in a nutshell

Overall Impression: 

There's Only So Much You Can Do

Hailing from the sunny coasts of California, Ralph Tomaselli is an extraordinary multi-instrumentalist with a vast array of musical abilities. Ralph's guitar work is absolutely killer and his bass skills are impeccable, as are his keyboard and arranging talents. But he doesn't stop there, Ralph has a keen sense of songwriting, and understands a song's structure, which allows him to demonstrate his knowledge of drum programming capabilities as well! His latest single, "There's Only So Much You Can Do", is a perfect example of Ralph's songwriting and musical abilities.

Strongest Point(s): "There's Only So Much You Can Do" features an infectious guitar riff, complimented by a soft rhodes and backed by a solid drum track. Then there's the bass, absolutely great tone, perfect for the style, and Ralph really highlights it towards the end with some nasty licks and bass fills! Ralph then occasionally seasons the track with edgy guitar licks, and adds several layers of backing keyboard parts to provide an airy element to the overall 'cool vibe' he creates in "There's Only So Much You Can Do". This is the kind of song that actually makes you feel cool when you listen to it! Personally I feel "There's Only So Much You Can Do" is a great song for driving, and I could also see this being used for tv/film as it is a unique song with a quality recording and mix!

I love this and was really surprised to see that it all came from one man! (I'm sitting here air-guitaring all those bass licks every time I listen!) My multi-instrumental abilities are not as good as yours my friend, keep up the great songwriting!   Overall great job on this track man! It's really pretty killer!! 

(I've only given out one other 'perfect' rating below!)

Target Audience Appeal: "There's Only So Much You Can Do" will certainly appeal to fans of Faith No More and that particular type of 90's sound. But Ralph Tomaselli is a multi-instrumentalist who generates creative songwriting in a broad array of styles and genres. Not just a guy that is capable of playing several instruments at a decent skill level, Ralph is able to play them all (Bass/Guitar, Keys, Sax/Clarinet) at a high level, competitive with the best in their fields, as he has been playing music since the third grade! Ralph Tomaselli's style ranges from Rock to Jazz with pretty much everything in between, even a few instrumental soundscapes to fulfill a different mood, as he can be exactly what you're looking for at any given moment of the day!

Artist target suggestions: Faith No More, Tomahawk, Suicidal Tendencies, Brad, Satchel, Love and Rockets, Seether, Breaking Benjamin, Tad, Love Battery, I Mother Earth, Peeping Tom, Tame Impala, Fantomas, Therapy?

Erik Anderson

Erik worked at several recording studios in New York and New Jersey, before starting his own studio which spawned his 4-piece experimental indie rock band. Currently a member of Taxi, and is submitting his original compositions for placements in TV/Film.

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Overall Impression: 

More Than a Number

Launching into the feel with a bold statement from the drums, More Than A Number turns a mean rhythmic hook into a one-two punch with the introduction of growling bass and energized vocals - filling out the sonic space with semi-robotic effects and a subtle wash of overdrive as Ralph Tomaselli expertly applies relaxed but passionate vocals to the exploration of humanity's extra-numeral value!

Strongest Point(s):

Great overall sound!  The space feels well-crafted and carefully considered, with each element playing a substantial part in the sound without unduly dominating it.  Fantastic dirt-laden bass groove, classic in form and absolutely perfect for the occasion. The atmospheric decisions throughout, from the droning guitar to the subtle keys, go far to create an immersive experience. The bridge that appears at 1:19 is a well-implemented break from the established norm, and segues seamlessly into the next verse.  Awesome lyrical premise and a consistent vocal performance to bring them to life.  Really well done!

Target Audience Appeal:

Ralph Tomaselli's sound finds a sweet spot between sub-genres - with More Than A Number boasting the brash energies of flat-out Rock and the atmospheric trappings of Industrial Metal beneath vocals that could slot well into a number of scenes.  Lyrically, More Than A Number is designed to comment on and appeal to lives from all across the experiential spectrum, and those that pay close attention should find themselves motivated by the tone and drive delivered by Ralph Tomaselli - as well as interested to hear more from him! - Jon W.

Artist target suggestions:

Rage Against the Machine, Daughtry, Rush, Linkin Park, Chevelle, Jamiroquai, Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss, The Raconteurs, The White Stripes, Jet, The Black Keys, Elder, Green Lung, The Well, Deftones

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Overall Impression: 

Broken

Ralph Tomaselli brings a thoughtful, empathetic voice to the Rock world, tackling heavy feelings with an open, heart-on-his-sleeve approach matched with a grandiose, theatrical sound that adds sentimental piano and orchestral string-informed synth to the tried and true guitar-bass-drum trifecta. Broken's earnest, dramatic lyrics promote the idea of finding growth and strength from hardship, while giving audiences a carefully crafted, evolving piece on the gentler, solemn, more melodic side of Rock.

