Mission Statement

We will embrace the community by offering opportunities to share music, ideas, events and a variety of culturally diverse communication that supports an audience.

We will serve the community and work to fill the needs of the residents, staff and guests. We will act responsibly, reliably and respectfully to encourage and solicit open communication between employees, citizens, business people and visitors.

We endeavor to unlock the potential of the community by offering a platform for a wide variety of hosts, topics, guests and educational material that may otherwise be unavailable.

Programs are broadcast from Janesville, Wisconsin, USA.

Due to contractual terms and to impart immunity to our  corporate partners, volunteers, and friends from any notions of liability, responsibility, or culpability, please note the sentiments and opinions expressed may not necessarily be those of Janesville Community Radio, Inc., program hosts, underwriters, or their collaborators.

Discerning listeners and visitors to this Facebook page should understand the programs you hear and comments you read may not always be appropriate. It may contain disparate points of view, elegant rhetoric, adult content,  artful imagination, and sensitive topics. 

Due to the nature of this content, we encourage your kind attention to enjoy each and every broadcast now and until the end of time.

VIVEKAVANI DOWNLOAD LINK: 
https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0BzQjWRcb04acWUZXeW5oSXRvRkk/edit?pli=1

Samseva is a registered Non-government organization (NGO) & Non-profit organization(NPO) associated with Save Indian Family(SIF) movement and has thousands of members in Karnataka.

The word “Samseva” is derived from the Sanskrit words samyak+seva it is taken as like samskruti that has origin from samyak+kriti and means culture that is corrected right works  and the word 'samseva' means Right Seva-Right Service, Samseva means even attendance, employment, reverence, inclination to, use, frequenting, worship predilection.  Any word having an adjective sam denotes the completeness (see the meanings of pratiti & sampratiti hence samseva means “complete seva”.

Nobody in the world is complete, eternal god is the one and only very close and equal to completeness hence the completeness with seva it becomes a gods service (even worship also means the same see the meanings of samseva) and leads to the way of completeness that is moksha(11), While we pronounce in English Samseva sounds SumSeva means again “total seva” alike as SomeSeva that remembers to do “some seva”  There is a very melodious nice song beginning with “NeePaada Samseva Dayaseyava” in a Telugu old movie Dakshayagnam. As per another meaning of seva it is use, we like samseva to be a complete useful Organization for mankind, as per Buddhist’s Dictionary samseva means companionship. Our organization is here as Samskruthi Sevaa Vaaridhi (abbreviated Samseva), samskruthi (Civilization) the right culture a very important, always changing, the resemble of pureness, adoption of Civilization and making it available for whole world needs service minded volunteers, hence we are here to fill that and would like samseva grow like ocean, ocean has the largest presence that is around ¾ on this earth and what we are seeing as land is also floating on ocean and we have such tenets to grow samseva alike ocean. Samskruthi (Culture) means Language, all types of Arts, the common behaviors of people, Dress-Ornaments, civilization, Dharma-religion, Beliefs and Dharmic centers, specialty of our jeans and service feelings- Service centers and it is a great sea, ocean (Vaaridhi) of all these.

We belive in our president’s statement “samskruthiye maanavathe, moulyagala moola |Bharathave samskruthige Aadhaara, moola | Bhaga, Bhogagale avanathiya moola ||” which means “Culture is the Root of Humanity and Values | India is the Base and Root of Culture | genitals and sway is the Root of Downfall ||.  

Selling Real Estate Today.  Nothing But The Best Tips!

It's important to be sure of when the best time to sell is, why you want to sell your home and if your neighborhood is doing well at this time. While this article doesn't impart everything you need to know to make these determinations, it does provide a few useful tips that put you on the right track when you are selling real estate.

It can be a bother for many homeowners to deal with such tasks as small repairs, landscaping, and painting. However, if these tasks are ignored, they will snowball into an overwhelming amount of work to be completed before a house can be sold.

The housing market is driven by the seasons in many parts of the country. If this is true in your region, seasonally-themed decorations can make your house attractive to prospective buyers. Clean up any fallen leaves to make your yard look very appealing.

