Reviews
Oblivion SunOblivion Sun [Prophase Music]
If you like classic prog, you’ll love this album. All the right elements are present: non-4/4 time signatures, Baroque-inspired hooks that twist like musical Möbius strips, extended virtuosic solos that resolve into solid grooves, and even a radio-ready rocker (“The Ride”). The chops and recording quality are excellent from start to finish. With a number of bands carrying on this musical tradition, what makes Oblivion Sun special is the tasty synth work — mostly Minimoog — of keyboardist Bill Plummer. Not only does he have speed, accuracy, and melodic good taste, but he really plays the controls as well as the keys, yielding expressive solos that sing wonderfully. The album is also eminently accessible, with almost none of the bombast that limits the appeal of much prog. On the contrary, this one could win converts.
Stephen Fortner
Out to LunchExcuse Me While I Do The Boogaloo [Accurate Records]
Out to Lunch frontman David Levy leads a crack ensemble that features stellar keyboard playing from Eric Lane, who stands out on every song he solos in. What starts out as a James Brown-influenced funk outfit takes interesting turns into breakbeat grooves that touch on jazz, house, dub reggae, Latin and beyond. OTL’s use of Ableton Live allows them to stretch their organic improvisations into new territory, as does the addition of a full horn section. From the straight-ahead groove of “The Good Doctor” through the acid-trip soundtrack of “Maudlin’s Eleven,” OTL’s accessible grooves will keep your brain and booty equally engaged. Though you may be hard-pressed to define OTL’s music, each subsequent listen will make it even harder to pigeonhole. A funky thumbs up to OTL’s original and extraordinary debut.
Robbie Gennet
KarminaBackwards Into Beauty [CBS Records]
Sisters Kelly and Kamille, a.k.a. Karmina, craft ethereal, harmonious pop that’s part Sarah McLachlan, Loreena McKennitt, Indigo Girls, and Jewel — with some of the edge and attitude of Evanescence and Avril Lavigne thrown in. Kelly’s piano adds rich color to tracks like “The Whoa Song” and a hooky Vanessa Carlton-esque central riff on “Inside of You.” Though some of the songwriting sounds young, there’s an endearing sincerity and freshness to everything Karmina sings about, and nothing feels plastic or manufactured. That’s probably because both sisters were well-trained, award-winning musicians and vocalists in their own rights before they seriously entered the pop world. Full of energy and creativity, Karmina is off to a strong start — and has the potential to be outstanding with albums to come.
Michael Gallant
Chick Corea and Gary BurtonThe New Crystal Silence [Concord Records]
Chick Corea and Gary Burton’s amazing duet recording, Crystal Silence, was one of the most influential recordings of the early ’70s. So when The New Crystal Silence came across my desk, I was intrigued but skeptical — especially when I saw that one of the two CDs in the set was a Chick and Gary performance with symphonic orchestra. But Tim Garland’s arrangements — made from Chick’s original scores — are cinematic, emotional, and engaging, and he weaves the orchestra, Chick, and Gary together in a brilliantly enjoyable tapestry. It’s a new dimension, and a really fun one. The second disc shows that Chick and Gary’s intuitive connection is no less supple and powerful than it was for the original Crystal Silence; their sense of time and rhythm is flawless, and their conversational improvisations are endlessly fascinating. Rehashed repertoire? You do get compelling versions of “Crystal Silence,” “Señor Mouse,” and “La Fiesta,” but the rest of the set is fresh for the duo. If you want some inspiration and beauty, pick this set up.
Ernie Rideout
Andy SuzukiUnsigned Artist of the Month
Providence, Rhode Island-based singer and songwriter Andy Suzuki brings a stripped-down R&B sensibility to the piano-man paradigm — and does it with a voice that could have him starring in Rent on Broadway. Citing influences ranging from Ani DiFranco to John Legend, and the Beach Boys to Stevie Wonder, Andy crafts hip and touching tracks about city life and love, supporting himself with strong, open piano voicings and figures; the bittersweet “Next Saturday” ends with a tasty bit of left-hand voice leading, while “Enough” floats on top of quick, rhythmic two-handed exchanges. Keep an eye out for his debut studio album, Thayer and Angell.
Michael Gallant
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Nucklebusters Blues BandSomebody Better Have My Money [NMI Records]
The funky grooves of Florida’s favorite blues band, The Nucklebusters, is fronted by nimble-fingered guitarist “Famous” Frank Ward and Hammond organist Joe Saint, both of whose talents are legendary on the Southeast music scene. On this collection of originals and covers, Saint’s playing is tasty and melodic, whether he’s soloing out front or hanging back in support mode. He throws down an exceptional lead on the humorous song “Ex-Wife” while his comping behind Ward’s solo doesn’t step on a single note. Credit should go as well to Saints’ timing on the Leslie; he brings it in and out with a deep understanding of the emotions and builds of the songs. Whether you are a diehard blues fan or just love great funky music, the Nucklebusters is a must for all your party needs!
Robbie Gennet