Release and Regeneration
[1809803972]

Darren Curtis Skanson (1967 to present) American composer. Encouraged in music from a young age, Skanson began singing, playing instruments, and composing as early as he can remember. At 13 he took his first classical guitar lesson and began a partnership with the classical guitar that has produced a wide variety of music. After an outstanding collegiate career studying classical guitar, composition, and recording science, Darren spent the early part of the 1990's touring and composing for both the progressive band Mata Hari and violinist Malcolm Watson. Embarking on his solo career in 1995, his composition output exploded with works for classical guitar, acoustic fingerstyle guitar, 12 string guitar, cello, and violin. Skanson is known mostly for his classical guitar compositions and arrangements of Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, and other classical composers. Skanson continues to record, compose and perform out of his Denver, Colorado base. His discography currently includes 10 compact discs of classical guitar arrangements and original work with over 200 pieces to his credit. As well as playing solo, he performs with his trio of classical guitar, violin, and cello aptly named The Skanson String Trio.

Mark is a man of many facets. He is a cellist, composer, pianist, keyboardist, father, husband, brother, son, friend, dog and cat lover, hiker, artist, jeweler, writer, worker, player, Floridian and human being (probably).

Lisa Lynne is a veteran musician and performer who has sold over half a million albums of original music featuring her Celtic harp. She has been a self taught multi-instrumentalist since childhood, and has spent the last eighteen years pursuing her passion for the Celtic harp. From humble beginnings she has ascended the ladder of success to starting her own production company and recording studio. Having signed with the prestigious Windham Hill and New Earth Record labels, she simultaneously launched her own label Lavender Sky Music. Her last four album releases have placed in the top 20 of the Billboard music charts, ("Hopes & Dreams" reaching #6) as well as holding top spots in the Celtic, New Age, and world music radio airplay charts. Lisa tours year round, performing at festivals around the United States and concert dates with the Windham Hill Winter Solstice tours. She has been active in the music therapy movement and in early 2002 she became the first musician-in-residence at City of Hope, a world-renowned Cancer treatment and research center near her home in Los Angeles. It is there she conducts the "Hands-on-harps" program for patients, staff and families. The success of this program has won accolades and multiple grants for integrating music in the treatment programs at City of Hope. In addition, Lisa Lynne is successful on the speaking circuit. Her inspiring presentations and workshops incorporate live harp music with her unique life experiences. This combination of enchanting stories with clear planning guidance for "living your dream," proves to be an uplifting and highly motivational experience.

Darren Curtis Skanson (1967 to present) American composer. Encouraged in music from a young age, Skanson began singing, playing instruments, and composing as early as he can remember. At 13 he took his first classical guitar lesson and began a partnership with the classical guitar that has produced a wide variety of music. After an outstanding collegiate career studying classical guitar, composition, and recording science, Darren spent the early part of the 1990's touring and composing for both the progressive band Mata Hari and violinist Malcolm Watson. Embarking on his solo career in 1995, his composition output exploded with works for classical guitar, acoustic fingerstyle guitar, 12 string guitar, cello, and violin. Skanson is known mostly for his classical guitar compositions and arrangements of Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, and other classical composers. Skanson continues to record, compose and perform out of his Denver, Colorado base. His discography currently includes 10 compact discs of classical guitar arrangements and original work with over 200 pieces to his credit. As well as playing solo, he performs with his trio of classical guitar, violin, and cello aptly named The Skanson String Trio.

George Tortorelli/ MedicineWind is a Master Bamboo Flute Designer and Player. He has been a Multi-Instrumentalist since the age of 12. Being raised in a musical family he had access to many instruments, and went on to perform in rock bands throughout south Florida. Before long he became aware of the mind and body stress from the rock and roll lifestyle. He longed for simpler pastures and retreated to the forests of north Florida with a collection of rare and exotic instruments.It was there in the beauty and silence that the purest harmonies of nature came through him. He discovered and planted an abundance of bamboo on his land, and commenced expanding his growing flute collection with flutes of his own design. His music and concerts were so loved by surrounding communities that he became known as "Medicine Wind" for the healing sound qualities of his Meditative, Peaceful music. He started his own company called Medicine Wind Music, and commenced a successful recording career and custom flute design for fine arts festivals. He recorded three independant records: "TranceMission", "MedicineWind" & "Rites of Passage". While both performing,it was at a music festival that Lisa Lynne and George Tortorelli met. After an exchange of albums, it became apparent that their musical styles were very much of kindred spirit... The Celtic Harp and Bamboo flutes are two of the most ancient and heartwarming instruments. Since February of 1997, they have been spellbinding audiences with their magical and endearing sound. Even since, they have been performing non-stop thoughout the country, including the "Windham Hill Winter Solstice Concert" series these past winters. They are currently in high demand at the finest art exhibits, music festivals & peace gatherings across the country. They have recorded ten albums together and George's World Flutes continue to be an integral part on Lisa Lynne's Windham Hill releases. You can count on hearing much more from this enchanting duo and their heaven sent sound.