Bidding wars sometimes can be to your advantage. The more competitive your listing price, the more likely you are to get a lot of foot traffic and a quick deal near asking price. If they then get into a bidding war, you can actually surpass your original asking price.

Boost your real estate sale with added bonuses. You've probably seen ads that offer a free appliance with a home purchase. Offering up something special on top of the purchase of the home can be just the sway that you need to seal the deal. Keep an eye on products that are in demand, and consider adding them to your final closing deal. This will greatly influence your success rate.

It is possible that you may need to negotiate the price. This is especially true if your home is priced high in an area with a depressed real estate market. Flexibility on your part will likely result in a quicker sale. If you're not rushed to sell your place, wait for an offer you're comfortable with.

If you are looking for a quick sale, check comparable prices in the neighborhood, and price your home ten percent cheaper. The selling price will attract buyers, and they will be eager to see your house.

If prospective buyers will viewing your home, you should take measures to make the house itself appear generic and universally appealing. You can take out family photographs or personal things. Buyers need to be able to see themselves in the home, and your personality may block this vision. You also need to remove all clutter from the house so that the space itself, not your collection of stuff, is what buyers see.

Make your house more appealing to buyers by cleaning out your clutter. Closets should have very few items in them, be well-organized, and dust-free. Kitchen cabinets will also make the best impression when they are cleaned out and left with only a few gourmet packages to create a sophisticated feeling.

Utilize neutral paint colors on the walls so that your potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. Fill your home with enticing scents by lighting candles or using room sprays. The sense of comfort and an inviting atmosphere, can turn them from potential to actual buyers.

It is important that you stay patient when you deal with a real estate agent. They will sometimes offer advice that you might not like or agree with, such as the need for particular renovations or repairs in order to make a sale. You might not want to agree with them all the time, but their consultation will help you get your home sold faster.

Don't be tempted to use fragrances or light incense prior to a home tour. Some may be overwhelmed or even allergic to some fragrances. These small things might even make you lose a buyer. Use room spray, diffuser rods or oil burners to scent your home.

"Grace and Elegance" / Jazz Times
"Wonderful, soaring with jazzy lyricism" / Downbeat
"Poetic…masterful…control and richness…poignant" /All About Jazz
The Austin American Statesman says of jazz singer Suzi Stern; “Stern has learned the great secret that transcends art - that the voice from the heart is at the center of all virtuosity.”
The combination of Stern’s emotional clear voice, flying over her uncatagorizable compositions with her poignant lyrics creates a magic that moves the listener and is unforgettable. Jazz pianist and Columbia Records recording artist Denny Zeitlin says of Stern "It has been years since a singer has affected me so profoundly.  Suzi has it all: a fantastic vocal instrument, effortless musicality, and a special way of working with the material and evoking the deepest emotions."   
          
                                    (use scroll bar at the right of page to scan the entire page down to read more and check out the reviews from Downbeat, Jazztimes, All About Jazz, Cadence and more)
Suzi was born in Buffalo, the daughter of jazz violinist Harry Stern who toured with The Vaughn Monroe big band and was leader of his own orchestras in Western New York of which which Suzi's mother was the featured singer. Her maternal grandfather spent his life touring in Vaudeville as a comic acrobat sharing the bill with the likes of a young Frank Sinatra, The Marx Brothers, George Burns and Bob Hope. Living in a family where creative outpourings were encouraged and being able to hear her fathers musicians come over for post gig jams gave Stern a clear sense that music was her true love at a very early age.   Growing up in a home with music as its' centerpiece studies in classical voice, piano, classical guitar, flute and dance (studying at The American Ballet Theatre School and Joffrey Ballet School in NYC) were part of everyday life, but her most inspired learning experience came later and was undoubtedly with vocal wizard Bobby McFerrin.
 Stern has released 7 jazz CD’s to date under her own name (Viewpoint Records, Aardvark Records and Bus Biscuit Records), and has performed on a myriad of other artists projects. Her latest 2013 release "Romancing the Dark" steps out of the jazz idiom for which she is known,  and is a collection of Stern’s own original compositions and arrangements. 
Jazz Times reviewer H. Allen Williams states that "Stern’s musical style pallet is wide...a testament to her wide reaching command of many styles and her ability to match a musical mood to the feeling of her words."
She is a published poet and her lyrics appear in the Bill Evans second edition fake book  and David Friesen's book of transcriptions called " Years Through Time", both Hal Leonard publications.
 Suzi has penned lyrics to a plethora of classic jazz compositions not typically sung and has collaborated with numerous contemporary artists on their works such as Denny Zeitlin's "Quiet Now", Joe Henderson's "Black Narcissus" and Joshua Redman's "Hide and Seek" which have been recorded by artists worldwide.

