Alicia Keister

Straight from 'Heartwood'
Harrisburg singer/songwriter Alicia Keister will celebrate the release of "Heartwood," her debut full-length, Saturday at Crimson Frog Coffeehouse in Camp Hill.

Keister has been playing music since she was 15, and it shows. Her voice is really lovely, and her original music is gentle and melodic. All the songs are really pretty, but I recommend checking out "Maybe" on her Myspace (myspace.com/aliciakeister).
(May 2007)
- Alexis Dow

Straight from 'Heartwood'
Harrisburg singer/songwriter Alicia Keister will celebrate the release of "Heartwood," her debut full-length, Saturday at Crimson Frog Coffeehouse in Camp Hill.

Keister has been playing music since she was 15, and it shows. Her voice is really lovely, and her original music is gentle and melodic. All the songs are really pretty, but I recommend checking out "Maybe" on her Myspace (myspace.com/aliciakeister).
(May 2007)
- Alexis Dow

10 years in the works, singer/songwriter releases first CD on her own label

Harrisburg resident Alicia Keister has been playing music for as long as she's been able to-- and this May, a dream came true.

The 10-track album is the culmination of years of work and study. She was a music major at Messiah College and she's currently a music teacher in the Cumberland Valley in Dauphin County. And it's a testament to her clarity of vision.

"It's something I've always wanted to do. When I write a song, I pretty much have an idea how I want it to sound with all the instruments and that. I wanted to have control over what it would sound like with a full band," Keister said.

But the singer/songwriter admitted that while the finished product was a dream come true, the actual recording process wasn't quite what she "expected."

"I thought, when (the musicians) hear the song, they'll think the same thing I do. That's not the case," she said. "It's challenging trying to get everyone on the same page."

Despite the struggles, Keister said she's pleased with the album. It's the album she heard in her head.
The album may be cut, but for Keister, whose sound is influenced by such singer/songwriters as Shawn Colvin and Patty Griffin, the work has only begun. She's been busy during her summer vacation, performing and promoting the album. The musician hits the venues in Reading pretty heavily, performing with the Acoustic Roadshow, a collective highlighting acoustic musicians in and around Berks County. She also goes to Sunbury where her sister lives, using her sibling's connections. And she'll be onstage at Musikfest in Bethlehem.

"I'm really excited about that," Keister said.
She's also trying to branch out to Philadelphia and Lancaster areas.
And if all this hard work leads to fame and fortune, fantastic: but Keister said that if the only thing that happens is that she can support herself in furture musical endeavors, that's fine too.
(July 2007) - Domenick Moore

10 years in the works, singer/songwriter releases first CD on her own label

Harrisburg resident Alicia Keister has been playing music for as long as she's been able to-- and this May, a dream came true.

The 10-track album is the culmination of years of work and study. She was a music major at Messiah College and she's currently a music teacher in the Cumberland Valley in Dauphin County. And it's a testament to her clarity of vision.

"It's something I've always wanted to do. When I write a song, I pretty much have an idea how I want it to sound with all the instruments and that. I wanted to have control over what it would sound like with a full band," Keister said.

But the singer/songwriter admitted that while the finished product was a dream come true, the actual recording process wasn't quite what she "expected."

"I thought, when (the musicians) hear the song, they'll think the same thing I do. That's not the case," she said. "It's challenging trying to get everyone on the same page."

Despite the struggles, Keister said she's pleased with the album. It's the album she heard in her head.
The album may be cut, but for Keister, whose sound is influenced by such singer/songwriters as Shawn Colvin and Patty Griffin, the work has only begun. She's been busy during her summer vacation, performing and promoting the album. The musician hits the venues in Reading pretty heavily, performing with the Acoustic Roadshow, a collective highlighting acoustic musicians in and around Berks County. She also goes to Sunbury where her sister lives, using her sibling's connections. And she'll be onstage at Musikfest in Bethlehem.

