Album Review: Matt North – Above Ground Fools

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Matt North

photo by Angelina Castillo; photo courtesy of Howlin’ Wuelf Media

Album Review of Matt North: Above Ground Fools (Round Badge Records)

Old-school. Or timeless. Probably more of the latter, as Matt North‘s music has a modern alt-rock attitude rooted in folky, songwriting-focused music styles of the past. Above Ground Fools won’t be mistaken for a “new country” album or a “cutting-edge rock” album. Rather, there is simply plenty of catchy, memorable, fun music on this disc that should appeal to anyone who enjoys a good song that’s well-delivered.

Indeed, Matt knows his way around song, drawing in the listener by telling bits of stories, filling them musically with rich, lush sound and, of course, a driving, engaging rhythm – he is a drummer, after all – and topping them off with a rough-edged voice equal parts outlaw country and gritty rock ‘n roll with a quirky streak. On honky-tonk-ish, rollicking “Seventeen Days,” that quirk sounds a bit David Byrne-esque, while it can add earnestness to a swaying, more serious-feeling, introspective, nostalgic crooner like “Cronkite and Cosell.”

Matt North - Above Ground Fools

image courtesy of Howlin’ Wuelf Media

But the catchiness – the sense that you, as a listener, have stumbled across something you’re really going to enjoy – starts at the very beginning with the musically unique intro to “A Good Day in Nashville.” The song itself is an up-tempo mover-and-shaker that chronicles the adjusted vision of what passes for ordinary in Nashville. A fun romp, musically and lyrically, from a man who’s familiar with the topic, simply telling it like it is.

Truth be told, I sing along to most of the songs on this album now; there’s nary a weak spot. I howl along to “No Hard Feelings.” I shimmy along with the frenetic energy and clever lyrical rhymes of “Miss Communication.” And I feign a little rock ‘n roll strut as I sign along with the slight staccato and harsh vocal edges in “I Sold It All.” The album is one cohesive country-tinged rock ‘n roll styled canvas but is painted with broad-stroked songwriting variety. That’s how Matt has crafted Above Ground Fools to be an album with staying power.

The record closes with a couple of my favorite tunes, the eminently playful “Badgering the Witness” and the ’90s loud-yet-jangly pop-rock styled “Come Here Go Away.”

After a couple dozen listens to Above Ground Fools, it’s clear Matt North is your surprisingly cool neighbor who’s mostly normal but sports a hidden quirky streak. You’re not quite sure if it’s snark or sarcasm, but you’re pretty sure he’s not serious. You think. And he makes a damn good record.

Single Review: Cain Rising – “Glasgow City Spires”

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Cain Rising

photo by Matt Crawford; photo courtesy of Cain Rising

by James Morris, Contributing Blogger

Single Review of Cain Rising: “Glasgow City Spires”

Time was when you would sit down and listen to a whole album, be taken on a journey through carefully sequenced tracks and enjoy the music as the artist intended. Things have changed, and if I’m anything to go by, then Spotify, playlists, and pressing shuffle may well be the way we are consuming our music these days.

It’s a great convenience to be able to choose the album tracks you like, skip the ones you don’t and have all your favourite music randomly coming at you as a soundtrack to your daily life. I’m not sure as an artist myself, brought up on flipping between two sides of an album it’s how I want my own music picked through, but I have to accept, we live in a more transient, song by song world and maybe there is less point in making albums anymore, just singles.

Cain Rising - Glasgow City Spires

image courtesy of Cain Rising

So that is why it is a very smart approach from Cain Rising to be releasing a series of five singles before putting them all together on a CD EP in July. It’s clever because it lengthens the shelf life for the band’s new release from reviewers like myself and from the radio stations that can have a new track every couple of weeks to keep them interested. There is so much musical competition when you release an album of music. A new release doesn’t stay new very long these days, and it seems that everyone moves on to the next new thing whilst the last song is still fading from the speakers. Dropping one track at a time as singles certainly keeps you in the public ear for a longer period of time.

Starting this series of releases on May 1st, Cain Rising put out “Rear View Mirror,” which I reviewed and loved. Now they have followed that with the single “Glasgow City Spires,” out on 15th May.

This song is inspired, according to writer and band frontman “Southside” Jimmy, “by a hazy hungover Sunday morning walk along Glasgow’s Great Western Road and down through Kelvingrove Park.” The song illustratively portrays the drive and passion Jimmy has for his hometown and poignantly marks his twenty-five years from moving away from it with lines like: “The streets below my soles, they’re home to me/My hometown’s now a foreign land.”

Cain Rising

photo by Annie Price; photo courtesy of Cain Rising

“Glasgow City Spires” is rockier than “Rear View Mirror,” and with this gear shift you begin to discover the range of songs to come. This is trademark Cain Rising and it is worth noting that the band have been described by others as strong, engaging, original, and accomplished. All of these most definitely apply with, for my part, a large serving of joy, to boot.

A big part of what makes listening to Cain Rising so enjoyable is the sound they have achieved on the recordings. Enough time has been taken to ensure attention to detail but without losing the passion of performance. The band spent about 12 days recording five tracks at Echo Studios in Buckingham, UK. This EP and last year’s album were both produced by Jamie Masters, who seems to be able to get right inside the band’s sound and bring out the very best of the songs, arrangements and performance. As “Southside” Jimmy Price says, “He doesn’t just record the songs, he contributes to the arrangements, and his skills with the tools of his trade are unbelievable. He tunes in with the band so much it’s as scary as it is creative.”