A few of Stern's musical colleagues and collaborators of note have been: Denny Zeitlin, David Friesen, Joe Henderson, Mal Waldron,Leroy Vinegar, Jesseca Williams, Helen Sung, Bud Shank, Peggy Stern, Jay Clayton, Harvie S, Stefan Karlsson, Randy Porter, Doug Hall to name only a few.   

Stern and her partner pianist-composer George Oldziey are the producers of a jazz house concert series known as Casa Karen in Austin Texas which has become known as the best venue for acoustic jazz in central Texas with it's 9 foot concert grand piano as the center piece. This series has attracted touring artists over the past 5 years the likes of Eddie Gomez, Alex Sipiagin, Stan Killian, Fred Hamilton, Rich Perry, Don Edwards, Ed Soph, David Amram, Roseanna Vitro, Mark Soskin, Dean Johnson, Tim Horner, Carmen Bradford and many of the best artists from the Austin area. 
 
When not traveling to perform, Stern teaches in her home town of Austin Texas where she is one of the most sought after vocal coaches and studio singers in the area.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Radio and Press Contact:
KARI-ON PRODUCTIONS
(706)993-2223
Kari@karigaffney.com
www.karigaffney.com
suzistern@gmail.com
george@oldzieymusic.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
DISCOGRAPHY:
Romancing the Dark  -  Bus Biscuit Records 2013
Peter John Stoltzman Trio & Friends, Live at Casa Karen  -  Bus Biscuit Records 2013
El Viento  -  Bus Biscuit Records 2012
Dark River  -  Blue Corn Records 2010
Leap of Heart  -  Aardvark Records 2009
A Child’s Christmas in Wales  -  Aardvark Records 2006 (winner of the 2006 Addy Award)
Lament  -  Aardvark Records    2003
Inside Stories  -  Viewpoint Records  2000
Seven Stars  -  Mad Moon Records  1995
Voices of the New Jazz Culture  -  Jazziz on Disc 
++++++++  And a few words from the press:
 CADENCE MAGAZINE - "Making artistic use of her delicate and beautiful voice, Stern parlays in-depth knowledge of the tunes and an uncanny sense of timing to create memorable interpretations of these classic melodies"  

5 Stars out of 5 ! YAHOO REVIEW by Susan Francis -“Singer-songwriter Suzi Stern immerses herself into the tracks, and her personal touch translates to audiences. With music, lyrics, and arrangements written by Stern, the songs embody an intimacy that soothes the listener completely.  Romancing the Dark brims with deep emotions expressing love that's been lost and never forgotten.”
5 out of 5 Stars!!  Amazon by Grady Harp HALL OF FAME TOP 50 REVIEWERVINE VOICE "Stern not only possesses a naturally beautiful voice, capable of exploring all the emotions songs deliver to the artist, but she composed the music and lyrics and is responsible for the arrangements…it is a stunning achievement! Special music from a special lady.  Let it seep in!!"   


Michael Point  DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE - "Her voice is wonderful, soaring with jazzy lyricism.."  

