One of the joys of listening to new releases is occasionally hearing talent previously unknown but worthwhile. Such is the case with Al Hood and Dave Hanson, musicians based in Colorado and new to me. Hood plays trumpet and flugelhorn; Hanson is an arranger and composer.

Hood is the major performer on this CD, dominating all tunes except "Here's to Life," whereon he plays muted trumpet backing the singing of Steve Hood. In fact, he is the only soloist, other than Rich Chiaraluce (reeds on three of the twelve tracks) and pianist Hanson.

Hood's most obvious quality is a big sound. Another is the selecting of attractive standards, which include "I Remember Clifford," "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?," "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning," and "If I Loved You," in addition to Lee Morgan's occasionally-played "Ceora." And yet another is the occasional invoking of other trumpeters/cornetists/flugelhornists, such as Chuck Mangione on "It's Only Everything," Wild Bill Davison on "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?," Bobby Hackett on "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning," and Clifford Brown throughout.

Hanson wrote arrangements that generally provide a lush background for Hood's playing. Hanson is, to me, a more accomplished arranger than composer; of his four compositions, "Pastoral Blue" is especially attractive, though I sense that on it Hood plays written notes and does not improvise.

Attractive though much of this music is, I would like to hear Hood in a less constrained context, backed by a good rhythm section and perhaps accompanied by another horn. In such a context I believe his individuality and ideas could be more fully expressed than here.
B. F.    

If you want real, honest Bluegrass, then look no further. Audie cut his teeth in Bluegrass in 1982, at age 19 joined up with Jimmy Martin and the Sunny Mountain Boys where he remained for 9 more years soaking up and learning from one of the true legends of Bluegrass.

On this new album Audie is joined by Redline: Evan Ward, Jason Johnson, Patrick McAvinue and Matt Wallace.

The production on this cd is flawless and flows we.. Destined to debut high on the Cashbox Bluegrass chart this 12 track collection delivers on tradition. Songs include "Two Lonely Hearts", " Send Me Your Address From Heaven" and J.D.'s two favorites " Who'll Sing For Me" and "Mountain Laurel In Bloom"


JDH    

Cello, bass, drums, and two guitars comprise Billet-Deux, a group inspired by the Quintet of the Hot Club of France, which featured Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, with drums replacing the violin of the French group. The two ensembles share strong rhythm and a gypsy feeling, though these qualities are not always present on the current release, as on the one selection composed by Reinhardt, "Anouman," a ballad feature for cello. Aspects of Billet-Deux also remind me of the Turtle Island Quartet and the Kronos Quartet.

Other than the attractiveness of the group's playing, the strength of "Deux" resides in the repertoire, especially the tunes that might be called modern jazz classics. These pieces are Wes Montgomery's "Four on Six," Charles Mingus's "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat," Clifford Brown's "Joy Spring," and Sonny Rollins's "Pent-Up House." Another, Dizzy Gillespie's "Be-Bop," includes what strikes me as one of the most attractive elements of this CD: the group delays the familiar concluding notes in order to play a baroque interlude. This unexpected interjection of classical music into a bebop melody works perfectly because it is logical and because the transitions are seamless.

Two tunes are by members of the group: Troy Chapman's "Sarita" and James Hinkley's "Fishwife Blues." This release also includes the well-known "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise" and "Ordinary Girl." Hinkley sings attractively on "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans" and the humorous "Tu Vuo' fa' ll'americano."


B. F.    

"Remember the Alamo"

Well, well... What is this ??? Oh yeah, it's Carl Verheyen's NEW CD  Trading 8's'... Man, I've been waiting for this CD to arrive in the mail w/ much eagerness... My anticipation has been building for a short while now, and here it is in my hands. My ears have been watering for some time now to hear Mr. Verheyen's tantalizing tones, catchy rhythmic riffs, and tasty licks. And, since radio has forgotten what REAL music is, "this CD is a real treat". As w/ Carl's earlier outings, I know that I will be getting a quality production w/ great music on it every time.

First off, Carl's recording style is just phenomenal. The tones he gets from his Strat are straight off truly amazing. The quality in the recordings are instantly evident w/ it's overall warmness and captured sounds of today and yesterday. Of course creating these off beat, but catchy rhythmic hooks, advante' arrangements, sonic atmospheres must come from years of playing with great Bands and Artists such as; SuperTramp, the BeeGees, John Fogerty, Christina Aguilera, Melissa Manchester, Miley Cyrrus, Leanne Rimes, and Glenn Frey from the Eagles. He has played on the Tonight Show with country music artists Tom Wopat and Shelby Lynn, and recorded a movie soundtrack with Dolly Parton and a few records with Cher. I think that qualifies him for the word "quality".

I have been listening to the CD for several weeks now and I'm still enjoying it more and more w/ each listen. My best friend / childhood cousin came to town last week for a few days of stay here in the Music Capital of the World Austin Texas for some business. Being from New York, he wanted to go down to San Antonio to see the infamous Alamo and to check out S.A.'s well-known Riverwalk. So we chose a beautiful early evening to drive down to San Antonio from Austin (90 minutes max). The mid-spring weather was just perfect. My wife, cousin and I found ourselves crusin' down Texas Highway IH-35 south listening to this wonderfully arranged CD  Trading 8's. This CD is definitely perfect for short road trips. Carl's music opens up like a highway to musical bliss. And yes, the music hits you in a different fashion when crusin' 75 mph down the highway on pristine late afternoon watching the country side rollin' by while spring flowers bloom along the highway's edge, and all the while the bright red-sun gets bigger as it makes it slow descent into the Tejas hill country.

