Music Reviews of World, Adult Contemporary, Jazz, Blues, Country
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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
Laura Vecchione — Deeper Waters Buy it at Amazon
Soulful Nashville-esque countrified pop songs that plenty of female artists have tackled in the past. That’s the start. The median on “Deeper Waters” is that this particular artist chooses to develop her vocal abilities while delving in blues, gospel, and pop without caring about being truly great in any one particular. Not bad, but we’ve heard better.
- J-Sin
Royce Campbell — Elegy to a Friend Buy it at Amazon
It’s talented but just because your great-great-grandfather liked Butch Cassidy doesn’t mean you want to be the next Sundance Kid either. Hey if you’re looking for some improvisational jazz licks that are nice and tidy, be my guest.
- J-Sin
Arby DeCamp — Sleep By Numbers: Lullabies For Children of All Ages Buy it at Amazon
Now that I have a son I cherish albums like this, catered to children, but not obnoxious enough for me to despise (remember Barney’s annoying banter anyone?). Here Arby composes original lullabies that are relaxing and restful. He coaxes you to sleep with soft melodies and hummable tunes. Nice strumming acoustic guitars and Arby’s soft mellow voice is the musical equivalent of Valerian root.
- J-Sin
Caroline Gibson — On Ma Journey Now Buy it at Amazon
Caroline’s deep soprano voice and operatic delivery has little to do with the glorious traditions of Negro spirituals. It’s such a deviation that I doubt anyone would realize that that’s what these songs are. What a shame.
- J-Sin
Mike Arroyo — Performing Live: The Christian Jazz Night Buy it at Amazon
I have a way to win the War on Terror, convince America’s enemies that we all revere terrible Christian jazz music like this and they won’t strike us again because they pity us far too much.
- J-Sin
Mike Arroyo — My Jazzy Mood Buy it at Amazon
Christian jazz that neuters the soul with its blandness and ineffective bungling of Latin influences, “My Jazzy Mood” is not something you want to bestow upon even the worst of enemies.
- J-Sin
Nickel Creek — Reasons Why (The Very Best) Buy it at Amazon
A talented trio of roots rock musicians that have been lauded high and higher still from music critics far and wide. Their music is innovative and daring, often with breathtaking musicianship that belies their youth. Included on this “Best Of” album are songs from their three storied and highly acclaimed albums as well as two live tracks. In addition, there’s a DVD of music videos that shows how very creative these acoustic musicians are. Bluegrass instrumentals that are showered in some of the best rustic sounds this side of the Appalachians.
- J-Sin
Various Artists — Six the Hard Way Buy it at Amazon
Six of the greatest legends of the famous Studio One join forces on this collaboration of classic reggae. Roots reggae fans will fall in love with this release as it spotlights some of the best tunes by Jamaican heroes like Willie Williams, The Cables, The Termites, Larry Marshall, The Viceroys, and Slim Smith. Mr. Dodd’s label and life’s work is poured into these timeless classics which reinvigorate a stagnant current scene of reggae music. Due out later this month in honor of Jamaican Heritage Month, “Six the Hard Way” is the 12th installment from Heartbeat Records and a perfect demonstration of the melodic side of roots reggae.
- J-Sin
Nashville Session Players — Gonna Rise Up Buy it at Amazon
Following up their social commentary rustic album, “Homeless In America” the good collaboration of the collective known as Nashville Session Players now tackles various political and social issues. Whether it’s the treatment of war veterans, affordable health care, congressional corruption, or immigration, no issue is too tough or prickly for these artists. Gripping tales told amid the diverse sounds of rockabilly, country blues, folk, blues, country, and southern rock, “Gonna Rise Up” is what the political junkies and folks who like meaningful music ordered.
- J-Sin
One Night Band — Way Back Home Buy it at Amazon
Montreal’s One Night Band swears on reggae and was only meant to be a one-time thing when the septet first gathered together. But it stuck in their soul and now the group write their own take on Jamaica’s finest. With a female vocalist it’s an entirely different feel than the plethora of beach bums who play reggae for smoke and beers (and maybe a living room couch to crash on afterwards). “Way Back Home” is a fun and upbeat album that has elements of ska and rock steady stirred in as if they were light dashes of salt and pepper. Nice.
- J-Sin
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