"I'm really excited about that," Keister said.
She's also trying to branch out to Philadelphia and Lancaster areas.
And if all this hard work leads to fame and fortune, fantastic: but Keister said that if the only thing that happens is that she can support herself in furture musical endeavors, that's fine too.
(July 2007) - Domenick Moore

Local singer/songwriter Alicia Keister's second album, "Heartwood," is a valiant attempt to capture a folksy lyrical sound. With vocals reminiscent of Shawn Colvin, Keister uses guitar-driven melody behind peppy feel-good lyrics.

The album is a good mix of upbeat and slower rhythm with ever-introspective lyrics. Dwelling on spirituality, Keister sometimes falls ito over-used Christian themes (candle in the darkenss imagery, crooked paths, etc.), but overall her strength is in the steady guitar and country sound.

She's at her best the closer she leans toward country on tracks such as "Trouble" and "I Have You," almost starting off like Lee Ann Womack on the latter. When she departs from teh genre, in tracks such as "Open Your Heart," Keister falls just short of a strong folk album and ends up souding like the weak pop that filled the sound of tracks of 1990s TV shows and still plays on soft-rock stations.

The only track that veers from country and still works is "When You Come." It has a slow haunting melody, carried by the piano behind Keister's voice. The instrumentals are simple, but definately the strong point of this song, making it the highlight of the album.

Though "Heartwood" falls just short of its folk endeavors, fans of "Point of Grace" and late '90s contemporary Christian music in general will enjoy this album.
(August 30, 2007) - Prasana William

"The songs have a pleasantly sentimental quality that evoke warm sweaters on a windy autumn day."
Dugan Nash, Fly Magazine, Harrisburg, PA, August 2007

"With vocals reminiscent of Shawn Colvin, Keister uses guitar-driven melody behind peppy feel-good lyrics."
Prasana William, The Patriot News, Harrisburg, PA, August 30, 2007

"Great job crafting fluid and hooky melodies. . ."
TAXI

"Her voice is really lovely, and her original music is gentle and melodic. All the songs are really pretty. . ."
Alexis Dow, The Patriot News, Harrisburg, PA, May 31, 2007

"Alicia had a beautiful voice. . .as I listened to Alicai sing for more than an hour, it was difficult to choose from all the wonderful original songs."
Mike Kaminski, The One, Danville, PA, August 31, 2006

"This lady has a beautiful and dynamic voice."
J.R. Oliver, Ear Candy Magazine, October 1, 2005

"Keister's voice seems to ring forth the truth she seeks best when she is behind the wheel of the lyrics on which she has collaborated."
Catherine Tully, Indie-Music.com, July 9, 2005 - From Various Sources

Alicia Keister who has appeared at previous River Festivals, is back again this year, enjoying the success of her first full-length album, "Heartwood, " released on June 2.

Ms. Keister, 27, said she looks forward to performing at the River Festival, although she admists to being a bit apprehensive.

"I know I'll see people I know," she said. "That's what makes me nervous."

A native of Laurelton, Ms. Keister has been singing in public since she was very young. While a tennager, she sang in a Christian trio, At His Feet, and in Face Forward.

"People who knew me then are a little surprised at the kind of music I do now," she said. "It's a whole different style."

Ms. Keister gew up in Laurelton, sand in teh church choir, district, regional, and all-state scholastic choruses,a nd majored in vocal music performance at Messiah College. All that was preface to her singer/songwriter career.

Her album features 10 songs, all written by Ms. Keister

"It turned out the way I wanted it to sound," she said. "If this was going to be the only album I ever recorded, I wanted it to be what I wanted."

She performs three to four times a month, mostly at coffeehouses in the Harrisburg/Reading area.

"I've been busy promoting the album," she said. "The response has been mostly positive."

"Heartwood" has recieved airplay on a Harrsiburg radio station, she said.

Ms. Keister said she's recieved plenty of comments on her Myspace page.

"I even had comments from some of my students," she said.

She is a vocal music teacher in Juniata County.

She's looking forward to her first out-of-state gig in September, at a place called the Purple Fiddle in Thomas, W.Va.

"I'm really excited to go out there," she said. "They have a bed and breakfast where we'll stay when we're there."

She's started writing songs for her next album, which she said will be more radio-friendly than "Heartwood."

"Most of the songs on 'Heartwood' are four minutes or more, and radio usually only wants three minutes," she said. "I'll be a little more willing to let other people have a say in production."

