Music Reviews of World, Adult Contemporary, Jazz, Blues, Country
Band Spotlight
Chiodos
Perhaps no one can explain the sheer ferocity and timid quietness it is better than when vocalist Craig Owens says “we don’t want to let the kids down” when discussing the group’s intense vocals live at shows. Well they never let a single kid down with their vicious assault on the ears and grip on the jugular...
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03.09.2007 by J-Sin
Music Reviews of World Music, Adult Contemporary, Reggae, Jazz, Blues, Classical
Various Artists — Explorations - Classic Picante Regrooved Vol. 1 Buy it at Amazon
Downtempo DJs listen up. Here’s some new ambience to flavor your turntables with. Killer chill-out vibes riddled with speckles of cutting-edge beats and Latin jazz influences mark a remix album that is beyond the definition of ‘hip’. Some of the remixers include Masters at Work, Hex Hector, Dan the Automator, Thievery Corporation, Cut Chemist, and Ozomatli.
- J-Sin
Billhouse — Welcome to the Smalltime Buy it at Amazon
Indeed, “Welcome to the Smalltime” seems poised to be almost right on the money in its title. But not the type of “Smalltime” you may be thinking—this group after all has had their music featured on such big-name teen television dramas as “Beverly Hills 90210”, “Dawson’s Creek”, and “Party of Five”. Billhouse occasionally shrugs off the “smalltime” folk-country tunes for something a little more rock (or pop if you’re a Southern bastard), but often it’s the slowed down fashion of alt. country with whispers of folk and Americana woven in. Nice.
- J-Sin
Jacob Varmus — All the Things We Still Can Be Buy it at Amazon
Timeless jazz gems are abound on “All the Things We Still Can Be”. You can close your eyes as you listen and almost envision the Rat Pack sipping on martinis in some gritty and stylish New York City club. Swinging rhythms, thick stand-up bass, and terrific trumpet by Varmus make it a fun trip down memory lane.
- J-Sin
Dean Station — Dean Station Buy it at Amazon
Lo-fi bluegrass and gritty Americana folk that just doesn’t have that nicely produced veneer to save it from the junk bin, Dean Station’s music is subpar and ho-hum at best. His singing is often a tad rattling and when he harmonizes you find yourself cringing. Which is a shame since the female singer does quite well for herself.
- J-Sin
Boney James — Shine Buy it at Amazon
Besides the funny name, Boney James has something to offer. His music is smooth jazz with a whole lot of urban feel tossed in and shook up. Obviously since his saxophone is dynamite, that aspect of the music is carried well. But the rest is rather bland which surprised me. Disappointing to say the least.
- J-Sin
Rodrigo y Gabriela — Rodrigo y Gabriela Buy it at Amazon
Heavy metal vixens that left Mexico City and departed for Ireland, Rodrigo and Gabriela perform beautiful Latin-infused rock. Easily a chart-topper, their album showcases tremendous guitar and dynamic rhythms that are not only complex but completely danceable. It’s sexy, sultry, and infectious—precisely what the doctor ordered.
- J-Sin
Paolo Rustichelli — Neopagan Buy it at Amazon
Italian composer and producer Paola Rustichelli displays his affection for the roots of hip-hop, soul, and smooth jazz on his latest album. Interestingly enough the album is poised to be released as two separate releases, one aimed for the New Age crowd while the other is for the smooth jazz folks—yes I know you’re wondering why those would or could be separate audiences. It’s not bad but I could do without some of the vocals.
- J-Sin
Jerry Lee Lewis — Last Man Standing Buy it at Amazon
Classic rock ‘n’ roll that just has more swagger than you could ever imagine. Jerry duets with a bunch of the big names in the rock business. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones are alongside the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Buddy Guy, Kris Kristofferson, John Fogerty, Neil Young, Jimmy Page, B.B. King, Ringo Starr, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, Little Richard, and George Jones. Oddly though Kid Rock, Rod Stewart, and Toby Keith for some bizarre reason are included—why? I sure as hell don’t think that they belong alongside one of the greatest piano players and musicians of all time.
- J-Sin
Greg Chako — Where We Find Ourselves Buy it at Amazon
Smooth jazz rhythms are domineered by this fine guitar player named Greg Chako. His style is rhythmic and uplifting. Trippy atmospheres are swirled around his traditional jazz background. “Where We Find Ourselves” is a compelling double disc album stocked with some truly enjoyable jazz pieces.
- J-Sin
Greg Chako — Two's Company, Three's a Crowd Buy it at Amazon
Jazz guitarist Greg Chake apparently plays with only his thumb. He enlists a fine piano player in both Homei Matsumoto and Hiroshi Tanaka while Andrea Hopkins delivers a perfect vocal accompaniment. Recorded in Japan this year, “Two’s Company, Three’s a Crowd” is an uplifting jazz centerpiece.
- J-Sin
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