Zack Bateman has shown sheer genius in the production of his CD titled: The Progression. He shows intelligence, wisdom and knowledge in his songwriting. Bateman's drums wrap one in a blanket of rhythms that force the body to move with them.

Ann Channin's jazz CD pleasantly relaxes the listener with music that soothes you into a wonderful mood. Channin's voice is beautifully clear, crisp, smooth and sultry as she sings her songs from 1929-1969.

Hale's Machine, an Alameda-based five-piece, '60s to '80s rock-blues top-40 band played at Alameda Rooster's Roadhouse recently. Hale's Machine hit the ground running by opening with Jumpin' Jack Flash by the Rolling Stones. The energy and sound of their instruments got everyone moving right away.

Black Gates proves to be the epitome of power in regards to their music. They took intangible airwaves and seemed to make them a physical machine; it felt physical, and sounded like the devil himself.