Album Notes

A contemplative approach to lyrical content matched with a voice that is full of integrity, Artie captures the attention of listeners instantly. He is not your watered down commercial artist relying on a formula to draw you in. Instead he uses his skill as a keen observer of life, people and the moments that most of us barely even notice, to empathize with people from all walks of life. He cites and writes with the honest emotion of a person just trying to get through the maze of hurdles and obstacles, we all call life. He is not surprised by the range of comparisons that are made to Bruce Springsteen, Delbert Mclinton, Don Henley,John Mellencamp or the Allman Brothers, among others. He has always had an independent spirit as a listener which pays off for him as a songwriter and a performer. His debut CD, ~ The Parade (Red Tail Hawk Records 2001 ), is a diverse collection of stories. A slice of Americana, (a blend of rock, folk, country and blues), the music has "temerity and twang", according to one reviewer. For The Parade, a band was assembled with some of New York, Nashville and Austin's finest musicians. Mark Barden(The Cox Family and Michael Martin Murphy) along with Dennis Brown (Doug Stone, Alan Jackson),provide beautiful slide, acoustic and electric guitars. They are supported by the rhythm section of Rob Garcia (Flying Neutrinos and Woody Allan's New Orleans Band) and Mark Andes ( Heart , Firefall ) on bass. Cindy "Crosby" Crossley adds beautiful background harmonies and vocals. Nashville session players Tim Lusby on pedal steel, Jim Young on organ, Lisa Zanghi on piano and Alan Johnson on fiddle, round out the effort, allowing the lyrics and vocals to shine. Artie is the founder and a regular performer in the Traveling Songwriters Show, which features a growing collection of, regional and national singer songwriters, including Marc Douglas Berardo, Chris Brown, KJDenhert, Nicole Mckenna, Jenny Reynolds, Jeff Twardzik, Erik Balkey and Trina Hamlin. The show is fast making a name for itself one not to be missed. Performing primarily in an acoustic duo with long time friend and guitar mentor Mark Barden. Artie plays 150 shows a year in NYC and the surrounding area, this has allowed him to fine tune his skills as a songwriter." A warm acoustic guitar, a crisp vocal and a good story have always caught my ear when listening to other performers." he says. Now it is his own guitar and stories that delight audiences. Artie will release his next CD, Still in The Way, with his band 5 OCLOCK SHADOW in early 2003 it is all about blues and groove on this effort He has also begun work on his next CD , tentatively called The Sun, The Wind and The Moon, it will be a raw and simple acoustic and vocal CD. The Parade Artie Tobia is a street poet...he certainly deserves a listening more than once, and don't be surprised to find yourself recommending his collection to a friend. The word deserves to be spread. ~ Charlie Lore Petry TV It's a very fine CD with a lot of superb songs like Mercy Wright, The Parade, Time We Spent in Memphis, Sam's Song, Fifty Dollar Bill and more..There are many influences like Americana, Roots, Country, Blues and Southern ~ Joachim Domrath Home of Rock Magazine ~ Germany When, I heard Artie Tobia performing at Coffeehouse with The Traveling Songwriters Show, I was struck by his honesty and energy... ~ Benjamin Howe Concordiensis, Union College I hear so many stories in these songs. I also hear Artie Tobia's voice on Mercy Right (Mercy Right, Mercy Right, I need you tonight) resound with emotion and intelligence. ...Artie is reaching down in himself and giving you everything. ~ Mark Damon Puckett Main Attractions Productions This man can write some stories. Yes. That being said Artie Tobia has the expressive qualities in his voice that can only come from knowing he is singing his songs, his way. The Parade has diverse mix of country-folk, rockers, some R & B and a swingy blues number. ~ Alternate Country .com Artie has developed a reputation as a hardworking performer that never grows tired of the show or the fans. ... and originals consisting of deep, heart-felt lyrics rich in imagery, contain something for everyone. The Parade, brings a slice of Americana to the city with its diverse story telling and blend of rock, country, folk and blues. ~Murphguide N.Y.C. The Parade features deeply personal songs... describing moments of American realism such as those sung by Bruce Springsteen. ~ Alex Halperin Standard Star/Journal News I've enjoyed listening to your songs and great music.I will give your disc regular airplay on my radio show. ~Raymond Swennen Roots Revival Radio