Acoustic Chicago hopes to be a well for the thirsty and budding Chicago independent music scene by taking single voices of talented independent Chicago artists and amplifying them into a unified collective. The recordings capture and celebrate the musical diversity of the musicians involved. From the sweet, sultry voice of Sarah Potenza, to the Chicago hometown rock and roll heroes Marty Casey & Lovehammers. From the swelling lush violin-infused rock of Mike Mangione, to harmonica virtuoso Howard Levy, the audience is presented with a much deeper sense of the word "acoustic" than they may have known in the past. Chris Steinmetz sums it up; "By breaking a song into its most simple, acoustic form, the artists' true essence and emotional potential is revealed. The power of the song is the key and the artist is the door."

This is a lineup of artists who each carry their own unique stories, stories that can be heard and understood simply by hearing or watching them play music. One that comes to mind is the story of Andreas Kapsalis and how he came to play like he does today. Working as an apprentice for a guitar luthier in his late-teen years, Andreas severed a tendon in his left hand. Without the use of his left hand, he decided he must turn the accident into an advantage. “I started to experiment with playing chords and scales and relearning the guitar while I was in the cast,” Kapsalis explains. “I had no use of my left hand, so my right hand was all I had to produce sound. I just started writing songs and reworking songs I had composed earlier on with my new found (eight-finger) technique. All of a sudden, I was doing things I couldn't dream of doing before the mishap - I could harmonize with myself."

The musicians aren’t the only ones that make Acoustic Chicago what it is. There is an array of talent behind the curtains. From audio and video connoisseurs, to those who have helped promote and publish the album, none of this could have been done without them. It is a true sense of family to be part of the Acoustic Chicago team, one unit cannot function without the other. You’ll also see these artists helping each other out. All over the record, artists make appearances on each others tracks. Whether it be Howard levy jamming live with Malcolm Palmer on “Cold World”, or Andreas Kapsalis interpreting and performing a breathtaking guitar selection for Mari Anne Jayme’s “Waiting For Me”. It is a well-oiled music extravaganza that strives for the best. We do it for our fans, and for the love of music. We believe a collection such as Acoustic Chicago is something that is long overdue in the music scene. Taking lesser- known artists and placing them in the spotlight is a bold statement, but a necessary one. We proudly support these 13 independent Chicago musicians, and believe that they represent the independent acoustic music scene that is ever so thriving.

But it doesn’t stop at Acoustic Chicago. Get ready for Acoustic New York, California, New Orleans, and eventually, Acoustic International. Can you imagine? A web of the greatest acoustic musicians from all around the world, playing shows with each other, and being part of the unified collective that is Acoustic International. That will be a sight to behold. So stay tuned, an acoustic revolution is happening before your very eyes… we invite you to play a part in it.

-Stonecutter Records/ Acoustic Chicago/ Acoustic International 

View a Complete List of the Artists with video interviews and previews >

 Performed by:
                  Malcolm Palmer- guitar, vocals
                  Noah Gabriel- rhythm guitar
                  Chuck Webb- standup bass guitar
                  Ernie Adams- drumkit
                  Zacbe Pichardo- mexican harp, percussion
                  Robert Greenridge- steel drums

A blend of reggae and up-tempo rock & roll, this powerful track by Malcolm Palmer shows the activist side of his songwriting abilities. With a substantial acoustic percussion section, catchy hooks, and the inspired vocal abilities of Palmer, “Gasoline” is a great way to kick off the Acoustic Chicago CD/DVD.

Click Here> for a video preview of "Gasoline" featuring live in studio footage of many of the session artists on the track.

Performed by:
            Micki Croisant- guitar, vocals
            Chuck Webb- standup bass guitar
            Ernie Adams- drumkit
            John Cooper- trumpet

Micki Croisant’s beautiful and calming voice is truly incredible, and with a song like “Smile”, her smooth vocal capabilities and solid musical performance compliment each other to create a one-of-a-kind sound. “Smile” embodies her finest elements all wrapped into an unforgettable performance.

Click Here> for a video preview of Smile featuring live in studio footage of many of the session artists on the track.

Performed by:
            Scottish McMillan- guitar, vocals
            Bill “The Buddah” Dickens- bass guitar
            Ernie Adams- percussion
            Vance Okrazevski- percussion

Extraordinarily funky, Scottish McMillan’s “Infinity Grooves” is a true demonstration of his guitar playing and his knack for creative singing and song-sculpting. Bouncing from one time signature to another while keeping the listener consistently excited, “Infinity Grooves” is a great showcase of Scottish’s creativity.

