CD Reviews Cathi--7/29/07
Duke & the Drivers – “Harder Than Before” (Groove International) ASurprise surprise…now this is what I’m talkin’ about. Hard-drivin’ Boston band comes out of retirement and trots out their stuff. That stuff covers reggae, R & B, Latino, Rockabilly, Samba, and the kitchen sink. They pull it off too. They call the intersection of rock and R & B. Seems like, but mostly it’s just FUN. Not a lot of morning mix fare, but good time stuff.
Dynamites – “Kaboom!” (Outta Sight Records) C+
Sounds like it might be a fun band at a party, but not so great on record. Everything’s funky with big horns, but the songs are all same-sounding, with lots of reference to James Brown (which can’t be bad, but no cigar. Farfisa organ. Not recommended.
Round, Carina – “Slow Motion Addict” (Interscape Records) - ?
Any kind of escape will do. This music(?) made me want to get out my weaponry. I figured the best thing to do would be to take it back for review by someone less volatile when they hear silverware hitting the floor. It ain’t me babe. NOT recommended.
Shannon, Mem – “Live: A Night at Tipitina’s” (Northern Blues) B
Mem Shannon’s totally electric on this disc, with a big horn section and all-over funky beat. He whups up on that guitar, no lie, and relies on the horns to cover the rhythm section with no other supports but an extremely funky Angelo Nocentelli bass and gunshot Josh Milligan drum beat driving it. Songs are mostly very long b/c set in a club atmosphere, and you can feel the contagious dance-ability. Not really good for morning mix, and sometimes giving everyone a solo (#9 and 10) can be overdone, but good work. Very James Brown-ish with the funky beat and the trademark rhythm guitar licks.
Sweany, Patrick – “Every Hour is A Dollar Gone” (Nine Mile Rec.) C
Ohio native trying to revive Grand Funk. I think he might not have much luck recouping those “dollars gone.” Not recommended.
Turner, Jr., Henry – “Louisiana Funk Buffett” (Hit City Rec.) B-
Good dance music; liked the musicianship. I thought the songs were odd. “Ugly man” a self-depreciating tune; “Wet” probably too graphic for air; “Lil Boyfriend” threatening; and some strangely-lyric’d tunes throughout. Still, the music is good. Didn’t quite know what to say about this. We’ve got funk, reggae, and a little politics.
Willie McBlind – “Find My Way Back Home” (Abo) C
Nice guitarist very into using effects and coming up with a “new sound” at it. All overlaid by a vocalist attempting to be a word-less solo instrument herself. Eeek. Kind of a drag for a purist, especially when there are so many good ingredients to this soup – too bad it comes out with a bad flavor. They really do seem a long way from home so far. Not recommended.
Zonica, Robi – “Rebel!” (Indie) B+
Interesting set of tight numbers (more arrangement – sounds like a New York band). Yet Zonica is an Italian who plays both sides of the ocean, and garners support of the Vivino brothers (guitar and horns) to really put this disc over. Smooth singing that covers blues, funk, Latino beats, Rhumba and Rock. Love a band that covers the waterfront. Musicianship very nice with the incredible (Aretha’s drummer) Bernard Purdie on drums to keep it VERY together. From time to time Zonica throws in an acoustic number which for my money sweetens the mix immeasurably. Does a good cover of Lennon’s Instant Karma, which in itself is a pretty good feat. Screws up a good acoustic # with swearing on # 7 (F*ck). Good band. Lovin’ that rhythm section.
posted by Cathi N @ 12:46:00 PM
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