Ms. Keister said she finds writing songs a very creative outlet during the school year.

"I'll always think I'll write songs during the summer, but it doesn't happen," she said. "I've got four songs written now, and some ideas in my head."
(August 2007) - Wayne Laepple

Alicia Keister who has appeared at previous River Festivals, is back again this year, enjoying the success of her first full-length album, "Heartwood, " released on June 2.

Ms. Keister, 27, said she looks forward to performing at the River Festival, although she admists to being a bit apprehensive.

"I know I'll see people I know," she said. "That's what makes me nervous."

A native of Laurelton, Ms. Keister has been singing in public since she was very young. While a tennager, she sang in a Christian trio, At His Feet, and in Face Forward.

"People who knew me then are a little surprised at the kind of music I do now," she said. "It's a whole different style."

Ms. Keister gew up in Laurelton, sand in teh church choir, district, regional, and all-state scholastic choruses,a nd majored in vocal music performance at Messiah College. All that was preface to her singer/songwriter career.

Her album features 10 songs, all written by Ms. Keister

"It turned out the way I wanted it to sound," she said. "If this was going to be the only album I ever recorded, I wanted it to be what I wanted."

She performs three to four times a month, mostly at coffeehouses in the Harrisburg/Reading area.

"I've been busy promoting the album," she said. "The response has been mostly positive."

"Heartwood" has recieved airplay on a Harrsiburg radio station, she said.

Ms. Keister said she's recieved plenty of comments on her Myspace page.

"I even had comments from some of my students," she said.

She is a vocal music teacher in Juniata County.

She's looking forward to her first out-of-state gig in September, at a place called the Purple Fiddle in Thomas, W.Va.

"I'm really excited to go out there," she said. "They have a bed and breakfast where we'll stay when we're there."

She's started writing songs for her next album, which she said will be more radio-friendly than "Heartwood."

"Most of the songs on 'Heartwood' are four minutes or more, and radio usually only wants three minutes," she said. "I'll be a little more willing to let other people have a say in production."

Ms. Keister said she finds writing songs a very creative outlet during the school year.

"I'll always think I'll write songs during the summer, but it doesn't happen," she said. "I've got four songs written now, and some ideas in my head."
(August 2007) - Wayne Laepple

Alicia Keister is a singer/songwriter from Harrisburg who is far away outside the realm of anything I have yet to review here at Shinebone, let alone anything in my CD collection.

I can be accused of many things, but being a fan of female acoustic folk/pop music is not one of them.

That said, I enjoyed Keister's "Heartwood" for the most part when I popped her newest album in for a listen. It's a well-crafted collection of 10 songs ranging from pop to folk to country.

Her voice, song writing and overall sound are all agreeable, warm and comfortable, if a little nondescript. The only true stinker among the songs is "Open Your Heart," which sounds like a lost Wilson-Phillips songs that no one was pining to hear. I can almost see Carnie Wilson teetering on a mountainside singing it. Oh well, 9 out of 10 is pretty damn good in my estimation.

The musicians that Keister chose to help her flesh out her songs seem to all be top-notch. That is apparent from teh watery, fretless bass line on "More to Say," and the slide guitar on "Trouble." to the haunting piano and organ on "When You Come"--the best track on the album by the way. Not a note out of place and impeccably produced. The musicianship and production, probably more than her song-writing itself, make the album worth listening to.

The album on the whole almost has a Christian rock vibe. It's not implied or stated anywhere, but one gets the feeling that a few "praise him" or "he dies for you" are right around the corner. They never do rear their heads, though. Thank, um. . .God.

"Maybe," Keister's featured track, is a nice little slice of bouncy acoustic pop that could be a radio hit if given the right exposure. It is certainly better than the majority of pop female artists that radio forces down our throats.
(October 2007) - Mike Staugaitis

Alicia Keister is a singer/songwriter from Harrisburg who is far away outside the realm of anything I have yet to review here at Shinebone, let alone anything in my CD collection.

I can be accused of many things, but being a fan of female acoustic folk/pop music is not one of them.

