Great new music from independent labels and artists all around the world

Well, that’s it then, the holiday season is behind us and 2007 is already underway. How was it for you? I hope you’ve had a good break and are ready to take another year by the scruff of the neck and give it a damn good shake and see what falls out of it.Comment from Ross Patzelt Man burning – Josh Ritter  (Idaho, USA)Recently deemed DETAILS magazine’s "Next Big Thing", Josh Ritter writes songs that are rare gifts of natural, intuitive beauty. He has been praised for his beautifully spare, timeless songwriting and is winning comparisons to Nick Drake, Will Oldham, and Leonard Cohen.A native of Moscow, Idaho, Josh has a full-blown cult following in Ireland (complete with his very own cover band!), and sells out clubs and theatres there. Whether opening a tour for Joan Baez (Ms. Baez recorded one of Josh’s songs WINGS), or rocking out with indie band The Frames, Josh can seamlessly appeal to fans of all types of music. The Village Voice raved, "Ritter’s is the rare type of songwriting: untouched by affectation, embroidered with a quietly plaintive voice and smart melodies (think Dylan and Drake) and with words expressive of another time and place–intangible and idyllic, full of longing and nostalgia, with imagery that awakens even the inanimate."Special Solo Acoustic 2007 US Tour Announced. Details on Josh’s websitewww.joshritter.comwww.myspace.com/joshritterBreak Me – Maria Daines  (UK)Maria Daines & Paul Killington, a songwriting team from UK who revel in artistic freedom to make music from their hearts that makes a difference.They actively support peaceful animal rights organisations and compassionate human rights and natural world related charities.www.maria-daines.com/Note from Sarah  Dashew who’s track Jealous Girl I played a couple of weeks ago.Thank you for playing me (my music, really, not ME, you know, not like you picked me up and plucked my arms or something) and for the compliments! Happy Holidaze! cheers, SarahOK – here’s a challenge, mlet’s really play some musicians! Ideas and audion samples to the comments for the show or via the MyChingo button. Let’s do it!Happy birthday to Pete Cogle over at PC PodcastSitting on the sofa with you – Al Stravinsky (UK)A professional musician for 24 years with over 3000 gigs’ experience, Al pours all he has learnt into every song: from tasteful drums, through subtle keys, to lush strings, precision harmonies, scintillating guitars and melodic bass. Each song is built around fine lyrics: stories of love and life, loss and hope.www.soundclick.com/alstravinskywww.myspace.com/alstravinsky3 Horseshoes, Charsfield Guest Ale:    Wolf in Sheeps Clothing.    3.7%Wolf Brewery, Besthorpe.A hoppy thirst-quenching golden session bitter, with a flowery nose and slightly citrus after-taste. The hop flavour lasts right through to the bottom of the glass.Hey – Eileen Meyer (Hawaii, USA)Eileen Meyer is currently recording her 3rd Album. Her cutting-edge musical, mystical poetry has been licensed by Oprah’s Oxygen Network as well as featured on a CBS Morning News report. She has shared the stage with artists such as Dar Williams, Mick Fleetwood, and Larry Mitchell.www.eileenmeyer.com/www.myspace.com/eileenmeyerLonging Pt 1. – Julius Way   FIRST PLAYJulius Way has recently released his debut EP Yearn on his own label (Wayward Boys And Girls) which you can order through his website.Based in Manchester and London these days he grew up near here in Woodbridge, Suffolk.The layering in that track and most others on the EP is fascinating and demands lots of listens.www.juliusmusic.com/www.myspace.com/juliusmusicukFire in St. Peters – Gerry Wall (Canada)Gerry writes with Graham Knight, a long-time friend who is also a brother-in-law, a canoeing and camping partner and sometimes legal advisor. He’s recorded three albums and has plans for at least a few more. The music might be best described as Canadiana. It has elements of Americana, folk, roots, jazz, country and emphasizes the lyrical side.www.gerrywall.com/I hope you enjoyed the rather more laid-back tracks this week. It’s not a permanent shift just a bit of variety. As ever, if nthere’s an artist you think we should listen to together, let me know by email to suffolkandcool@gmail.comAll good things for 2007.Peter