JAZZ TIMES H. Allen Williams - "Romancing the Dark keeps a strong foundation of the well-known jazz compositional techniques...but it borrows from many styles to yield a well-conceived and flowing collection of tunes that is both engaging and enjoyable. “Firefly” begins the romance with a beautiful and subtle waltz ballad that has Stern’s clear tone and diction coupled with a haunting cello line by Douglas Harvey that is an interweaving counterpoint throughout Sterns melodic statement. Stern’s lyrics are certainly poetic and the accompanying booklet really allows the listener to understand and appreciate the true talent and deeper meanings of the lyrics….Stern’s phrasing is always clear and in accord with the musical environment she is singing in, never over dramatic, but keeping the energy of the melody moving forward…grace and elegance…a wonderful offering…a delightful musical journey!"

2013 CD REVIEW  JAZZCAMERA UK -"Suzi Stern has created something really special with 11 of her own songs on this new CD. Stern...exceptional strength and eloquence...More please, Suzi!!"

 ART VOICE  BUFFALO EVENING NEWS "Stern is a gifted artist who simultaneously defines and reinterprets what jazz is today"  

Brad Buchholtz AUSTIN AMERICAN STATESMAN -"Stern's 'Lament' stands as one of the finest albums of the decade - a masterpiece of understatement that honors the highest aspirations of jazz."  

WILLAMETTE WEEK -"Stern's ease with a challenging melody is matched by her improvisational prowess..." 

Sax great JOE HENDERSON-"Suzi, you've done a superb job. You made it sound and seem so easy, giving that melody (Black Narcissus) a voice. Write on!"

ACOUSTIC MUSIC EXCHANGE review by Mark S. Tucker-“Besides the pure beauty of the singing, I was rather astonished to discover that almost everything here was written and arranged by Ms. Stern resulting in a disc that has few comparatives...airs not normally found in rock, jazz, or related modes.  Stern embraces the timbre of midnight, the lonely tolling of far away bells above an aching heart, the sigh of fog as it drifts over fallow meadows, an amber moon glowing starkly in arid ebon skies. Haunted Heart enfolds the sort of atmosphere the word 'bittersweet' was invented for….a showcase for not just Ms. Stern's entrancing vocals and depth-encrusted compositions but her very soul as well.”
Review by Rotcod Zzaj for Improvijazzation Nation  
Suzi Stern – ROMANCING THE DARK:  There are plenty of “just jazz singers” in today�����s market, but I can tell you that Suzi’s definitely not “just” anything… listen to the opening track, “Firefly“, and you’ll hear a singer who has “been there” already… and she paints sonic beauty that makes you want to go right along with her, no matter the cost!  While this outing (she’s released 7 CD’s previously) isn’t exactly jazz, the tunes are all originals – which in itself lends an air of excitement; at least for this listener. The percussion intro on “Sounds Are Louder In The Dark” was the perfect way to get you to notice what she means in the title – a truly excellent tune!  It was the almost-theatrical “Tango For Tina” that got my vote for favorite of the 11 on this fine CD.  I give Suzi (& crew) a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.

5 Stars out of 5    emusic review   “ Stern has created a lasting deep and evocative offering, filled with smart lyrics that are poetic and never trite…a wonderful composer/vocalist.”
All.About.Jazz review:
ROMANCING THE DARK: SUZI STERN
By 
GEANNINE REID, 
Published: March 11, 2014 
When a jazz singer is able to combine skills as a poet, composer, arranger and singer, what type of music is the result? Folk/Jazz/World; but of course! That is the underlying theme throughout Suzi Stern's CD, Romancing the Dark. The Austin based singer has a diverse history of collaborations, working with artist such as: Joe Henderson, Denny Zeitlin,David Friesen, Jerry Hahn, Leroy Vinnegar,Jessica Williams,Sheila Jordan, Jay Clayton, Peggy Stern, Stefan Karlsson, Alan Jones, Randy Porter, John Stowell, and beyond. Stern also boasts a library of seven CDs as a leader and is a published poet and lyricist. Stern has penned lyrics to numerous contemporary and classic jazz compositions such as Denny Zeitlin's "Quiet Now," Joe Henderson's "Black Narcissus" and Joshua Redman's "Hide and Seek," which have been recorded by artists worldwide. Stern's lyrics have been published in the Bill Evans Fake Book from Hal Leonard Publications. 

