Here's the complete, award-winning line-up for the Tenderness Tour Compilation CD "Give a Girl a Chance." All proceeds benefit the 2009 Tenderness Tour!
Henry Lee Summer
Track: Little By Little
Website: http://henryleesummer.com
Summer, a rocker from Brazil, Indiana, hit the charts in the 1980's with MTV staples "I Wish I Had a Girl" (which went #1 on the Mainstream Rock Chart) and "Hey Baby." Summer toured with the likes of Eddie Money, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Richard Marx and Chicago. Summer has remained a vital player in the Indianapolis music scene, both as a solo artist and with the Alligator Brothers. Summer's tune on "Give a Girl a Chance," "Little By Little," was originally written in 1991. However, Summer intentionally recreated the song for this production.
Carrie Newcomer
Track: Geodes
Website: http://carrienewcomer.com
Carrie Newcomer. Wow. When I found out she'd agreed to contribute to "Give a Girl a Chance" I was overwhelmed with gratitude. I doubt she remembers me, but several years ago I performed a one-man show opening for her at the Vogue Night Club in Broad Ripple, Indiana. It ended up being a rather controversial performance given its raw truth and intensity, and I received the loveliest note from Newcomer several days after the show. "Geodes," Newcomer's contributed song, is off her recent Rounder Records Release "The Geography of Light."
Jennie DeVoe
Track: What if it Rains
Website: http://jenniedevoe.com
Jennie DeVoe is yet another familiar face for connoisseurs of intelligent and soulful music.
A Jennie DeVoe concert is refreshingly different.
DeVoe's stage presence somehow manages to balance both the electrifying and the heartfelt. DeVoe's presence literally envelopes you with her trademark warmth and intelligence, power and vulnerability.
In addition to being a powerful stage performer and gifted songwriter, DeVoe has long been known for her involvement in and support of a variety of social causes including two dinner performances at Claddagh Irish Pub, 3835 East 96th Street, benefiting Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (Ticket Info: http://www.violenceresource.org)
I've seen Jennie DeVoe myself numerous times in concert, but it was an everyday encounter with DeVoe that has been the most significant. During a brief period of unemployment, I found myself working at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Indy (Yes, retail!). It was a particularly challenging time in my life, a time marked by emotional, physical and financial stress. DeVoe, as it would turn out, was a regular customer of Barnes & Noble and her periodic visits became highlights of that challenging period in my life.
I watched. DeVoe treated everyone she encountered with kindness and respect, intelligence and warmth.
Jennie DeVoe is a perfect addition to "Give a Girl a Chance," because she's a wonderful example of an artist who's making the world a better place through the gifts that she shares.
Carl Storie
Track: Leap of Faith
Website: http://carlstorie.com
Storie is best known for the Billboard hit "Dancin' Shoes," one of the most tender and romantic ballads I've ever heard. He's performed with The Chosen Few, Faith Band and was the original front man for The Alligator Brothers. Storie's well known for his devotion to children's causes, and I defy you to not be inspired by his contribution to "Give a Girl a Chance," a powerful tune called "Leap of Faith."
Soulshine
Track: Soul Sister
Website: http://soulshinelive.com
Comprised of longtime Tenderness Tour friends Greg and Rhonda Baker, Soulshine was the second band to sign on for "Give a Girl a Chance" and both Greg and Rhonda have been extraordinarily generous in the giving of their time, energy and talents. Greg Baker has rocked the Indianapolis music scene for years with such acts as Henry Lee Summer, Carl Storie Band, The Alligator Brothers and others. Greg was also a member of Pod, a band that toured with Cinderella and Tesla! Rhonda has been performing and writing music for over 20 years, with a primary vision of bringing a positive message to those who "need" it. also played with Henry Lee Summer, Carl Storie Band, The Alligator Brothers and others. Rhonda has three CD's of original music to her credit, including the most recent with Greg. Soulshine has been involved with benefits for Riley Children's Hospital for the last two years and has played at the 2008 Heartland Film Festival Awards Reception, 2008/2009 Indianapolis Mini-Marathon and the 2008 Boys' and Girls' High School Basketball All-Star Game.
Ann McWilliams
Track: In the Palm of Your Hand
Website: http://amcwilliams.com
Ann McWilliams is yet another act I really wanted for this CD. Ann performed at the "Compassion Street Arts Festival," my first ever benefit one year before the Tenderness Tour started. She remains as committed now as she was then to using her music to make the world a better place. Ann also has a 2009 tour connection, having attended college at Depauw University in Greencastle. A longtime staple of the Indy music scene, McWilliams played for President George Bush's inauguration.
Luke Austin Daugherty
Track: Lay Down in the Water
Website: http://lukeaustindaugherty.com
I have a confession. I knew very little about Daugherty prior to his agreeing to contribute to "Give a Girl a Chance." I'd seen his name about town, but hadn't really run across his music. WOW! How have I missed this guy? He's incredible. He's a Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet with three published books of poetry, a Momentum Award winner with 7 indie CD releases to his credit and a musician who has repeatedly used his talents to improve the lives of others. His song for the CD, "Lay Down in the Water," is nothing short of wondrous. Compassionate, Talented, Faithful and Giving are all words that describe Luke Austin Daugherty.
Jeff DeHerdt
Track: Shining Your Light
Website: http://jeffdeherdt.com
Weird story...when I met Jeff, he was the sports editor of IUPUI's college newspaper, The Sagamore, where I served as the arts editor. Go figure. I had no idea at the time that DeHerdt was so incredibly gifted, and I'm incredibly grateful that he's contributed his gifts to "Give a Girl a Chance." This track, "Shining Your Light," is off his highly acclaimed "Club Bordeaux" release, nominated in the 2006 Just Plain Folks Music Awards. DeHerdt and his group have played Indy Jazz Fest and opened for the likes of Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker and others.
