I don't like comparing emerging performers to famous musicians unless the performer is clearly trying to cover or mimic the famous musicians. It seems like cheating, a short hand that a reviewer uses so they don't have to say anything interesting or new. I also like to hope that emerging performers are seeking to find their own voices and not simply be reflections of someone else. It is also dangerous to use this short hand. Dedicated fans will say that the emerging artists in nothing like the original.

That said, let me start off by comparing Jared Costa to Bob Dylan. Costa plays a mean harmonica, a hard driven guitar all as the background to some great lyrics that he delivers forcefully. Really, there isn't a lot more to say that than. Costa is great.

Okay, that is based on the nine songs that he has in his Sonic Bids Electronic Press Kit. He sings about tambourines and revolutions, love and perdition.

If you want to get a real flavor for his music, I suspect there is no better place than at the Manayunk Outdoor Stage of the Philly F/M Festival. He will be playing from 2 until 2:45 on Sunday the 26th.

If you can't make it to Philly, check out this video:

Well you can't look down on another man unless you intend on helping him up/
And the Lord above says a window's always open whenever the door is shut/
Well I don't mind spending my time/
Talking with the angels, drinking their wine/
It all comes down to be/
You gotta have sympathy/
So get up, get up, everybody say/
Get up, get up, there's a better way/
With Love