Romancing the Dark contains eleven selections, nine of which are Stern originals, one penned by bassist Paul Unger, "Sleepwalking Girl" and one standard, "Haunted Heart." Stern composed, orchestrated and wrote the lyrics for nine of the selections and has compiled a varying set of instruments for the project. Each selection has its own unique instrumentation and orchestration, which provides the perfect emotional setting for Stern's clear voice to articulate her storylines. "Romancing The Dark" starts with George Oldziey's fluid accordion lines that flow into an accented off beat chordal march pattern that clarinetist John Mills blows a haunting melody over. The two are joined by the marching snare work of Steve Schwelling's drums to complete the intro for Sterns vocal entrance. "Beautiful" is the first word of Stern's lyrics and that sums up the mood and overall presentation of the composition. Stern's singing style is clear and accurate; her lyrics are poetic in nature and give just enough information for the listener to follow the storyline while still leaving room for the imagination to fill in the details. Oldziey also plays piano on the track and Mike Sailors adds trumpet, while Randy Zimmerman's trombone provides a nice brass pad behind the vocals and the fills from Mills. Stern composes and orchestrates a masterful interlude with the three horn players playing counterpoint to one another leading us to the last chorus and verse which continues the three horn writing behind Stern's vocals. After a poetic pause on "Self-Indulgence Your Game," Stern joins the three horns with a series of vocal scats that culminate in the ending statement. 

As before mentioned, the varying instrumentation and Stern's ability to clearly articulate a melody over creative orchestrations is the key element to the success of Romancing the Dark. "Sounds Are Louder In The Dark" finds Stern's voice paired with a string quartet and percussion. On this track Stern collaborates with Oldziey, who provides a stunning string arrangement for Stern to sing with. The ballad "Hymn" is colored with piano, bass, percussion, guitar, violin and a children's choir. The entire first half of the song is a rubato phrasing of voice, violin, arco bass and piano. The Children's voices and percussion are added later to build the selection to a logical climax and ending. "Deeper Quiet" is another ballad that features more wonderful music and lyrics by Stern and spot on string orchestration from Oldziey. Sailor's muted trumpet opens the selection over a lush string quartet chordal pad with Oldziey's piano chords and single note fills rounding out the space, these intimate moments really expose Stern's voice and allow the listener to hear the control and richness of her singing. "Moth" finds Stern's voice impeccably singing each phrase of the melody with a new orchestrative color, sometimes she harmonizes with herself, other times she sings in perfect unison with the piano
 or in counterpoint to the guitar. Guitarist Bruce Saunders provides a very nice nylon strung guitar solo, followed by more counterpoint with the melody and violin. Stern's elegant singing, music and lyrics are presented in an array of colors and instrumental settings that result in a unique and poignant listen. What type of music as a poet, composer, arranger and singer make? Folk/Jazz/World; or more specifically, creative music! That is the underlying theme throughout Suzi Stern's beautiful CD, Romancing the Dark.

Ronny Roque Roche (Born August 8, 1985) and Marlon Carril ( Born January 9, 1986) better known by their stage name Ronny & Blanko, are phenomenal rising latin singers and songwriters. Both Ronny & Marlon are Cubans who moved to Florida at a young age. Here in Florida, Ronny & Marlon grew up together. They quickly became great friends when they learned their common interest in music. At a very young age Ronny & Marlon (Blanko) developed a passion for music and set out to pursue what would soon become an epic music dual. “We started making music together when we were 16 years old. We used to record in our bedrooms because we didn't have studio to record at. Now, thanks to consistency we have developed as a team and are focused on bring our music to the world.”

Ronny & Marlon are very much committed to their families and also works full time as barbers in the Miami Lakes area. Working while perusing their dreams, Ronny and Blanko spend long nights at studio writing lyric and recording tracks alongside their producer Christopher Sanchez aka Freedom Music.