The single kicks off with a short Badlands-Springsteen style drum intro and then greets you with the warm guitar snaps and organ swirls so familiar in the band’s style. This leads you into the verse where, by hanging on one chord for the first few lines, a great sense of suspense is created before breaking into the bridge and bouncing you into the driving chorus. The chorus, whilst not such an “earworm” as in “Rear View Mirror” with it’s “looking at you” hook, does offer an alternative delight. It’s thrilling when a song grabs you straight out the box but equally rewarding when one grows on you with each listen, allowing access to the depths within. This is such feel good music, brilliantly made. I think I’m going to play the CD loud in the car all summer long.

So while we all wait for that CD release, I hope, for now, this has whetted your appetite, and I’m looking forward to bringing you a full EP review once the remaining three tracks, “Walk My Way,” “Soldier,” and “Social Man” are released.

Check out my recent review of Cain Rising’s “Rear View Mirror” for more info on the band and their live dates.

Live Review: Mark Wilkinson house concert

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Mark Wilkinson

photo by Geoff Wilbur

Mark Wilkinson

House concert in Hudson, MA

May 13, 2017

The Backstory

Mark Wilkinson

photo by Geoff Wilbur

For weeks, I had planned to head to Boston for the Springtime Spectacular at the Lawn on D on May 13th to see Analog Heart, whose last album I reviewed last spring but who I haven’t seen perform live since before I launched the Blog. Mother Nature, however, had different plans, as rain was forecast to begin around the time of the band’s set, and even if it wasn’t heavy during the set, I was virtually guaranteed to be driving home in a torrential downpour, with an inch or more of rainfall in the forecast. So I turned to “plan B.” Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli were performing in Arlington, MA. I plan to try to get out to see them perform sometime this year; I really enjoyed the show I reviewed last year. I figured I plan to get out to at least one of their sets this year, anyway, so this would be as good a time as any. But I’d still have to drive home in a heavy rainstorm, so I checked more local listings, looking for shows closer to home and listening to clips of the artists to help me decide if I should abandon “plan B,” as well.

The choice was quickly made when I came across the listing for Mark Wilkinson’s gig out here in the far western suburbs of Boston, much closer to home. And upon finding one of his YouTube clips, within the song’s first few seconds, I knew this dude with the special voice was someone I wanted to see perform, and since he’s on tour (and based in Australia), there would not soon be other opportunities to see him. To cap it off, my wife had the same initial reaction to Mark’s songs, so we caught his house concert together (a nice change from my usual solo live-gig adventures).

Mark Wilkinson

photo by Geoff Wilbur

The Concert

Located in an apartment in Hudson, tonight’s venue was ideal, its great room serving as a large, open concert space with high ceilings and terrific acoustics, sufficiently large yet intimate for a house concert. And well-suited to Mark’s incredible voice, soaring and full of emotion.

Mark’s voice has been compared to James Blunt’s (“You’re Beautiful”). I also hear some Alex Band (The Calling) in there. And his tempo and style have also earned him comparisons to Tracy Chapman. I’d add Lisa Loeb and Sixpence None the Richer to that list. I’d probably even throw some Jim Croce and Gordon Lightfoot into the mix, too, for their warm, emotional vocal styles capable of connecting emotionally with listeners. I suppose what I’m trying to say is that Mark Wilkinson’s voice and performance style is timeless, powerful and emotional, and seems capable of touching that nerve that reaches directly to your heart and soul, connecting personally and profoundly with his audience; on this evening, an intimate collection of about 25 people. What I had sensed from Mark’s recordings came through in spades at his live show: This guy is special.

Mark Wilkinson

photo by Geoff Wilbur

The set consisted of 13 songs, and he was encouraged to follow it with a 3-song encore. He opened the set with such a powerful song I forgot to jot down its title, as his voice and strumming boomed warmly and envelopingly through the room, enhanced by its great acoustics. He followed that with “Chasing Rainbows,” a sad, sensitive, but still full-voiced and insistent tune whose tone was simultaneously melancholy and defiant.

Mark went a bit poppier with his next song, “Everything to Me,” with a more hit-friendly tempo and strum and a songwriting rhythm with just a hint of a slightly more celebratory flavor. There’s a nice, catchy mix of musical style and lyrics that, of course, still feature his voice, a voice a listener could get lost in and lose all track of time and place.

Mark Wilkinson

photo by Geoff Wilbur

Other songs stood out during the evening, as well. Of note, “Middle Ground” showcased sensitivity and strength, as the lyrics meandered through the story. This, Mark noted (for those of us unaware here in the States), ended up in a coffee commercial in Australia, so it’s his most well-known song back home as a result.

“Hey Baby” stood out, as well, as it served as the well-chosen singalong/audience participation song of the evening. It was followed by “Benny’s On the Rooftop,” a song that sports a nice, faster tempo and proves memorable – perhaps a favorite even – though the lyrical content isn’t so happy, to put it lightly.

The one cover in his set was of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire.” As with any great cover, of course, Mark makes it own, adding his personal vocal flair to The Boss’ brooding classic. But he didn’t leave the room’s energy down, following it with the playful “Please Don’t Tempt Me,” in which he employs a relatively edgy rock vocal. Great song to mix things up with.

Mark Wilkinson

photo by Geoff Wilbur

The song “Don’t Say It” displayed such emotion, sensitive with an interesting guitar-picking pattern adding additional character and movement to the song. It was followed by “All I Ever Wanted,” a faster-tempoed song with an uplifting feeling, which served as a great set-ending number.

