ATO Music Sampler One

Welcome to the ATO Music Sampler Number One -- a collection of the best of the best late night chill tunes available anywhere.

Our sincere thanks go out to all of the gifted artists who allowed us to present their work in this showcase. Please visit their web pages and support them by purchasing their music.

And now -- sit back, relax -- and chill.

Photo at left: Kristen Nakasone

To start the sampler, just click the play button on the player under the illustration at left.

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Track One

Meant To Be

Sharing her gifts is one of Melissa Polinar's greatest passions. Slowly audiences are discovering her and are quickly captivated by her unique artistry. Mixing soul (R&B), jazz, blues and pop, Melissa's music finds a way for many to be easily hooked on no matter the age or background. With a combination of vocal and songwriting chops, Melissa also plays keyboard, guitar and violin.

As Music Connection Magazine says, “This artist has a voice that is not only skilled and imaginative, but distinct in its tonal quality, allowing her to take the material to a higher level.”

Melissa Polinar

www.myspace.com/melissapolinar www.melissapolinar.com

Track Two

Time Time Time

Writer: Florence Yoo (2003) From the album "Indelible" Publishing: Florence Yoo Music ASCAP

Florence Yoo - singer/songwriter/wisenheimer. There are days when she wishes she weren't but apparently, this is who/what she really is. And that's good for the rest of us - as you will no doubt agree after hearing this cut from her CD "Indelible". And yes - that is an accordian in the mix. That's typical of the Yoo style. Some call it eclectic. She calls it weird. We call it brilliant.

Florence is also an accomplished writer, artist and lecturer. She holds two degrees, plays a variety of cool guitars and proudly wears a number of interesting hats. She stands five feet tall - but in her mind she is five foot nine.

Florence Yoo ASCAP

www.myspace.com/florenceyoo

Track Three

I'm Taken	Writer: Teri Untalan From the CD "Teri Untalan" 2004
	TERI UNTALAN: ".. songstress extraordinaire" (KPOO Radio, San Francisco) ...soulful dynamic voice² (Asian Week, San Francisco) Soft soulfulness, jazz sensitivity with an edginess and passion that draws comparisons from Norah Jones and Bebel Gilberto to Ani Difranco and Jeff Buckley, Teri Untalan honed her skills as a vocalist and violist for many years in the Bay Area before relocating to her native Portland. Having studied under Jazz violinist Matt Glazer, and Turtle Island violist Katrina Wreede, then going on to back up folks from all over the map like guitarist Buckethead, former Prince guitarist Miko, and fronting the jazz group, The Lush Life Players, she has developed a singular style that's both intimate and arresting.
Teri Untalan	www.teriuntalan.com www.myspace.com/teriuntalan photo credit: anthonypidgeon.com

Track Four

A Little Strange	Writer: Lee Takasugi 2007 Teaspoon Records
	Visiting Violette (VV) is the songwriting and unique timbre of vocalist, Lee Takasugi, the driving rhythmic strums of guitarist, Glenn Suravech, and the soulful, heart-tugging solos of guitarist, Shin Kawasaki. VV has been on a colorful musical journey for the past 14 years, sharing their eclectic blend of album-alternative rock, jazz and R&B with radio, television, and college audiences across the U.S., along with club audiences, theater productions, festivals, and political, social and community events. VV's songs can be heard regularly on KPFK's "Global Village" 90.7 FM and in videos, "Rock, Paper, Scissors," "Ah Bing: the history of the Bing Cherry," and "The Name Game" on PBS.
Lee Takasugi	www.myspace.com/leetakasugivisitingviolette

Track Five

Beautiful	Writer: © 2005 J. Chu/Cozy Shawl Music ASCAP From the CD "Roots"
	Born in Atlanta, Georgia in the 70's, Janie readily absorbed music at a young age. Beginning piano lessons at the age of 6, Janie was trained on a diverse piano repertoire. Janie fully embarked on her musical pursuits after transferring into the Commercial Music program at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee her sophomore year. After graduation, Janie returned to Atlanta where she has recorded several demos and performed in renowned local venues such as Eddie's Attic, Red Light Cafe and Smith's Olde Bar. Now in the midst of promoting her album "Roots", Janie continues on her in-store tour of the local region with Face2Face MEG and Transworld Entertainment, including distribution with FYE. Few ever leave a performance of Janie’s without marveling at her rich vocals, passionate playing, and fresh approach to songwriting.
Janie Chu	www.myspace.com/janiechumusic www.janiechu.com