There are several songs on this fine compilation that are very reflective and others that are just fun like Carl's version of the Beatles  Tax Man'. If you are into folks like Tom Scott, Larry Carlton, Little River Band, Little Feat, Steely Dan, Acoustic Alchemy, Brad Paisley, and Eric Johnson, then Carl Verheyen is your man for your next musical adventure.

As you read this review, you will notice that I will not sit here and breakdown each song like a ball game because this CD isn't for breakin' down or to be analyzed like that or in that fashion. This CD is being reviewed as a passive listener. This Album is just for pure listening and losing yourself in the muse ! Just fa-getta-bout-it, listen and drive.

However, you will find pop, rock, blues, fusionistic and jazzy compositions with flawless guitar playing of course. The guests on this album are each impeccable musicians in their own right. Let's see... You have guest guitar solos by Joe Bonamassa, Steve Morse, Robben Ford, Albert Lee, Rick Vito, and Scott Henderson. Now c'mon, how can you go wrong w/ this line up ?

On the well thought out CD cover you have Carl sitting on a wooded stool playing his guitar. And in the foreground, you have another stool with a gold top Gibson Les Paul laying across it by itself with no player. Almost as if Carl Verheyen was inviting you to pick up the guitar and "Cut Some Heads" with him as they say in the blues business. As the Cd suggests: Trading 8's - The art of alternating or trading eight bar phrases "TRADING 8's" with another soloist while improvising. And once again, the Album design is inviting and warm too.

My highlights on this CD are "Taxman", On our way, Higher Ground, New Year's Day and Country Girl. I'm a sucker for pop songs and blues. However, I really dig all the tunes and my flavors change each time I listen to it. That's just kind of how this album has grown on me. To round everything out, The results are an exciting, high energy blend of styles and tones complimented by the unique rhythm section of Dave Marotta and Walfredo Reyes, Jr.

If you are a guitar aficionado or just love to listen to new and electrifying music that puts chills up your spine and into the back of your mind, then this album is for you !!!

I give this CD 5 Starz across the board and recommend it for mass consumption !!!

CD Review - Carl Verheyen's - Trading 8's by Scott Thomas

Featuring guest guitar solos by Joe Bonamassa, Steve Morse, Robben Ford, Albert Lee, Rick Vito, and Scott Henderson. On keys we have Jim Cox and then the CVBand is Carl Verheyen - Guitar: Vocals - Dave Marrotta: Bass - Walfredo Reyes, JR. - Drums:

Song List:

10. Eastern Steppes


Scott Thomas    

What the hell! Our Cashbox staffers normally put new reviews in while they work .

But everyone stopped to listen to this one.This my friends is one of a kind absolute winner. Carvelli, an Italian-Canadian Rapper/Hip Hop artist releases this EP on June 9th, titled "the Movement" Carvelli has already Established himself through MTV and sales of over 200,000 with the 2006 release of Hooah Hooah. The Movement integrates Italian and Hip Hop with strummed Mandolin, violin and Euro-Dance style synths with bangin' hip hop beats and his own clever rhymes ("A little PavorottiBy the Fireplace") is just an example. This CD is well produced and no doubt will garner a lotOf sales and airplay.
¤TõpÐäwg¤    

Arbors released many excellent recordings by Ruby Braff, some with the cornetist accompanied only by a pianist, Dick Hyman or Ellis Larkins. Without knowing the identities of the musicians playing on "Doin' the Voom Voom," one might think they are Braff and one of the pianists, especially Hyman, even though Heitger plays trumpet. Heitger favors the middle register, as did Braff; he occasionally begins a phrase with a heavily-accented note and sometimes ends phrases with runs of descending notes, both Braff characteristics. Lhotzky accompanies Heitger sensitively, as Hyman and Larkins supported Braff. The duo plays old tunes, which Braff favored.

Heitger and Lhotzky create attractive music. Technically adept, they possess genuine feeling for material composed decades before they were born. Intentionally or not, they honor early versions of these tunes by playing the compositions in, on average, three-and-a-half minutes, the maximum time possible on ten-inch recordings during the era of 78-r.p.m. technology. They interpret three pieces each by Duke Ellington and George Gershwin, and two by James P. Johnson. They perform such standards as "The Very Thought of You" and "Embraceable You," as well as appealing but fairly obscure selections, such as Toots Mondello's "Shades of Jade," which dates from the late 1930s. The last tune on the CD surprises: Sir Edward Elgar's "Salut d'Amour," which Heitger and Lhotzky play fairly straight, without much jazz inflection.


B. F.    

Eliza Neals CD Review

I got home from work the other day and noticed a package on the kitchen counter addressed to me from Eliza Neal’s, and reading that, instantly drew a big smile on my face. I have done work with Eliza back a couple of years ago on another CD she put out called “Liquorfoot”, so I knew I had a winner in my hands.

I felt the bubble envelope and knew it had to be a CD. I open the package and out comes Eliza’s New CD “No Frogs for Snakes”… The CD cover has an eye-catching colorful photograph of Eliza looking slightly back over her shoulder. Her sultry, beautiful look has much, much more to say as you listen closely to each song on the album. Maybe that’s why she has one eye hidden behind a strand of her hair that falls lightly at an angle across her pretty face… There’s definitely mystery there. The rest of the CD, such as the back cover, has another shot of Eliza with her songs listed and yes the black leather jacket with her light colored reddish-blond hair looks nice on her too. This shows her rock side… The focused and unfocused settings in the photographs looks like they are taken near bridges, highways, and railroad tracks. Maybe these are the roads into Detroit as her website homepage suggests.

