Reviews and Testimonials
Music Greats Join Acclaimed Singer-Songwriter
and Journalist Jamie Reno on His Latest CD
"All American Music," A Musical Road Trip on 33rd Street
Records,
Features Some of the Greatest Names in American Popular Music...
San Diego, California - If the name Jamie Reno sounds familiar,
it should. You've probably read his award-winning work in Newsweek
for the last decade. Reno, a veteran Newsweek national correspondent
who is currently covering the 9/11 investigation as well as the
Iraq war's impact at home, is also an acclaimed singer-songwriter
whose fourth CD features an array of music greats playing with
Reno on his songs. But in addition to the new record, which is
already receiving nationwide praise, it is his personal story
that helps make Reno's new release so remarkable.
Appropriately titled "All American Music," the new CD's inspiration
was Reno's own battle these past seven years with cancer. A celebration
of life and music, "All American Music," which will be released
nationally on Jan. 27, 2004, features all-new material from Reno,
now in remission, and appearances from Charlie Daniels, Ricky
Skaggs, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Steely Dan / Doobie Brothers), Dickey
Betts (Allman Brothers), Randy Meisner (Eagles), Charley Pride,
Suzy Bogguss, Jerry Donahue (Hellecasters), and more.
"I recorded these songs over the these past two years mostly at
night, after covering some pretty heavy stories during the day,"
says Reno. "This record is a road trip, an emotional American
journey, and it's an honor to work with so many musicians who've
inspired and influenced me over the years."
Engineered by 2003 Grammy nominee Bernie Torelli and co-produced
by Reno and music veteran Josquin Des Pres (Bernie Taupin, Young
Dubliners), "All American Music" is filled with well-crafted,
bittersweet songs written by Reno, whose melodic music has been
featured on NBC network and nationally syndicated television shows
and who recently won Best Song at the San Diego Songwriters Guild
Awards. Fulfilling Reno's lifelong dream of recording his own
acoustic traveling songs with many of his musical heroes, "All
American Music" will be available at every Borders, Tower Records,
and Barnes & Noble store nationwide on Jan. 27, 2004; a major
CD release party and concert is scheduled for Jan. 30 at the downtown
San Diego Borders store, and more will follow.
33rd Street Records, a burgeoning California-based label that
also recently signed rock legend Peter Frampton, among others,
will accompany the release of Reno's
"All American Music" with a major national media and publicity
campaign. Dedicating a portion of his proceeds from the record
to the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Reno is an example of a well-known
national figure who's courageously battled a deadly disease and
turned the experience into something he hopes will entertain and
inspire.
For more information and the latest updates on "All American Music,"
go to www.towerrecords.com,
visit Reno's website at www.jamiereno.com,
contact Jamie directly at 858-467-1070, or jreno@san.rr.com,
or contact Jules Westreich at 33rd Street Records, at 916-371-2800.
What they're saying about "All American Music"
Lyndon Stambler, People magazine: "I recommend listening
to "All American Music" on a car stereo because it works best as
a road album. This is Reno's world and it's deceptively simple,
just as you'd expect from an Iowa boy who moved West. He never lost
that shrewd Midwestern wit. His songs are well-crafted, and there's
a sweetness about this album, but it rocks. Reno lifts our spirits
with his beautiful melodies and lyrics. Some would call "All American
Music" heart felt. I'd call it gut felt. This record gets an A."
Richie Furay, founding member, Poco and Buffalo Springfield:
"Reno is an awesome songwriter, a wonderful storyteller. When you
listen to the songs on "All American Music," it's just like you're
his best friend, ridin' down the highway with him as he pours his
heart out to you. Great musicians, great songs."
Kyle Munson, music critic, Des Moines Register: "Reno's music,
which winningly combines bittersweet nostalgia with great melodies
and smart and breezy guitar arrangements, is steeped in both modern
country and 70s acoustic rock radio. You'll get completely wrapped
up in his universal stories and longing dreams."
Kenny Rankin, singer-songwriter: "Jamie's music is wonderful.
His songs have a lot of hope and spirituality. There's so much Americana
and humanity in his work."
Marc Harris, Taylor Guitars: "All American Music"
touches on a variety of formative influences - ’70s singer-songwriters,
honest C&W, classic rock, old-time bluegrass, and folk - and
spins them all into a gentle and nostalgic fabric. It's a wonderful
travelogue. Its soulful, back-porch songs offer the perfect antidote
to these troubled times.
Jack Tempchin, songwriter (Peaceful Easy Feeling, Slow Dancing):
"All American Music" has a great feel. Jamie has written some very
nice songs, and I really like his lyrics. This record is easy to
listen to, and the guitar work and musicianship are beautiful. I
hope it reaches a very large audience."
Bob Tedde, lead singer, Rockola: "Jamie's music is heartfelt
without being overly plaintive, sappy or preachy, and that's a balancing
act most songwriters don't manage very often, if at all. In Jamie's
music there is power through innocence. I feel a Brian Wilson comparison
coming here."
Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, lead guitarist, Steely Dan & the Doobie
Brothers: "Jamie is a great songwriter. He reminds me a bit
of an old friend of mine, John David Souther. There's sadness in
Jamie's tunes, but they're not angry. They're very melodic."
Pam Johnson, writer, Orlando Sentinel: "I love this record.
It's sweet and personal and intimate - a highly original work with
very interesting storytelling in every song. It must have been a
cathartic experience for Reno to get this out of his system and
on record."
Andrea Zonn, violinist/vocalist (Vince Gill, James Taylor):
"All American Music" is a great album. Jamie has a wonderfully inviting
voice, and the songs are terrific."
Dan Bennett, music critic, San Diego North County Times:
"Reno's songs have a refreshing perspective. They're spirited, easy
to go with and universal. His songs are creative, inspiring, and
as musically diverse as they are lyrically enticing."
Steve Seskin, #1 Nashville songwriter (Grown Men Don't Cry, Don't
Laugh At Me): "I really enjoyed Reno's 'All American Music,'
especially 'The Road,' featuring Dickey Betts (of Allman Brothers
fame). I love the feeling this song evokes. Very cool. The entire
record has a real nice vibe to it."
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