Regular Columnists

Artist: Ken Koenig
Album: Bring It Home
Label: Baja Records
Website: http://www.myspace.com/KenKoenig
Genre: Acoustic Rock, Singer-Songwriter
Technical Grade: 8/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 8/10
Commercial Value: 7/10
Overall Talent Level: 8/10
Songwriting Skills: 9/10
Best Songs: Stay With Me Tonight, No Flies On Nigel
CD Review: Sacramento based songwriter Ken Koenig's first CD, Bring It Home, is a pleasant showcase for his eclectic songwriting. His songs range from soft acoustic ballads to hard rockers with a dose of folk. He's joined by a fairly large cast of friends that includes his regular band mates, Jeff Tuttle on drums, Jerry Jennings on lead guitar, Paul Hawley on bass, and Steve Del Rio on congas and percussion.

The real centerpiece of the CD is Koenig's songwriting. Stay With Me starts the album off and is a mellow tune featuring Slim Bawb Pearce on dobro and banjo with Koenig's guitar and harmonica. By the time he gets to Dirt From My Hands, he's into a rocking groove. Gotta Love This Life is a shuffle that features Darren Consuelo on upright bass and Daryl Vandruff on drums with Steve Stizzo on accordian. Never Be The Same rocks out with Tony Pacheco on power driving lead guitar.

Koenig's versatile songwriting reflects his influences which range from swing through doo-wop and classic rock to Amy Winehouse. Bring It Home is an eclectic collection of songs that satisfies a variety of tastes.