Oh, but he was greeted by a standing ovation and obliged with a 3-song encore, kicking it off with a suggestion from the audience, an older song of his entitled “Baptism By Fire.” And, true to the lyrics, there was some fire in Mark’s always-rich vocals accompanied by emphatic strumming. He followed that with “When the Armies Arrive,” driven by his echoing, booming voice full of emotion.

And he closed the evening with “Still Got My Baby,” whose interesting, peppy energy and playful tempo, driven by a little funky syncopation, provided a pleasant, cheerful ending to the evening. Excellent selection to send people home with a smile on their faces.

Mark Wilkinson

photo by Geoff Wilbur

But, of course, as with many house concerts, not everyone goes home, as the evening concluded with additional conversation, many of us enjoying nice chats with the artist and the others in attendance. Nights like this are an occasional fortunate happenstance, stumbling across a great talent who isn’t nearly as well-known in the U.S. as he should be… yet (we hope).

Looking Ahead

There are still several more stops on Mark’s house concert tour. (And I’d recommend going if you can; this is a special tour during which he’s eschewing traditional venues.) His dates in Sea Girt, NJ, Dublin, OH, and two of his three gigs in Ontario are already sold out, as is one of his UK stops. However, you can still gets seats at his performances in Montclair, NJ (May 18th), Charleston, SC (May 23rd), Potosi, MO (May 27th), Nashville, TN (May 28th), McGregor, MN (June 2nd), Milwaukee, WI (June 3rd), Elmwood Park, IL (June 4th), and Ottawa, ON (June 10th), plus six of his seven shows in the UK from June 28th through July 6th. Check the tour page of Mark’s website for more details and to reserve your tickets.

Album Review: Alissa Musto – What We Saw From the Piano Bar

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Alissa Musto

photo courtesy of Alissa Musto

Album Review of Alissa Musto: What We Saw From the Piano Bar

Alissa Musto is an impressive singer, songwriter, and pianist, a rising star whose music appeals to those with tastes ranging from jazz to pop to singer-songwriter fare. I first encountered Alissa back in January, and I reviewed one of her gigs here. But that performance was tailored specifically to the space in which she was performing. An album provides an artist the opportunity to paint with a broader brush than in a venue-targeted set list, to cover more ground. While still a cohesive whole, it’s able shine a light on a performer’s talent from many angles. And, indeed, that’s what Alissa’s What We Saw From the Piano Bar does. It spotlights her singing talent – the many shades of her gravel-driven, emotional vocals. It showcases her songwriting talent – her ability to choose precisely appropriate lyrics to paint images. It highlights Alissa’s sophisticated, thoughtful approach to the album’s youthful subject matter appropriate to the college-age period during which the songs were written and recorded. And it highlights her musicianship – the ivory-tickling skills that allow her to infuse a jazz foundation into an original popular music album that should appeal to music fans while impressing musicians.

Alissa Musto - What We Saw from the Piano Bar

image courtesy of Alissa Musto

Right from the start, Alissa hits you with a tuneful melody and full, gravelly vocal passion on the attention-grabbing “Black Flak.” The emotional intensity of this song draws you in, relaxes a bit to let you breathe, and then reels you back in. And, of course, the lyrics and song title require, for those of us unaware but with a bit of intellectual curiosity, a Google search that yields the poem that inspired the lyrics. It’s the ideal album-starter, since it’s a serious, powerful song that immediately establishes Alissa’s musical street-cred, affording her the latitude to easily mix in a little more fun in some of the subsequent songs. And it’s a catchy song that’s single material, too, likely to become some listeners’ favorite.

My personal favorites rotate among at least a half of this collection, as I’ve given this disc dozens of listens, and they vary by my mood. Seemingly autobiographical, Alissa’s tunes clearly draw upon personal experiences, and like any good singer-songwriter, she delivers them with such emotion it’s hard to tell where real-life experience gives way to creative license.

Alissa Musto

photo courtesy of Alissa Musto

Besides “Black Flak,” my other immediate favorite was “Brovada,” a swingy, swanky, attitude-filled, energetic piano bar-styled ditty that stylistically recalls for me just a hint of Piano Man-era Billy Joel. Just a hint, though. This song is all Alissa Musto. A modern combination of swagger, sophistication, and humility.

“Palace,” meanwhile, rises and falls, soaring with power and crashing like an ocean. It’s a terrific example of Alissa’s utilization of gravelly vocals to emotional effect. The subtly song-driving piano line, smooth strings (those are strings, right?), and Alissa’s engaging vocals on songs like “Palace,” though, can cause you to forget to listen to the lyrics. But, at least sometimes, try to remember to listen to the words because, whether reminiscent, thought-provoking, or something in-between, the lyrics are always worth listening to.

Though it seems like the entire album is softer paced, as the disc has a pleasant, warm feel, appropriate for an evening of contemplation in front of a roaring fire, there are ample tempo and energy changes. Following “Palace” with “Kids at the Bar” is one such energy spike. “Kids” is a fun, energetic tale of being young, ambitious… and out for a night at the bar. Though specifically written to Alissa’s own circumstance (or a creatively-adjusted version thereof), the theme should ring true across ambition, gender, and (unless you’ve given up on life altogether) age.