That said, I enjoyed Keister's "Heartwood" for the most part when I popped her newest album in for a listen. It's a well-crafted collection of 10 songs ranging from pop to folk to country.

Her voice, song writing and overall sound are all agreeable, warm and comfortable, if a little nondescript. The only true stinker among the songs is "Open Your Heart," which sounds like a lost Wilson-Phillips songs that no one was pining to hear. I can almost see Carnie Wilson teetering on a mountainside singing it. Oh well, 9 out of 10 is pretty damn good in my estimation.

The musicians that Keister chose to help her flesh out her songs seem to all be top-notch. That is apparent from teh watery, fretless bass line on "More to Say," and the slide guitar on "Trouble." to the haunting piano and organ on "When You Come"--the best track on the album by the way. Not a note out of place and impeccably produced. The musicianship and production, probably more than her song-writing itself, make the album worth listening to.

The album on the whole almost has a Christian rock vibe. It's not implied or stated anywhere, but one gets the feeling that a few "praise him" or "he dies for you" are right around the corner. They never do rear their heads, though. Thank, um. . .God.

"Maybe," Keister's featured track, is a nice little slice of bouncy acoustic pop that could be a radio hit if given the right exposure. It is certainly better than the majority of pop female artists that radio forces down our throats.
(October 2007) - Mike Staugaitis

Well this CD was certainly a surprise, though had I checked the credits for the musicians associated with this project, it shouldn't have been. I have seen Alicia Keister's name around the area and knew she was a seasoned musician but had no idea how good this would be until I gave it a listen. Is it too early to talk about CD of the Year? Because this is it, hands down. From start to finish, from packaging to production, songwriting to performance to recording, this CD is a major label, ready-to-release CD. And that's not small feat. Just like last month's Steve Brosky review, the word "singer/songwriter" doesn't begin to describe Alicia Keister's music. With a unique voice that you won't forget and a real talent for writing songs that get right to the point and don't waste a second getting there (radio-ready and again, perfect for major labels) the first word that comes to mind is professional. Just like Brosky, Ms. Keister allows her musical guest's plenty of room to display their talents (a veritable who's who of the state's finest rock musicians; Ron Simasek and Jeff Feltenberger, Badlees; Robert Scott Richardson, Hybrid Ice; John Fritchey, Wayne Supergenius and Jason Shaffer, a jack of all trades, master of pretty much all of them on bass, guitar, production, engineering, mixing, and he apparently makes a great cup of coffee). "Heartwood" is chock full of interestingly catching folk/pop/country-rock tunes that will just make you feel better for having listened to them. "More to Say" is the obvious single, but there's not a filler track to be found among the 10 songs. Anyone wanting a guideline as to how to DIY your own CD MUST own this one. Anyone else wanting a great listen should own it too, it's that good. CD Of The Year indeed, now bring on 2008.
(October 2007) - Sterling Koch

Well this CD was certainly a surprise, though had I checked the credits for the musicians associated with this project, it shouldn't have been. I have seen Alicia Keister's name around the area and knew she was a seasoned musician but had no idea how good this would be until I gave it a listen. Is it too early to talk about CD of the Year? Because this is it, hands down. From start to finish, from packaging to production, songwriting to performance to recording, this CD is a major label, ready-to-release CD. And that's not small feat. Just like last month's Steve Brosky review, the word "singer/songwriter" doesn't begin to describe Alicia Keister's music. With a unique voice that you won't forget and a real talent for writing songs that get right to the point and don't waste a second getting there (radio-ready and again, perfect for major labels) the first word that comes to mind is professional. Just like Brosky, Ms. Keister allows her musical guest's plenty of room to display their talents (a veritable who's who of the state's finest rock musicians; Ron Simasek and Jeff Feltenberger, Badlees; Robert Scott Richardson, Hybrid Ice; John Fritchey, Wayne Supergenius and Jason Shaffer, a jack of all trades, master of pretty much all of them on bass, guitar, production, engineering, mixing, and he apparently makes a great cup of coffee). "Heartwood" is chock full of interestingly catching folk/pop/country-rock tunes that will just make you feel better for having listened to them. "More to Say" is the obvious single, but there's not a filler track to be found among the 10 songs. Anyone wanting a guideline as to how to DIY your own CD MUST own this one. Anyone else wanting a great listen should own it too, it's that good. CD Of The Year indeed, now bring on 2008.
(October 2007) - Sterling Koch

Acoustic Artist to Bring Arrangements

Alicia Keister will be bringing her bright sound and acoustic arrangements to the 2006 Sunbury Revitalization, Inc. meeting Friday afternoon.