ELIZA NEALS is "the bluesy grit of Janis Joplin with the fresh new soul of Alicia Keys." "No Frogs for Snakes," the new self released album, exposes Eliza's talents for uniquely written piano ballads with soulful catchy hooks. Armed with ten new songs, four of which are co-written by Barrett Strong, this album is highly anticipated. Eliza has enlisted many of her favorite Detroit musicians to perform on "No Frogs for Snakes," which will be internationally released on iTunes and CD-Baby in June 2007.

“liquorfoot" was released in 2005, Eliza worked with Legendary Motown songwriter Barrett Strong ("Heard it Through The Grapevine") and Louis Resto (Academy Award winning producer for Eminem) to develop a sometimes sweet, yet gritty Rock-n-Soul sound. It rocked its way into the Village Voice's top twelve album picks and was Nominated for a Detroit Music Award in 2006 and 2007. "liquorfoot" has generated a great deal of press see it all at www.elizaneals.com

So… I open the CD and popped it into my favorite player and from the first song to the last I was in Soul-Ville Heaven. This album has some real catchy radio friendly tunes. However, it’s the deep soulful compositions that really grab you. Eliza is one soulful lady.

Eliza Neals CD Review – “no frogs for snakes” by Scott Thomas

Scott Thomas Editor / Guitarz Forever.com

No Frogs for Snakes Track Listings:

10. forgetton town


Scott Thomas    

This is George Jacobs first solo album. George has toured in the past with Tina TurnerJourney, Styx and Chick Corea to name a few but this solo CD where he teams up withThe Rippingtons and Eric Marienthal on Sax is a true masterpiece.

This is Grammy material, a smooth Jazz/Soft Rock and a Gospel album all rolled up in one.

It is absolute perfection. Under the Influence is a testament of the influence Jesus Christ has in the everyday life of George Jacobs.This album is one if not the best to come out in this genre of music in 2009. Songs include "Chasing the Dawn", "Praise" and "Living Water". 13 incredible beautiful tracks.
¤TõpÐäwg¤    

Well, here I am again at the pleasurable task of bringing you another informative CD review. I was on MySpace and I came across this band called Souls Of We and I noticed it was legendary Guitarist George Lynch's new band. So I ordered it and waited patiently. I just got the CD in the mail and I'm feverishly tearing at the plastic seal trying to get the autographed album free from its tight packaging. I had listened to the short clips on MySpace which only gives you a small taste... Not even enough to wet your whistle. I wanted more and now I have it!!

The collective foursome known as Souls Of We marks a new beginning for veteran guitarist George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) and Charismatic frontman London Legrand (Brides Of Destruction). Rounding out the line-up is powerhouse drummer Yael (Tom Morello, Alex Skolnick) and bassist Johny Chow (Systematic, Fireball Ministry). "Souls Of We is a dream band where I got to pick and choose players not because one is more famous than the other, but because I really respect and want to play with these people", states Lynch.

Once again, I pop a new CD to review into my favorite player and out comes the beautiful sounds of an acoustic guitar being lightly played, and at the same time setting you up for a warm melody line backed by the rest of this killer band. Oh Yeah! I'm really grooving on this first song "Everything I Want" ... organic indeed. London Legrand has got a unique rock voice and it's very enjoyable to listen too. His understands how to animate his vocals for the song with reflective lyrics and great singing dynamics. The chorus line is very catchy with great guitar hooks and flashy guitar soloing from the true master "Mr. Scary" himself. The music sounds tight, fresh and right at home with my aural senses on the first listen. This opening tune has great potential for a summer '08 chart topping hit on rock radio. If this first song is a hint of what's to come... I'm in business.

Lynch and Legrand originally started crafting the cleverly written songs that would ultimately make up "Let The Truth Be Known" four years ago. However, the project was temporarily put on hold for a couple of years while Mr. Lynch worked on various projects and Legrand joined Brides Of Destruction, the band featuring Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue and Traci Gunns from LA Guns. After the Brides split, Legrand and Lynch rekindled their partnership and
ûnished work on their most ambitious project yet. "Let The Truth Be Known" was self produced in various studios around LA and mixed by Mudrock (Avenged Sevenfold, Godsmack).

As I listened to the rest of the Album, I couldn't help but think that this band doesn't really sound like any other band out there I can think of... It sounds like furious George has found his true calling. Lynch goes on to say, "We were just doing demos and making the music that we wanted to make. There was no one looking over our shoulders and no deadlines."

This crew's explosive debut effort, "Let The Truth Be Known" is a modern rock album that can't be put to any time or genre. From nasty fueled rockers ("Push It", "Come and Go") to songs about bad decisions, deceit, and drug addiction ("January"), these guys are keeping the flame alive for new and exciting rock n roll music. My favorite song on this eclectic mix of music is the spine tingling rocker Ghandi's Got A Gun. There is not a weak song on this project. As always it is great to hear George's great guitar tones with new ideas.

I Highly Recommend this CD for Mass Consumption.


Scott Thomas    

I was sittin' at home one nite working on my computer doing promotions and marketing for my roster of recording artists when all of a sudden I see this little  Outlook' Alert pop-up on the lower right corner of my computer screen and I noticed it was a message from Shrapnel Records Owner Mike Varney. NO KIDDIN' RIGHT ? Oh boy !!! So I clicked on the alert notice and up pops Mr. Varney's email asking me if I would like to review a copy of Great White's New CD " Rising" ... Of course I said " YES!!!" Just to be asked by an Icon like Mike Varney is a one in a life time chance and is a real honor ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Varney )... Anyway, I instantly emailed him back and gave him my address on where he could send the new album.

