Saturday, November 27, 2010

REVIEW: John Scalici - "RhythmMusic Vol. 2"

Following is a music review I recently wrote. I thought some of you might be interested in checking it out.

Based in Birmingham, AL, John Scalici is an internationally recognized drum circle facilitator, speaker, musician, clinician, and master teacher whose creative artistry is perhaps paralleled only by his desire to encourage and build individuals through the gift of music.  He is also an artist of high caliber, bringing to mind stellar percussionists such as Glen Velez, Trilok Gurtu and Alex Acuna.  Whether in schools, churches, community centers or health care facilities, Scalici’s infectious enthusiasm and positive nature serve to bring joy along with a sense of teamwork and therapeutic accomplishment to the participants in his workshops and programs.  His enthusiasm and artistry effectively inform his latest project, RhythmMusic Vol. 2, which mostly showcases Scalici’s instrumental prowess, but also includes guest vocals from friends.

“Boomsmacker” is a fascinating amalgam of West African rhythms with hand drums and shakers, along with kalimba, or African thumb piano.  What give the track a particularly interesting twist are syncopated blues guitar riffs which reveal the blues background that makes up part of Scalici’s musical resume’.  A listen on headphones offers a real treat as the roots of the blues are taken back to the mother land.  A variety of hand claps, producing various tones and timbres, are woven with hand drums to provide the polyrhythmic framework for “Clappit”. With a light improvisational touch, various percussion instruments add just a bit of spice to enhance things in what amounts to an inventive yet groovy listening experience.

With foot stomps and hand claps reminiscent of rock group Queen’s “We Will Rock You” forming the foundation, Scalici’s “Culture” provides the introduction of vocals on the project as chants come together with simple kalimba melodies to form a chorus.  As the assorted musical parts fall into place, the Queen reference is all but forgotten.  Talented poet Sharrif Simmons delivers his thought-provoking and contemplative message as the rhythm strips down to make the right canvas for his recitation.  With lyrics such as “culture is memory redeeming stories” and “songbirds sing symphonies” and “valleys of dry bones”, Simmons thoughtfully expounds on a number of topics while tying them into the central theme.  “Culture” also features imaginative production techniques characterized by cool separation of various percussion instruments in the soundscape.

“Nature in a Cup” features a sparse rhythm comprised of Agogo bell, hand drums and percussion instruments played with sticks.  Scalici’s use of restraint allows for sparingly played swampy guitar chords and notes to provide a hint of melody.  African-American spoken word samples bring “Nature in a Cup” to the back porch of rural Alabama, or maybe Mississippi, in this pleasantly creative fusion of styles and colors.

While RhythmMusic Vol.2 is a mostly organic and acoustic affair, Scalici uses a throbbing synth in the intro to “Ricky’s Rhythm” as he sets things up for crazy interlocking rhythms and guest vocal injections (“this is a really craaaazy scenario!”) on this made-for-headphones track. Distorted guitar is also added to the mix in a non-intrusive way while thundering drums percolate in the background and various assorted percussion instruments work just to the forefront with great panning effects.

“Things on the Line” begins with a spoken word intro followed by ancient-sounding bells.  Unexpectedly, a drum kit comes in with a funky kick and snare beat, though it never overwhelms the bells or spoken words.  To reinforce the backbeat, Scalici employs a synth bass which seems to be approached more like a percussion instrument than anything else.  As diverse as these sounds are, they somehow work together very nicely.

The project concludes with the Native American-influenced “Two Friends”, which includes a tranquil flute, trickling water sounds and assorted shakers over a tribal beat foundation.  The percolating rhythm, with some drums played by hands and others with sticks, offers just the right pulse.  Simple, bird-like flute melodies drift in an out as the track comes to a close.

While some percussionists seem to fall into the trap of jamming to no end, John Scalici never does this here.  Instead, he has melded exotic and ethnic rhythms with subtle colors, textures and influences to make RhythmMusic Vol. 2 an inspired and entertaining work of art.

Review by Mike Roots
Rating: 5 Stars (out of 5)

Thursday, November 18, 2010

The Koffee Klatch!