As an independent artist, Miss Keister has recorded a four-song EP called “Distant Light,” which includes three original songs. Miss Keister wrote and recorded each of the vocal arrangements on the EP herself, and the lyrics were written by a friend, James Brumbaugh.

Currently, she is working on her first full-length album, to be released next May. “It is all original music, and pretty earthy, mostly acoustic.” Miss Keister said. She will be performing some of these new songs at the SRI membership meeting.

Music and performance has been a part of Miss Keister’s life since a young age. Growing up in Laurelton, she began singing with her sisters in church at a young age. In school, her interest in music continued to grow as she became a member of the district, regional and all-state chorus.

It was during her freshman year of high school that Miss Keister began to play the guitar and wrote her first song at the age of 15.

She attended Messiah College, and while majoring in music education, Miss Keister was active in the Concert Choir, the Messiah College Sings, and the Jazz Singers. Currently she works full time as a music teacher and part time as a worship leader.

Although a busy professional, Miss Keister explained why she still takes time to perform. “I don’t get to sing too much with my job, and I wanted to keep that,” she said.

Miss Keister, now a solo artist has toured as a member of the bands At His Feet and Fade Forward. She most often performs in coffee houses.

Recently, she performed at the Kutztown Folk Festival and often performs with Grantham Road, who will be performing at the 2006 River Festival.

For more information, visit www.aliciakeister.com, where “Distant Light” can be purchased. The EP can also be purchased at Miss Keister’s performances.
(August 16, 2006) - Anna Telatovich

Acoustic Artist to Bring Arrangements

Alicia Keister will be bringing her bright sound and acoustic arrangements to the 2006 Sunbury Revitalization, Inc. meeting Friday afternoon.

As an independent artist, Miss Keister has recorded a four-song EP called “Distant Light,” which includes three original songs. Miss Keister wrote and recorded each of the vocal arrangements on the EP herself, and the lyrics were written by a friend, James Brumbaugh.

Currently, she is working on her first full-length album, to be released next May. “It is all original music, and pretty earthy, mostly acoustic.” Miss Keister said. She will be performing some of these new songs at the SRI membership meeting.

Music and performance has been a part of Miss Keister’s life since a young age. Growing up in Laurelton, she began singing with her sisters in church at a young age. In school, her interest in music continued to grow as she became a member of the district, regional and all-state chorus.

It was during her freshman year of high school that Miss Keister began to play the guitar and wrote her first song at the age of 15.

She attended Messiah College, and while majoring in music education, Miss Keister was active in the Concert Choir, the Messiah College Sings, and the Jazz Singers. Currently she works full time as a music teacher and part time as a worship leader.

Although a busy professional, Miss Keister explained why she still takes time to perform. “I don’t get to sing too much with my job, and I wanted to keep that,” she said.

Miss Keister, now a solo artist has toured as a member of the bands At His Feet and Fade Forward. She most often performs in coffee houses.

Recently, she performed at the Kutztown Folk Festival and often performs with Grantham Road, who will be performing at the 2006 River Festival.

For more information, visit www.aliciakeister.com, where “Distant Light” can be purchased. The EP can also be purchased at Miss Keister’s performances.
(August 16, 2006) - Anna Telatovich

On the Scene With Two Wonderful Women Songwriters

You can judge the character of an establishment by the toilet paper it offers to the public. Case in point, Brews N Bytes in Danville. Periodically, I receive e-mails from Jason Perez on upcoming events at his restaurant/café and bastion of free speech. In one of his latest announcements Jason wrote, “Most food establishments have resorted to using transparent looking, three sheets at a time toilet paper that comes apart in your hands.” This is not the case at Brews N Bytes. Jason only uses quality stuff like Cottonelle, Angel Soft or Charmin Ultra.

