Bialczak's Review of Bitter Tears - Sacred Ground

The Post-Standard (Syracuse, New York) music critic, Mark Bialczak, had wonderful things to say about our latest release:

"Joanne Shenandoah and Michael Bucher speak from their hearts on 'Bitter Tears -- Sacred Ground.'"

"They've constructed a proud and noble collection."

"The sounds of their voices and guitars are striking..."

"Shenandoah sings 'The Star Spangled Banner' gloriously a cappella, one voice, soaring."

"And the CD closes with 'America,' gorgeously written and sung by Shenandoah..."

You can read Bialczak's complete review here.

Please visit Hondo Mesa Records to purchase the CD or to watch the short film about the making of the CD.
Long live independent music.

Bialczak Reviews Kh'Mi CD

Hello Music Lovers,
Mark Bialczak, music critic for The Post-Standard, says Kh'Mi had to "dig deep to follow up" their SAMMY winning last CD. The review of their new CD, "Medicine Show," was published today. Bialczak acknowledges the unique variety that is Kh'Mi, not fitting "neatly into rock, blues, folk or any other definitively labeled style." On Medicine Show, "they're still grooving, soulful and brimming with good cheer."

Thanks for the review Mark and for posting a clip from the CD on your blog.

Larry Hoyt and 3rd & Main at Jazz Central

On Saturday, Sept. 1, Larry Hoyt and 3rd & Main are playing at Jazz Central in Syracuse, New York. Doors open at 7:00. Show starts at 7:30.

This is a free concert (e.g., Hondo Mesa Records fan appreciation night), but reservation are required. Reservations can be made by emailing dfkinsey@HondoMesaRecords.com or by calling 315.708.5217.

Attached are excerpts from reviews of 3rd & Main's CD and Larry Hoyt's CD.

Regards,
Dennis


"3rd & Main puts out a very hip, all-original jazz sound...3rd & Main's cast of Gil Lopez on guitar and vocals, Chris Kneisel on guitar and effects, Mark Eich on bass and Ken Hart on drums weaves a cool effect throughout." Mark Bialczak, Music Critic The Post-Standard (Syracuse, NY) April 22, 2007

Larry Hoyt's "Folksinger/Songwriter" on Hondo Mesa Records, was reviewed on September 26, 2004 in the Post-Standard (Syracuse, NY). Music critic, Mark Bialczak noted that Larry "carved quite a comfortable niche with his country-folk hybrid." Hoyt's debut release, "captures the simplicity of folk, the honesty of country... he writes lyrics that are direct...right to the heart." Bialczak went on to say, "Even the covers are full of devotion."

Music critic, Nathan Turk, of the Syracuse New Times found a lot to like in Larry Hoyt's debut CD. Turk notes that Larry "...has such a keen insight of what sounds good in his own music... Hoyt's own songs have especial weight, showing an uncommon handle on folk's poetic simplicity." Turk also praised musician, Henry Jankiewicz's work on the CD, "[Larry's] backing cast lets him breathe, but fleshes out key spots, shining in the achingly pretty instrumental 'Maura's Waltz,' as Henry Jankiewicz's fiddle heads for the stratosphere." Turk concludes with, "Hoyt's Folksinger Songwriter is a near-flawless outing."