Alissa Musto

photo by Geoff Wilbur

Other songs draw upon different influences or offer new spins on some of the same. “Pictures” has a rich vocal jazz flavor and a lyric line that engages beginning-to-end, while “Freedom” showcases some more drawn-out, richer vocals mixed in with Alissa’s immediately-identifiable gravelly voice, and it’s highlighted by such a soaring power that you’d have to be detached if you don’t simultaneously feel life’s struggles and a surge of patriotism as Alissa explores co-existing forms of “freedom” in her lyrics.

Finally, of note, the album closes with “Temporary Dreams,” another of my favorites. It’s a bit mellow in spite of its interesting keywork and emotional vocals, guiding the album down musically for a pleasant, soft landing.

In the end, it’s clear after a few (dozen) listens to What We Saw From the Piano Bar that Alissa Musto is a young performer you absolutely owe it to yourself to get to know. She has a unique mix of talent and persona, a certain je ne sais quoi that makes her stand out in a musical crowd, and I’d love to one day see her command the audience while headlining a concert hall or arena tour.

Alissa Musto

photo courtesy of Alissa Musto

For now, though, take this opportunity discover her music, check out her latest album, and relish the ability to see her perform in the smaller, more intimate settings she’s currently playing. So yes, check her out initially because you’re curious about what the current, reigning Miss Massachusetts sounds like, if that’s what it takes to get your attention. Or because you wonder what became of New England’s homegrown America’s Most Talented Kids pianist this many years later if you caught Alissa’s age-nine TV performance “back in the day.” Really, regardless of why you give her that first listen, you’ll keep listening to this exceptional singer-songwriter-pianist.

At just the beginning of her career, I can only imagine how her sound will evolve. I am confident her songwriting and performing will evolve, as all talented, ambitious artists do throughout their careers. In any case, I look forward to enjoying hearing that evolution. And getting out to another live gig sometime soon.

If you’re in New England, be sure to find your way to one of Alissa’s performances. As noted on her website, she performs Thursdays 6:00-8:00 PM at the Renaissance Hotel Patriot Place in Foxboro, MA, Fridays 6:30-10:00 PM at Tavolo in Providence, RI, and Saturdays 8:00 PM-midnight at Jacob Wirth in Boston.

Postscript

I’d also urge you to learn about Alissa’s charity, Changing Keys, which helps provide pianos to schools and community centers.

Album Review: The Sweetest Condition – We Defy Oblivion

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The Sweetest Condition

photo courtesy of The Sweetest Condition

Album Review of The Sweetest Condition: We Defy Oblivion

I don’t have a lot of industrial synth-pop in my collection, but I’m not oblivious to originality and talent. Last spring, I reviewed The Sweetest Condition’s Edge of the World, gushing over its tight songwriting, tunefulness, power, and crossover appeal. Well, with We Defy Oblivion, Leslie Irene Benson and Jason Reed Milner have done it again.

The Sweetest Condition - We Defy Oblivion

image courtesy of The Sweetest Condition

There’s an interesting progression between albums. We Defy Oblivion, definitely dwells in a heavier neighborhood, with fewer forays toward the pop edge of The Sweetest Condition’s range. Again, though, the duo finds the monster hook in otherwise industrial pop. Leslie’s voice remains expressive and booming, when necessary, while tightly adhering to the songs’ requirements, resulting in genre-adhering music that can easily reach ears beyond its usual core audience.

Leslie Irene Benson

Jason Reed Milner; photo courtesy of The Sweetest Condition

In “Knock Us Down,” for example, the vocals are exceptionally staccato but their warmth keeps them from sounding inhuman, as can be the risk in this sort of musical cocktail. That particular song also sports a hypnotic synth rhythm and well-placed, not-too-simple drumbeat. The attention to detail includes thicker-and-thinner variations to the wall-of-synth theme buoyed by well-patterned song progressions. “Knock Us Down” is a microcosm of what The Sweetest Condition does best, which is why I mention it first, and it’s a catchy track, but it’s not necessarily even one of my favorites.

Leslie Irene Benson

Leslie Irene Benson; photo courtesy of The Sweetest Condition

For pure industrial synth, the album opens strong with “Deconstructing,” with a recurring pop rhythm (which usefully moves between different positions on the keys) before the song bursts forth into its chorus. This song, in its chorus, is one of the few locations on We Defy Oblivion in which I can draw the Madonna comparison to Leslie’s vocals; it was more common on the previous album. Again, not necessarily a typical vocal capability among industrial synth-pop singers, but it speaks to the breadth of The Sweetest Condition’s musical toolbox.

The Sweetest Condition

photo courtesy of The Sweetest Condition

Ah, but I promised you favorites. And the two cuts that reach farthest into my crossover-enjoying brain are “Faithless” and “Vices.” “Faithless” supports a hypnotically straightforward yet occasionally emotional vocal – and it’s the emotional infrequency that allows it to stand out so much – with a steady, catchy synth sequence.

“Vices,” meanwhile, utilizes another ear-catching, yet different, primary key sequence during the verses that explodes into the chorus. The music seems a bit edgy at times, building tension in the verses that releases powerfully during the chorus. It’s tied together with more emotional vocals, following the same pattern of tension and release. In this well-written, hooky song, the music itself is more suggestive than the lyrics.

The Sweetest Condition

photo courtesy of The Sweetest Condition

The most all-out energy on this album likely comes in “Keep Turning Me On,” a full-on, fast-tempo, potential dance club-pleaser that will leave the listener breathless after a single listen. I can only imagine the dance-floor carnage. The song before it, “Knock Us Down,” for which TSC has a video, is just as relentless, but insists at a more manageable medium-fast tempo.

