REVIEWS AND COMMENTS

We would like to hear from all of you, so we can improve the music and the site.  Please click the link below below to send us your impressions and/or comments.

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From:  Pine Island Garden Club - March 2010
We again thank you for supporting our Pine Island Garden Gala.  Your beautiful music adds spice to our island lifestyle.  Your tropical beats help make our gala a pleasant experience for our visitors.  We will certainly call upon you again to join us in a Pine Island Gala.  Your help is crucial to the success of our annual gala.

From:  Doris - March 2010
Thank you very much for the three CDs, which arrived on the next day.  "Island Vibrations" is on the way to Europe.  Thank you for the extra CD.  I appreciate that.  The music is wonderful, just what I was hoping for, only better!  Yours in happy music.  

From:  Fred - March 2010
Hi Frank . . . .With all the people you meet, I would never expect you to remember me. But for at least the last three years, I have stopped by during the Fort Myers Art Festival to say hi and buy a CD. You and your music are always the high point of my visit. This year, you got up from the keyboard and we chatted a bit while bracing ourselves against the strong wind. 

Anyway, we have spent the last two days pounding the highway between Cape Coral and home here in Florence, Alabama. After two months at our house there, we had to get back. Heading up I-75 for 355 miles yesterday was bad enough but today was worse, a lot of crazies mixed in with 452 miles of traffic. Then after getting home came the job of unloading the car and getting things at least half way in order.  By about 8:30PM, I had just about had it. Luckily, I was down to the last duffle. I turned it upside down and out came the CD I bought this year, "Island Moods."  I put it on the Bose, cranked up the volume and played the whole thing.

 You know, I couldn't have played your music at a better time. The lilt and bounce did more to soothe my nerves and arrest my tiredness than anything I could think of.  That's one of the great things about producing music. Once it's "out there" you just never know how powerful it can be. And we won't even mention the allure of the Caribbean beat. When I go to bed in a few minutes, I'm sure it will bring up images of palm trees, sandy beaches and warm winds. 

So thanks a bunch, my friend.

From:  RadioIndy - October 2009
"Island Ecstasy," the new CD from Frank Tuma, is designed to transport us all to the warm Caribbean Islands.  It is an instrumental album replete with all the variety of Caribbean style percussive instruments, guitars, and piano, accompanied with a heavy emphasis upon the upbeat and expressive steel drum.  On the first track, "Caribbean Dancing," there is a quick and excited beat over which we hear talented steel drumming played at a speed that will baffle and excite the ears.  "A Bit of Africa in the Caribbean" is a song that lives up to its title as it is a cool blend of African and Island drum sounds, with flutes and steel drums doing the singing.  For the song, "Living My Dreams," Frank slows it down a little and uses his island rhythms as a relaxant.  Whether you are already a fan of the sounds of the Caribbean Islands, or appreciate when an album attempts to mentally transport you to another place, then you should give the "Island Ecstasy" CD a try.

From:  G.J. - October 2009
Frank:  You breathe music; you are unique and very talented.

From:  Ann - March 2009
What a success! Your music helped set the whole party in a fantastic Caribbean mood. It was lovely. The first guests came at four o’clock in the afternoon, and the last guest went home at one o’clock in the morning.  Thank you so much for your ability to make us travel from one place to another, in an instance. We went from snow and darkness, to sunlight and sandy beaches in two seconds (with the help of some pina coladas, also). Now, we can’t wait for the spring to come.  My husband and I have been to the Bahamas and we were eager to go back there, if only in spirit, and you helped us doing that.  Thank you so much.
Kind Regards, Ann from Sweden

From:  Joanne - January 2009
You haven't heard from me for a while but I remain one of your biggest fans.  I understand that Muzak has closed its doors.  My immediate thought was your music should replace those sounds with which we are so (ho-hum) familiar.  My husband remarked:  "Wouldn't it be a welcome change if people could bound off an elevator in high spirits to begin the work day?"  I wholeheartedly agree!  Just a thought!

