"Eric's Reviews"
by Eric Harabadian
Sponsored In Part By
Gerald Bair • We All Fall Down
Mayhem Records
I once read an interview with a musician who said any song of any substance
should stand on its own, played simply on an acoustic guitar. Well, that
adage specifically applies here as Gerald Bair has an album's worth of
acoustic-based gems rounded out by a stellar band and superb production.
He is also a fine lyricist as songs like "Hangin' Out With Elvis," "I Feel
Like," "Driving Out Of Rockaway," and " I Don't Want to Talk About That"
will attest. Many of the tunes have a rootsy, twangy-guitar rock feel to
them but remain modern in attitude and scope. Bair is an artist on the
cusp of real greatness!
Caprice International Presents Millenium Preview and Worldwide Radio
Singles for 2000
Caprice International Records
One thing that can be said for Caprice International artists, they sure
are diversified!!! What other compilation features songs about Y2K, follows
that with traditionally styled Christmas tunes, continues with Gospel material
and rounds things out with adult contemporary, modern country and jazz
standards.
The printing on the disc was really difficult to read and with twenty
songs included, there are a lot of artists covered. But suffice to say
the Gospel, modern country and swingin' jazz tracks were among my favorities.
Caprice never ceases to amaze and amuse with their cadre of quirky,
unique, and, for the most part, satisfying talent.
Bozzio, Levin and Stevens • Situation Dangerous
Magna Carta Records
What you have here, essentially, is a supergroup featuring one of the hottest
rhythm sections in rock, jazz, pop or progressive paired with an exceptional
guitarist in Steve Stevens.
Continuing their collective work, they dive right into heavy progressive
waters with the hyperkinetic Led Zeppelinish opener "Dangerous." From there,
it's on to the moody and lyrically ethereal " Endless." Other treats include
the odd-metered free-for-all " Crash," the astounding flamenco burner "
Tziganne," and the texturally syncopated " Lost."
Terry Bozzio, Tony Levin and Stevens are three contemporary masters
at the top of their game. True fans of all things adventurous, both musically
and culturally, should get their hands on this impressive release!!!!!
Alan Horvath • Busy Being Born
http://www.alanhorvath.com
Horvath is a singer-songwriter who composes unique, well-crafted melodies
and, while accompanied by his warm and delicate acoustic guitar, delivers
them in a sincere and captivating mellow toned rasp. Some have compared
him to Jim Croce or Richie Havens, and they would be accurate, but Horvath
is no copycat impressionist. He is an artist who writes modern adult-oriented
hits destined to become contemporary classics. Strong words perhaps, but
check out Alan for yourself and then you make the call. As his bio states,
" Horvath is acoustic rock...... for real"!
Nyree • Bare
Belle Records, P.O. Box 888, Sonoma, CA 95476
Bare is the title of raven-haired Nyree’s latest release, and what
an appropriate one at that. Mostly because the music is stripped down to
the basic essentials -- piano, acoustic guitar and voice. But, between
her beautiful and far reaching vocal range combined with her superb instrumental
prowess, Nyree draws you in with her emotional and spiritually moving songs.
Bare is a very quiet album, perfect for lazy afternoons, early mornings
or late at night when you want to shut out the noisy world and be at one
with your thoughts. By all means let Nyree provide the soundtrack for your
escape!
Inside Scarlet • 3 Song CD Demo
http://www.insidescarlet.com
Straight outta "Sin City" this estrogen fueled modern rock quartet hits
you with a heavy blend of melody and "Hole" influenced riffage. Having
said that, however, the band takes its music to even greater heights! The
lineup of Sharay Larsen and Heather Tampa on vocals, guitar and bass, along
with Mike Cromer on guitar and vocals and Brian Festone on drums is a killer
combination. Inside Scarlet has a radio-ready sound, great songs and, if
there is any justice in the music business, a clear shot at major success!