Perhaps the poppiest, most mainstream track on We Defy Oblivion is “Depths Of Hell,” not that the lyrics would suggest a softening.

The Sweetest Condition

photo courtesy of The Sweetest Condition

A bit rougher but also memorable is the song “Nein Nein Nein.” The English-language verses suggest a rather rough evening to begin with, while the chorus implores “Ich will mehr, aber du sagst nein.” It’s supported by a stripped-down, rough-edged music bed befitting the lyrics.

Disc-ender “Unforgiven,” meanwhile, attempts to return the listener to a stable state. It’s a solid number, steadier than its immediate predecessor, and more traditionally, purely emotionally dark.

Once again, The Sweetest Condition delivers a solid collection of songs, a disc that will undoubtedly contain a few new favorites, if this is your genre. And an album that might surprise you if this isn’t. Personally, after how impressed I had been by Edge of the World, the bar for its follow-up was set exceptionally high, but with We Defy Oblivion Jason and Leslie have delivered an album that meets my unreasonably high expectations. It’s a helluva disc. I feel almost greedy for wondering what comes next.

Single Review: Cain Rising – “Rear View Mirror”

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Cain Rising

photo by Annie Price; photo courtesy of Cain Rising

by James Morris, Contributing Blogger

Single Review of Cain Rising: “Rear View Mirror”

Cain Rising - Rear View Mirror

cover artwork by Julian O’Dell; image courtesy of Cain Rising

Let me start by saying that if you haven’t ever heard Cain Rising before, then you should first go explore their self-titled debut album from last year. Within its 11 tracks you will discover a familiar charm of classic-style American rock, delivered in a rootsy, down-to-earth way. You could easily mistake much of what you hear as coming from America’s heartlands with its mix of country, folk, and rock. Actually, what you have are a bunch of excellent musicians led by Southside Jimmy all from the UK but steeped in the influences of the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty or Bob Dylan.

Cain Rising

photo by Matt Crawford; photo courtesy of Cain Rising

The band was formed in 2014 by Jim Price with longtime collaborators and friends Jez and Jo Parry. The line-up on these new recordings includes guitarist Ian Hopper, Matt Crawford on Hammond and piano, and Mick Ivory on drums.

The new single, “Rear View Mirror,” follows seamlessly on from the last album but with even more swagger and confidence.

This is the first release of 5 songs all destined for an EP release in July. This first glimpse of what is to come introduces the new band line-up and the addition of some really infectious, bright and joyous brass. These musical elements couple perfectly with the great songwriting of Southside Jimmy, and the result is an excellent summery song following the theme of hitting the road and getting away from it all.

Cain Rising

photo by Matt Crawford; photo courtesy of Cain Rising

From the first strums of the uplifting intro, the introduction of the brass, and the full steam ahead approach, I was happily hooked. Seemingly effortlessly, the song led me quickly to the catchy chorus, which put me in mind of the driving type of thing Elvis Costello used to do on things like “I Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down.” Three minutes and eight seconds pass in the blink of an eye, and when it was done I found myself wanting to press play on it, over and over again.

Cain Rising

photo by Annie Price; photo courtesy of Cain Rising

If this is the quality of what is to come later in the summer with the release of the EP, then I have to say that I really don’t want to have to wait. Luckily for me the band are going to digitally release all 5 songs one at a time in the coming weeks before the final EP is available.

The 5-track EP will also include all out rocker “Glasgow City Spires”; “Walk My Way” – rock meets swing – with horns from Rebecca Gibson Swift and Pablo Mendelssohn; “Soldier” – highlights the band’s love of strong vocal harmony bands such as The Eagles & CSNY; and Social Man – a tense, raw and intimate country song.

Patience will be hard to find, but at least this drip feed approach will go some way to slake my appetite for Cain Rising’s excellent new releases.

Cain Rising

photo by Annie Price; photo courtesy of Cain Rising

“Rear View Mirror” is out now to download or stream. Further releases are due out between now and final EP release in July.

If you are in the UK, you can catch Cain Rising play live on July 2nd at Ampthill Festival, September 2nd at Catfest in Salford, or on October 21st at the Wheatsheaf in Leighton Buzzard.

Follow them on Twitter at @CainRising or visit their website at http://www.cainrising.rocks/.

Album Review: Matt Jaffe & The Distractions – California’s Burning

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Matt Jaffe

photo by Edward Saenz; photo courtesy of Shore Fire Media

by Eric Harabadian, Contributing Blogger

Album Review of Matt Jaffe & The Distractions: California’s Burning

Hot off the heels of his Blast Off EP, San Francisco-based Matt Jaffe returns with a full-length collection of molten-tinged rock and roll. On his debut release, Jaffe was barely out of his teens yet brought a rich and studied new-wave energy to the table that reached way beyond his years. With California’s Burning, the 22-year-old Fender axeslinger/singer-songwriter returns with a brand new autobiographically-inspired concept and vision. As the story goes, Jaffe attended college on the East Coast, and, after being away for an extended period and then returning home, he took notice of the differences between the two coasts. There is obviously a rich and storied history of California—from its depictions in movies to topography and colorful characters—that all play a part in the narrative of his latest project.