Track Six

City of Jasper	Writer: Sahanghee from the CD "Broke Heart Solutions" (Debut Album/EP, 2006)
	Sahanghee "Song" Hahn is an Acoustic RnB singer, songwriter, and actress. She was recently picked out of a city-wide contest to sing the National Anthem at this New Year's Eve's NFL Eagles game. A former model featured in VOGUE and TeenPeople magazines, Sahanghee recently made her acting debut as love interest 'Julie' in the feature film, Rice Cracker. Her Acoustic RnB album, Broke Heart Solutions, dropped in August 2006 and is available on Apple iTunes and CDBaby. Sahanghee picked her unique musical interests and abilities through travel, tests, and trials. From Seoul, Korea, to the U.S. and then moving from rural to urban areas, Sahanghee picked up several musical loves: Korean 'pansori' folk music, country acoustic guitar, RnB, and soul. Having always been a curiosity to others and a mystery to herself, Sahanghee is 'ok' with not knowing what the next pages in her life story hold . . . she just wants to keep pushing the envelope.
Sahanghee	www.myspace.com/sahanghee www.sahanghee.com

Track Seven

Fallen	All Rights Reserved : Heather Park
	Heather Park was discovered in a quirky New York tale, an example of life imitating art in some ways. Park worked in an NYC deli frequented by the program director of Hot 97 who eventually got her demo into the hands of producer Steve Francis of Stush Music. Influenced equally by hip-hop beats and neo-soul sirens, Parks debut album is an intimate affair as her understated cool comes across in every syllable she sings. The title track has a trip-hop twinkle and The Life is a mesmerizing statement with bits and pieces of an orchestra popping in and out. Parks personal lyrics reflect on her experiences as a Korean-American but really she just wants to find her way as a citizen of life. With the release of her debut album “Dream In Pictures”, Heather has established herself within the industry. Her album is an eclectic blend of styles and captivating vocals. She's been featured in Jade Magazine, Asiance magazine, Asianmusicsource.com, and has performed on Imaginasian TV.
Heather Park	www.myspace.com/heatherpark

Track Eight

What Is Love	2006 Moulann From the album "Spirals and Mazes" Photo: Justin Broadbent
	Moulann (which is her real name) made her first mark in pop music in 2003 with her debut album, Introflective. With virtually no marketing, it garnered positive attention around the world and sold out of its printing through word of mouth, the internet and live performances. She has performed all over Toronto and has appeared in many of the city's cultural events, engaging audiences with her quirky and refreshingly honest presence. In just a few years, Moulann has become a highly recognized pop artist in the Asian-Canadian community. She is also an accomplished classical pianist, having received numerous awards and scholarships from local and national competitions. Spirals & Mazes presents a collection of 12 sophisticated pop gems elegantly crafted over a two year span. While each song is a unique manifestation of her varying influences, the album is united by Moulanns distinct personal style.
Moulann	www.myspace.com/moulann www.moulann.com

Track Nine

Find Me Now	Written and arranged by Sue Jin Kim 2007 Produced by Sue Jin Kim and Kiyoshi Graves From the CD "Worth the Tears"
	Sue Jin Kim is a 23-year-old singer/songwriter from Los AngelesCalifornia. After graduating in 2005 with a BA degree in Anthropology from UCLA, she decided to pursue her passion for music. Since then, she has performed throughout Los Angeles, been a featured artist for numerous university events, appeared on MTV's My Own, and was a top 10 finalist for Asian American Popstar. Her originality, sincerity, and soul are what make her one of the most inspiring upcoming Asian American artists of today. After dabbling in various areas of the arts, she decided to take a more individualistic approach to music, writing her first, deeply personal song, "If I Could Change," in 2004. Since then, Sue Jin has been dedicated to writing original songs with poignant messages and soulful lyrics. Sue Jin is currently working on her first album which is scheduled to be released September 2007.
Sue Jin	www.myspace.com/suejinmusic

Track Ten

Are You Scared	Written and performed by Cynthia Wang 2007
	Cynthia Wang is a classically trained pianist who took up guitar because, she says, a piano wouldn't fit into her dorm room at Northwestern. Although her major had nothing to do with music, Cynthia continued her singing and songwriting avocation throughout school and a subsequent return to Los Angeles. "Are You Scared" is a fine example of Cynthia's work, featuring a memorable tune, heartfelt lyrics, angelic delivery and exquisite fingerpicking. FUN FACT: Cynthia wrote "Are You Scared" in only about 40 minutes! Says Ms. Wang, "I got the idea in the shower - and then did a little touchup with the guitar and I was done. That is the fastest I've ever written a song - nearest record is 48 hours - and I doubt I'll ever be able to do it again".
Cynthia Wang	www.myspace.com/puddleofmeltedsnow

Track Eleven

Madly	Writer: Florence Yoo (2003) From the album "Indelible" Publishing: Florence Yoo Music ASCAP
	Another cut from the incomparable Florence Yoo - also from the album "Indelible". This tune provides further evidence of the quirky "Yoo Style", but is actually quite serious and touching. A few more Yoo tidbits (according to Florence herself): " Her CDs: INDELIBLE and IN MY MIND I AM 5'9", confirm she is not only weird but a bit delusional. Factoids: commissioned to write the song ART TALK for Lynn Hershman; composer for Julia Cho's fun children's play, BAY AND THE SPECTACLES OF DOOM, La Jolla Playhouse, CA. " That's about all that is publicly revealed about Yoo -- except that she hangs out with cool people like Wendy Ip -- and she knows how to operate an acetylene torch. Florence further claims that she is "optimistic, obsessive/compulsive, earnest, sentimental and doing my best to move that rubber tree plant... ". She also appears to like the word "ginormous", finding graceful ways to work it into regular conversation.
Florence Yoo ASCAP	www.myspace.com/florenceyoo

