"The 11 sparkling gems that make up "Now That You're Here...are intelligently written and exquisitely crafted. "
"A genuine voice that belts out honest, bare-her-soul songs with passion and panache. Centered on thoughtful and emotional lyrics...the music comes to life with instantly likable lead guitar riffs. "
"Melissa is blessed with a voice as sweet and smooth as honey...(her) sound is one to rival crossover darlings like Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin and Jewel. However, Melissa is one of a kind, with spectacular songwriting...that transcends the music genre barriers."
The standout on the Melissa Ludwig Band's debut disc is clearly "Get to You," a breezy yet mournful slice of Americana pop with an easygoing chorus that seeps its way into your subconscious. That could describe just about every song on the San Antonio group's CD, Now That You're Here.
"The album’s best song, “Get to You,” the first the couple co-wrote, includes the chorus “Now that you’re here, I don’t know what to do. I must destroy everything I ever knew to get to you,” over polished pop guitar riffs. Graceful in both honesty and arrangement, the song cements that rare synthesis of romantic partners in creative endeavors. "
"On the bandstand, she's a wisecracking performer whose original compositions ring with optimism about life’s possibilities, and the pain that comes with love. Her rich voice — both on stage and on her forthcoming album, Now That You’re Here — conveys those emotions with clarity and passion."
“When I received the Melissa Ludwig Band album for mastering I was impressed with both the songwriting and performances. Melissa's voice is beautiful and her melodies are engaging. "Break Away" has the potential for some serious radio play.”
- John Cuniberti, mastering engineer for Dave Matthews, Tracy Chapman and Joe Satriani.
“"Real music, real lyrical content with the fire and the energy necessary to grab your attention and keep you listening at the edge of your seat. These selections are entertaining, meaningful and dance ready with a unique vocal style and musical craftsmanship. No non-sense and very nice! "
- William "Dew" Dewberry, Dewberry Jam Community Radio, AM1670
“The songs and sound are competitive on a worldwide level, which is something rare for a debut album. It can go up against anything out there. It has a lot of throwback influences, but it’s contemporary, it’s today. Lyrically, there is an angst and grit, even in the love songs.”
- Chris Lieck, CEO of TEG Artists and Chris Lieck Studios
“I listen to a lot of songwriters. I play the folk music circuit , I host open mics, I work and perform at the National and Regional Folk Alliance Conferences. My ears are always turned towards the great song and the great songwriter. When I heard the music on this CD I was impressed by the depth of the lyrics and the uniqueness of each song, individually. Melissa has a voice that has it's own space in the musical world, completely her own, sweet, with just enough edge to let you feel what she's singing about. This is music you will enjoy over and over again. Catch her now while you can, she may not be local for long,”
- Claude “Butch” Morgan
“The Melissa Ludwig Band with their debut CD "Now That You're Here" is definitely one of the best projects I have had the pleasure of hearing this year. Searing vocals and insightful writing will leave you wanting more, more, more... A MUST HAVE!!!”
- Rick Star, President, Homegrown Americana Radio Consulting Inc.
"Melissa Ludwig's strong pop sensibilities and highly pleasing voice is bound to make her a darling of both Americana and Triple A Radio."
- Wildman Steve, Owner of WildmanSteve Radio in Auburn, Alabama