He is the Midwest's newest musical treasure. The piano is his true love. His music is the result. Together, we find "Treasures of the Soul" and "Hunter of Dreams", a collection of Aldo's original compositions of endless flowing piano music with orchestral undertones, coming straight from his soul.

Music has always been a focus in Aldo's life. Many of his treasured memories are reflected in the soulful passions of his music. Remembering dear friends and fun experiences has given Aldo the material to create many musical treasures. Aldo's greatest wish is that he has charted a journey of discovery that will help you find and hold onto your cherished memories.

Growing up on a farm outside of Moorhead, Minnesota, Aldo sat next to his mother, feet dangling off the piano bench, while listening to her unlock the secrets within the black and white keys. This was the beginning of his tender devotion to the piano. At fifteen, Aldo took his talent to the church and accompanied the choir for over six years, naturally leading him to a degree in music.

Since, Aldo has scored countless television shows and documentaries. He is most proud of his Emmy award winning documentary "Delafield." Other notable projects include the nationally syndicated PBS series "Painting with Paulson" and the theme to the popular Prairie Public Television kids' series, "Kid's Zone." His work is not exclusive to the small silver screen, however. Aldo's music has been heard countless times on "As the World Turns", the "Today Show", and the "Rosie O'Donnell Show."

Over the past ten years, Aldo has released five albums, which include: Treasures of the Soul, an adventurous and passionate blend of piano and strings, Hunter of Dreams, it takes you on an emotional exploration of life's escapade both past and future, his first holiday release, Unwrapped, piano music that may cause merriment, feelings of irreverence and extreme glee, and his most recent holiday release, Merriment, a collection of traditional holiday tunes done in a Jazz/Rock feel with upright bass and drums. Aldo's release Expressions, found exclusively through Cardtunes, is an energetic and avid balance of the ivories and the ensemble.

Luscious Music is Lyra and Roarke Baron, a true New Age band with Harp, Pan Pipes, Organ, Percussion, and Didjeridu.

Celtic harpist, singer and composer Christine Tulis, is devoted to creating tranquility. She has a special love for the healing qualities of the harp, produces healing music CD's and performs the sacred poetry of Rumi, 13th Century mystic, with original music in concert. She also loves to play while people walk the Labyrinth, an ancient, contemplative practice.

She has performed extensively in the U.S. and abroad, and played her heart-centered music at the United Nations, NY, Chartres Cathedral, France, Harvard University and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Her music has also been featured on television in New England and Toronto, Canada. She resides in Boulder, CO where she directs Sound Temple Music and Healing Arts.

Tommy Johns has been performing and mixing live sound in groups and as a solo artist for over 20 years. He started with private lessons at age 8 and continued with his music education until finishing his Bachelor of Music at the University of Wisconsin. The first Groups he performed in were in the mid-west where he was bassist and lead vocalist in several cover/top40 bands. Tommy was house engineer for the Chicago based group "Haymarket Riot" and the widely popular "Funkhouse". He later moved to Denver where he was one of many artists selected to perform on a series of CD's called Acoustitherapy which are currently available from Colorado Creative Music. (www.Acoustitherapy.com) Currently residing in Seattle, Tommy released his first full length CD of original pop/rock music, "This is Supposed to be Fun!?" on his own label in 2003. The second CD from Tommy, "Heading into Tomorrow" was released in 2005.

Susan Craig Winsberg began her musical studies in her hometown of Chicago at the ripe age of five. Her first instrument was the piano, but at ten years old she discovered the flute, and that soon became her instrument of choice.

By the time she was sixteen she had won several competitions and auditions, including the Chicago Symphony Youth Auditions for which she was awarded a solo performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Susan began her college career at Northwestern University, studying flute with Walfrid Kujala of the Chicago Symphony; then transfered to California where she went on to receive her Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts degrees in Flute Performance from San Jose State University under the tutelage of Isabelle Chapuis Starr of the Paris Conservatory. She has studied, performed and taught extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Canada.

Susan currently lives in Los Angeles where she freelances as a performer, teacher, composer/arranger and recording artist. Although her musical training has been mainly classical with some exploration into jazz improvisation, she has in recent years been delving into the music of her Scottish heritage (her mother, Millicent Craig, hails from Hamilton, Scotland), and has expanded into playing traditional wooden flutes, pennywhistles and recorders.

Darren Curtis Skanson (1967 to present) American composer. Encouraged in music from a young age, Skanson began singing, playing instruments, and composing as early as he can remember. At 13 he took his first classical guitar lesson and began a partnership with the classical guitar that has produced a wide variety of music. After an outstanding collegiate career studying classical guitar, composition, and recording science, Darren spent the early part of the 1990's touring and composing for both the progressive band Mata Hari and violinist Malcolm Watson. Embarking on his solo career in 1995, his composition output exploded with works for classical guitar, acoustic fingerstyle guitar, 12 string guitar, cello, and violin. Skanson is known mostly for his classical guitar compositions and arrangements of Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, and other classical composers. Skanson continues to record, compose and perform out of his Denver, Colorado base. His discography currently includes 10 compact discs of classical guitar arrangements and original work with over 200 pieces to his credit. As well as playing solo, he performs with his trio of classical guitar, violin, and cello aptly named The Skanson String Trio.

