Steve Oliver Global Kiss

A Review By Andrea R. Garrison - Online With Andrea

Global Kiss by Steve Oliver is a smooth, positive uplifting CD that will give you absolute joy. The first track Fun In The Sun just makes you want to dance. The title track Global Kiss will keep you moving with the toe tapping and finger snapping beat that will take you on a rhythmic musical journey around the world. The title for the cut Long Road is so appropriate. It felt like I was taking a very pleasant ride. Barcelo features more of the guitar strumming Steve Oliver is known for. The wonderful thing about Life Goes On is that we get to hear Steve Oliver sing which adds another dimension to the CD. Ba Aye just continues to go with the flow of the entire CD with the beautiful vibes played by Alan Hewitt, and the outstanding piano work of Tom Schuman topping it off with the sassy saxophone of Will Donato. Sunlight Within is just another great cut on the CD. Fearless opens up with Steve Madaio on trumpet and then of course we get to hear Steve sing again. In True Vision Steve starts the serenade with beautiful Spanish Guitar and then takes it to another up tempo level. Take Me Away Distant Shore features Steve on vocals again and there is never enough of that and with the added talents of Humberto Vela on percussion this tune is very memorable. The title of this track is perfect because it will take you away to a very good place. Angel Amore is warm and soft and a perfect closing for this incredible Global Journey. Steve Oliver is an excellent guitarist and his talent is clearly evident in his new CD release Global Kiss. If you need to get away listen to Global Kiss. Take the ride, embrace and enjoy it because I did. For more information please visit steveolivermusic.com and listen to the Online With Andrea interview with Steve Oliver.

John Young Gives A Significant Reminder In His Song The Underside

A Reflective Review By Andrea R. Garrison - Online With Andrea

When I encountered John Young’s music pledge site while listening to his classic, thoughtful tunes I really wanted to interview him about his diverse career working with so many recording artists including Asia, Bonnie Tyler, and the Scorpions to name just a few. During the actual interview I found myself being drawn deeper into his original melodic compositions because of the heart opening stories behind the music. Music is a large part of my life. It is my best friend, a constant companion that I carry with me always. The interview with John reminded me about how instrumental music is to all life. It is a universal healer and a universal language that truly has the ability to inform, open our consciousness and touch our hearts. Music communicates with all of us in some way. I think about the moments in life when it was a song that led me out of despair and often times many of the musicians behind those songs that uplifted me were struggling to survive. It seems rather ironic that one person’s insights, heartache or pain can be a source for creating something that gives so much harmony and light to others.

When I was younger I remember my mom Mattie Pearl and my grandmother Sarah telling me about the joys of listening to music in church or people just getting together and picking up what ever they could find, washboards, etc. to make music, to create joy. It was not about having fancy instruments. It was about having fun and creating music from what ever you had. The important thing was that it was in your heart and from there you could create music that would make you clap your hands, snap your fingers, nod your head, and tap your feet. It was a wonderful escape for them as young children and young adults from the struggles of the South here in the United States. The pain was gone while the music was playing. Music has been the saving grace for many through out time.

As I listen to the Underside and I reflect on John’s moving story about being in first class on a plane and seeing the faces of poverty on the movie screen staring directly at the passengers. I am grateful that he created this touching song that reminds us of how important it is to remember those who are suffering and lacking in basic necessities. There is no escape from the truth, from the reality which is we are all connected and we must all collectively do what ever we can to reach out to help others. I truly do appreciate the understanding, the closeness, the harmony and the unity that is created in this world because of music. Just listening to the Underside has given me a special sacred time of introspection and reflection that is treasured because it took me outside of my busy world by gently nudging me to look at myself and to face the harsh reality of others that are having such a difficult time. Sometimes in our hurried world we get so caught up in ourselves that we forget about others who are less fortunate. The Underside inspires one to look with care and compassion at those who have so little and are in need of so much more. The Underside reminds us to never forget that we truly are all connected and it is up to all of us to make it so it is better for the whole rather than the few. I highly recommend that you take the time to listen to John Young’s work and make a pledge to see him live.

For more information on how you can bring John Young to your area visit www.musicpledge.com To learn more about John Young and to hear the incredible stories behind his music listen to the Online With Andrea interview.

Anathema America’s War On Medicine

A Veteran Doctor Offers A Cure for
What Ails America’s Health Care System

By Michael Pryce, MD

A Review By Andrea R. Garrison – Online With Andrea

Anathema America’s War On Medicine gives some valuable inside secrets into the health care industry from a doctor’s perspective. It is practical, thorough and clearly written. The book gets into the root of the health crisis, and goes into the gradual decline of the American health care system which has created liability issues for doctors to the point that their time is being dominated more and more with practicing defensive medicine rather than primarily focusing on patient care. With an estimated 40 to 60 million Americans with out health insurance this is a must read for every one. Dr. Pryce did an excellent job of simplifying this issue by outlining the challenges and offering a viable solution for the health care crisis in the United States and beyond. For more information please visit www.michaelpryce.com and listen to the Online With Andrea interview with Dr. Michael Pryce.

Cooking With Love - Ventures Into the New Israeli Cuisine by Ruth Milstein

A Review By Andrea R. Garrison – Online With Andrea

The Cooking With Love book by Ruth Milstein is the winner of the Gourmand World Cookbook Award 2009 in Israel which means that it qualifies for the Gourmand Best-in-the World competition. I can see why this book has been recognized. This cookbook which shares Ventures Into the New Israeli Cuisine immediately resonated with me because of the title. I have always felt that the most important ingredient in food preparation is love. Certainly Ruth managed to create a beautiful book that is filled with valuable information on how to cut cholesterol and fat, useful substitutions, entertaining and more tips. This cook book is filled with recipes for beverages, appetizers, soups, salads, vegetables, main entrées, breads, roll, sauces, dips, spreads, deserts. There is a recipe in this book for any diet whether you are a vegetarian or a meat eater. For those of you who are looking for some thing different to make using tofu there are some terrific recipes. This is a book for the experienced cook or for a beginner. Cooking With Love is a great book because Ruth Milstein emphasizes, simplicity, fresh, healthy and delicious food that is delightful for the palate, nutritious and beneficial for the heart, body and soul. For more information on Cooking With Love please visit www.ruthmilstein.com and listen to the Online With Andrea interview with Ruth Milstein.