If you were suddenly given the position of CEO of a giant record label, with the power to bestow success and riches upon anyone, who's the first Madison band or performer you'd sign?
Beth Kille (Clear Blue Betty)
This is a tough question because there is so much talent in Madison, but I'd have to go with Mark Croft. He's got it all: great voice,excellent songwriter, fabulous skills on the guitar, ambition, personality.... And besides, I've got this thing for bald guys.
Michael BB (PROG, Michael BB Jazz Quartet)
I would sign Bobby Bryan, the blues guitarist/singer. He has the most talent of any of the blues cats here, is a total people-person, has original music, and would know what to do with the success that followed a big break. As for jazz, well....
Adem Tesfaye (Adem Tesfaye & the Soul Rap Movement)
It would be Catfish Stephenson, because as long as I can remember, he's been around playing music, whether on the streets or in a watering hole. I can see him enjoying the success as well as the riches with enough material to last for decades to come...but only if that's what he wanted.
Lori Skelton (Wisconsin Public Radio)
Celtic a cappella trio Navan delivers shivers of astonished pleasure to anyone listening; the languages they sing in are incomprehensible and yet they grab anyone ' even a folk newbie ' by the ears. Their high artistic standards and personal delight in this music pull us in and hold us tight.
Gerri DiMaggio (jazz singer)
I remember hearing somewhere: There is no such thing as good luck, only being prepared for opportunity. I would sign the wonderful singer Jeanne Woodall. She has the chops, she tells the story when she sings, and she has a beautiful big heart that comes across and is hard to resist.
Tom Klein (The Journey Music)
Although they are fairly new, Ellestel are the first Madison band I would sign. They have a unique sound that is extremely relevant right now and are 'grade A' guys. They know what it takes to be successful in the music industry, and that is evident in how they act and perform.
