B.O.M.B. Awards: Best Original Song by a Local Artist
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The local music scene is stronger than ever, and there was so much new original music put out by local bands since last summer that picking the best song was nearly impossible. However, one track benefits from one of the most beautiful voices on the planet, a woman who also has some very serious songwriting skills.
Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio didn’t put out a new album over the last 12 months, but work on their upcoming EP produced one amazing new recording that’s already become a fan favorite at live shows. Come Go With Me showcases the Sarasota native and former Warner Bros. recording artist’s rich and soulful vocals in the same way that other fan favorites like Sun Girl and Silver Wings have.
It also shows the immense range of not only Twinkle’s voice but a musical style that comes from a deep love of many genres, including rock, blues, folk and jazz. Our First Lady of Rock Ôn’ Roll can get up on other original songs like Sanctuary and Rock is Love, rock out on covers like Sweet Child of Mine and Whole Lotta Love, and then turn around and melt your heart with a tender ballad like this one.
Come Go With Me makes us even more eager to hear the new CD, while giving fans even more reason to check out a live show!
Honorable Mention
Desire by Lauren Mitchell: The title track to the Bradenton Blues Diva’s new CD is her best song yet. The term anthem is definitely overused in reference to music, but Desire is just that. It’s a song that tells the story of the sweet sensation of perseverance through life’s hardest times, a track in which Mitchell’s sultry voice emotes as much meaning as her deep lyrics.
Kissing a Fool by Kettle of Fish: KOF front-man Dana Lawrence says he had this song on the shelf for 20 years before guitarist Greg Poulos convinced him to dust it off for inclusion on their latest album, Living on Someday (review). The stellar keyboard work by Andy Wallace of Roger Waters and guitar licks by teen prodigy Kevin Miller compliment Lawrence’s deeply-resonating voice perfectly on a song so good you'll swear it’s a cover of some forgotten classic hit rather than an original tune. Check it out on Reverb Nation.
The Fire and the Fuse by Kristopher James: This local musician has somehow flown under the radar, and it always surprises me how many local music fans aren’t aware of the talented singer/songwriter and Bradenton native. His new EP, Find Me (review), should change that, and James’ performance at this years’ Pickin’ Picnic folk music festival on Bradenton's Riverwalk brought down the house. Fire and the Fuse (video) showcases the full gamut of James' considerable musical talents, including his impressive acoustic guitar skills and affecting voice.
Amazing Grace by Undine Shorey: Okay, so this one isn’t an original, but anyone who can create such an interesting arrangement that it brings something very unique, original and special to a 238 year-old Christian hymn that has been recorded perhaps more than any other song in history surely deserves some recognition. The Manatee High grad started her career as both a traditional and electric violinist, but has emerged over the past year as a talented singer/songwriter with equally-impressive guitar skills. With influences that range from gospel to blues and jazz, Shorey puts a spin on this standard (video) that’s hard to either define or forget.
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