Straight From The Source 1 - cool, melodic jazz, latin and brazilian-flavoured guitar and piano-led instrumentals. NEWS - NOVEMBER 18 2005 SFTS1 occupied the No.1 spot in the mp3tunes.com Brazilian Jazz chart almost without break during the summer of 2005 and by November was also the No.1 album in both the Latin Jazz chart and the overall Jazz chart (all jazz categories). In addition, it reached the No.2 spot in the overall Latin chart (all latin categories) and the top 25 in the entire mp3tunes.com site out of almost 32,000 albums. The UK Songwriting Contest The UK Songwriting Contest is an international songwriting competition that draws entries from around the world. The competition is dedicated to the promotion of the art of songwriting and the discovery of new talent and is supported by some of the most highly respected names in the music industry including the BRIT Trust (of BRIT Awards fame), The World Music Foundation, Music Aid, the BRIT School, the Guild of International Songwriters and Composers, The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters, Sibelius, American Songwriter Magazine, Sound Control and other leading UK and international music industry professionals and organisations. Results and further info can be found at http://www.songwritingcontest.co.uk.) Infused with the subtle scent of Latino and a spray of stylish atmospherics, SFTS1 kicks off with the instantly likeable Rio Geo before transporting the listener up to the heights of Then Again..., one of the catchiest and simultaneously haunting tunes you'll hear this side of Havana. Then there's Somewhere In This World - an infectious, almost commercial, snapping-fingers-in-the-air groove, with a melody that will stay with you long after the track has finished. By contrast, there is a melancholic, wistful quality to pieces like Children of the Latin Quarter, Lee's Summit and While You're Far Away. Never far away, though, is the brazilian influence which infuses these pieces with a slow-burning passion. Cool? Yes, but it is more than that - beguiling, intelligent and perhaps more importantly, extremely listenable - you'll want to play it again and again." Notes from the artist The compositions on SFTS1 sit at the lighter, melodic end of the jazz spectrum - my love of melody and harmony always draws me to writing pieces that have those elements at their core. Listen to the samples and if you like what you hear, buy the CD... Here's what other people have said about SFTS1: "We really love all the tracks, to be honest. Great job, I can see why you are doing so well, good luck - you just picked up 2 fans." S & R Badalement Tirrell "Greg Walker's CD moves beautifully… this is simply, beautiful music, very well produced, clear, crisp, and I just love it. I hope other people take a chance, you can hear from the samples it is lovely. Thanks Greg, your compositions are margaritas on the beach - with big sailboats with white sails gliding by." M. Collins "I purchased Greg Walker's Straight From the Source 1 and was really impressed. This was money well spent. Greg's CD should be on the shelves in all of the music stores! This is a jazz CD with a nice Latin feel to it. Some of my favorite cuts are Lee's Summit, Some Day, While You're Far Away, and Denouement. However, all of tunes stand out because this is a great CD! It's the perfect stocking stuffer for Jazz fans. I am definitely looking forward to Greg's next release! People, this is GOOD music!" J. Owhen "I've played the CD several times now and I'm seriously impressed. This is so good to listen to. Greg’s music makes me feel as if I’m in a hammock on a tropical beach, adventurous. It’s very relaxing but… occasionally he hits you with something very deep, and then brings you back in the relaxed state again. Very cunning! My absolute favourite is "While You're Far Away", that touches something very deep inside. Thank you Greg." R. van Geesbergen "SFTS1 is a brilliantly enjoyable album - and in my experience, second albums very often surpass the debut releases, so, Greg, BRING IT ONNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!" D. Koritsas "Liking the album very much - we've been playing it pretty much all the time over the past week or two and are really enjoying it - when's number 2 coming out?!" J Goodrich "I've listened to your CD four or five times now - I particularly like the first cut. You're a fine player!" D Miller "Lees Summit plays like a dream - great chords on that one." B Holden "...I especially liked Lee's Summit, Then Again and Denouement - Good luck with all the music!" P. Clifton "Hello Greg - after I come back from Argentina, I had a great surprise: your CD. Its a great work - are you a famous artist and I didn't know? Last 3 days, your Cd is in my computer, I'm enjoying it!" G Cides "Then Again... CATEGORY: INSTRUMENTAL A memorable piece that maintains interest - a strong, professional entry in this category. This will continue to higher judging stages*." Judge's report from the 2002 UK Songwriting Contest. *Then Again... went on to reach the top ten finals in the category - see below Other Notes: Children of the Latin Quarter was a top-ten finalist in the 'Instrumental' Category of the 2003 UK Songwriting Contest, sponsored and judged by a panel of miscellaneous music industry types, including The Brits, Roland Music Corporation and representatives from a number of record and publishing companies. In the 2002 competition, Then Again... made the top-ten finals in the 'Instrumental' category. Uniquely among the contestants, I had a total of four compositions reach the top-ten finals in three separate categories: 'Jazz/Blues', 'Instrumental' and 'Miscellaneous', as well as a second place in 'Jazz/Blues' category. Any questions? Please email me at music@gregwalker.co.uk