 "What is most important to us as musicians is taking our music to every ear around the world. We want to create music with high positive energy that would impact everyone out there filled with those very same energies.”

Some of Ronny and Blanko’s hit tracks are “Hey Nena" and "Mi Lindo Angelito" which have proven to generate a lot of interest and support from their fans. 

 It was a great pleasure speaking with Ronny & Blanko and getting a deeper look into the men behind the music. What became very evident to me was that Ronny & Blanko both are desisted for success. As individuals and a group they make sure to stay humble, positive and more than anything passionate to what they love, their music. There is no doubt in my mind that these two will fill world with greatness through their music. Ronny & Blanko wrapped up or session leaving this statement for their team and fans.

“First we want to thank god for making this happen and blessing us with all these new opportunities. We want to thank our supporting families for always being here for us and our loving kids for always motivating us! We also want to send a special thanks to all our positive fans that follow us on Twitter , Facebook & Instagram, you all have showed us so much love we thank you for that!”



Artist’s statement January 2011 by Lowell Boyers

I use raw canvas like the template of our mind which, before perception, is a fertile but empty ground we fill and dissipate all phenomena into and onto.  I use raw canvas because I want to make the paintings feel urgent and immediate like marks of calligraphy that embody the fresh action of the gesture. Time doesn’t exist in my paintings. I have discovered I can collage multiple events on the same plane portraying the way we experience the world.  The void like emptiness of raw canvas evokes a timeless open space that allows images to emerge from spills of paint and as soon as they emerge I change them…evolve them.  

I want to portray a moment in and beyond time, as if I could freeze in one frame the invisible network of all qualities of one's moments, inside and out. I believe we are experiencing one Big Bang after the other, so many in a given day, our attention withers in it's majesty. I want to portray that who we are is more like a torrent of a waterfall, nothing still except the field by which new moments arise from.
Each painting seems to reveal to me a different state that has nothing to do with name, place or date of birth, but instead focuses on the relationship to body and mind, reality and illusion, representation and abstraction... 

I came upon this by accident. Eager to find and allow process to define the substance and form of my work I began to spill paint, taking my hand’s expertise just a little out of the picture, allowing the tiniest bit of chaos. I call it tiny because nothing is accidental in my work.  The paintings are manufactured and manipulated chaos.  I’m interested in how images take shape and evolve as I allow the ink and the paint to flow and spill and move and mix and coagulate and gel.  I don’t start with or impose a figure.  The figure emerges from the events of the process. The figures are bodies rendered as outlines, these shapes are a somewhat autobiographical, mirror-like reflection of my own inner and outer moment manifesting, stroke by stroke with each color chosen, or not chosen, but the paintings are intended to be seen similarly by any viewer.

In the landscape of my paintings there is no distinction between the inside and outside of the figure or person.  The body is like a piece of music, just a texture to illicit reflection, swirls and diaphanous pours of paint, veils of inner and outer textures of the figure’s current moment. The poured paint is blood, circulatory system, bodily fluid, and at the same time images seem to appear and disappear in the paint as water turns into fire, heart into head, head into landscape, landscape into lung tissue, lung tissue into wind.  Everything is constantly changing.  I try to use paint and painting to examine that phenomena. 


One of the most exciting moments on Holy, the outstanding debut album from Paula Jaakkola (POW-LUH YOCK-KOE-LUH), is the very first one; the opening song, "In The Light"; a paean to the clarity that surrounds you when love, hard-won, is new and real.
When you press "PLAY," "In The Light" almost knocks the speakers back with joy, leaping to your ears like an impatient, newborn colt. It's as though Jaakkola could barely wait to get the music out of her and into the universe. Deftly balancing a winsome, cooing guitar peal against a chugging, surf rock beat, Jaakkola sings to certainty, and to finally seeing:

I’m in the light
Life will never be the same again
In the light
My heart is strong, I trust in
you you you you and
me me me

For Jaakkola, thus, "In The Light," and each song on Holy, represents not only a musical triumph, but a personal one. From beginning to end, the album "is a story of transformation," she states. "I'm trying to figure out who I am, expressing regret and self-growth, and being more in touch with myself and others."
Recorded under the watchful hand of producer Ape Anttlla (AH-pay ahn-TEEL-uh), Holy is thirteen superbly crafted and recorded compositions—"Light"; the anthemic title track; the delicate and angelic "Little Girl"; the wistful "Road"; the sing-songy "Flutter-By"; the smoky, blue "November"; and more. Every song "reflects my moods, my emotions, my feelings, and a love for music and melodies."

