Sandy Zio
All That I Am
Singer and pianist Sandy Zio’s album All That I Am has an adult contemporary sound that well suits her lovely voice. Throughout 13 mostly original songs, Zio’s melodious singing is showcased amidst tasteful arrangements and clean production. Though Zio plays piano on many of the songs, Joel Bryant contributes plenty of Hammond B-3, Rhodes, and Wurlitzer, and John Bianculli and Ed Wall add more piano and organ, respectively. The single- worthy “Don’t Stop Talking” features Billy Joel’s rock solid former drummer Liberty DeVitto, while James Leahey’s deft guitar work — and the aptly-named Jerry Steele’s pedal steel guitar — edge “Sparkling Waters” into mainstream country territory. But it is Zio’s pure voice that truly focuses the disc, and All That I Am’s sweet instrumental work gives her a great platform from which to showcase it. Robbie Gennet (Sandy Zio, www.sandyzio.com )
COLLIDE
Two Headed Monster
Singer/lyricist kaRIN and producer Static have been working hard since they were featured in these pages in June ’06, and their efforts have paid off. Dark and dreamy, Collide’s latest goth-tinged album Two Headed Monster brings to mind the work of Garbage, Sneaker Pimps, and Evanescence. From the frenetic drum grooves of “Spaces in Between” to the bubbling and soaring synths on “Head Spin,” the band’s tracks make excellent alchemy of kaRIN’s floating vocals and Static’s gritty soundscapes. And even though the album carries more than a touch of menace, there’s enough pop and dance influence here to keep things fun and sexy. This is one monster worth tangling with. Michael Gallant (Noiseplus Music, www.collide.net )
CHARLIE HUNTER
Baboon Strength
On this trio outing, 7- string guitar phenom Charlie Hunter employs keyboardist Erik Deutsch to contribute atmospheric melodies, pads, and solos that take Charlie’s innate sense of groove, irony, and humor to a whole new level. Erik’s secret? Liberal use of Casiotone and organ to evoke not just bygone eras, but the moments within those eras that we all thought we wanted to forget. Charlie’s deceptively simple song forms take on sinister undertones when rendered with the digital cheesiness of Erik’s keyboards. Drummer Tony Mason’s beats are fantastic, and the variation in drum sounds throughout the disc are the perfect foundation for the keyboard mayhem. Been looking for a way to make the unhip hip? With skillful sound selection, melodies simplified to perfection, and first-rate musicianship, Erik and Charlie have already done it. Ernie Rideout (Spire Artist Media, www.charliehunter.com )