After a 10-year hiatus, I'm happy to announce the return of The Island Zone Update. Geared towards both musicians and general music enthusiasts, The Island Zone Update, in various versions, appeared in The Music Paper, Musicians' Exchange, The Inside Connection, The Island-Ear, and the Long Island Voice, from 1991 through 2002. In its new blog format, The Island Zone Update provides global coverage for independent as well as established artists, helping to shine a spotlight on a diverse array of artistic creativity. The column features in-depth artist interviews, profiles, album reviews, and live reviews.
Coming soon ... an interview with West Coast-based singer/songwriter Joel Rafael.
While I'm at it, I'd like to acknowledge some artists and bands from the "heyday" of The Island Zone radio show (Sundays from 10-11 PM on WLIR 92.7/98.5 FM from September 1996 through August 1997) ... Ed Ryan, Wide Awake, Major Domo, Rhino Caravan, Inity, Iridesense, Bonesugar, Dynamo Hum, The Sun Kings, The Meanwhiles, Sidedoor Johnnies, Reckless Abandon, Wardance, Nancy Atlas, Kristin Mainhart, Satya, Michelle Albano, This Island Earth, Daughter Judy, Jarrod Gorbel, King Fly, Blues to Venus, Bob Westcott, Sonny Meadows, Jim Manone, and the many others whose pure talent and creative diversity produced one of the richest, most musically vibrant scenes this country has ever witnessed. Thank you all, again, for the music and great memories! (Yes, I still have the CDs from those days, and still enjoy listening to them.)
-Roy Abrams
Long Island, New York
