Local artists
The Twin Cities is a literal melting pot of amazing musicians and singers. I consider myself blessed to be among them. Here are some friends, as well as, artists that I am a fan of.
First, a song that's always stuck with me. With an updated production and the right vocalist, this song could be...well, a Big hit! Huge hook and timeless lyrics. Co-written by my long-time friend Pat DeRemer and his songwriting business partner in the 80's, Roy Freland. The killer demo vocal is Nashville veteran and first tenor phenom, Gene Miller who plays and sings w/Amy Grant and Vince Gill.
'Language of love' 
https://soundcloud.com/upfront-musicforthesoul/language-of-love
Margaret Cox: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJKn85Fd1p8
The late Steve Raitt (Bonnie's brother) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSZ0icz-TGw
The late Doug Maynard with Geoff Bouchier, (guitar) Bobby Vandell, (drums) Dik Hedlund, (bass) John Della Selva, (guitar) Melanie Rosales and Margaret Cox (BV) FUNKY!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkheKvGGXMY
St. Paul Peterson w/fdeluxe "Sanctified" FUNKY!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBUGV8fYR5s
Serenity prayer project with Billy McLaughin, Nate Sabin and host of others:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKhAg2dMKbo
Kenny Holmen, Dave Barry and Donnie Lamarca, Shaun Labelle, Stokley Williams, Daryl Boudreau with Jeff Lorber http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ab0VEc2qok
Hitchville: Heidi Owens, Matt Keefe & crew: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzPdox5wZTw
Rocket Club: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6Wk91Om3hs North Country, killer tune
Stevie Greenberg and Lipps Inc (Funkytown) http://www.funkytown.com/
Rick Barron and The Living Daylights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXkYE92zR_Q
"Don't turn away" Easily one of the best vocals recorded. Jesus song....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJmlksPuHGc
Patty Peterson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nLlSOWk62k
Renee Austin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw7gsR-OJcA
Mark Lickteig: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QD8M3eCKjU
Mick Sterling: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix3vm6WXYow
Cate Fierro: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj1nstp1J3E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZhzs1IMbKAAndy Kotz, killer guitarist:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chPvsgWGov0&feature=relatedLisa Keith:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M31S4o6LRvA Craig T. Olson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJKMNWsRHvw "The" velvet voice. On this one, grab a glass of red wine. Recorded live with Jeff Carver. Mint!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cBbSok1m9c
Finally, a word of thanks: Everyone needs inspiration. My older brother had a party in the late 60's at our parents basement In Minnetonka with a band made up of some friends of his called "Killing Floor." (A great band) The members were Bruce Miller on lead vocals, Scott Bolin on keyboards, Tom Wolfe on guitar, Mike Roberts on bass, and Dinky Roberts on drums. (Sadly, Dinky died in his sleep before graduating from Minnetonka High School)
Learning tunes off albums note for note, riff for riff is a real gift, and they had it in a big way. Watching them perform Blue-eyed soul tunes really jacked me up to play professionally.
