piano player!

Watch below as he plays a "color exploding" song!
This is song #2 on the CD

Billboard #1 artist Josh Wright has delighted audiences across the United States and in Europe. His self-titled album “Josh Wright” topped the Billboard Classical Traditional chart just three weeks after its release in April 2011. Josh studied under renowned pedagogue Dr. Susan Duehlmeier at the University of Utah, completing his Bachelor of Musical Arts degree and Master of Music degree. He currently studies at the University of Michigan, pursuing his Doctor of Musical Art degree as a pupil of Dr. Logan Skelton.

Did you know he teaches piano lesson via YouTube?

You can find him HERE

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY

US address only please
ends 7/19

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Primary Program

Album Details
Artist: Maurice Dew
Release Date: 2013
Produced by: Pioneer Productions, LLC

I am excited to share with you a fun new CD~~
The Primary Program

A little hip-hop!
A little rap!
A little Primary!
A lot Maurice!
A fun way to jazz up the Primary songs!
Great for the whole family!

Maurice is an LDS rapper.
His melodic hip-hop and clever lyrics have made him one of the top LDS hip hop artists.

Click HERE to hear his fun, unique style :)

I love how he listed his songs...in literal 'program' fashion...very fun!

I asked Maurice to tell us some fun facts about himself....

I enjoy short books, with a self improvement theme. I like Rich Dad, Poor Dad and Who Moved My Cheese.

I read books to study or learn something. The deeper I get into fatherhood, the more I enjoy books at my kids' age level. We read a lot of choose your own adventure or Hardy Boy books.

My aunt Sheri would be angry if I didn't say that we love any children's book printed and published by Deseret book. Yes, I have read Pingo books and children's scripture books.

I am the nephew of Sheri Dew.

I have recently gotten into acting and I would love to pursue this career along with my music. My imdb page left out my middle name, but is filed as Cory Dew.

I won Student Of The Year Award in 4th grade. My educational experience went all downhill from there ;-)

I love inventing and building things around the house. My wife makes many of my new creations remain in the garage or backyard though. I love taking an image in my brain and creating it. I have built additions to the home, bed frames, shower heads, and water toys for the kids to name a few.

I love exercising and eating healthy. I regularly run and play basketball. I stay away from granulated sugar and high fructose corn syrup, which means my diet is pretty boring and flavorless. But being unhealthy scares me too much to go back to my old eating habits (bribing Dairy Queen extra money to make me a 32oz Blizzard in a milk shake cup).

I record with my children. They often want to bang on the keyboard or recite what they said in their church talks. Since I have a home studio, my kids often spend time in the studio and vocal booth. They think it's normal to hear themselves on the car stereo and don't understand why other kids don't have songs too.

My wife is a seamstress and clothing designer. This makes for many collaborative efforts from her designing or tailoring some merchandise for me, or me pitching ideas for her to create.

I have never had a cavity.

I did not tell my mom I received my patriarchal blessing or mission call until after I had received each of them. I also moved out 10 days after my mission. She still reminds me of these incidences all the time. I invited her to my wedding though, so we're even ;-)

I love my truck. Maybe a little more than I should. It currently has 419,000 miles on it and I will drive that thing until the wheels fall off...and then I'll duct tape them back on.


A review CD was provided for this review. However, all reviews are of my own opinion :)