The Republic • Demo CD
P.O. Box 1075, Temple City, CA 91780
These guys blend traditional guitars, bass and drums with electronics and
sequencers for a sound that owes more to Gary Numan or Ultravox than the
modern industrial bombast of, say, Nine Inch Nails. Many of the songs on
this disc begin with an electronically induced pattern and then kick in
with a groove-oriented thunder. The Republic have a heavy, yet articulate
sound that will move you on the dance floor as well as appeal to your melodic
sense.
The Warren Commission • Now in Session, Vol. 1
Jazz Shop Label, P.O. Box 236, Keego Harbor, MI 48320
The trio of Detroiters Suzi Marsh (vocals), Daniel Warren (keys/bass) and
Steve Adams (drums/percussion) is most impressive and swings like there’s
no tommorrow! "Now in Session" is chock full of classic and timeless jazz
standards from "Stompin’ At the Savoy" and "It Don’t Mean a Thing" to Latin
sizzlers "Song For My Father" and "How Insensitive." All are great musicians
and Marsh, in particular, really soars in her interpretations of songs
both cover and original. Jazz and swing fans would be well served to scout
out this fine release!
4Front • Gravity
Spec Records, 161 S. Ridgedale Ave., East Hanover, NJ 07936-2512
4Front is comprised of New Jersey-based musicians Zak Rizvi (guitar and
keys), Frank LaPlaca (bass) and Joe Bergamini (drums) with some help, at
various points, from some of their studio friends. If you are a fan of
hot fusion-oriented rock and roll with a slight cinematic or symphonic
feel you gotta check these guys out! All thirteen tracks crackle with an
energy and passion that takes you from Satriani influenced lead runs to
romantic piano flourishes this side of Rachmaninoff. And while progressive
bands are sometimes known for their instrumental self-indulgence, 4Front
never loses sight of intelligible hooks and melodies. Oh yes, my friends,
you’re in for a real treat as I give these guys my highest recommendation!
DePoet and the Monkey
DePoet Music, 149 Ave. A, Apt.#4R, NY,NY 10009
David " DePoet" Depietro is a classically trained musician who employs
all his skills of arranging, composing and, of course, playing to great
effect on this album. The music is modern rock, to be sure, but simply
encapsulating it into such a limited category would be a gross disservice.
The melodies, rhythms and hooks are plentiful on this disc, as well as
clever and quirky use of backing vocals, programming and sequencing and
wind and string instruments. My personal favorites are "Little Orange Room,"
the moody "Last Thanksgiving Day," the manic "I’m Not Broken" and the Beatlesque
"Daydream Fantasy." If you’ve got a little anarchy in your soul but crave
something with a more melodic and intelligent bent, check this out!
The Migs • The Migs
http://themigs.com
The Migs' philosophy must be "let’s hit them with everything we’ve got."
And "everything" is the optimum word here. From the opener "Sweet and Sour’s"
sixties pop feel to the countryish "1600 Armadillos" and the jazzy lounge
groove of "Honolulu" you’ve got one wild and wacky bunch at work here.
Throw in a punk tune, a funk number, some synthesizer noodling and a Tijuana
Brass-type song and you’ve got one hell of a party. Can I be invited?!
Brian Perry • Intentionally
First Go Round Productions, P.O. Box 11046, New Orleans, LA 70181
Armed with clever, thoughtful lyrics, beautiful melodies and a rich expressive
voice, singer-songwriter Brian Perry astounds with a buoyant and commanding
presence. His songs are personal introspective observations of life, yet
are every bit accessible to the common man or woman. From topics of daily
survival, loneliness, love and longing and chasing one’s dreams Perry covers
much of the human experience and does it with class, humility and candor.
While there are many fine contributions from all the musicians involved
on this album, kudos go out, in particular, to backing vocalist Jennifer
Daniels. She’s the perfect counterpart to Brian, sparking the tunes she
appears on with an explosive and emotive glow.