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
IRIE TIME — It's About Time Buy it at Amazon
Harking back to the signature Jamaican reggae sound with some modern twists, Irie Time soaks Trenchtown in dub groove and jazzy R&B pop. You’ll find yourself snapping your fingers, tapping your toes, and nodding your head to the infectious rhythms. Sometimes the vocals are a little too ‘smooth jazz’ quality with a bit too much reverb added. But once you shrug that off, you find a buried-waist-deep-in-melodies roots reggae album.
- J-Sin
John Fluker — J Is For Joy Buy it at Amazon
It’s a little early in the year for Christmas music. And something about Christmas music in late October done re-interpreted in a smooth jazz format just doesn’t sit well with me. It’s a bit too gospel as well. Maybe in a couple of months, but I doubt it.
- J-Sin
Ray Jozwiak — Put a Finger On It Buy it at Amazon
Jovial piano-pop that bounces and bounces and bounces some more into the fun-fun land of crazy pianist pop. “Put a Finger On It” by one of Baltimore’s truly fine pianist / lounge pop artists Ray Jozwiak is a fun album to hear at your local saloon.
- J-Sin
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
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