To be quite honest, I know who Great White is and just off of the top of my head, I knew they were really huge in the late 80's early 90's. However, I have only heard a few of their hit songs on the radio and MTV and I definitely Rocked to their Muse back in the day on Head-Banger's Ball. On the other hand, I was going thru a phase at that time listening to more Austinite Artists and Bands like Eric Johnson, The Arc Angels, Ian Moore, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Cats like that. I think it was because AOR Rock was waning heavily in the early 90's and Grunge was coming in at it's own at the time. So I kinda turned to more traditional blues based rock bands. I remember thinking that I did enjoy Great Whites' root sound with rock, blues and strong melodic elements. Anyway, I waited for a few days and Mike's package came to me right on time.Once the package was open and CD in hand, I studied the bright looking art work on the cover and was instantly drawn in by the animated Great White Shark on the cover. I'm an ol' sailor so the CD's inside and outside panels caught my eye w/ references of being aboard a small fishing boat. Yeah ! Like the small boat in JAWS.. OH NO-o-o-ooo !!!

Great White is an American hard rock band, formed in Los Angeles in 1978. The band gained popularity during the 1980s and early 1990s. The band released several albums in the late 1980s and gained airplay on MTV with music videos for songs like "Once Bitten, Twice Shy". The band reached their peak popularity with the album ...Twice Shy in 1989, but their success soon declined.

The band continued to release new material into the 1990s, although none of their material charted in the United States. In 2003, the band made headlines when The Station Nightclub fire led to the deaths of 100 people in West Warwick, Rhode Island, including the band's guitarist Ty Longley, who had been a member of the band for three years. Great White made a comeback in 2007 with the release of a new album and an accompanying tour.

And now here we are .... So I put the NEW Great White CD "Rising" into my favorite music player and the first tune on the track starts out with some cool call and response type blues phrasing and then the song  Situation' instantly kicks in and starts to pick up speed, and from there the train doesn't stop until the closing song  My Sanctuary' . The music on this CD isn't your average over the top AOR Rock... The songs are not as edgy as their earlier outings. I mean these Kats can still rock but I hear a more experienced character (soul) within the lyrics and arrangements. The chaps really stick to their roots rock, blues sounding melodic style. And once again, the arrangements in the overall mix are reminiscent of ol' skool late 70's to mid / late 80's swagger rock but with today's engineering feats. I hear allot of my favorite bands in Great White's new outing too. I can go from early Toto, Foreigner, Rush, Bon-Jovi, and then on to the craziness of Poison, and then sliding a little this way and that way into the .38 Special southern rock vein to be over flown by a small dose of the Eagles. I think that should explain it ! LOL !!! I guess that's like saying, " The angle of the dangle equals the mass of the Music." Huh ??? I guess that sums it up...I have listened to this CD several times and the tunes seem to grow on ya more after each listen. You can tell my age is showing on this CD because I look forward to listening to the easier more soulful tunes. Big Great White fans may find this album lack luster and missing the raunchy / sleazey sounds of yester-year. The standout tracks on this album  Rising' are "I Don't Mind" , "Shine" , "Danger Zone" and the clincher "My Sanctuary". If you like guitar oriented ROCK with great tones and awesome vocals then you will like the sounds captured on this new outing...

track listing:

12. Let's Spend The Night Together (European bonus track)

GREAT WHITE is:

Jack Russell - vocals
Michael Lardie - guitars, keyboards
Mark Kendall - guitars
Scott Snyder - bass
Audie Desbrow - drums

Production:
Produced by Michael Lardie.


Scott Thomas    

James Monroe comes by his passion for bluegrass music quite naturally. He was born into the "Royal Family," of bluegrass as the only son of the "Father of Bluegrass," Bill Monroe. His bloodline is of thoroughbred descent and he continues to carry the torch of bluegrass music with the first name in bluegrass, "Monroe."

James is a gifted songwriter as you will hear on his new CD, "Thirty Years of Recordings," which I have the honor of reviewing. From the first cut of this CD to the very last note of the last song, you will hear why James Monroe keeps the Monroe name as strong as ever in bluegrass music. James has filled his new CD with 14 great songs, including his own, a special song, Keeipin' It In The Family," written by his close friends Tom T. & Dixie Hall. Monroe shows off his great writing with his great gospel song "I Praise The Lord." This CD is loaded with bluegrass the James Monroe Way.

His Dad would be very proud of James for the way he has made his own way with his great songwriting and his own style of singing, and if you listen close, you will the Bill Monroe influence all through this CD.

James Monroe rides his own star now, and he is riding it as strong as ever as he carries on the history and tradition of the Monroe name, with his love of bluegrass music. He plays a great part in his success in the recording industry as he continues to write great songs, and you will hear James at his best on this great CD. He carries the name Monroe to greater heights, but this time it is James Monroe who is singing the praises of bluegrass music and it is Bill Monroe who is listening to his son perform his own music, much to the delight of all bluegrass fans. This CD proves that James Monroe is one of the strong influences in Bluegrass Music as his Father was.


D.R.M.    

Ole J.D. Said to me, He (Cashbox staff writer and a really cool "Kat" in fact Heathcliff comes to mind LOL GRRRR) just can't cut these retirement comebacks CD's. I somewhat agree. Maybe it's a psychological Thing or I just want to remember the best of what once was. Jeff is the second former member of the mega group Alabama to release a solo CD following Randy Owen. Jeff, I have to give you credit for hiring great musicians and a job well done. Tracks like the Beatles "I Feel Fine" and Bob Dylans "Knockin' On Heavens Door" is adding any life to this CD. Jeff, I know your hearts in the right place
¤TõpÐäwg¤    

Already climbing high on the Cashbox Rockygrass chart, Jenette Williams new cd is a masterpiece of 14 tracks of fine musicianship. Her vocals are crisp and clear and the cd flows well. The distiction however is in the choice of songs. Argubly some have chastised Cashbox for placing this in Rockygrass and others say Cashbox got it right on this one.

