Thank you Cathy Benedetto for the translation.

Wunderbare Entdeckungeen!


Wonderful Discoveries!

Paul Rostetter writes once a month about singer-songwriters - from folk to blues - from Americana to Rock

If one is out and about at the right time and can look at something of the countless new names in the American songwriting scene, one can always discover great programs, largely only of local importance, but supplying wonderful material. A downright brilliant example in this direction is Artie Tobia, a name that has been unknown in this country - until now.

Artie Tobia (Aberdeen. Red Tail Hawk Records) As unknown in this country as the record label is, is the protagonist Artie Tobias himself. Artie already has three albums. The new work, "Aberdeen", according to insiders and experts, is becoming among the best of his publishings. He has been, here and there, previously designated with big names on the stage divided between Chip Taylor or Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Already this entry shows why the new work is being praised. "Kryptonite" is a rocking love song of everything that distinguishes American rock these days. He reminds one of Springsteen, closer to John Mellencamp, or early Bob Seeger. That means good - accessible, strongly rhythmic songs with clean arrangements and engaging melodies. Outstanding is the fitting front voice of Artie Tobia together with the solid line work that characterizes the album. Also his songwriting you can see or hear for yourself. Not only driving love songs, but also intense tragic ballads very quietly intoned. Outwardly respectful, "Faces of War (The Ballad of Johnny Garcia) ", brings in a personal song that expresses the many of the tragedies of war. My favorite is the title track, "Aberdeen," with fine poetry packed in quiet sound but sometimes [zunftig] to and fro. "Boom Boom Boom" is a driving blues, "Mama calling Me," is one piano powered rock song, while "Farewell" verges towards a Rhumba and contains a little bit of guitar licks that are reminiscent of Carlos Santana. Then comes the much quieter remembrance of his dead father in "First He Was My Father," where the strong voice penetrates well. The recordings were produced in the Loft Studios in the Bronx, New York with small additions providing a delightfully good example of timeless American sound. A masterwork that only lacks commercial possibilities, barely in the racks to appear in our CD handlers.