Strongest Point(s):

Tomaselli's vision for this song is excellent, mixing very vulnerable, humble vocals with magnificent large scale arrangement. The guitar's big fuzzed out tone combines with full voiced bass and thick hard hitting drums, adding tons of power and gusto to the emotional piece. Compositionally speaking the song varies sensational swelling sections with more sombre, soulful, and sparse passages dominated largely by keys for great dynamics, incorporating variation into the arrangement through rising tension and drops for a multidimensional listen.

Target Audience Appeal:

This is a solid modern Mainstream Rock track. It could potentially make a pretty interesting single, depending on how competitive it is within Ralph Tomaselli's greater catalogue of work, although it might be good to release it as a follow up to a faster tempo, catchy track, just to break the ice, letting its slower, more detailed sound round out fans' appreciation of Tomaselli's depth as an artist. It would definitely be an awesome addition to an album or EP, and would be best suited for a live performance in a mid-sized indoor venue where there could be good acoustic support and space for its expansive sound to spread out a bit. Likely to appeal to a younger generation of rockers than your Classic Rock purists, Ralph Tomaselli has a cool piece on his hands that should widely appeal to anyone who likes Post-Grunge and late 90's through current Rock.

Artist target suggestions:

We Are The Fallen, Evanescence, Stone Sour, Within Temptation, Puddle of Mudd, Trapt, Filter, Vast, Ghost, Disturbed (current, softer material)

Mary Wildsmith

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Overall Impression: 

The Wait Is Over 

Ralph Tomaselli creates music of various stylistic moods never falling short of pouring his heart and soul into his writing. As is evident with one of his latest songs entitled "The Wait is Over", a delicate piece with an introspective chord progression beautifully played on piano, and paired with a passionate bass line, soft drumming, melancholy guitars and atmospheric keyboards. A commendable multi-instrumentalist, Ralph Tomaselli constructs his works with the intention of evoking a particular feeling, which he then 'describes' through his music, similar to the approach an artist takes when envisioning a painting. "The Wait is Over" is the perfect name for this song because of it's calm nature, and how it makes you feel relieved but also has an empowering mood. Ralph genuinely creates a feeling almost like you're looking back at a period of time when you had to endure one of life's struggles, just waiting for this moment.. for it to finally be over!

Strongest Point(s): Ralph demonstrates his songwriting abilities with this beautiful composition, an arrangement that is hard to fathom that one person could envision the entire framework alone, and then have the propensity to pull it off!  The tension builds and dissipates as melodies swirl around in a hazy aura throughout "The Wait is Over", which also displays some of Ralph's recording and mixing expertise.

Oh! Those are some of the best cymbal sounds I've ever heard! And like I said in the last review, I think this might work for tv/film placement!

Target Audience Appeal: "The Wait is Over" is a great song for fans of Instrumental Rock who are looking for new music that's geared towards alone time, or as 'driving music' and could even fit on a 'study music' playlist. If you're looking for music to relax the soul and help you forget about the day and just escape for a little while, then "The Wait is Over" would be an excellent choice, as would be the majority of Ralph's material. Overall Ralph Tomaselli offers a broad range of musical styles, and as a listener, you are almost certain to find what you're looking for!

Artist target suggestions: Andy Timmons, In Flames, Michael Manring, Pink Floyd, Jeff Beck, Paul Gilbert, Mother Love Bone, Kevin Wood and From The North, All Hail the Crown, Alice In Chains, Kyuss, Jane's Addiction, Liquid Tension Experiment

 Erik Anderson 

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Overall Impression:

Easier Said

"Easier Said" is an artistically sincere glimpse at humanity's battle with persistence, brought to captivating life through Ralph Tomaselli's open-hearted vocals and deeply cathartic instrumentations!  Lyrically exploring the moment when defeat is overcome by determination, Ralph Tomaselli offers a sympathetic ear and a helping hand towards those that need to find their feet again - acknowledging that it's often "Easier Said" than done.

Strongest Point(s):
"Easier Said" is a well-written and compelling Rock Ballad!  The main elements of the track are emotionally poignant and intimately engaging, building on the tried and true piano ballad with subtle strings and horns in a manner that allows the lyrical content to shine.  Then, deftly, the song transitions into a deeply satisfying bridge - letting the lyrics sink in and reinforcing them nicely with a rich instrumental passage from 1:36-2:07.  The guitar tone and execution during this passage is excellent and immersive as it conveys an emotional intensity beyond words.  As the song winds down, the strings and horns provide ponderous weight to the last lyrical push, accompanied by subtle and viscerally moving bass guitar fills for a cohesive and cathartic listening experience!

Target Audience Appeal:
The final track from Tomaselli's 2017 release, Accidentally on Purpose, "Easier Said" stands as a stellar introduction to the artist's awareness and creative drive.  Fans of well-wrought Rock with emotionally aware lyrical foundations will find much to unpack and appreciate in "Easier Said", and the level of songcraft on display from Ralph Tomaselli is sure to strike a chord among discerning listeners from a variety of backgrounds! - Jon W.