From:  RadioIndy January 2009 -- Review of "Island Birth"
Sink your toes in the sand and order up a tall tropical drink as you sit back and enjoy the refreshing "Island Birth" by Frank Tuma.  Tuma has compiled a wonderful selection of island music splashed with flavorful textures of Latin and jazz.  Production is first-rate as the multi-layered instruments are well mixed and tempos are moderate with an uplifting spirit.  The zest of each instrument really brings forth the essence of a tropical paradise and invigorates one's mind and body.  "Wild Bossa Nova" is an exciting arrangement in a call-and-response form from the bright synth horns and guitar.  A striking synth brass section carries a delightful melody in "New York Salsa" as the percussion keeps a solid beat.  Bob Marley and/or Harry Belafonte fans will want to check out "Island Birth," as it is an engaging collection of energetic Latin/jazz music from a tropical setting.
Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team

From:  RadioIndy February 2008 - Gold Artists Award
Dear Frank Tuma:
We screen thousands of songs by indie artists and name the best artists RadioIndy.com Gold Artists. We focus on musicianship, songwriting and recording quality when determining your Gold Artist status. Congratulations - You are a RadioIndy Gold Artist!

From:  RadioIndy February 2008 -- Review of "Isla Magnifica"
“Isla Magnifica” by Frank Tuma is best likened to a picture-perfect tropical paradise, musically speaking that is. These instrumental tunes take on a lively Caribbean groove, engaging listeners with thrilling rhythms, native percussion, triumphant brass arrangements, and bright steel pans. The musicianship is high throughout this CD. “Topsy – Turvy” displays all of these delightful qualities, while introducing the captivating sounds of the native flute. “I Just Can’t Leave This Place” shifts vibes rather dramatically, steering toward a softer, more serene acoustic-guitar-driven sound. Whatever the song profile – fast or slow, serene or vibrant – Frank Tuma tackles it with island flair."  -Xavier P. and RadioIndy.com

From Graham - August 2007
Hi Frank, Just Like To Say Love Your Music, And would be most interested if you could do me a Kingston Town version on steel drum as it was my wife and my wedding day song, many thanks.   

From:  Brad - June 2007
I am making a product video for use in trade shows and I would like to
use your song "Can't Resist The Bomba."  The song fits perfectly with
our video, so could you let me know what I need to do in order to use
the song? Thanks.

From:  -Charles N. and RadioIndy - June 2007
The CD entitled "Island Bars" by Frank Tuma is an instrumentally beautiful work of art wonderfully mixed with Jazz and blues with a strong Caribbean feel . This CD is full of classical and traditional grooves combined in a revolutionary way, yet holding its strong quality of reminiscence. The musicianship and recording quality on the CD are splendid. The artist behind this exquisite work is completely, heartily welded in the tunes as he plays with a sense of dexterity, vivacity and wit. His manner of blend of instruments is magical. All the tracks in this CD sound very good. However, we see ourselves playing the track "When the saints are marching" over and over again. Frank's well arranged instruments give this traditional number a contemporarily Latino feel, rich in Jazz influence. The title "In a down and dirty Bar" has a skillful trumpet part and a rich Jazzy touch. If you enjoy hauntingly ethereal instrumental melodies with Jazz and blues flavor, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today.

From Carl - March 2007
Comments:  What is the song and what album is the song used when you open your website?  I love that and want that CD.  Any more upbeat calypso-ish songs like that on your CDs?  I like very upbeat dance music, and that is the style and tempo I enjoy.  I'm "next door" to New Orleans.  (Bought 4 CDs and got one free).

From Lily - September 2006
Comments:  I just ordered your Island Magic CD.  I love the song .. "Don't Make Me Leave My Island."  We are getting married in November in Negril, Jamaica, and that is the song we are having during the ceremony -- soft, sexy, romantic but energized also.  Thanks ... I'm sure once I receive the CD there will be others I will also like, so we can enjoy the CD during our entire trip.  Thanks Again!

From Wayne - May 2006
Comments:  I am currently creating a Caribbean information site which will sell advertising space to advertisers, offering goods and services with a Caribbean connection, as well as have links to other Caribbean sites on it.  I just found your site.  Excellent music!  It's very enjoyable.  I am currently looking for some good Caribbean music in order to provide a quality and uninterrupted stream at my site when it is launched in a week or two.  If possible, I would like to stream your Caribbean music in exchange for free advertising and a link to your site on mine.  If such an arrangement is possible please let me know.  Please respond either way because I would like to launch soon and must decide on a Caribbean music stream for the site. 

From Paul in Maryland - April 2006
Comments:  Love the music!  How much for the complete collection, and how to order?

From Canada - April 2006
Comments:  I would like to invite you to join Beach Chic Boutiques.  I love your site and think it will fit right in in our Music section. 

