Album Notes

The Renewal Artists 2008 Sampler is a compilation of original and cover songs by Virginia-based artists Loretta Ricketts, Nicole Belanus and William Ricketts.

Nicole’s vocals, musicianship and songwriting talents are featured on three of her original tunes plus a very nice version of Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You”.

Loretta is spotlighted on a Latin flavored song written by fellow Renewal Artist Matt Matthews titled “October In Richmond” and interesting new versions of songs by Lennon & McCartney (“Long & Winding Road”) and fellow Virginian, Bruce Hornsby (“I Will Walk With You”).

Producer, engineer and Renewal Artist William Ricketts offers two originals plus a collaborative song with Matthews.

Pay particular attention to the extended and gorgeous solo piano intro by Steve Kolb before “Long & Winding Road”. Another musical highlight on this project includes an interesting violin solo on Ricketts’ “Don’t Give It Up”.

As usual, this Renewal project, recorded at Doodle Pad III, is soothing, eclectic and sonically quite pleasant.

Be on the lookout for a solo CD by Nicole in the fall of 2009 and another compilation project (by Belanus, Matthews and the Ricketts) before the end of 2009.