As I continued to read the e-mail newsletter, the guest of entertainers for Friday August 18 caught my eyes. “An Evening With Wonderful Women Songwriters.” Hannah Bingman and Alicia Keister were performing that night. I knew Hannah. However, I had not been blessed to hear Alicia since beginning my journey with The One. In his electronic newsletter, Jason did indicate that reservations were recommended and so I did reserve space for a party of One.

I arrived early on Friday night. If you really know my personality, then you know my shy nature. I do not like to make grand entrances. Getting to the event early also allows me the opportunity to interact with the performers and some of the people in the audience so they understand why I am taking photographs. Plus, it is always good to feel the connections between the entertainers and those being entertained.

Before the evening began, I spoke briefly with Alicia Keister about her life, music and career goals. Alicia is a very warm and open person to interview. She grew up in Laurelton. She has heard the music inside her ever since she was a very little girl. Alicia graduated from Messiah College and has been a music teacher with the Greenwood School District in the Harrisburg area for three years. She teaches choral for grades 1-12.

Prior to beginning her solo journey, Alicia was a member of a female trio knows as “At His Feet” which Alicia described as Southern Gospel. The singers that most influence her life and style include Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin and Beth Amsel. At 26 years of age, Alicia states “that her musical goal is to simply have a successful independent career.” Alicia is currently working on a new CD which, hopefully will be released in May of next year.

You can contact Alicia through her email address at “mail to:Alicia@aliciakeister.com”or visit her website at http://www.aliciakeister.com Alicia has a beautiful voice. She describes her sound as Folk Pop. As I listened to Alicia sing for more than an hour, it was difficult to choose from all the wonderful original songs. And so, I asked her to give me two of her favorites from the evening. She said, “I Wander,” and “More to Say.” Both songs are from her heart. Both songs have a personal and deep meaning in her life.

For me, one of the benefits of doing these ‘on the scene’ interviews and reviews is connecting with the people in the audience. You never know who you are going to meet. I had very nice conversations with Alicia’s parents, Ronald and Evelyn. And you might even know Alicia’s sister. Amanda Keister was at the table with her fiancé, Ryan Unger. Amanda Keister is the co-anchor with CCN News 8 and also a reporter for The Daily Item.

Now, I have known Hannah Bingman for a couple months. Those of us who have been blessed to hear her voice and singing style also know the gift that she has within. This lady can really sing the Blues. I do not want to write too much about Hannah because you can read all about her in this issue. One of our contributing writers, Janelle Caiazzo, spent some time with Hannah this month.

Again, I had a specific extra bonus that evening. I met Hannah’s parents, Craig and Kathy. I asked Kathy to tell me about Hannah as a little girl. She said that Hannah would not even talk when she was younger. I asked Kathy to tell me what changed in Hannah. Her mother just said, “Now she as something to say.” You can contact Hannah at: “mail to Hannah@hannahbingman.com and mail to: hbingman@verizon.net. Or you can check out her websites at http://www.myspace.com/hannahbingman or “http//www.sonicbids.com/hannahbingman.”

I also asked Hannah to give me two of her favorite songs from the evening. She said “Deep Water” and “Stormy Weather.” I really enjoyed Hannah’s version of ‘Stormy Weather,’ especially because of my age.

Hannah closed the evening with ‘She Loves You’ by The Beatles, which includes the line: She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah. And with a love like that, you know that can’t be bad.” That is a very true statement.

And so, the evening was truly wonderful as I heard two every talented women singer songwriters who are both going to be rising stars on the music scene.

When in Danville, I hope you will visit Jason at Brews N Bytes. It is located at 20 Lower Mulberry Street, at the hear - Mike Kaminski

On the Scene With Two Wonderful Women Songwriters

You can judge the character of an establishment by the toilet paper it offers to the public. Case in point, Brews N Bytes in Danville. Periodically, I receive e-mails from Jason Perez on upcoming events at his restaurant/café and bastion of free speech. In one of his latest announcements Jason wrote, “Most food establishments have resorted to using transparent looking, three sheets at a time toilet paper that comes apart in your hands.” This is not the case at Brews N Bytes. Jason only uses quality stuff like Cottonelle, Angel Soft or Charmin Ultra.