Matt Jaffe & the Distractions - California's Burning

image courtesy of Shore Fire Media

Right out of the gate, your ears are under pleasant assault from the heavily syncopated “Love is Just a Drug.” Its catchy riffs, hooks and harmonies envelop your senses and may even get you up on the dance floor as well. “Wander No More” continues in an up-tempo manner, with a barnburner of a tune. This has an urgent Robert Gordon-meets-Blasters feel that features great guitarwork between Jaffe and fellow Distraction Adam Nash. “Fire on the Freeway” is kind of a country/blues mesh where you can feel the scorching heat from the leader’s Telecaster attack. Jaffe sings of “burning across the western plain” rife with rockabilly passion and paranoid imagery. “Hellhounds of Alcatraz” displays a lot of fancy lead playing augmented by very vivid and cinematic lyrics and propulsive grooves. Each track seems to play like a mini-novella in a way, and this tune seems to dabble in mystery, intrigue and Hitchcock-like suspense.

Matt Jaffe

photo by Edward Saenz; photo courtesy of Shore Fire Media

“I Wanna Be Cruel” offers a breather in the form of a ‘50s/’60s type ballad. Here Jaffe shows his more sensitive side that appears an homage to both Elvii—Presley and Costello. “Write a Song About Me” picks up the pace again and has all the earnestness and punk rock bravado of southern California rockers John Doe and X. Once that stick of dynamite is lit, there is no turning back, with the runaway freight train that is “Locomotive Lightning.” This is a song that observes a look beyond Los Angeles and takes in the whole western coastline. This is controlled chaos, with enough crazy rhythms and shifting tempos to challenge the most accomplished mosh pit aficionado. Other highlights include the aforementioned Costello-like pop and sizzle of “Baby’s On a Bender,” the acoustic pairing with backing vocalist Christina Alvarado on “Red Snow,” and his impressive and faithful take on Johnny Cash, with “Folsom Prison Blues.”

In Jaffe’s own words, “ We wanted to make a record that sounds like the records we like; one that sounds like the music that turns us on, with buzzsaw guitars and whiplash drums. Dials at eleven. Forget the polish and forget the shine. Nothing between us and your ears. California’s Burning, so come and join us right here in the hot seat.” Kind of sums it up, doesn’t it!?

Live Review: Ali Handal and Billy Crockett at Fox Run Concerts

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Ali Handal and Billy Crockett

Fox Run Concerts, Sudbury, MA

April 29, 2017

The Backstory

I was introduced to Ali Handal’s music more than two years ago by some mutual musician friends in Los Angeles. Since then, I’ve tried catch her Boston area live performances but have heretofore failed in that endeavor. Last night, however, she opened a double-bill that fit my preferred time and location – an early time slot in an outer western Boston suburb – so I was finally able to make it happen. Better yet, it was a house concert; these more intimate performances in front of smaller audiences are one of the great new(ish) trends in independent music that I’ve really enjoyed since returning to music journalism.

Last night, she opened for Billy Crockett, who, after reading his bio, seems like someone I should have already known about. He is a respected artist who has been around the music industry for years, but our paths had not yet previously crossed. With a quick listen to some of Billy’s YouTube clips in preparation for the event, I knew I could expect a stellar evening.

Ali Handal

Ali Handal; photo by Geoff Wilbur

The Opening Act: Ali Handal

Ali Handal opened her six-song set with strength. Granted, that’s no surprise, but her initial song of the evening, “You Get What You Settle For,” showcases the element of her voice I can best describe as an expressive roar. There’s perhaps a bit of a bluesy edge to the song, as well, with some cool funky guitar effects.

What’s so intriguing about Ali, though, is her range. In addition to an arena rock-worthy roar, strong and smooth enough yet artfully restrained befitting an acoustic singer-songwriter event like last night’s, she has a crisp, sweet, high end to her vocals as well, which she’s able to weave seamlessly into her songs, allowing them to showcase both power and sensitivity.

Halfway through her set, in fact, she displayed that sensitivity particularly well on “Distance,” with the sweeter vocal augmented by an interesting guitar-picking style. It’s that mix of power and sensitivity that make Ali a unique talent – well, that and the fact that her guitar skills are capable of providing varying soundbeds beneath her strong voice.

And there’s also her engaging stage presence, intimate but with a sense of humor, that draws her audience in. She closed her set, in fact, showcasing that sense of humor with “Thank God for Birth Control,” the prototypical anti-parenthood song, if there ever was one. And I’m not sure there ever was.

In all, it was a fun set by an exceptional talent. I’m glad I finally found a chance to see Ali Handal live, and I look forward to seeing her perform as a headliner, perhaps, sometime down the road. (Also in a club or arena setting where she can better unleash her rock chops, perhaps allowing me to hear her perform my current favorite Ali Handal tune, the more raucous, rawkin’ “But I Do,” live.)

Billy Crockett

Billy Crockett; photo by Geoff Wilbur

The Headliner: Billy Crockett

Billy Crockett’s music has been labeled folk/Americana, and I suppose it is, but there’s more to it than that. Rather than pigeonholing it, I hear music with the potential for significant crossover appeal beyond a single genre, one well-placed hit away from making Billy a household name. I hear a sort of timeless singer-songwriter vibe in Billy’s songs. It’s the sort of music you’d hear at festivals and occasionally on pop radio in the ’60s/’70s. Rich, storytelling songs driven by Billy’s powerful, emotionally expressive vocals.

In a house concert setting, Billy’s personability and storytelling ability carries over into his between-song banter, and, as a result, this evening at Fox Run Concerts had that sort of intimate, gathering-of-friends feeling. Of course, the on-stage “friend” on this evening was an exceptionally talented troubadour. And during his songs, the intensity with which Billy feels his music is written on his face, carried in his voice, and driven home by his full immersion in his performance.

