New CD Release: Walt Cronin - California I Gotta Run June 2010

Walt Cronin’s release of California I Gotta Run, his third album, follows 2005’s The Gousters and 2008’s somewhat redundantly titled Walt Cronin – The Gousters. As with the previous records, California I Gotta Run features a spectrum of Americana/folk influences: Walt proudly emulates the tradition of his heroes such as Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, The Byrds, John Prine and Steve Earle. As an artist, Walt came into his own at the tender age of 50. A lifetime of experiences (including a stint as a medic during the Vietnam War and a subsequent semi-nomadic life) provide ample inspiration for subject matter in the numerous songs in his repertoire.
Walt spent over a year writing and crafting songs for California I Gotta Run before bringing them to his producer, Martin Beal of The Racket Room in Santa Ana, CA. Walt and Martin spent several months on and off in the studio fine tuning and enhancing the 13 songs. Walt’s goal was to reflect the sincerity of folk music history while placing the songs in a contemporary setting. The collaborators achieved their aims with Martin providing detailed arrangements and a fine editing ear while playing a myriad of instruments (guitars, keyboards, bass, mandolin, melodica, bouzouki, hurdy-gurdy, percussion, as well as performing all drum programming).
The songs on the new album deal with a range of very personal, introspective issues, some dark and troubled (relationships tainted by substance abuse), some benevolent and almost fatherly (respectful, heartfelt advice to today’s returning war veterans from someone who has been there), some whimsical (a 1950s-flavored teenage love story). Overall, the album is largely formed by the hope Walt has found by facing the persistent demons from his wartime experience.“Awake In A Dream” is an ethereal voyage of the mind and heart, soaring the listener into an almost transcendental state.
Walt’s long time love for his wife shows in other beautiful songs such as “Together We’ll Be,” and “Shining Through.” “Angel Wings” is inspired by his Grandfather’s philosophy of life. “A Boy Of Purest Wonder” is the story of a young man reaching for his dreams in a time long past. “California I Gotta Run” is about fulfilling a dream of rural simplicity. All the songs, whether whimsical, heartfelt or laced with grim regret, are woven with the care of Walt’s quality story-telling and songwriting and are beautifully arranged and produced with friend Martin Beal. Listeners will be entranced listening to Walt’s stories on California I Gotta Run.
“The success of my first CD, The Gousters, as an independent release was incredibly gratifying.” says Walt. Walt made all 13 songs on The Gousters available for free downloading on www.thegousters.com. It has remained a favorite on the independent folk radio circuit with songs such as “Make Me A Kinder Man” and “Only Eighteen”, a memoir of his time in Vietnam. The Gousters remained in the top 50 for 60 weeks on Roots Music Report.
Walt’s second album, Walt Cronin - The Gousters, garnered flattering reviews from Beeb Ashcroft of Indie-music.com and Sharon Lunsford of The Back Porch News. “Tender and introspective songs with the kind of realness and authenticity that is becoming quite rare.” said Ashcroft.
Walt’s third independent release shows a significant growth in Walt’s songwriting gifts. “ I think this is my best work yet, ” quotes Walt. “I hope you’ll feel the same,” he adds.


Hey Folks July 5, 2010

I wasn't sure when I would officially release my new CD called: "California I Gotta Run." It looks like the time kind of picked itself. (June 25, 2010) This is my 3rd CD release. The first being "The Gousters" in 2005, the 2nd "Walt Cronin - The Gousters," in 2008 and now "California I Gotta Run." (Folk, Americana, Alt-Country, Folk-Rock)

I have all the songs posted on Airplay Direct for all radio stations, labels and reviewers to review for consideration at:

http://airplaydirect.com/music/waltcronin/ ( songs , lyrics and notes )

The official name of the CD is Walt Cronin - California I Gotta Run. I hope youll consider taking some time to listen as I feel that the two years I've invested in this project have well been worth the effort. More information and photos will be posted on my website: www.thegousters.com in the coming days. Lots of past reviews can be found here as well. I certainly welcome any new reviews.

"Tender and introspective songs with a realness and authenticity that is becoming quite rare." Beeb Ashcroft Indie-Music.com

I'm excited about sharing this new work with you for possible airplay and hope you may be too. http://airplaydirect.com/radio ( free downloads for any radio stations ) Also for anyone to hear the songs. Free podcast below

Peace On Earth (It's not a seasonal thing)

Walt Cronin
www.thegousters.com

www.waltcronin.podomatic.com podcast of CD

Until You Come HOme

"Until You Come Home" compilation CD
Category: Music
I'm honored to be included on this compilation CD put together by George Mann. Here's the info:
Peace,
Walt Cronin

The new veterans compilation CD "Until You Come Home" is officially out! I'm really excited about this CD getting out and hoping it will bring comfort to the many soldiers and family members affected by these unjust wars that GEORGE BUSH started.

The website is up, the CD is available at CDBABY as well as on our online store, and there's info and audio from the artists sharing their work on this new project.

I heard about efforts to help veterans readjust to post-war life from the book "Voices of Vets" and a good friend, Dan Shea, who was part of that project. So I've gathered a bunch of songs from great people like Tom Paxton, Magpie, Holly Near, John Gorka, David Rovics, Utah Phillips, Jon Brooks and more to focus attention on the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through these songs, which talk of the damage done by war.

Here's a sneak peek:

Click on Website link:

http://www.untilyoucomehome.com

Click on CDBABY page:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mannmargolin


Here's a list of the songs and artists:


1. Streams of Gold (George Mann)

2. The Rift (Walt Cronin)

3. Writing in the Margins (John Gorka)

4. Michael (Magpie)

5. War Resister (Jon Brooks)

6. When Johnny Came Marching Home (David Rovics)

7. I Am Willing (Holly Near)

8. Welcome Back to the USA (Eric Schwartz)

9. Casualty of War (Rodney Brown)

10. The Unknown (Tom Paxton)

11. Give Me A Dream (Emily Nyman)

12. Yellow Ribbon (Utah Phillips)

13. Endless War (Julius Margolin)

14. Bandana Man (Arlon Bennett)

15. When the War is Won (Laurie MacAllister & Amy Speace)

16. Welcome Home (George Mann)

This is self-produced and self-funded. I hope people who can purchase copies will download the order form or order through CDBABY or our online store. We will be making bulk copies available low-cost to veterans groups and other good causes, so your support will also help me to do that. Check or money order ($15 each, $2 for $25, etc.) to:
George Mann, PO Box 697, New York, NY 10033.

Funding a project like this is not easy and I've never asked for help before. But I recognize that some might want to help and we have figured out a way to do this and recognize anyone who would help with special mention on the website. If anyone is willing to assist in the production costs, contact me privately at georgemann@att.net -- we will credit anyone donating $50 or more (tax deductible!) and send you 5 CDs!