Track Twelve

Getaway	Writer: T.Sorita, S. Robinson
	Brooke Taylor, born & raised in Culver City, CA., this Japanese Hawaiian American girl was constantly surrounded by music. She first began playing piano at age five, by ear, and then later picked up her love for singing. At age sixteen, she cut her first demo and started singing in her father and uncles bands. Brooke's big break didn't come until she audititioned for "The Other Idol" hosted by Mr. Steve Harvey at Santa Monica College. Several other competitions and showcases followed and Brooke began to attract serious attention from many quarters. Currently, Brooke is concentrating on recording and is performing at various gigs in Hollywood, Hawaii, and Japan. Says Brooke, "Being an Asian R&B female singer I have to prove myself, and I can't wait for the whole world to hear me".
Brooke Taylor	www.soundclick.com/brooketaylor www.myspace.com/taylor

Track Thirteen

My Everything	Music and Lyrics by Janice Aranas Produced by Johnny Misa
	A distinct voice, original heartfelt music, and emotionally moving performances are what seem to set Janice Aranas apart from other female vocalists. Her genuine love for music has been the driving force behind her all of her musical achievements. With each song, she strives to reach all audiences with lyrics that everyone can relate to. She is an advocate for all Asian artists and supports the effort to promote the wealth of Asian talent in the mainstream. Janice has been singing for many years now, garnering widespread attention for her unique voice and her original lyrics and music. Her first single, “Right Then and There” has been featured in the LUMPIA movie and on the LUMPIA movie soundtrack. Production is already underway on some of Janice's original new music. With help from such individuals including former Kai member, Johnny Misa and Next Phase's Delfin Lazaro, we're certain you won't be disappointed!!
Janice Aranas	www.janicearanas.com www.myspace.com/janicearanas

Track Fourteen

All She Can Do	(c) Jen Woodhouse from the CD "The Shaping and Shifting of Objects and Sound" Mgt: Through The Looking Glass Entertainment
	While other little girls dreamt of being princess brides, mermaids, or fairies, Jen performed in her parents living room in front of a captivated audience made up of her two younger sisters, stuffed animals, and Barbie dolls. Whether she was performing in ballet or piano recitals, or hula dancing for the neighbors, it was apparent early on that Jen was quite the entertainer. Jen's first love has always been singing. However, after growing tired of singing jazz standards and cabaret songs in Chicago nightclubs and living like a starving artist, Jen retraced her Southern roots back to Alabama where she found a dusty, old classical guitar in her dad 's closet. She taught herself how to play and began composing her own songs. Before long she was singing and playing her guitar in bars, clubs, and coffeehouses across the Southeast. And while Jen would still entertain the idea of someday being the fairy princess bride, it will come only after many more records and sold out performances.
Jen Woodhouse	www.jenwoodhouse.com www.myspace.com/jenwoodhouse Booking: Bridge Street Artists Agency

Track Fifteen

Forever	2007 Kristen Nakasone
	Kristen Nakasone is a Hawaii-based singer/songwriter whose music is derived primarily from her own personal experiences - good, bad or otherwise. This fact leads Nakasone to create compelling songs that are wide-ranging in subject matter and universal in appeal. In other words - listening to Kristen Nakasone is like reading the diary of her life , your life, everyone's life. But the key to accessibility is that Kristen's life is as normal as the lives of her fans. Says Kristen, "I graduate school in about a year, with my degree in education. Once that happens I'll probably be teaching as an elementary school teacher. However, music will always be a part of my life, and so will songwriting. Both are strong passions of mine. My view on sharing my music? - It isn't about popularity. It's about loving what I do, and being able to share it with those who love it too. So keep an eye out for more material, along with glimpses of my life through my music. "
Kristen Nakasone	www.myspace.com/kristennakasone

Track Sixteen

Let It Go	Written and performed by Carolyn Ota
	SAYS CAROLYN OTA: "Coming from a large extended family with deep roots in Hawai'i, I was surrounded by lu'au music, kachi-kachi dancing, Japanese bon dances, handsome local guys singing and playing their guitars and my aunties strumming their ukes and singing old songs. I reveled in walking alone in Nature or playing piano and singing in empty, stain-glassed churches -- just wailing in the dark, coloured light! " Today, Carolyn lives in New York City. Unconcerned with convention, she follows her inner muse to find meaning and revelation in poetry of song. The ultimate moment for her is when songs come to her and when she gets to perform them live.
Carolyn Ota	www.myspace.com/carolynota

2007 AsianTalentOnline.com

This ATO Music Sampler is for your listening pleasure only and is not to be downloaded, sold or reused in any form whatsoever.