Ben Kyle 2012
Romantica singer Ben Kyle's solo debut relies on his band mates to back him up, but it's his show all the way, and
that show is about his songwriting and his voice. Direct, powerful lyrics. The Minneapolis-based Irish-American
celebrates the Twin Towns in "Minneapolis" and "The Turf Club." Both tunes imbue the cities with an emotional sheen
to be proud of. He digs deeper in the Cohen-inspired "Mercy," also "Don't Settle," and "Trust." If you are not
familiar with his voice, it hails from the territory inhabited by Ray LaMontagne and Bon Iver, but seriously, his
pipes are better than both. It would be unfair to tag him with the emo label, because the integrity of the songs
bear the weight of stalwart masculine emotion with no strain whatsoever. And Kyle goes straight at the emotion
here, no playing clever - it's a little shop of wonders he runs and he runs it well. Like an extended meditation,
the emotional core of this album just keeps taking you deeper, without extraneous, or unnecessary variation.
It is, at its best, profoundly moving. Sparse, well-crafted settings emerge from Kyle's own Slow Studio,
where he served as his own producer, a task at which he excels as much as he does behind the mic. His
style behind the board is an essential ingredient the mix of elements that make this a stand-out album.
If you find yourself in need of a little beauty in the new year, pick this up and I predict you'll put it
heavy rotation in no time at all.
©
Steve Klingaman
Derek Stroker "Love & Colour," 2012
Listen, I only have a shorttake's worth of time to talk and I've got big plans. Help me make sure I've taken care
of everything. Got the fire going. The wine is poured. What about the music? Let me check out Derek Stroker's
latest. Silky tenor? Check. Smooth falsetto? Check. Soul? Neo-soul with a touch of reggae… check. Tasty electric,
with a hint of Curtis Mayfield ("Spending Time")? Sensuous oh-oh-ohs? Oh, yes! Knowing arrangements? All over the
place, subtle and sweet. Listen to the acoustic guitar's broken arpeggios in the intro to "Blue Skies." Or the way
electric chords punctuate the three in "Slow Motion." Memorable hooks? Listen to "Why We Fall in Love." Checked and
re-checked. Forget about the Eisley Brothers, Barry White, and even Chet Baker. Here comes the missus, looking
fetching in sweatpants and an old sweater. Normally, I'd ask you to wish me luck at this point, but tonight all
I need is "Love & Colour." Yes, Stroker is his name… and don't forget it.
©
David Kleiner
Jana Herzen "Passion of a Lonely Heart," 2012
It's not often you hear a jazz singer-songwriter, especially one who's a guitarist. Jana Herzen pulls it off
well and it's no wonder - as head of Motema Music, a label with over 100 releases, including 3 Grammy nominees,
she knows great music. Her velvety voice has hints of Ella Fitzgerald's phrasing and her rhythm guitar provides
great back-up; she's joined by bassist Charnett Moffett, a guy who's also lent his considerable talents to Wynton
Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr. and Anita Baker. Their complex arrangements are delightful and perfect for Herzen's
seven originals and four covers. "'Tis Autumn" features only her smooth vocal and Moffet's expressive bass. His
bass takes center stage in most songs, like on "Bali Holiday" where he breaks out in a really nice solo. "My Baby
Cares for Me" is a swing tune made famous by Nina Simone, while "Secrets Are Safe with Me" is an original that leans
toward blues. The most beautiful piece is "Sodade." Presented with finger-picked descending chords, it's a gorgeous
ballad sung in Portuguese, with a lovely melody made even better with their arrangement.
©
Jamie Anderson
Si Hayden "Acoustic Lines," 2012
That "Acoustic Lines" is Hayden's 27th recording is just one of this British born virtuoso's intimidating achievements.