As I continued to read the e-mail newsletter, the guest of entertainers for Friday August 18 caught my eyes. “An Evening With Wonderful Women Songwriters.” Hannah Bingman and Alicia Keister were performing that night. I knew Hannah. However, I had not been blessed to hear Alicia since beginning my journey with The One. In his electronic newsletter, Jason did indicate that reservations were recommended and so I did reserve space for a party of One.

I arrived early on Friday night. If you really know my personality, then you know my shy nature. I do not like to make grand entrances. Getting to the event early also allows me the opportunity to interact with the performers and some of the people in the audience so they understand why I am taking photographs. Plus, it is always good to feel the connections between the entertainers and those being entertained.

Before the evening began, I spoke briefly with Alicia Keister about her life, music and career goals. Alicia is a very warm and open person to interview. She grew up in Laurelton. She has heard the music inside her ever since she was a very little girl. Alicia graduated from Messiah College and has been a music teacher with the Greenwood School District in the Harrisburg area for three years. She teaches choral for grades 1-12.

Prior to beginning her solo journey, Alicia was a member of a female trio knows as “At His Feet” which Alicia described as Southern Gospel. The singers that most influence her life and style include Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin and Beth Amsel. At 26 years of age, Alicia states “that her musical goal is to simply have a successful independent career.” Alicia is currently working on a new CD which, hopefully will be released in May of next year.

You can contact Alicia through her email address at “mail to:Alicia@aliciakeister.com”or visit her website at http://www.aliciakeister.com Alicia has a beautiful voice. She describes her sound as Folk Pop. As I listened to Alicia sing for more than an hour, it was difficult to choose from all the wonderful original songs. And so, I asked her to give me two of her favorites from the evening. She said, “I Wander,” and “More to Say.” Both songs are from her heart. Both songs have a personal and deep meaning in her life.

For me, one of the benefits of doing these ‘on the scene’ interviews and reviews is connecting with the people in the audience. You never know who you are going to meet. I had very nice conversations with Alicia’s parents, Ronald and Evelyn. And you might even know Alicia’s sister. Amanda Keister was at the table with her fiancé, Ryan Unger. Amanda Keister is the co-anchor with CCN News 8 and also a reporter for The Daily Item.

Now, I have known Hannah Bingman for a couple months. Those of us who have been blessed to hear her voice and singing style also know the gift that she has within. This lady can really sing the Blues. I do not want to write too much about Hannah because you can read all about her in this issue. One of our contributing writers, Janelle Caiazzo, spent some time with Hannah this month.

Again, I had a specific extra bonus that evening. I met Hannah’s parents, Craig and Kathy. I asked Kathy to tell me about Hannah as a little girl. She said that Hannah would not even talk when she was younger. I asked Kathy to tell me what changed in Hannah. Her mother just said, “Now she as something to say.” You can contact Hannah at: “mail to Hannah@hannahbingman.com and mail to: hbingman@verizon.net. Or you can check out her websites at http://www.myspace.com/hannahbingman or “http//www.sonicbids.com/hannahbingman.”

I also asked Hannah to give me two of her favorite songs from the evening. She said “Deep Water” and “Stormy Weather.” I really enjoyed Hannah’s version of ‘Stormy Weather,’ especially because of my age.

Hannah closed the evening with ‘She Loves You’ by The Beatles, which includes the line: She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah. And with a love like that, you know that can’t be bad.” That is a very true statement.

And so, the evening was truly wonderful as I heard two every talented women singer songwriters who are both going to be rising stars on the music scene.

When in Danville, I hope you will visit Jason at Brews N Bytes. It is located at 20 Lower Mulberry Street, at the hear - Mike Kaminski

Alicia Keister has a pure and unaffected voice that is nicely complemented by the tasteful and unobrusive arrangements on the 10-song Heartwood. Jason Shaffer of Grantham Road was apparently instrumental (pun intended) in most aspects of bringing Keister's vision to fruition. His mastery of bass (fretless and fretted) and guitar (12-string, slide, electrict, etc.) is the unimposing but fully necessary foundation of this record. Keister's songs are solid, with a confident maturity in their structuring and melody, yet I suspect they would be significantly less interesting if they were stripped of the spot-on production.

