ROSS FALZONE: Radical Heart

Ross Falzone

Radical Heart

© 2004 Poet People (825979702225)

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A soulful blend of rock, folk, blues, gospel, spoken-word, humor and funk, combined with socially-conscious songwriting; all proceeds benefit award-winning Nashville youth agency, Oasis Center.

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Radical Heart is a record for our times. The debut CD release of performing songwriter, ROSS, uses an eclectic mix of rock, folk, R&B, gospel, spoken-word, funk and humor to tackle the tough issues of politics, war, religion, oppression, power, activism, and love. The effect is both provocative and uplifting. And not only is Radical Heart both musically and lyrically risk-taking, but it's community-conscious, as well. ROSS ain't making a dime. The CD sales proceeds go to Oasis Center, an award-winning, non-profit youth agency dedicated to enhancing the lives of teens and families in Middle Tennessee. Oasis Center additionally provides Middle Tennessee's only licensed shelter for runaway, abused, and homeless youth.

Along with sharing proceeds, ROSS generously shares the spotlight on Radical Heart. Maybe most exciting is his collaboration with spoken-word artist Ami Mattison. In "The Crapitalist," Mattison's edgy poem about the dark side of capitalism, ROSS' arrangement and hard-hitting vocal performance force listeners to re-evaluate their consumerism. Mattison also performs a rap she's written for the center of "Ain't It a Shame," ROSS' composition about the sin of complacency. And although ROSS has writing credits on nine of the album tracks, he's also included "I Think I Saw Jesus," a stirring and poignant call to find God in the face of the oppressed, penned by fellow-Nashvillian, Joe Scutella.

Radical Heart is full of spirit, daring, and lots of surprises. The title track, "Radical Heart," a pop-anthem about standing up for your beliefs, co-written by veteran songwriter, Stan Webb, challenges listeners to examine whether or not they take the easy way out in life. "Second-hand Smoke," also written with Webb, warns about blindly accepting the "facts" we're spoon-fed from media and elsewhere. The riveting "Gotta Get Even," a news-saturated commentary on the futility of revenge, feels especially potent during these days of war and terrorism. Offering hope in a dark world are "Call My Name," a vow of unconditional love written with longtime friends, Jeff Munzert and Ray Wood, and "Father to Son, Man to Man," an optimistic message from parent to child, promising miracles in our mortal world.

ROSS gathers together a diverse mix of talented musicians to help create his powerhouse sound. Vince Santoro (of Little Vinnie and Air Parma and currently touring with mary-Chapin Carpenter and Felix Caviliere) and Barbara Santoro are all over this record with their amazing background harmonies and Vince's drumming. Guitar aficionado, George Marinelli, Jr., (bandleader for Bonnie Raitt,) plays on five tracks and mixes another. Beeb Birtles, (founding member of the Little River Band,) lends his sweet voice, and some guitar, to much of the project. Other talented musicians on the CD include: George Cocchini, Mark Prentice, Cedric Caldwell, Kevin Hogan, Kevin McKendree, Jackie Welch, Dennis Taylor, Shannon Williford, Laurie Canaan, Minton Sparks, Don Maracle, Steve Conn, and Sylvia Hutton. Most of the record is mixed by Jeff Gilhart of The Tree Fort in Rochester, New York.

Radical Heart is Ross' debut CD, published by Poet People. To find out more about Ross, Poet People, or Oasis Center, please visit www.poetpeople.net.

reviews

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  • Something for everyone on this CD!
    author: N. Jimi Bruce, Naphtali News

    Reminiscent of Muscle Shoals or Memphis Horns, Dylan, Petty, and soulful rock... Ross' rebellion and conscious music thankfully blends styles few have been brave enough to produce... a message of support for those who speak out against the system... "The Crapitalist" track alone is worth the price... There really is something for everyone on this CD...

  • Stellar new record for a great cause
    author: Michelle Picardo, FREETIME Magazine

    Stellar new record... thoughtful and entertaining... Not only will listening to this CD teach you a few things but purchasing it will help benefit Oasis Center!

  • CD touches on tough topics with tenderness
    author: Sarah Schwab, "The Leader," SUNY Fredonia

    "Radical Heart" is a collection of inspirational songs that encourage even the saddest of souls... In a time when negative messages sell music, it's a sigh of relief to listen to a spirited playlist... This cd touches on many of the tough topics in today's culture with the tenderness of uplifting poetry and music.

  • Music's truth rings loudest of all
    author: Frank De Blase, City Newspaper, Rochester

    Ross calls Nashville home and apparently the music Mecca's muddy waters have washed over him. Ross plays bluesy, country rock like you might hear from cats like Dave Alvin, The Boss, or Southside Johnny. "Radical Heart" is a bunch of classic American strains banded together and steeped in soul. The songs are politically charged and romantically optimistic. But it's the music's truth that rings loudest of all.

  • "All Cool" is my review!
    author: Eddie Russell, WCNET

    "Radical Heart" is an excellent, unique and inspiring CD... it really knocked me out... I live for songs with such a message!

  • Lord Litter recieves Radical Heart
    author: Lord Litter, Lord Litter's Radioshow

    Well, what can I say...but...It's exactly releases like "Radical Heart" that made me start all this in the 1980's and that have kept me going ever since! GREAT to hear... Airplay guaranteed!!!

  • Radical Heart is powerful statement from noteworthy newcomer
    author: Duncan Walls, from "All the Right Notes," The Naples Record

    This is an engaging CD with strong messages, appealing lyrics and music that straddles genres without seeming strained... "Community conscious" truly defines Ross' focus on social issues... His musical framework is stellar throughout... Vocally, Ross is, at times, reminiscent of John Hiatt; his reedy, earthy, and sincere voice never strangles a good lyric. He knows his limitations but seems at ease jumping musical boundaries without sacrificing credibility... Ross' soundscapes (the way the CD sounds as a result of applied recording and mixing) are concise, mature and thoughtful... "Radical Heart" deserves repeated listens and is a powerful statement of a noteworthy newcomer.

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