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Alex Woodard: Mile High
This is the third release from singer/songwriter Alex Woodard, and the first
produced by pop hero Pete Droge. Without hearing Woodard’s previous material, I
can only draw on what I’m hearing right now, and here is my take: this is pure,
infectious ear candy. Just about every song on Mile High is hooky as hell and
features Woodard’s rich, middle-of-America voice that is already drawing
comparison to Springsteen and Dylan. For my money, you can throw in Tom Petty
and Paul Westerberg. Yes, Woodard is THAT good.
The album’s best song, “Voice on the Wire,” is riveting, and perfect for a movie
trailer.
Le Concorde: Universe and Villa
The debut from Le Concorde is a bit of a throwback to the ‘80s, as singer and
songwriter Stephen Becker claims to be influenced by the music of artists like
Prefab Sprout, OMD and Aztec Camera. It’s that kind of lush, melodic pop that
Becker set out to recreate, and he has done that quite successfully with his
band’s album, Universe and Villa. There are electronic flavors throughout, but
Becker’s smooth voice and catchy melodies are a constant. “Parallel Lives” would
have been a smash MTV hit back in the day.
Neal Schon: I on U
Fans of Journey are going to foam at the mouth over the latest from that band’s
guitar player. Neal Schon’s I on U has those trademark licks all over it,
as well as some of the production qualities that always made Journey’s songs
sound so big, while adding some modern touches with loops and beats. I On U
has some jazz flavor, but that’s always been part of Schon’s original recipe.
The bottom line is that this guy could always play, and he just keeps on proving
it. Visit the On
Target Media Group for more info on Schon.
The Duhks: Voyage of a Thousand Dreams
I don’t think I will even attempt to classify this music, but let’s just say the
self-titled debut from this Canadian band has many flavors in its melting pot.
Bluegrass, R&B, pop, rock, alt-country and jazz are just a few that jump out,
and they are aptly referred to on the Sugar Hill website as “soul grass.” A
bunch of twenty-somethings from various backgrounds, The Duhks are incredible
musicians that have some really cool songs to boot. On “The Wagoner’s Lad,” the
two female singers harmonize like angels.
Adrian Belew: Side One
One of the premier and innovative rock guitarists of our time continues to make
music, both as a producer and as a prolific songwriter. Side One is the first of
three releases of new material from Adrian Belew, who just seems to keep getting
better and better. The former guitarist for prog rock gods like King Crimson as
well as icons like Frank Zappa and David Bowie shows off his chops on guitar,
and makes us remember that he can sing, too. The opening track, “Ampersand,” is
the best track on here, with fuzzy guitars and a backbeat that never let up.
James Robinson: Colours
While not all your typical Sunday morning smooth jazz, James Robinson’s
Colours is definitely geared more toward guitar aficionados. The legendary
Steve Vai discovered Robinson and signed him to his Favored Nations label, home
to some of the best guitar players in the world. The San Francisco native deftly
blends flavors of Latin, Brazilian and other world music to create an album of
fiery guitar magic.
~Mike Farley
mfarley@bullz-eye.com
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