I just can't call this Bluegrass with songs like the 1953 Betty Jack and Skeeter Davis classic "I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know". Being a good friend of Skeeter's, she would have been proud of you, but the kicker is trying to do a cover of the Gloria Gaynor classic " I Will Survive". Some songs just don't need to be tickered with. Other tracks include "Bad Money", "Dreamer" and "Thats The Bottom Line" Four Stars


JDH    

Pop vocalist Jerad Finck delivers an album superbly produced by Grammy winner John Seymore(U2, Dave Matthews Band and Santana). Mastered at the Abbey Road Studio in London, this Spokane, Washington pop sensation delivers this 12 track collection of songs like a seasoned pro, songs like the uptempo PopRock "Goodbye" is by far the best track on this cd. Jerad delivers a clean crisp vocal to the riveting sounds on this track. The next best track in my opinion is " Carry the Weight". Also it was really "cool" to hear another generation tackle a Beatle song "Paperback Writer" which Jerad sings with justice.

Jerad deserves to be heard and I hope radio gives this young man a chance. This is J.D.'s opinion. I have heard at least 3 others in the past nine months, Pop singers, that radio won't give a chance to and " handlers" who think they can deliver but can't and its a real shame to see good talent go to waste. Young singers, some good advise, don't sign any contract with anyone that promises pie in the sky and seek and you will find. Someone will believe in you that will not require you to sign your life away and spend your life savings trying.


JDH    

New Bluegrass Band featuring Angie Young, Adam McIntosh, John McIntosh and Pearl Bradley. Guest appereances on this cd are Tim Kidd and Evan McGregor.

Ole J.D. thought he had gone to Bluegrass Heaven with this debut cd. This is a fantastic cd folks and these young folks know exactly what they're doing. The harmonies are so polished and the songs, well all the picks on this 12 track collection are winners and some from great songwriter/artist like Rodney Crowells "A Song For Life", Jimmy Skinners "You Don't Know My Mind" and Lester Flatts "Why Don't You Tell Me". However J.D.'S favorites are the haugting harmonies and accapella song "The Prayer" and "When God Dips His Pen Of Love In My Heart". Also do I get a hint of the Elvis Classic in the Ghetto on I'll Be Back?

Jetts Creek you have a bright future. Already # 13 on the Cashbox Bluegrass chart with a bullet and here with a five star review.


JDH    

Here comes Jim Watson back again after his big gospel album. This time with a strong message song "All American American" which pays tribute to all the many who have given so much for our country. That dynamic writing duo, Austin and Wilson has penned three other works for Jim including "Drop My Heart" which is sure to be a listening favorite and a good song to have a beer to. "Dawson's Field" is one of the favorites as it has a story line reminiscent of those early days of youth. "Play some Country Music" is a real kicker of a country song with strong instrumentation. There is a good variety in this eleven song album from patriotic from the title song taking you through country ballads, up tempo, and a couple of great gospel songs. This is a very well rounded piece of work and with air play should be a winner for Jim Watson.
JB    

JP Cervoni "Blues and Beyond" Debut CD Review

Blues and Beyond Artist - JP Cervoni understands the meaning playing for the song. His moniker says it all... JP takes blues guitar playing to an all new level with his wide ranging styles of writing and his comfortable approach to all. This CD blankets the wide spectrum of the blues... From down home blues to Motown; from instrumental rock guitar, on to smooth jazz and a few contemporary soundz ta boot. JP has got it all and doesn't hesitate to pull out all the stops on this all-star cast blues-rock album. And, talk about class... You should see the other high profile artist he has playing on it. It's like a celebrity showcase of awesome musician's... Folks like; Buddy Miles, Simon Phillips,Tony Brock, Carl Verheyen, Scott Henderson, Michael Thompson, Vinnie Colaiuta... I mean, imagine just getting to rub elbows with those exciting, high-profile musician should tell you what kind of album you are in for and the caliber of musicianship JP Cervoni brings to the table/stage.

I actually met JP Cervoni at a NAMM after dinner get together courtesy of another great fusion guitarist Prashant Aswani. So as things happened, JP and I swapped info and then I didn't hear from him in awhile. Nevertheless, several months past and JP reached out to me to tell me he had his Debut CD coming out and was wondering if I would be so kind as to give it a review. Of course we chatted and he told me who musicians were on the CD and things of that nature. As he was telling me the cast players, my heart started skipping beats. I wasn't so sure I was up to the task to write a review w/ all involved... However, I gave JP my address and within a few days I had his CD jammin' in my favorite music player. I remember thinking right away with his first tune that JP's tone and Texas style blues playing was right up there with my Texas guitar heroes. Now he has my ATTENTION !!!

Julie Richardson is country music's newest star shining brighter than any. As I listened to "Defining Moments" I was captivated by finally hearing this new voice which Nashville needs to listen to and wave their magic wand to make Julie their next superstar.