From Pietro in Italy - March 2006
Comments:  Hi, Frank.  I found your marvelous music back from a cruise in the Caribbean Islands while I was looking on internet for a specific music.  Then, I've got your CD, Island Hopping, on Apple Music Store.  Thanks for the attention and best regards.

From Joanne in Canada - March 2006
Comments:  Looking forward to receiving the CDs.  I had been mainly looking for steel drum performances (CDs) but found the internet offerings lacked energy and that the melody lines were weak.  Yours are truly amazing!

From El Chino in Colombia - February 2006
Comments:  Dear Frank:  I hope you are doing good.  I am DJ, El Chino, from Cali, Colombia.  I was in Stuttgart, Germany, where I played Salsa and Latin Jazz in some clubs and discos.  Now I live in Cali, Colombia, and I play Salsa as special guest in auditions and at radio station sometimes, for example LA FERIA DE CALI.  I work basically with progress Salsa and new Afro-Caribbean proposals, then I knew of your work in Internet and want to hear it.  It is difficult to get that kind of CDs here in Colombia, common radio stations work with salsa pop.

Now I am interested in your works like "Isla Espana e Island Dancing" and I want to show the people new good bands of the whole world.  How can I get one CD of yours?

Sorry my English, I speak just a little big.  A lot of greetings from Colombia.  We are in touch and I am looking forward to an answer. 

From Canada - January 2006
Comments:  I've just recently discovered your music.  I just love it!  I'd like to purchase the whole selection of CDs that you have available.  Please inform me of the amount and desired method of payment.  Thank you.  Your New Fan, Randy.

From New York - November 2005
Comments:  Thanks, Frank.  I'll take Island Fever for my free one.  I really appreciate your music and I am always reluctant to take anything free from you.  Fact is, I think you should raise your price from $15 to $20 and eliminate free ones.  I guess you know best.  Meanwhile, season's greetings and best wishes for the new year.

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From:  UK - October 2005
Comments:  I am just fascinated by your work and want to purchase "Island Magic."  However, I live in London in the UK and there isn't a postage option to the UK.  Is there any way around this?  I tried searching for the CD elsewhere on the internet but it seems this is the only website I would be able to purchase it from.  I have heard similar albums involving steel drums and the like, but they just don't catch the island feel as well as you manage to! 

Second message:  Thanks for the help with the postage situation.  I am purchasing your CD today.  Now I'm just looking forward to when you're playing in London UK.

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From:  Washington - August 2005
Comments:  I purchased this CD ("Island Rhythms") at Ocean Shores, WA, at a gift shop.  They were playing this CD when I went in just to browse.  I asked the lady there who was playing and said I had to have it.  The music takes me to tropical islands.  I can feel the breeze on my face and the sand in my toes listening to this very relaxing music.  Excellent stuff!

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From Jeff in Louisiana - July 2005
Comments:  Frank, just a short e-mail to tell you I hve listened to the 5 CDs from my first order.  Just like the "Island Vibrations" CD, all the songs on these CDs were excellent.  Please put me on your e-mial list and keep me informed on any new projects you have.

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From:  Louisiana - June 2005
Comments:  I recently purchased your CD - "Island Vibrations" from CD Baby -  and have played the CD numerous times.  You have really written some excellent songs.  I see on your website that you have quite a few more CDs and am going to purchase them.

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From:  Townsend, Georgia - June 2005
Comments:  Hi, Frank.  In record time your 5 CDs arrived and they are wonderful.  Thank you, and I am sending your website to our "island music" friends.

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From:  Marco La Mantia, Palermo, Italia
Comments:  I am an Italian DJ from Palermo, Sicilia.  Let me say you are GREAT!  I loved the trailers of your CD I heard from your site.  Now I'd like to promote your superbe music (it'll be for sure) on my radio program.  (I produce a Latin radio program very popular here in Italy) and in my clubs.)  Here in Italy it doesn't appear to be released.  If you can, please send a copy of your work to me.  I work with salsasicilia.com.  I'll look forward to write a review of your CD on the site as soon as I receive it.

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From: Cruise Critic Member "Cool Cruiser"
Comments: Was looking on the net for some good steel drum cruise type music and ran across a gentleman by the name of Frank Tuma -- good stuff to get in the mood with.

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From: Thomas,  Live 365 Vacation Radio
Absolutely have to agree with the above.  We've added 18 of Frank's songs to the PVR playlist.

http://www.live365.com/stations/curmudgeon_ots