And they present the perfect setting for Jaakkola's expressive and melodious singing: Sometimes fierce and defiant; another moment pleading; yet another, descending into a breathy whisper, and, more often than not, all in the same song. Like a colorful autumn leaf one picks up, only to find a completely different hue on the other side, Jaakkola's vocals never fail to surprise. Her crystalline soprano is a big reason why legendary producer and engineer Bob Power was eager to master this independent, unknown artist's first work. He describes her as "a pure singer" with "a beautifully transcendent voice, never limited by genre nor convention." That unwillingness—to be bound by expectations—is reflected in her influences, from Joni Mitchell to Sara Bareilles, Carole King to Regina Spektor, Suzanne Vega to Neil Young. It has served the Helsinki-born Jaakkola well, and it's what makes Holy such a rich and sumptuous aural delight.
                                                                     *                        *                        *
From space, Finland looks kind of the way New Jersey might if you squeezed the top half of the state together between your palms, mostly applying pressure with your right hand and forearm. Those who can readily find this nation of 5.4 million on a map—nuzzled between Sweden, Norway, and Russia—may also know that it gave the world Angry Birds, Nokia, Linux, and the sauna. Finland bestowed America, through ancestry, with actor Jessica Lange and director David Lynch, and, through immigration, with Eero Saarinen, creator of St. Louis Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made monument in the United States. Many here have probably at least glimpsed Finland's cool and geometrically austere flag—a sideways, royal blue cross against a field of white.
It is, in a word, a uniform and orderly place, and in 2010, Newsweek deemed Finland, overall, the "best country in the world." Yet it also ranks in the world's Top 20 for suicide. Because it's positioned at such a high latitude—fully a quarter of this sparsely-populated nation lies above the Arctic Circle—winters can be very long, brutally cold, and absurdly dark.

The ambient climate has a daunting effect on "the mental space of Finnish people," admits Jaakkola, alluding to the aptly named SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, that tends to plague High Northerners. "They have this…heavy approach to life, sometimes. Music is mostly [in a] minor [key]." (She admits that melancholic quality resides in her typically ebullient work, to some degree, also.)

Despite this, "I really have no complaints about growing up in Helsinki." Born to a customs agent mom, and a dad who ran the national AAA, music, perhaps, skipped a generation. (Jaakkola recalls that her maternal grandfather was a priest, "and when you're a priest in Finland, you have to be able to sing in tune.")
Having started, then quit, piano at 8, she was inspired to take singing lessons at 14, after attending a friend's school concert. Then, "I learned to play piano from chords. I pretty much taught myself, so I could sing."

Eventually, Jaakkola attended the city's Pop & Jazz Conservatory, then got a master’s degree in Ethnomusicology from the University of Helsinki. In 1999, she left Finland to study in the Jazz Vocals program at The New School in New York City, under instructors like bassist Reggie Workman, saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom, and the late drummer Chico Hamilton. She formed bands—SkanDivas, Kaamos, Kaiku—and gigged around NYC, while occasionally performing back home. "I had been writing new songs after I finished with the Kaiku project. I wanted to start writing in English, and I wanted to go back to my roots, which is my love for pop music." It was then that she began to imagine the feeling of that eventual solo work, and it perfectly describes Holy: "I wanted the sound to be bright and light, a little bit bouncy, and cheerful, at times. Even if I'm singing about somewhat sad things, it still has that hopeful overtone. Sonically, I really wanted an acoustic sound more than anything, I guess, but I wasn't sure, because I felt that with a producer's help, we would find a sound that made sense."

