The MusicDish Network announced that it recently added Toronto-based band ASHRAF to its roster of independent artists and bands. Drawing from the styles of acts like Maroon 5, Lenny Kravitz, Rob Thomas and Prince, his songs blend influences from the east and the west to create a unique connection with today's global audience.

Independent recording artist/producer/musician Vernon Neilly is no stranger to accomplishments in the music business, whether it be scoring top 40 songs on commercial & internet radio charts, recording or playing with top recording artist in the business (Etta James, Warren G, Johnny Guitar Watson, Howard Hewitt, and many more), having roles in major movie releases (Along Came Polly, Starsky and Hutch), or conceiving and being involved in major marketing programs with huge music manufacturers (Six String Extravaganza with Steve Vai, Morely, Seymour Duncan, Cakewalk, Tagima Guitars, Giannini Guitars, etc), his objective is always he same, excellence.

   by Mark Kirby,  Jazz comes in many flavors. Whether we're talking about straight ahead jazz, avant garde jazz, or jazz rock fusion, each type has its own rules and a fervent audience, including critics, that thinks that they hold the holy grail, the one true jazz. At the same time, each type of jazz has absorbed a myriad of influences and constantly revitalizes and reinvents itself.

Independent recording artists: Ivory Tower Project’s 4 song EP: “Red Hot” was reviewed in Germany’s independent artist print Magazine: GERMAN UNDERGROUND CROSSEC+ION (G.U.C.) NR.21 – EDI+ION 2005 on page 97 of their 187 page annual printed magazine review. For more information on receiving a copy, please visit www.GUC-area.de We thank G.U.C. for their support! 8)

Beautifully Crafted Alternative Pop In "Here's Us"

City Canyons Records announced the limited release of a long awaited new EP, "Here's Us" from acclaimed New York artist Sara Wendt. Sara Wendt's album offers shimmering alternative pop spiced with rock and a dash of Celtic seasoning.

Sara Wendt's songs from her City Canyons Records EP, "Here's Us", are a study in contrasts, rocking yet delicate and nuanced, tough yet tender, and reflective yet electrifying, featuring haunting overtones that make her music both vivid and dreamy. The music of the New York recording artist has been described as alternative pop rock with a light sprinkle of Celtic seasoning but that description leaves volumes unsaid. Sara's music, both exhilarating and aching, goes straight through the ear to the heart.