Vicki Genfan - Live
Acoustic Music Records
"New Grass" the lead track from solo acoustic guitar virtuoso singer/songwriter Vicki Genfan blooms with stunning guitar innovation. Her delectable picking styles may compare to Kottke or Hedges, but her individuality is prominent. Her take on Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" introduces her luscious voice, shades of Joni Mitchell with a more haunting quality. "Offerings" is an example of Vicki's passionate lyrical abilities. A wonderfully presented unification of folk, blues, vocal exquisiteness and pure talent on the six string. URL: http://www.vickigenfan.com E-mail: taytrix@aol.com
Shine - Heaven and Hell
Innerhythmic - INR016
This futuristic mosaic from the trio of mysterious guitarist Buckethead, prolific bassist Bill Laswell and programmer deluxe Shin Terai will take you an a journey with unexpected twists and turns. Backed mostly by a throbbing electronic pulse of the drum and bass syncopation variety, ambient guitar and bass licks sneak up on you and toy with the edges of your consciousness, ingraining themselves into the mellow vibe the music puts you into. Musical wallpaper with life. URL: http://www.innerhythmic.com
Zillatron - Lord of the Harvest
Innerhythmic - INR014
Cyber funk in it's wildest hypnotic form with vocal strangeness and space bass wizardry provided by the indomitable Bootsy Collins. A new millennium romp with just the right waft of roots from the P-Funk and Rubberband days. Listen to "Smell The Secrets" which has a Ministry like techno drive or the Zappa meets Praxis boogie of "Bugg Life" and you'll see the direction Bootsy is steering his UFO in. Always innovative, Bootsy leaps deep into the 21st century with this one. URL: http://www.innerhythmic.com
Buddy Miles Express - Hell and Back
Innerhythmic - INR015
Legendary drummer and vocalist Buddy Miles returns with a vengeance on this flat out killer effort. The gutsy version of "Born Under a Bad Sign" lights a fire that burns throughout the disc. "The Change" has a more laid back groove and proves that Buddy's voice hasn't lost any of its soulful fervor. The driving horn and organ powered "Be Kind to Your Girlfriend" displays his immense drum chops. This could be one of the most welcome comebacks in a long time. URL: http://www.innerhythmic.com
Caterine - Cognition
Caterine Music
Jimmy Dee Caterine, former guitarist from Sacred Rite reaches deep into his bag of tricks with his first solo album. "Rebirth" the first of the three multi tracked opus' harkens influences as diverse as Eric Johnson, Dicky Betts and Criss Oliva. There is a decided European influence as well, from the baroque keyboard interludes to the occasional forays into Malmsteen-esque territory. Jimmy combines influences and his own styles wonderfully with thoughtful songwriting. URL: http://www.caterine-music.com E-mail: jimmydeecaterine@msn.com
Walter Trout and the Radicals - Relentless
Ruf Records - Ruf3501
The lead track by blues axe legend Walter Trout is called "I'm Tired" and although the honest intensity in his voice makes the words believable, the blistering guitar power in the thirteen tracks reassures you that he is wide awake. "Jericho Road" shows a mellower side with vocals that are no less potent, while "Chatroom Girl" has a serious rock bite that showcases Walter's knack for writing thoughtful but sardonic lyrics. Always a step ahead of the typical modern blues players, "Relentless" is no exception. URL: http://www.watertrout.com E-mail: ruf@rufrecords.com
Rob Waller - 7 song demo
Super Cool Records
The debut demo from Chicago's Rob Waller shows many facets of his songwriting which emanate from the funk, blues and rock that the Windy City is noted for. Also on display are his abilities on various instruments and his vocals which have both a gritty and harmonic quality. A solid funk groove, guitar work with solid rhythmic influences nodding at Andy summer and wicked solo licks lend the songs an overall appealing vibe, further enhanced by some unique songwriting. URL: http://www.robwaller.net E-mail: none
James Hollihan - The Funky Misfit
Nuevotron
Nashville based jazz instrumentalist James Hollihan stirs up a tasty feast with his latest project. One amazing factor is that he played all the instruments on the album and shows prowess on everything, particularly keyboards and guitar. There is a good mix of up-tempo songs including the title track and the keyboard fueled "Groove DeVille." James' mellower side is the real star here, creating lovely smooth jazz that you can kick back and really get into. URL: http://www.nuevotron.com E-mail: j@nuevotron.com
Brent Adair - Pieces
Golden Stone Records - GS 3096
You may be thinking another singer/songwriter from Austin?! Before dismissing anything take a listen to Brent Adair. He interjects a healthy dose of pop styles with respect for roots from the likes of Dylan and Guthrie. His emotive voice takes on many personalities and fits the subtle songwriting idiosyncrasies, from the slyly funky "Vain" and the outlaw country fueled "Misery" to the U2 inspired "Never Divide." Great vocals and lyrics are the glue that bonds it all together. URL: http://www.brentadair.com E-mail: info@subparindustries.com
SPOTLIGHT DVD REVIEW
Walter Trout and the Radicals - Relentless the Concert
Ruf Records - Ruf 3003
The first live DVD from Walter Trout and the Radicals is a delectable "Dutch" treat for any fan of the blues rock guitar and vocal master. Filmed at the legendary Paradiso in Amsterdam, the DVD is a companion to the new CD "Relentless" and along with many of the cuts from that album includes excellent renditions of Trout faves including "Dust my Broom" and "Serve me Right to Suffer." From the Jeff Healey/Johnny Winter school of rocking blues, Walter has always had his own distinct soloing style and a gruff, deep rooted bluesman's voice. The DVD is a great transference of this prolific road warrior's on stage energy, as he enthralls the capacity crowd with his craft. It also is a personal and deserving forum for his stellar band The Radicals. Sammy Avila's adept fingers dance with grace and poetry across the keyboard. Stoic bassist James Trapp and frenetic former XYZ drummer Joey Pafumi stoke up the rhythm power plant. A bonus especially to the hometown fans is the backing vocals on several songs from road manager/guitar tech Andrew Elt, formerly of Dutch bands Sleeze Beez and The Moon. The DVD does a very good job at bringing the intensity of a Walter Trout and the Radical's show into your living room. URL: http://www.watertrout.com E-mail: ruf@rufrecords.com
TM© March 2004