Frank Bradford
Track: Jump the Train
Website: http://frankbradfordmusic.com
A native of Indiana, Bradford toured throughout the 90's with Christian artists like Ray Boltz, Selah, Russ Taff and Phillips, Craig and Dean. He's also performed with local acts such as Carl Storie and The Wright Brothers, along with his own solo work including "Man in the Wilderness," the CD that contains our "Give a Girl a Chance" contribution called "Jump the Train." Bradford's music is also featured in the movie "The Broken Road."
Krista Detor
Track: Lay Him Down
Website: http://kristadetor.com
Revolver magazine has called Detor's latest release, "Cover Their Eyes," "One of the best CD's of the year," and her debut CD, "Mudshow," landed at #1 on the Euro-Americana chart. Detor has shared stages with the likes of Carrie Newcomer, Luka Bloom, Sam Phillips, Loudon Wainwright and another of my favorite artists, Suzanne Vega. Special thanks to Carrie Newcomer's management for introducing us to this outstanding artist. Detor, much like most of our artists, has already built quite the history of devotion to social causes including work in the area of domestic violence.
Mandy Marie Luke
Track: Now He's Gone
Website: http://myspace.com/mandymarieandthecoolhandlukes
Ah, the power of Myspace. I "added" Mandy Marie awhile back and instantly fell in love with her band, the Cool Hand Lukes. I finally had the chance to meet her when she played the Indianapolis Songwriters Cafe opening up for Justin Townes Earle as a solo artist. Mandy Marie also happens to be married to local music legend Danny Thompson, of Sloppy Seconds and Bigger Than Elvis fame. From rowdy rockabilly to stripped down Americana, Mandy Marie is an extraordinary songwriter, guitarist and singer.
Mutual Kumquat
Track: Rainbows
Website: http://mutualkumquat.com
I was hesitant to ask Mutual Kumquat to contribute to "Give a Girl a Chance," despite the obvious connection of going to seminary with one band member and the entire band being immensely popular in Church of the Brethren, the denomination in which I'm a licensed minister. Funny, insightful, spiritually grounded and open-hearted are all words to describe the music of Mutual Kumquat.
Dancin' Nancys
Track: Everything Changes
Website: http://thedancinnancys.com
The Dancin' Nancys were also one of the first bands to contribute to "Give a Girl a Chance," with the title track off their "Everything Changes" release. A unique blend of indie, Americana and Experimental, The Dancin' Nancys is based in Indianapolis. This song, written by bandmember Jan Flexon, is a marvelous tune I guarantee you'll enjoy. Be sure to check out Jan's local bookstore, Bookmama's!
Dark Matter Halos
Track: Golden Spurs
Website: http://myspace.com/darkmatterhalos
Easily one of the 2-3 edgier tracks on "Give a Girl a Chance," "Golden Spurs" gives our CD a bit of a political bent that will surely hit home for many of us tired of politics as usual. Co-written by Todd Cravens and Susan Morris, "Golden Spurs" sounds purdy but gets downright dirty (listen to those pointed lyrics!).
Patchwork
Track: Angel Band
Website: http://myspace.com/patchworkstringband
Patchwork was the first act to sign on for "Give a Girl a Chance," not so surprising given that the band is comprised of longtime friends Rick Garrett and Holly Smith, who are likely to tell you that I actually was responsible for bringing the two together. Both Rick and Holly have a long musical legacy in Central Indiana, but it's been the uniting of the two that has led to truly beautiful music.
The Trust Project
Track: Undried Tears
Website: http://thetrustproject.com
I discovered The Trust Project through another friend, Christian writer and music promoter GL McCabe. This Christian rock band out of Minneapolis. They write songs about who they are with refreshing honesty and conviction. "Undried Tears" is off their upcoming CD to be released May 26, 2009!
Dean Phelps
Track: If You Come Up Empty
Website: http://deanphelpsmusic.com
I met Dean through Patchwork. I instantly fell in love with his humble, heartfelt stage presence and beautiful lyrics. A Disciples of Christ minister, Phelps is known throughout Indiana for his delightful repertoire and laid back presentation. "If You Come Up Empty" gives me chills every time I listen to it.
Justin McElhany
Track: Everything to Me
Website: http://myspace.com/mcelhany
A Central Indiana musician currently recording his first CD, McElhany is already establishing himself as a musician with a heart. He's devoted to the organization "To Write Love On Her Arms," for which he's organizing the Shine! Summer Concert Series. "Everything to Me" is a simple, beautifully constructed tune from this up-and-coming artist.
Matt Heincker & The Walkaways
Track: Elizabeth Now
Website: http://myspace.com/mattandthewalkaways
Part of the band Matt and the Walkaways, Brandon Cannon and Matt Heincker serve up the wonderful tune "Elizabeth Now." Watch for the new CD!- "Give a Girl a Chance" Production Team
Executive Producer: Richard Propes
Producers: Greg & Rhonda Baker
Compilation and Mastering: Soulshine Studios
Engineer: Charlie Bushor
Assistant Engineer: Greg Baker
Cover Art Design: Yinger Design
Cover Art Photography Courtesy: Stephen Howard & Nissa Vaidehi-Howard
Tenderness Tour Logo: Tammy Arceneaux
Summer Picnic & CD Release Host: Northview Church of the Brethren
Summer Picnic & CD Release Photographer: Cheri Herron
Available at the Following Outlets on 6/14/09!
Luna Music
Indy CD & Vinyl
Karma Records 86th & Michigan in Indy
Bookmama's
Weedpatch Music Company in Nashville, IN
CDUniverse.com
CDBaby.com
Amazon.com
Now Available on CD Baby!
