Shakedown by Carol Ames

Her new CD, Shades of Indigo, which Carol also produced, was released in March 2005 and is already garnering critical acclaim. With her sights set high, the San Diego resident reached into her hat and pulled out the kind of record no one expected.

Shades of Indigo is a sexy, energetic Americana record with hints of country in which Carol augments her fine songwriting with vocal performances to match.

The music community has taken notice as shown by her prestigious win of the Grand Prize in the International 2004 John Lennon Songwriting Contest for the song

West Virginia. JLSC were impressed with the originality of the song, Carol's soaring vocals as well as the fine tuned production. The many powerful emotional and stylistic impressions on the record might make for a diverse listen for Carol's fans and the many converts bound to pile on her wagon, but to Carol, this variety of emotional expression all comes from the same place. From the country tinted lead track Nothin' but a Heartache to the slow burning of Underneath the Texas Sky to the delicate title track Shades of Indigo Carol asserts herself with strong distinctive voice creatively, musically and lyrically.

"Ames is one of those rare triple threat artists. Besides being an electrifying performer, she is also a top flight writer and producer," Lonny Brooks of Taylor Guitars.

"There's an overwhelming sense of professional imminence here", says Simeon Flick, San Diego Troubadour.

"I don't know if Carol's voice could be any better... a great delight for the ears. This song SHOULD be all over the airwaves," says Nick Kane Director of A&R for IGF Publishing regarding Nothin' But a Heartache. Underneath the Texas Sky is a slower more reflective song with vibrant instrumentation - especially the jam at the end; and Ames singing is stellar. West Virginia features delicate yet intricate instrumentation blending perfectly with Carol's vocals which are subtle but powerful. Carol Ames is a voice to be heard," says Laura Turner of Kweevak.com.

"The title track, Shades of Indigo, is also a tune that has people talking. Carol sings a velvety chorus and makes you think that she is singing just to you. She has an instantly recognizable voice. I consider Carol Ames to be very talented and Shades of Indigo should prove that to anyone that listens to it", says Bruce Von Stiers, BVS Reviews.

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