That help was on the way. While doing a few private Finnish performances in early 2012, Jaakkola ran into Ape Anttila, a jazz professor, composer, and one of the country's best bassists. After seeing her perform, Ape, speaking somewhat indirectly, said, "'Wow: You know, if someone produced your music, you'd sound so great!'" Then, "'I'm sure there are a lot of producers in the States who want to work with you.'" It was like he was fishing for an in. So, Jaakkola gave him one. "Are you interested?" she asked.

To get past their 7-hour time difference—and the 4,123-mile distance between their homes—they devised a system of uploading and downloading demos and other files electronically; Jaakkola sometimes traveling to Finland for a few weeks and living with Ape and his family; then Ape, conversely, going to New York. Though the process had some bumps, "I really felt like he got me," she says. "Like, he really understood what I was working for."
Thanks to his deep Rolodex, other musicians, all Finns, were brought on to fill out the album's rich sound. A Kickstarter raised $10,000, but, really, everyone was working out of love for the music. In summer 2013, Mason Jar, the progressive, roots music studio in Brooklyn, NY, agreed to mix the project in parts, as money came in. Then, Bob Power, a mentor, was tapped, heard the songs, and agreed to give the finished work the masterer's touch. 

The final result, Holy, is a truly moving first statement from a gifted singer and instrumentalist. Combining carefully layered musical textures, skillful arrangements, spirited performances, and the transparency of Paula Jaakkola's exquisite voice, it not only bears repeat listening, but demands it.
"I've started this journey as someone who has a lot to learn," she says. "And during this journey, I'm learning more and more about who I am."

After hearing Holy, you'll want to know more about who Paula Jaakkola is, too.


"Roll Out The Aces"

 I was born here in Miami, Florida and raised by my mother. She always taught me that music was a very passionate substance. I later learned through my own trials and tribulations that Music directly linked you and your inner most feelings together to display and revile its beauty and wisdom to yourself AND the people. It is not for the fame, it is most definitely not for the money. I want to show the people that no matter what, Life must continue from its hideous encounters to full fill its beautiful quests.   



                                                                                     -MISSION STATEMENT-                                                                                       
	  
      With the amount of people in this World alone, trying to make it in this new age Life, it could be nearly impossible to strive as an independent source or "LOAN WOLF".
   It has been proven that when UNITED, things get done faster while at the same time being conducted in a more precise and effective manner. For example, a colony of ants transporting vital material and food back to the colony, or a pack of wolves hunting down a days meal for the Pride. If we were to adopt all the attributes and practice them to perfection, our enemies don't stand a chance!
   So, now our goal is to join all the forces surrounding us. Not as a binding agreement, but as a POWER HOUSE FAMILY! The time for the worlds greatest Society is WAY passed due!!!
   By connecting all sides of the Spectrum we call life, WE can learn to HONE Unity and Spiritual Collaboration. There is no sense in greed driven existence or survival. We were created to Coincide and Evolve as one, but only few truly believe in Equal Partnerships. Only the Special have passion for LIVING and at the same time COLLECTIVE SUCCESS.

Blood Wisdom formed in Cape May, New Jersey circa 1998. Originally conceived as a solo project for Vocalist/Songwriter Eaden Rosvein (born Edward Palmer), Blood Wisdom would eventually evolve into a full band, featuring longtime member Ed Dymek, and an ever changing lineup of collaborators. Throughout the years, and over the course of numerous albums, the band has explored and blended many genres, including Alt- Rock, Shoegaze, Gothic Folk, Post-Punk, and Experimental Sound Collage. The genre hybrid project is unified by Eaden's poetic lyrics, surreal album artwork/flyers, and energetic live performances. Now residing in Los Angeles, CA , Blood Wisdom's current lineup is Eaden Rosvein - Vocals/Guitar/Piano, Ed Dymek - Bass/Drums/Guitar, and Jef Pauly - Drums. For more information, visit bloodwisdom.net

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