CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Buffalo songstress Maria Sebastian has released a generous fourteen song collection titled Yellow Envelope. Sebastian is a regular of the music clubs and venues in town performing live at songwriter circles, with cover bands and as a solo artist. Her stature as an artist is evident by the guests appearing on Yellow Envelope. Buffalo Music Hall of Fame members Gary Mallaber, Nelson Starr, Dwane Hall, John Brady, Kent Weber, Jim Whitford and Jerry Augustyniak along with other ace players Charlie Quill, Tim Mroz, the other John Brady, Mary Ramsey, Joe Bacon, Cave Wilson and on and on show up for these sessions. With the sound of needle hitting vinyl the disc begins with the cut "Now" a bright California pop vibe, "Snow" and "Goin' Away" follow winningly with the latter recorded live at that venerable Honky Tonk The Sportsmen's Tavern. Rounding out the highlights are the country tinged romp "Happily", "Easier" and the lover's ode "I'll Be Fine" with a laconic Santo & Johnny signature guitar line and a yearning vocal deliver from Sebastian. She also does her take on Steve Winwood's "Can't Find My Way Home" and the Gary Mallaber/Jack Sherman penned "Falling Thru the Cracks". You can check out Yellow Envelope by going to www.mariasebastian.com