If there is one word to describe artist, storyteller, musician, husband and father Don Nedobeck, it would be expressionist. To listen to his name is to hear the sounds of basic keys on a clarinet, Ne-do-beck, and with practice it becomes more fluid. Talking with Nedobeck is like sitting in your most comfortable old worn out chair with a fat, furry feline nestled upon your chest. Besides his greatest talent of putting people at ease, he's a man capable of anything. You see, ever since Nedobeck was a boy, he was encouraged by his parents, a Russian father, also a fine artist, and a Polish mother whose landscaped garden surpassed Boerner's Botanical's gardens, to use two very important gifts: his imagination and his creativity. It was his creativity that allowed him to draw life from a whimsical point of view during his "occupational development" period as Good Humor man, stock boy, grain inspector and meter reader for the gas company.

Darren Curtis Skanson was born in 1967 to a farm/ teaching family in Minnesota. Encouraged in music from a young age, Skanson sang and played instruments throughout his grade scool years. At 13 he took his first guitar lessson and began a partnership with the instrument that has produced a wide variety of music. Most known for his claasical guitar compositions and arrangements, Skanson continues to record, compose and perform out of his Denver, Colorado base. His discograhpy currently includes 10 compact discs of arrangements and original work with over 200 pieces to his credit.

David Zald is one of only a handful of musicians who have mastered the Chapman Stick® (see www.stick.com ). The Stick is a 10-string electric instrument that is played by tapping the strings to the frets. Because no bowing or strumming is needed, both hands can fret the instrument simultaneously. This allows both bass parts and chords or melodies to be played simultaneously. David has been playing the Stick since 1985 after hearing Tony Levin of King Crimson play one in concert. His style includes a unique percussive approach to the instrument that makes it sound like a whole band is playing at once. In the 1990s, David was part of an underground music scene in Minneapolis that included a weekly jam session and produced several alternative instrumental improv groups including Earth Size Hale, the Whistle Pigs and the short-lived but glorious Choir Invisible (actually the Choir Invisible was a project in which every song was called the Choir Invisible, but the band changed its name after ever song). However, during that time David was mostly known for his solo performances at art fairs and festivals around the country. With a musical range that transcends classification and draws from New Age, Instrumental Rock, Jazz and World Music, David was a crowd favorite at many festivals. In particular David’s approach to the Stick features a unique percussive style that allows him to play both.

Unfortunately, after taking an assistant professor position at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, David dropped out of the music scene for several years. However, the musical itch has never subsided, and David will start recording a new CD in 2007. The as yet unnamed project, will feature David’s unique percussive style, as well as his current technique of processing the bass end so that it produces both organ and bass parts simultaneous.

Russell Donnellon Solo Guitarist - Russell Donnellon is an innovative and versatile performer whose style reflects the wide scope of his influences. He joins the classical guitar (its technique, repertoire, counterpoint and sonic palette) with the harmonic and improvisational impulse of jazz. Romantic, deeply textured, vividly evocative and heartwarming, it is supported by the rhythms of Brazil, the Caribbean, Spain, the Gypsies, and American Pop, Country, Blues, Jazz and Gospel. Russell pushes the envelope of the orchestral and emotional potential of the solo guitar.

A headliner at the 2002 New York Guitar Festival, (an international roster of stringed instrument players) Russell received fine reviews from the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. As a headliner at the 2003 Montreal Jazz Festival, Russell received an overwhelming reception and reviews. In 2004, Russell was a part of the “Guitar Harvest” compilation (a program of master guitarists) as a benefit for public school music education. He has produced 3 CDs of original solo guitar music and two CDs of familiar classics.

At age ten, Russell began performing popular music in the New York City area. He spent his high school years playing gospel music at churches and festivals in the northeast. His university studies were in classical composition, jazz and philosophy. They were augmented by his interest in traditional musics from around the world. Russell soon found himself traveling to Spain, South America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Africa where he absorbed the music at its source.

Russell moved to California in the 80s and abandoned ensemble playing altogether. Instead he focused on playing solo nylon-stringed guitar. In love with the rich and gentle tones of the Spanish guitar, he immersed himself in Flamenco and Brazilian music, performing at Latin clubs and jazz festivals in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

In the late 80s, Russell began experimenting with busking (playing for donations and CD sales) on the New York City streets, Central Park, and at art fairs in the New York area.

Russell began touring nationally in the 90s and is currently on tour eight months per year performing concerts, educational workshops, private engagements and entertaining on the art fair circuit.

The challenge of attracting and maintaining an audience in these environments teaches an artist about the value of the listener. The sale of recordings at performances is direct, and Russell relishes the personal communion with people. In this manner he hopes to be true to both himself and his audience.

Russell loves to tap into the energy of the people as a source of inspiration for the improvisation at hand. He engages them in a lively emotional dialogue, pulling at the threads of common human experience. Few performers are more comfortable with their audience and few listeners are able to resist the message of this dynamic performer.