Heartwood, while it certainly makes no strides toward anything groundbreaking or inventive, is a solid AAA (adult album alternative) record. This is the kindo f album and artist that radio stations like Philadelphia's WXPN were created for. The music is essentially folk with rock and hints of country, especially in the arrangements. The arrangements are so smooth and polished, however, that there are times where the gloss makes the songs a bit less interesting than they could be. Keister's vocal delivery is so smooth and safe with a mild vibrato that she doesn't communicate any intense pathos most of the time. Instead, the songs have a pleasantly sentimental quality that evoke warm sweaters on a windy autumn day. For the most part, teh sentimentality comes across as being genuine and not too saccharine, despite the polished production and performance. There are a few exceptions, like "Open Your Heart," which has background vocelas that push it just a bit over the edge into easy-listening territory.

There are a few apparent influences instrumetnally and vocally. Soem of teh countrified guitar work reminds me a bit of the clean, crisp playing that one finds on Buddy and Julie Miller records, or the many records that Buddy produces and plays on, including those of Lucinda Williams. Keister is influenced by Patty Griffin, and Beth Amsel and others of that ilk, but she is wise to sing in a straightforward manner that doesn't too overtly reference them. The quality and delivery of her voice, while not altogether unique, is her own. She sings with a subtle confidence that lends an authenticity to the songs even if they could use a ilttle roughing up to make the emotional connection more affecting.

Keister's faith and background in Christian-oriented music is laced throughout Heartwood in a tasteful way that actually feels appropriate with the overall tranquil attitude of the record. In the end, Keister with a boost from Shaffer, has crafted a mature and listenable light folk record in Heartwood.
(August 2007) - Dugan Nash

Alicia Keister has a pure and unaffected voice that is nicely complemented by the tasteful and unobrusive arrangements on the 10-song Heartwood. Jason Shaffer of Grantham Road was apparently instrumental (pun intended) in most aspects of bringing Keister's vision to fruition. His mastery of bass (fretless and fretted) and guitar (12-string, slide, electrict, etc.) is the unimposing but fully necessary foundation of this record. Keister's songs are solid, with a confident maturity in their structuring and melody, yet I suspect they would be significantly less interesting if they were stripped of the spot-on production.

Heartwood, while it certainly makes no strides toward anything groundbreaking or inventive, is a solid AAA (adult album alternative) record. This is the kindo f album and artist that radio stations like Philadelphia's WXPN were created for. The music is essentially folk with rock and hints of country, especially in the arrangements. The arrangements are so smooth and polished, however, that there are times where the gloss makes the songs a bit less interesting than they could be. Keister's vocal delivery is so smooth and safe with a mild vibrato that she doesn't communicate any intense pathos most of the time. Instead, the songs have a pleasantly sentimental quality that evoke warm sweaters on a windy autumn day. For the most part, teh sentimentality comes across as being genuine and not too saccharine, despite the polished production and performance. There are a few exceptions, like "Open Your Heart," which has background vocelas that push it just a bit over the edge into easy-listening territory.

There are a few apparent influences instrumetnally and vocally. Soem of teh countrified guitar work reminds me a bit of the clean, crisp playing that one finds on Buddy and Julie Miller records, or the many records that Buddy produces and plays on, including those of Lucinda Williams. Keister is influenced by Patty Griffin, and Beth Amsel and others of that ilk, but she is wise to sing in a straightforward manner that doesn't too overtly reference them. The quality and delivery of her voice, while not altogether unique, is her own. She sings with a subtle confidence that lends an authenticity to the songs even if they could use a ilttle roughing up to make the emotional connection more affecting.

Keister's faith and background in Christian-oriented music is laced throughout Heartwood in a tasteful way that actually feels appropriate with the overall tranquil attitude of the record. In the end, Keister with a boost from Shaffer, has crafted a mature and listenable light folk record in Heartwood.
(August 2007) - Dugan Nash