Artist target suggestions:
The Fray, Train, Oasis, Shinedown, Matchbox Twenty, Bush, Breaking Benjamin, Temple Of The Dog, Cold, Papa Roach, Mother Love Bone, Candlebox, Three Days Grace, Daughtry, Harem Scarem, Alice In Chains, Hinder, Lifehouse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, 3 Doors Down

Jon Wright

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Overall Impression:

A Bad Dream

Ralph Tomaselli skillfully dismantles the human negativity loop with heartfelt lyricism and viscerally impactful Rock instrumentations in his original track, "A Bad Dream"!  Starting out as a pensive Rock ballad with lyrical sights aimed at the mass media machine, "A Bad Dream" escalates into a sprawling orchestral expression of frustration with the current state of affairs on earth - encouraging those who listen in to focus on what helps rather than continuing in freefall.

Strongest Point(s):
This is remarkable songwriting!  Ralph Tomaselli's attention to detail and love of the craft shine through the experience, culminating in a surprising and memorable shift as the song's chorus takes flight.  The initial portion of the song establishes a dark and poignant atmosphere, drawing the listener into a contemplative space and then gradually filling out the soundscape with inspiring instrumental voices and impactful transitions.  At 1:50, "A Bad Dream" comes to full life - boasting gripping vocal harmonies above a sonic bed of urgent horns as the song transitions into a surreal and spiraling bridge section.  Excellent sounds, massively engaging arrangement techniques!

Target Audience Appeal:
Ralph Tomaselli is writing Rock that engages with reality in an open and honest dialogue - and his track "A Bad Dream" delivers thoughtful and thought-provoking lyricism with a Progressive edge!  Fans of Alt. and Prog. Rock instrumentations and lyrical authenticity will find themselves drawn headfirst into the sound that Ralph is crafting, with "A Bad Dream" promising to ring true across a wide range of discerning listeners.

Artist target suggestions:
Papa Roach, Breaking Benjamin, 10 years, Incubus, Crossfade, Three Days Grace, Dream Theater, Yusuf / Cat Stevens, John Farnham, The Verve, R.E.M., Kansas, Poison, Paul Weller, The Police, Johnny Cash, Lynyrd Skynyrd, REO Speedwagon, Heart

 - Jon W.

I'm listening to you almost everyday. Can't wait till new songs out!!! Woohoo - Please stay safe and healthy! 

Carmella -N1M 3/25/20

 I always saw your profile in new artists recommendations but never took the time to listen to any of the music. Ever since yesterday I have been listening to your songs over and over again. What great music! - Audrey

your song "band geek" is my favorite. I'm absolutely speechless about it. Please keep up the brilliant work, it's people like yourself that keep the music alive! - Chris

Thank you for sharing your talent... I feel blessed to know you in this life... keep your music alive... it sounds great and I feel your heart and soul in all that you do and share with the world... - Will

Hi, I heard some songs off a friend and was pretty impressed. I really like your sound and this is what I called good music. A lot better than most of the crap on the go these days - Carmella

Hi there, you have some incredibly good recordings on your site and I just love it - Yvonne

I will always recommend and support you! 

- A/V Music Mgmt Entertainment, LLC

a cinematic ballad of genius
Ralph Tomaselli's song called ( The Way She Makes Feel) is a cinematic ballad of genius. The music sounds like a romantic movie soundtrack and its short and sweet to its not over bearing. all in all its a good song. probably good for a wedding reception . I give this track a 5 out of five. 

Reviewed by Storms of Jupiter PRO Today
United States, Tennessee, Kingsport

easier said

• Smooth is the key
  Now I remember who Ralph Tomaselli's voice reminds me of. A smooth Tom Waits; with a little Joe Cocker vibrato. Smooth is the key, and the smooth sine wave of Ralph's voice takes away all the sawtooth edge, and that is a style all his own. The piano is also smooth but the piano has a limited dynamic range compared to Ralph's voice. With that voice I sometimes feel pain, joy, self confidence, and always the thrill of making beautiful music. Thanks again Ralph, I'll let you go for now but I must listen one more time. 

Reviewed by John P Earls PRO on Sep 2018
United States, Washington, Lakebay

Inevitable - N1M
thank you very much for sending your song for review. Well, I find the song very nice, it is a very beautiful rock ballad which reminds me the old times when I was still in Cuba. The song probably needs a little more punch because it is a little weak with the overall sound but, I review the song, not the sound of the song. It is a great ballad, the voice is very nice and the instruments fit well inside, congratulations on such nice composition, I wait for more, many greetings from Germany, Alfredo from King Mambo

Reviewed by King Mambo Advanced Today
Germany, Muenster