This may be one of those folk artists/songwriters who is hidden or unknown to a wide audience. What a shame that more of these seriously talented performers don’t get the recognition they deserve.

Bolton’s When I Cross the River, independently produced in 2007, has some fine songs for the lover of traditional music and folk music with a twist. “silver” is particularly nice tune to listen to. No earth-moving here, unless it happens to be the song is adopted by a loving couple who will always remember it as “our song.”

Bolton released a first album called Acoustic Caravan” in 2003. He has made some changes since that time, with “whose army” an example of what can be done with real talent and some creativity. Bolton is ably assisted by Richard Grace on what is affectionately and traditionally called “double bass.” That acoustic sound is like no other. You have to check out “Sweet Days” even if you aren’t a fan of acoustic folk.

Here are some great words from his Web site that tell much of the Bolton/Grace tale. “In 2006, having played solo gigs for a number of years, he was joined onstage by Richard Grace. Tom’s soaring vocals and sparse acoustic guitar, accompanied by Richard’s deep-velvet double-bass and harmonies, have earned them a reputation as engaging performers at folk and acoustic venues around Australia.”

Tom Bolton on MySpace

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First impressions are important. My introduction to Tin Tin Can came with “Funeral Waltz,” a tune that immediately reminded me of some work by The Beatles in the late 60s and early 70s. But that came mostly from the voices and the interesting mix of sounds. There is more to this Chicago-based group than meets the ear. I like “Funeral Waltz” for itself, and am more than happy to leave The Beatles to their own legend.

Tin Tin Can markets its music as a mix of blues, thrash and show tunes. “Sex Lies and Lightning Bolts” continues the work of tossing all these styles together with musical talent and coming out with….good music. I do enjoy listening to the guitar in the background of this particular song. “I Ain’t Your Man” will please some who enjoy a bit of circus music in their tunes, along with some sound effects that are hard to explain but fit for some reason. Great beginning to “Confetti Machete!” Tin Tin Can has a limited schedule for now, with appearances in Rockford, Illinois and in Detroit, Michigan. My guess is this will change. They’ll be playing a lot of venues in the near future.

Tin Tin Can on MySpace

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I certainly understand the train references made in connection with music. This particular joining of the wanderlust and musical expression is, after all, a great tradition in music of the world. The Ryan Express continues this with Beware of the Trains, giving the field a bit different look. There is some shade of gray and black to this music, which can be associated with the lonesome sound of the train whistle (not the shriek of the current diesel horn!!).

Check out www.multidoserecords.com for entry into the good music of Kansas City, the place that The Ryan Express calls home. Music from this Midwest artist is available on the EP Pacific, which is only distributed digitally as a free download. Please Be Seated is available for $10 from MultiDose Records. Check out “All Legs and Nothing Else” to get a feel for the individual nature of this musical effort. The self-titled CD The Ryan Express is also available. I listened to “Your Song” and “The Colors of the Sky.” This is a good introduction to The Ryan Express.

The Ryan Express on MySpace

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I do like the drums/bass start of “Petunias.” On this tune at least, the voice sounds something like the lead singer for Widespread Panic, and that is a good thing. I’m not sure about the importance of having a baby that loves petunias, though. This is rock and roll, on the new CD Antares, that the Albuquerque, New Mexico group is putting out. It’s a do-it-yourself effort known, for who knows what reason, as a major label CD. I guess everything is major today.

In sampling some of the songs on the 2006 disc and the 2008 CD, I found “Love Away” has an ominous beginning. Plenty of fuzz guitar and hard rock feel on this song. Then it breaks into a fast-paced section that holds onto the interesting melody line. If you are feeling a bit bogged down and need something to get your engine running, try “Psychedelic Sunset!”

Kinda funky, is this music. Many people will like “Luna.” It’s just different enough to catch on. Who is (are) SuperGiant? Let’s see, there’s Joel Rogers – vocals; Jeremy McCollum – guitar; Kyle Erickson – bass; and Gary Chavez – drums. Check out the title track from the new album. The CD release party in the band’s hometown is set for Dec. 13.

SuperGiant on MySpace

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Though this listener has never been partial to power pop, or regular pop, for that matter, I do like Spinning Lucy for their energy and crisp playing. I want the everything pill too. At least that’s the feeling I get when I listen to such tunes as “That’ll Be The Day.” Nice listening music is always a good investment. But then there’s “Crowning,” which puts the band closer to the rock/power pop classification. This tune even has some of the feel that takes me back to my younger days about 35 years ago, when songs and songwriters really, really tried to put life and music together. I do like this tune for its music and its dynamics. The lyrics and story are excellent.

This band is from Philadelphia and has been chugging along for about four or five years. As is the case with most pop, their tunes have been called “catchy.” While that adjective fits many groups, Spinning Lucy seems to go beyond the catchy stage to become what some might categorize as a serious band. Check out “Starsign.” After all, Will Roberts makes no effort to disguise the fact that Spinning Lucy’s songs are “happy songs about death.” That’s just nice!!!! Check out Will Roberts, Brian Pylant, Doug Johns and Dave Lash at their MySpace site or at www.spinninglucy.com.

Spinning Lucy on MySpace

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