Click Here> for a video preview of Infinity Grooves featuring live in studio footage of many of the session artists on the track.

Performed by:
            Tim Nagle- vocals
            Larry Schroeder- guitar
            Chuck Webb- standup bass guitar
            Vance Okrazevski- drumkit
            Michelle Nagle- backing vocals
            Christina Tamayo- backing vocals

A voice with true rock power, Tim Nagle shines on “Pins and Needles.” Blending atmospheric melodies with great storytelling, Tim’s gift for unique songwriting is apparent from the first note. A natural display of Tim’s natural melodious dexterity, “Pins and Needles” is a remarkable rock anthem, with elements of soul and pop entwined within.

Click Here> for a video preview of Pins and Needles featuring live in studio footage of many of the session artists on the track.

Performed by:
            Sarah Potenza- guitar, vocals
            Dan Ornduff- guitar, bass
            Ernie Adams- drumkit
            Brian Samson- percussion
            Bruce Breckenfeld- organ

Gritty and passionate, Sarah Potenza’s stunningly distinctive voice is ever-present on her Acoustic Chicago track “The Eastside.” Sarah’s small town roots are prevalent throughout these four-plus minutes of bluesy yet upbeat rock. “The Eastside” is a song crafted from her own life and relationship experiences, but Sarah’s gift for composing easily accessible lyrics offers listeners a way to easily connect with her message.

Click Here> for a video preview of The Eastside featuring live in studio footage of many of the session artists on the track.

Performed by:
            Malcolm Palmer- guitar, vocals
            Noah Gabriel- guitar
            Chuck Webb- standup bass guitar
            Ernie Adams- drumkit
            Joyce “Peaches” Faison- backing vocals
            Cheryl Wilson- backing vocals
            Christina Tamayo- backing vocals
            Bruce Breckenfeld- organ

With the outcry of a motivated advocate, Malcolm Palmer’s “Armageddion” speaks volumes of his outlook on society. This morose, organ-tinged reggae ballad masterfully creates a mood as it builds towards its exhilarating climax. It is easy to hear Malcolm’s call of distress by simply listening to the tone of his voice as he delivers his lyrics with true sincerity, line after line.

Click Here> for a video preview of Armageddion featuring live in studio footage of many of the session artists on the track.

Performed by:
            Marty Casey- guitar, vocals
            Billy Sawilchik- guitar
            Dino Kourelis- bass guitar
            Bobby Kourelis- drumkit
            and featuring members The Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra-
            Allen Tinkham- musical instructor
            Joshua Simmonds- general manager
            Ashley Sachay- violin
            Ha-Young Kim- violin
            Carmen Abelson- violin
            Matthew Lipman- violin, viola
            Betsy Welander- viola
            Jamie Sachay- viola
            Chris Sitton- cello
            Sarah Berger- cello
            Robin Kesselman- standup bass guitar

Hometown rock and roll heroes Marty Casey & Lovehammers bring their all-new original song “Driving Blind” to Acoustic Chicago. Layered with great guitars, vocals and even strings from the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, Marty and the guys prove that they can generate the melodic power and rhythmic drive of their electric music to an acoustic song.

Click Here> for a video preview of Driving Blind featuring live in studio footage of many of the session artists on the track.

Performed by:
            Shannon Fortune- guitar, vocals
            Chuck Webb- standup bass guitar
            Ernie Adams- drumkit
            Dan Anderson- tuba
            John Cooper- trumpet

Shannon Fortune brings his grasp of catchy songwriting to new heights with his bold track “Your Life is Killing You.” Bathed in horns and backed by rock-solid rhythm, Shannon’s flair for experimenting with the pop-rock formula is suitably exhibited in this outstanding three and a half minute ditty.

Click Here> for a video preview of" Your Life is Killing You" featuring live in studio footage of many of the session artists on the track.

Performed by:
            Noah Gabriel- guitar, vocals
            Chuck Webb- standup bass guitar
            Ernie Adams- drumkit

Noah Gabriel comes roaring out of the gates with “Keepin’ On,” his first of two tracks on the Acoustic Chicago collection. Noah’s voice is youthfully graceful yet necessarily raspy, giving this song an attitude that demands a listeners full attention. With a simple yet imaginative riff serving as a solid back plate to his vocals, Noah effectively combines senses of urgency and relaxation within this magnificent song

Click Here> for a video preview of "Keepin' On" featuring live in studio footage of many of the session artists on the track.