Largely self-taught, Hayden has illustrated a restless temperament in his career, exploring a dizzying variety of
techniques and styles, from Celtic to fingerstyle to jazz to Flamenco. His compositions incorporate percussive
taping, hopscotching harmonics, fast runs, and intricate picking spiced with impressive right-hand techniques
typical of classical guitar, such as tremolos and rasgueado strumming. On "Acoustic Lines"' collection of nine
standout originals, he displays more of his soulful side, highlighting his sure, graceful playing. Hayden has
experimented in the past with a fretless guitar, using fingertips (rather than a slide) on individual strings;
this novel technique is beautifully illustrated on the lovely "Coasting." "Nowhere to Run" is another knockout;
moody and evocative, it begins with a Mid-Eastern vibe that transitions into a bluesy romp. On this arresting,
eclectic collection, Hayden proves he should be much better known on this side of the Atlantic.
©
Céline Keating
Ken Navarro "The Test of Time," 2012
While it's common to make a clear distinction between the realms of classical and fingerstyle guitar, the truth
is that there are quite a few musicians blurring the lines between the two, borrowing techniques from both to
develop their own unique musical voice. Ken Navarro's disc "The Test of Time" is a collection of his arrangements
for solo guitar, featuring music ranging from The Beatles to Carlos Santana. All of the arrangements are as clever
as they are charming, and Navarro accurately executes them with a sense of ease and delight. A highlight for this
reviewer was a medley featuring three Beatles songs, "8 Days a Week/Ticket to Ride/Day Tripper", which flowed
beautifully from one tune to the next. This disc is perfect for the listener who enjoys classic and familiar
melodies performed with a unique twist!
©
Timothy Smith
Steve Katz "Barricades," 2012
I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life. - Abraham Lincoln.
Credit is due to this singer-songwriter’s mom - who turned her son on to Supertramp, Pink Floyd, Santana, and the
Eagles during his formative years. Akin to the above mentioned artists, Steve Katz composes songs with lyrics and
melodies that will touch your heart – hence the title "Barricades" – which refers to his struggle to overcome fear and
doubt to achieve personal goals. The title track certainly evokes Floyd - the influence of Nick Mason’s swing rhythms,
Rick Wright’s orchestral keyboard motifs, and David Gilmour’s under-stated licks abound as Katz’ warm baritone
croons "a thousand barricades won’t compromise me…" (Wish You Were Here meets Obscured By Clouds). If rock anthems
are to your liking – check out "Thrive" – which affords Katz and his rhythm section a chance to flex their chops
without going overboard (reminds me of that band with Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson). The fret work throughout this
mini-album (five tracks) is superlative. Guitarists Katz and Erez Lev-Ari perfectly balance acoustic and electric
with arpeggios and stirring counterpoint while bassist Arthur Eli throws a slide or grace note in all the right
spots (think Carlos, David Brown and Neil Schon). "Today I Saw Hope" features fine three-part harmonies from
Keren Taylor and Jeannie Reed – most evocative of Frey, Henley, Schmidt and Meisner. Mother knows best…
©
Tom Semioli
Jim Carr "The Space Below," 2012
On first listen to Jim Carr's CD "The Space Below" I closed my eyes and had the distinct sensation of gliding down
a highway behind the wheel of a luxury automobile. Carr's ability to layer and mix rhythm and lead guitar in these
acoustically tinged compositions reveals the skill of a consummate composer. The polished and refined flow of the
opening Track "Nick's Web" sets the table for the kinetic vibe that permeates this collection of mostly original
compositions. "Mother" and "Child" stand out as does Sting's "I Burn for You". "The Space Below," crafted with care
and executed with precision, ultimately adds up to a satisfying listening experience (albeit relatively brief at
just under 30 minutes)
©
James Filkins
Melissa Phillips - Fits & Starts
Larry Kolker - Awful Smart Man
Dallas Sutherland - Silver Birch Sessions
Rick Demers - Devil's in the Details
JR Rudd - Red oak and Ash
Jesse and Noah Bellamy - Driven Back
Chung Yen Twins
Kyle Fosburgh - The Traveler's Journey
Daryl Shawn - In Place
Tyler Flowers - Some Things Never Change