Her CD expresses all the moods of love, from her opening track, "Crying Kind Of Man," about the kind of man she does not want and the kind she is looking for. As she takes you along her getaway song "Open Road," you can feel the urge to jump in the car with her, and let the wind blow through your hair and ride along forgetting all your cares. Then she really hits her grand slam home run with the super ballad "How Do I Break It To My Heart," telling the story of a love that has gone bad. Her mind knows it's over, but she can't seem to get it through to her heart. Then she admits that a "Little Bit of Love" will ease the pain of a lost love. Next she tells the truth that she will never get over her last love, "Will I Ever Get Over You." I must admit that I fell in love with the track that really sets in motion that she is the boss and lets her man know "That's Enough Of That," and that she will only take so much before she puts her foot down-super performance. Makes you believe she means what she says. But then she touches your heart and mind with "I'm Not Going Anywhere," as she finally finds the true love of her life, and wants him to know that no matter what happens in their life's, he will always know she will be there for him.

This CD is one of the best I have heard in a long time. Julie's voice makes each song a personal message to you. The vocals and harmony are awesome and her selection of material is a Grand Slam Home Run in country music. She brings a new excitement to music with her love of music and her desire to make her music a part of your life as you enjoy her awesome voice and this super CD of JULIE RICHARDSON.

Julie Richardson Website: http://JulieRichardsonMusic.com


D.R.M.    

Larry Donn's title song, "Angel" has a lot of the early Elvis sound, and places him in the country and country rock market.The album just gets hotter as it goes along,with "Burning in my Heart" being a real rocker. Larry takes you down that road right through those thrilling days of yesteryear with, "1957 Blue Suede Blues", Billy Look what you've Done",(Relating to Billy Lee Riley), to "Great American Superstar" and "Rock Me".

Larry Donn is one of the legendary Rockabilly artists and travels the world doing Rockabilly Music shows. This CD has a lot of fire in it and one to really be enjoyed.

BILLY LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE Larry Donn Gillihan
Larry Donn
larrydonngillihan@hotmail.com

JB    

Metallica – "Death Magnetic" CD Review – by Scott Thomas
Whoever said Metallica's lost its mettle (no pun intended)! The monsters of rock have risen again to give us a spectacular 10 track album titled "Death Magnetic" released by Warner Bros Records.

Back in the day when I was working on this construction site in the gosh-awful Tejas summer heat (yeah! I know... Sorry 'bout my bad luck), I met this guy who looked exactly like the stoner dude Jeff Spicoli from the highly acclaimed movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High starring new comer / actor Sean Penn. The movie was a big success back in the early 80's and is now a classic on regular TV. In any case, my new acquaintance was what you would call a real "skater" dude all the way.... With his long golden mop top, dark tan and big nose too, he asked me if I could give him a ride to da CRIB since his car was in the shop and I said "sure". I remember Spicoli telling me he didn't like riding the bus home with a 12 pack of cold beer and his skateboard in hand. LOL!!! While we were there at his house enjoying a tall cool one, he asked if I had heard of this thrash metal band "Metallica". I was listening to bands like the Scorpions, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Accept, and metal bands of that nature at the time. So, I'm sitting there in this dark, skunky-smoke filled room reeling from what I was listening too. I had never heard anybody play pentatonic lead based guitar scales as fast as Kirk Hammett before. Kirk's playing on this album is superb.. The guy really knows how to play for the song. And I was floored by Lars' awesome bigger than life drumming. At the time, I was mesmerized by those intricate riffs and mind boggling precision picking techniques. I hadn't heard picking like that except from guys like guitarist Angus oung.

Now comes an album that reaches back to its roots again. The crew has taken their book (Metallica 101) of stock intros, riffs, solos, and drumming back to chapter one. This album is Metallica becoming Metallica again — specifically, the epic, speed-obsessed version from the band's template-setting trilogy of mid-Eighties albums: Master of Puppets, Ride the Lightning and, especially, the progged-out ...And Justice for All.

By the time the first song ("That Was Just Your Life,") is done, you will get a good idea where this CD is going musically. Ulrich's quadruple, double-pumpin-bass drum, and snare thrashing, keeps perfect time to Hetfield's revved-up Harley-Davidson sounding riffing. There are innuendos sprinkled in everywhere that conjur up images of their past conquest.

Death Magnetic marks the group's split with producer Bob Rock. New producer Rick Rubin (Slayer, System of a Down, U2…) pushes Metallica in the opposite direction: Half of Death Magnetic's tracks are over seven minutes long. Bringing back their ol' arrangements and song structures come as a time when folks are reaching back to the past with interactive games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Whatever the reason, this had to happen sooner or later as the trashed out quartet can't stray away from their roots for too long.

St. Anger was an attempt by the band to write, arrange and sound new like Tool and SOAD and to feel "raw" — but Death Magnetic manages to sound huge, polished and tough. The musicianship sounds live and well rehearsed. I wish I could have heard more of their new bassist Robert Trujillo and his guitar playing prowess. It just seems he is a little to far back in the mix for me. For some reason the fellas keep him at a distant rumble. However, he must be happy to be playing with the real Metallica.

Hetfield's lyrical content fits perfect to each song and he has grown so much over the years as a vocalist. He really has it down w/getting his vocals recorded perfectly to show his true timbre. He seems to be once again reaching out to the dark corners of his youth

As for the tracks, the album also features an instrumental track "Suicide & Redemption" clocking in at nearly 10 minutes, the first since their significant 1988 …And Justice for All album. Apart from Unforgiven III tracks like "The End of the Line" and "Cyanide" showcases spectacular riffs and bridges. Remaining tracks like "The Judas Kiss" and "All Nightmare Long" easily commands repeated listening along with the half ballad half trash "The Day that Never Comes". The last track "My Apocalypse" takes you back to their Master of Puppets days with its pounding riffs and drumming.