Billy followed Ali’s set with his own short set before intermission, then returned for a longer set to close the evening. He kicked things off with “Feel It,” an emotion-driven acoustic singer-songwriter number. He followed it with the engaging “That’s Something,” displaying the richness and versatility of his strong voice, supporting the vocals with a ’60s/’70s folk-influenced strumming.

Over the course of the evening, my mind kept circling back, comparing Billy’s music to that you might find on a soundtrack. More precisely, a Broadway soundtrack. I’m not talking about those big production numbers. Rather, the emotion in his voice and progression of each song’s music and content are more akin to songs (and portions thereof) that share important plot points, in which an individual character tells backstory, explains his emotions about something, or moves the story forward. This past winter, I (finally) caught a production of Cabaret in Boston, and I think Billy’s songs, particularly the more haunting, introspective ones, remind me of some segments of that evening’s performance. Not exactly, though. The pace and tempo of Billy’s songs and distinct enunciation remind me a bit of Randy Newman, best known by the general public for his movie soundtrack work, though I wouldn’t compare Billy’s rich, distinctly original voice to Randy’s beyond that. More appropriately, I’d call them musical neighbors.

Billy continued with songs like “Record Player,” which appealed to the audience’s nostalgia, and “On Your Way,” a storytelling song with a bit of a dark tension to it, before intermission.

After the break, Billy returned for a full set. Highlights of the second set included “Ghosts,” a song whose warm, rich guitar song adds gravitas to the vocal; “Meant That,” with all its soulfulness; and the engaging, somewhat twisted tale of “Rabbit Hole.”

Billy closed his set with “Mavis,” his tribute to Mavis Staples, augmenting his trademark vocals with some dancing guitar strumming, and an archetypal storytelling singer-songwriter song, “Already Perfect,” recalling for me hints of Joshua Kadison or Bob Halligan, though with a Billy Crockett spin.

For his encore, Billy led a singalong of James Taylor’s “Sweet Baby James,” followed by his cover of “Native Boy,” dropping the curtain on an evening of warmth, camaraderie and song, wrapping up a double-bill perfectly suited to a house concert.

Billy Crockett and Ali Handal, of course, are clearly artists whose power and skill can (and often do) engage thousands as easily as dozens. Singers of that caliber in an intimate house concert can deliver a special evening, and, indeed, they did.

Looking Ahead

Though Ali doesn’t have any more gigs left on her latest East Coast swing, she does have a Saturday, May 20th house concert (with limited seating) scheduled in Reseda, California. For more information about this show and for future concert information as it is announced, see this link to her website.

Billy does have a few shows left on his East Coast tour. Per his website, you can see him at Club Passim in Cambridge, MA on Wednesday, May 3rd and at Rockwood Music Hall in New York on Monday, May 8th. Then he’ll be back in Texas, performing on the main stage at the Kerrville Folk Festival on Thursday, May 25th. Check this page for more information about those gigs and upcoming performances, as they’re added.

As for more detailed reviews of Ali and Billy – since live reviews tend to be more hastily written than album reviews, based on my notes from a single evening rather than dozens of listens – watch for my review of Billy’s current album Rabbit Hole in the coming months. Likewise, Ali will soon be releasing a new record soon; when that’s available, rest assured I’ll reach out to “her people” for a review copy.

Album Review: Robb Roy – Well, There You Have It

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Robb Roy

photo by Kim Simms; photo courtesy of Robb Roy

by Eric Harabadian, Contributing Blogger

Album Review of Robb Roy: Well, There You Have It (Pure Recordings)

Robb Roy - Well, There You Have It

cover photo by Hillary Nash; image courtesy of Robb Roy

This is the fifth studio release by Detroit area alternative rockers Robb Roy. After an extended hiatus, to say it has been highly anticipated would be somewhat of an understatement. This dynamic and well-versed quartet always maintained a fervent fan base, and this new release should certainly satiate the faithful. This album features six new songs and four previously unreleased ones from their heralded past. While it is one of their strongest efforts to date, it was produced with a heavy heart in light of the passing of long-time guitarist Michael Kudreiko in 2016. But, make no mistake, Mike’s presence is all over this record, and it is a shining swansong by him, as well as a fitting tribute, indeed!

Robb Roy

photo by Kim Simms; photo courtesy of Robb Roy

At the helm for well over 30 years, lead vocalist and frontman Graham Strachan is in fine voice and partners most ably with fellow RR regulars John Cottos on bass, additional guitars, and backup vocals as well as the mighty Duane Huff on drums.

The album begins with what sounds like the crackle of a turntable needle on a phonograph record. Strachan has all the charisma and poise of a rock ‘n roll preacher as he spins a tale of “The Cure”’s musical baptism and salvation. “I can’t be saved till I’m cured,” he sings and, with that, begins a new chapter in the storied Robb Roy saga. That’s followed by a rousing tribute to a musician’s life, with “Stayin’ Up All Night.” This has a rough and tumble blues feel that kind of recalls early Peter Green-influenced Fleetwood Mac mixed with a smattering of Bad Company.

Robb Roy

photo by Kim Simms; photo courtesy of Robb Roy

The songwriting is diverse and multi-layered and this is never more evident than on the lovely “Let Love Show You the Way Home.” Strachan is joined by guest vocalist Gia Warner, and their interplay is magical. There is a great sing-along chorus that will resonate with you for a long time.