Performed by:
            Mari Anne Jayme- vocals
            Andreas Kapsalis- guitar

The delicate and proficient voice of Mari Anne Jayme is unmistakably dazzling. With the miraculous guitar playing of fellow Acoustic Chicago artist Andreas Kapsalis providing the foundation of “Waiting For Me,” Mari Anne keeps listeners on their toes as she interweaves her voice gently throughout. A true triumph for both Mari Anne and Andreas, this track serves as a highlight for both of them.

Click Here> for a video preview of "Waiting for Me"featuring live in studio footage of many of the session artists on the track.

Performed by:
            Howard Levy- harmonica

The musical acrobatics of Howard Levy are ever apparent in his Acoustic Chicago track “The Evanston Express.” Recorded live at Chicago Recording Company during a segment of Stonecutter Records’ one-of-a-kind ‘Friday Night Sessions,’ Howard truly puts the audience in awe with his on the spot musicianship and lively performance.

Click Here> for a video preview of " The Evanston Express" featuring live in studio footage of many of the session artists on the track.

Performed by:
            Mike Mangione- guitar, vocals
            Tom Mangione- guitar
            John Collins- standup bass guitar
            Kristina Priceman- violin
            Patrick Hoctor- cello
            Ernie Adams- drumkit, percussion

Flowing with instinctive acoustic talent, Mike Mangione and his band give an inspirational effort on “Don’t Take This Song.” With Mangione’s forte for interweaving multiple string arrangements impeccably, the listener is awash in a waves of lush strings and musical character that feels nothing short of special.

Click Here> for a video preview of "Don't Take This Song" featuring live in studio footage of many of the session artists on the track.

Performed by:
            Jen Porter- piano, vocals
            “Smokin’” Joe Thomas- bass guitar
            Ernie Adams- drumkit

With a voice that’s both enthusiastic and sexy, Jen Porter has the piano skills to match. “My Own Hand” takes the elements of a rock piano ballad and transforms them into an edgy, double-entendre, using her undeniable know-how for clever expression. With an explosive pulse provided by the bass and drums, Jen’s thunderous voice and piano playing make for an electrifying listen.

Click Here> for a video preview of "My Own Hand" featuring live in studio footage of many of the session artists on the track.

Performed by:
            Noah Gabriel- guitar, vocals
            Mark Zeigler- standup bass guitar
            Ernie Adams- drumkit

Noah gives fans a hefty dose of his country influence with “New Day Rising.” Filled with slide guitar, down home feeling, and optimistic phrasing, Noah genuinely channels a vibe that can best be described as ‘warm’. With this song, Noah once again illustrates that he is a strong and poised solo artist. 

Click Here> for a video preview of 'New Day Rising" featuring live in studio footage of some of the session artists on the track.

Performed by:
            Malcolm Palmer- guitar, vocals
            Howard Levy- harmonica

Musical forces amalgamate as Malcolm Palmer invites Howard Levy to perform “Cold World” with him, live at Stonecutter Records’ Friday Night Sessions. This performance unquestionably seeps with musical energy as these two performers feed off each other, culminating in an unforgettable display of aptitude, camaraderie, and energy.

Click Here> for a video preview of "Cold World" featuring live in studio footage of some of the session artists on the track.

Performed by:
            Micki Croisant- guitar, vocals
            Barrett Tasky- guitar
            Davide Pezzini- standup bass guitar
            Keith Daproza- drumkit, percussion
            Bruce Breckenfeld- organ

A genuine beauty of a song from start to finish, Micki Croisant’s “Beauregard” features her aptly named “Good Name Band’ on the drums, guitar, and bass. As a whole, “Beauregard” is a wonderful showcase of the musicianship these bandmates share. Finding a healthy groove and never giving it back, Micki Croisant and the Good Name Band establish themselves as an exhilarating young group of artists.

Click Here> for a video preview of "Beauregard" featuring live in studio footage of some of the session artists on the track.

Performed by:
            Andreas Kapsalis- guitar
            Jamie Gallagher- drumkit
            Darren Garvey- percussion
            Ernie Adams- percussion

The astonishing Andreas Kapsalis closes out Acoustic Chicago with the innovative and mind-bending original song “Nubian.” Producing guitar and percussive sounds that are nothing short of creative, Andreas and percussionists Darren and Jamie take listeners on an artistic excursion of musical and genre-defying music with jaw-dropping results.

Click Here> for a video preview of "Nubian" featuring live in studio footage of some of the session artists on the track.