Parting Shot Across The Bow: Blackened and Battery Riffs reminiscent of Master. Metallica have gotten their act together and vowed once again to Kill 'Em All I give this "tallica" album "4" STARZ

TRACK LISTINGS
1. "That Was Just Your Life"
2. "The End of the Line"
3. "Broken, Beat & Scarred"
4. "The Day That Never Comes"
5. "All Nightmare Long"
6. "Cyanide"
7. "The Unforgiven III"
8. "The Judas Kiss"
9. "Suicide & Redemption"
10. "My Apocalypse"

My main Station: www.guitarz-for-ever.com

Scott Thomas    

Mike Westhues has been around for over 30 years, plugging away at his brand of Country Music. Mike began his career in 1970 playing coffee houses from his native Indiana, across the South and up the East Coast. In 1971 he boarded a plane to Helsinki, Finland where he fell in love with the Helsinki Music Scene. He carved a niche for himself in the Scandanavian Countries and this new cd arrived for review from Helsinki, Finland.

The new cd comprises many elements of country music, from traditional, honky tonk, folk and country blues. Songs include "Fools Like Us", "47 Ford". "Scrambled Red Eyes" and J.D.'s favorite "Arkansas Line"

For those desiring the finer, different sounds in music. Four and a half stars

.
JDH    

Summer 2008 is looking up for me already - I just got the new Panic Cell CD What Doesn't Kill Us, and let me tell you something; this album is going to be playing in my iPod for a while. I'll definitely be turning on my metal-head friends to this juggernaut while down at the Texas coast this summer. It's as if I want to carry my new band around with me like they are my own personal party friends, and I want to let everyone know about 'em. You know, wear your favorite band like a badge of honor.

I have never heard of this band before a month ago. I've listen to this CD about four times in two days and that's all I'm listening to right now. The music seems to get deeper and deeper after every listen. If you're a fan of Metallica, Megadeth, Mudvayne, and a Kerrang reading sledge head, then not having this album in your collection would simply be a crying shame.

There is no doubt that this band is going to higher places. They've been together since 2004 when debut their debut album Bitter Part of Me was released on Casket Records. They've toured with Bands like Disturbed, Children of Bodem, Primal Fear, Breed 77, Life of Agony, Drowning Pool, and have been featured in all the major music metal / guitar magazines in the UK and Europe like Rock Sound Mag, Guitarist Magazine, and many more. I wish I had a sponsorship with Jagermeister TOO.

As for the powerful new songs you ask? I can tell you this much, there is really no pigeon holing these UK mates. With award-winning producers, new management/booking, a new label, the energy level and eagerness of this band to break through to the US Market is definitely evident while listening to these new songs. Awesome tunes like 'Stare Into Oblivion', 'Calm', and 'Dead to Me' really illustrates Panic Cell's hammering and riff-pounding writing style. Songs 'Human Tarmac', 'Fallen', and 'Hillbilly' are more in the hard rock vein. At the same time, 'Force Down', 'Bleed To This' and 'Walk Away' show a very melodic side of the band while still keeping to their hard-hitting roots. And last but not least for sure, 'Soul Purge'... Now this song is the most orchestrated on the album. Every Metal album has to have their rock ballad, and I guess this would be it. Kind of like a "Luv Hurts" type song from the ol' school metal band Nazareth This CD has got it all. Such as: great vocals, awesome guitar playing, phenomenal percussions, and lets not forget the pictorial and lyrical themes. The guitar players are definitely top-notch musicians who will serve up a slew of assaults on your aural senses. Besides, endorsees of ESP Guitars may give you a hint of their guitar proficiency. Their guitar amp tones, courtesy of Peavey and Framus are fat and crunchy. My Favorite Songs on the album would have to be ''Fallen" & 'Stare Into Oblivion'. However, all the songs are tight, percussive, and last but not least "Entertaining!" One thing that makes these guys stand out is that they take the Classic Rock Sound and combine it with tomorrows Nu-Jump Metal Antics.

Panic Cell are: Luke Bell (Vocals), Kelly Downes (Guitar/Backing Vocals), Harj Virdee (Guitar/Screamz), Bobby Town (Bass), Rob Hicks (Drums)


Scott Thomas    

Patty Waters recorded two albums for ESP in the mid 1960s but then was unheard from until 1996, other than appearing on a Marzette Watts album in 1969. Her absence from recording is lamentable because she has her own style, one that is immediately recognizable. She is anything but slick; she does not have what is generally considered a great or even good voice. Her intonation frequently falters. She sings melancholy ballads (her originals) at a volume slightly above a whisper as she accompanies herself on piano, though her playing consists mainly of chords and a few fills during frequent pauses in her singing. These performances, seven in number, total only thirteen minutes. They do not prepare the listener for the eighth song, which is as long as the other selections combined.

Backed by Burton Greene, Steve Tintweiss, and Tom Prince, Waters sings "Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair" in a manner that will shock anyone expecting more singing in the mode of the initial seven tunes; it might even make them uncomfortable. This performance is the antithesis of Waters's cool, laid-back interpretations of her originals. After singing the melody in a manner similar to that of the other songs, Waters repeats the word "black" fourteen times within a minute. Then, for almost a minute, she screams, as though she is being attacked or in great pain, or both. Following this, she quietly repeats the word approximately twenty times before shouting it, seemingly in anguish, about twenty-five times. After saying it three times in a whispered voice, she returns to screaming the word almost thirty times before concluding the song by saying it quietly several times.