“Safety” is a song that had been sitting on the shelf for a while and was revived with new lyrics by Strachan and production assistance from veteran producer Chuck Alkazian. It is a ballad dedicated to Kudreiko’s family and features a sense of poetry and emotion rarely touched on in contemporary pop anymore.

“Half of a Broken Heart” is atmospheric and epic in sound and substance. It’s a great tale by Strachan about true love and connection—romantic or otherwise. “Hopelessly With Her” is yet another love song for grownups. Strachan challenges the various games people play in the ways in which they deal with each other. Questioning their ulterior motives he asks “If this is love then why do we make each other cry? If this is love shouldn’t we be happier?” Warner again joins in and makes this song a standout.

Robb Roy

photo by Kim Simms; photo courtesy of Robb Roy

“Song 86” follows and is a rally cry in the spirit of classic bands like The Alarm or Big Country, and “Brand New Day” keeps that up tempo vibe going, with an urge to making changes and adopting new ideas.

With, perhaps, a page from the U2 play book, Strachan crafts a like-minded anthem in “Never Change.” It is dynamic, with Huff’s metronomic precision underpinning a plea to hold onto innocence, civility, and, it appears, a sense of the past. The album concludes on an odd and mysterious note, with a track called “Skunk Hollow.” This is kind of a strange and surreal trip chock full of voodoo energy and ominous visions.

Robb Roy

photo by Kim Simms; photo courtesy of Robb Roy

In addition to the core members of Robb Roy, producer Alkazian plays keyboards as do Kid Rock’s piano man Jimmie Bones and organist Pat Brennan. Ultimately, Robb Roy is a band that has weathered many changes and challenges in its 30-plus year existence. From the richness and articulation of Strachan’s delivery to the impeccable playing and sterling production, this is a veteran band that proves, despite some hard knocks, they still remain steadfast and committed to their values and collective vision. Well… there you have it!

 

Album Review: Eliza Neals – 10,000 Feet Below

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Eliza Neals

photo by Jane Cassisi; photo courtesy of Frank Roszak Promotions

by Eric Harabadian, Contributing Blogger

Album Review of Eliza Neals: 10,000 Feet Below (E-H Records)

The “Detroit Diva” returns with this strong follow up to her critically-acclaimed album Breaking and Entering. That previous release made a bold transition from her bluesy soul and R&B rep to more of a harder blues/rock style. With 10,000 Feet Below, Eliza Neals continues on that path by honing an even more defined vision of her craft. She is aided by frequent collaborator and award-winning guitarist Howard Glazer. But really she’s got some of the best musicians from Detroit, New Jersey and Nashville throwing down on this no holds barred collection of original Neals-penned gems.

Eliza Neals - 10,000 Feet Below

image courtesy of Frank Roszak Promotions

The album begins with an ode to a slick street-smart hustler named “Cleotus.” Right away, Neals and Glazer establish homage to the acoustic blues tradition with a simple but powerful pairing of soulful vocals and searing Dobro slide guitar. Neals delivers a tale that is compelling and chilling. “Another Lifetime” is currently blowing up on Sirius XM radio and for good reason. It’s a slow smoldering kind of blues that spins a yarn of lost love, again ignited by Glazer’s sensitive guitar licks. “Burn the Tent Down” is an incendiary mid-tempo rocker that has single written all over it. It’s a good time tune about southern barbecues and kicking that party vibe loose. Here Neals employs some of her considerable vocal skills as her multiple backups weave in and out in a most effective way. The title track “10,000 Feet Below” begins with Neals bellowing “Just got back from hell.” And then it’s all fire and brimstone from there! She has a way of really connecting words and feelings. You really feel her passion, which is further supported by her subtle piano stylings and Glazer’s tasteful electric fills. “You Ain’t My Dog No More” is kind of gimmicky but works in a novel sort of way. It’s just a fun Muddy Waters-like romp where Neals scolds her man for not treating her right; “No more treats”… indeed!

Eliza Neals

photo by Jane Cassisi; photo courtesy of Frank Roszak Promotions

At this juncture the “Detroit Diva” takes a break and delves into ballad territory with a sweet tune called “Cold Cold Night.” This features Paul Nelson on lead acoustic guitar. The song has a Stevie Nicks/Ellen McIllwaine sensibility to it. Neals can do a lot of amazing things with her voice, and this tune is a prime example of her melodic depth and range. That’s followed by the album’s sole cover tune in Skip James’ haunting “Hard Killing Floor.” The trio of Neals on keyboards, Glazer’s howling fills and drummer Demarcus Sumter’s spare accompaniment is meditative and riveting. “Call Me Moonshine” is another traditional sounding I-IV-V blues shaker that creeps along via Glazer’s sly turnarounds and Neal’s velvety Hammond B3 work. “Downhill on a Rocket” follows and is kind of a dark minor piece. The swampy New Orleans feel is further proffered by Neals’ line “Voodoo woman with a cross in her hand.” When she sings stuff like that it’s not just some line-reading off a corny script. She means business! The album concludes with another straight-ahead country blues track, “Merle Dixon,” and an atmospheric duet with legendary guitarist Billy Davis called “At the Crossroads.” Davis cut his teeth with classic artists like Jackie Wilson and Hank Ballard and the Midnighters. He brings that veteran Motor City poise and mojo for a performance that appropriately puts the cap on this essential set of tunes.

Eliza Neals and her various musical co-horts she affectionately dubs “The Narcotics” (duly named because “they are dope!”) have done it again. Her hot and sultry brand of blues is for real, with enough radio-ready punch and songwriting savvy to break through modern media platforms in a big way. Look out!