This is not a recording for listeners who require melodicism, conventional singing, and so forth. This is as avant-garde a vocal performance as one is likely to hear. If "Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair" is so unconventional, why did Waters elect to perform it in this manner? I do not know her reasons, though I can guess at some. She recorded it in December 1965, a momentous year: not only did the United States become involved militarily in Vietnam and protests (including draft-card burning) commenced, but racial issues gained prominence with the assassination of Malcolm X, marches led in Selma by Martin Luther King, Jr., and problems in Montgomery, Alabama. Given these and other realities, Waters probably intended the repeated "black"s to direct attention to blacks' problems, with the screams possibly suggesting blacks' pain. She might also have wished to have this performance reflect the general tumultuousness of the times; if so, she succeeded. Her treatment of this song illustrates if illustration be needed that art can express political views forcefully and meaningfully.

The music on this CD lasts for less than thirty minutes, though it is well worth buying for the reasons I've indicated. I wish, though, that ESP had included the music from Waters's second album, College Tour (1966), which this CD could have accommodated.


B. F.    

Anyone familiar with Red Holloway’s music will know what to expect from Go Red Go!: the blues. There is little particularly new about the music from this 2008 session by the octogenarian alto and tenor saxophonist, and this statement includes the instrumentation of saxophone, Hammond B3 organ, two guitars, and drums. Some of the selections, though, are possibly unexpected. “Love Walked In,” “Deep Purple,” “Stardust,” and “Wave” are standards that are seldom interpreted with a strong blues feeling, as they are, attractively, on this release. In fact, “Deep Purple” and “Wave” are the lengthiest performances, with “Stardust” the third longest.

Holloway and his sidemen—Chris Foreman, Henry Johnson, George Freeman, and Greg Rockingham--play blues by Arnett Cobb, Roosevelt Sykes, and Holloway, as well as two jazz classics, Sonny Rollins’s “St. Thomas” and Milt Jackson’s “Bags’ Groove.” To me, these last two are the most memorable performances: the first is a rollicking calypso; the second, a gritty blues.

Recordings of a saxophonist and organist playing the blues in a combo were common in the 1950s and 1960s: Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis and Bill Doggett, Lou Donaldson and Jimmy Smith, Stanley Turrentine and Shirley Scott, Houston Person and Sonny Phillips, Rusty Bryant and Richard “Groove” Holmes, Booker Ervin and Don Patterson, and George Coleman and Charles Earland, for example. Red Holloway and Chris Foreman are in this tradition of playing mostly the blues with great feeling. They play music of the heart, of the soul.


B. F.    

Best known for his years with the Sun Ra Arkestra in the 1950s and 1960s, bassist Ronnie Boykins led one recording session--for ESP in 1975--which has just been reissued on CD. The influence of the Arkestra on Boykin's music is obvious: it is characterized by dense texture, strong rhythm, repeated phrases, and sometimes unconventional solos. All of these qualities are present on the title tune, which features saxophonists Monty Waters, James Vass, and Joe Ferguson, as well as trombonist Daoud Haroom and the leader. They are also obvious on "Demon's Dance," which is the tune on this release most similar in composition and performance to some of Sun Ra's creations. Occasionally, though, the septet plays somewhat traditionally, as on "Starlight at the Wonder Inn," which features Boykins's arco playing and is melodically reminiscent of Duke Ellington's "Prelude to a Kiss."

Boykins composed the six selections on this recording, most of which appeal for one reason or another. As best as I can determine, though, they have been recorded only once. I believe that some adventuresome musicians, when hearing this music, would find it attractive and challenging, perhaps to the degree that they would play it and conceivably add a piece to their repertoires. Boykins was a composer of some talent.

Because of extraneous, minor noise especially on the first and last tunes, I assume this music was transferred from a vinyl album, though the sound quality is generally good. "Tipping on Heels" stops abruptly, keeping the concluding note from fading naturally into silence.


B. F.    

Tin Drums third release is a smooth Pop Rock journey of 11 inspirational and Emotional pop tunes. This CD flows well and is a refreshing breath of fresh air in An overly produced and commercialized popular music.

Featuring Burleigh Drummond, founding drummer of Ambrosia, the band that. Contributed significantly to the pop sound of the 70's and 80's and Mary Harris, Keyboardist and vocalist who's experience with Jimmy Buffett and Pink Floyd. Add to this well seasoned and great CD.

Incorporated family members send a message of unconditional love and involve Ment on this CD. Includes "Heaven", "Memory"," Beat of Your Heart", 11 tracks In all.
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The age of significant independent jazz record companies is long in the past. Blue Note, Prestige, Riverside, and other companies that recorded often sublime music on a shoestring are now part of conglomerates, their individuality mostly gone. A major holdout from corporate takeover is Delmark, a company run by Robert G. Koester in Chicago. To commemorate its fifty-fifth year in business, it has released 55 Years of Jazz, a sampler of its music.

Delmark has a large and varied body of music from which to sample, with impressive recordings of dixieland, avant garde, mainstream, and more. All are represented on this new release. The selections range chronologically from Coleman Hawkins's "Bu-De-Daht" (1944) to the Deep Blue Organ Trio's "Goin' to Town" (2005). They range in style from George Lewis's "Doctor Jazz" and Art Hodes's "Panama Rag" to Sun Ra's "Brainville" and King Curtis's "Dynamite at Midnight" to Curtis Fuller's "Equinox" and Malachi Thompson's "Black Metropolis." As one would expect from a sampler, the music is uniformly engaging. My own favorite among the selections is Kalaparush Maurice McIntyre's "In My Morning Song," played unaccompanied on tenor saxophone.

There is more. A seventy-five-minute DVD accompanies the CD. It features performances by Nicole Mitchell, Ari Brown, Jazz O'Maniacs, Fred Anderson, Ritual Trio, and Chicago Underground Trio.

Delmark also has an impressive catalogue of the blues. A sampler CD plus a DVD of blues has been released as 55 Years of Blues.


B. F.