For the past month and a half or so I've been co-hosting "The Koffee Klatch" with Sam Grover, who was gracious enough to ask me to join him for the morning show which can be heard from 7:00-9:00 on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Along with a music mix (some of Sam's picks and some of mine), you'll hear news, sports, weather, the community calendar and more. It's been a challenging and fun experience for me as I have the opportunity to read the news, chat with Sam and have the opportunity to work with him, which makes this much different than presenting my regular show, "Reggae Explorations" (Thursdays 7:00-9:00PM, Fridays 10:00-Noon [R]). Remember, you can catch all the programming on Torrington Community Radio WAPJ 89.9 & 105.1 FM!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

REVIEW: Twinray "The Train You're On"


The duo of Desiree Irwin and Mike Poupko, collectively known as Twinray, draws from  backgrounds rich in performance and recording and represents the convergence of diverse backgrounds and musical styles. Irwin, having worked with the likes of blues legend Buddy Guy, and having served as musical director in a theatrical setting, is an accomplished vocalist/pianist, reminiscent of artists such as Natalie Merchant and Sheryl Crow. A talented and tasteful guitarist, Poupko honed his chops playing with Chicago-based rockers Dearborn while also doing session and theater work in the Windy City.  Along with fellow members of the aforementioned band, Poupko gained notoriety by opening for a number of major acts and contributing music used on NBC television programming. Twinray's sound is an organic brand of pop with elements of rock, folk, soul, blues and country. The Train You're On is the Chicago-based duo’s formidable debut, encompassing these styles and incorporating subtle touches in mature and
uncluttered fashion.

A fresh and fun start, "Do You Want to Go" features a loping, funky groove courtesy of a rumbling bass line, Poupko's vintage Motown-styled riffs, an inspired horn section and organ. Irwin's voice, possessing a playful, girlish quality with a hint of Taylor Swift-ness, is pure and emotive as she sings feel good lyrics about hitting the open rails and taking the music coast to coast. As she sings, "I'm ready to jump in and start our life long journey," you begin to get the sense that the lyrics may be more metaphorical than anything else. "Every Day" is pretty, acoustic-based rock with Irwin offering words of comfort and encouragement. Poupkos adds a bit of slide guitar for color as the tempo skitters along, reminiscent or MercyMe's "Finally Home." Here, and throughout The
Train You're On, producer Sean O' Keefe (Plain White T's, Fallout Boy, Hawthorn Heights) reveals his knack for allowing songs to breathe, revealing lots of texture and subtleties within the grooves. For all of its artistic quality, though "Every Day" lacks a strong hook.

Irwin reveals her blues-steeped vocal roots on the pointed "Who Do You Think You Are." Rather than being vindictive, Irwin lets her subject know that she is on to him and his self-absorbed and manipulative ways. In a surprising twist, she reveals that even though she sees all of the negative qualities that she thinks she might actually have feelings for this guy, but she's confused. Apparently she either finds these qualities appealing or, as she sings "I want to see what makes you tick," she sees something more behind the facade.

Acoustic roots rock gets a bit of soul infusion on "My Heart's Not Breaking," as Irwin's vocals are revealed in their splendor. The story of a break up, her steely denial gradually melts to reveal hurt and betrayal. With a strong chorus, abundant with vocal harmonies, a smart bridge and effective chord progressions, "My Heart's Not Breaking" is clearly a highlight of The Train You're On. Poupko's hooky riffs along with the earthiness of an organ and variety of percussion serve to keep everything flowing and connected.

On "Crazy In My Mind" Irwin's wistful piano and Poupko's rustic slide and rhythm guitar bring to mind Nora Jones at her least sedate. What sounds like a tune perfect for a lounge or coffeehouse changes quite dramatically as energy builds into a cathartic bridge with heavy drums and squealing guitars. The results here are quite good with Irwin's
impassioned vocals a focal point.

The R&B-tinged "No Such Thing As Better" reveals a different and unexpected side of Twinray as a throbbing yet restrained synthesizer, congas, organ and funky guitar establish the structure. Irwin sings as she offers words of warning against the impending danger of greed and the selfish pursuit of success. As she sings, "Enticed by Eve and her apple / Bright and red made of plastic / When it's gone there's nothing but the core / And you're left wanting more / There's no such thing as better when you've got to best", the message is loud and clear. "No Such Thing As Better" proves to be a high-water mark for The Train You're On in terms of structure, meaning, and Irwin's vocal prowess.

"You Can't Be Found" is an understated yet heartfelt ballad, filled with yearning for emotional intimacy. Soaring vocals, folk-jazz guitar, and violins are layered and woven together nicely. Lyrically introspective, Irwin reveals a disarming vulnerability as she expresses the frustration of searching for an evasive love. The bubbly Sheryl Crow-
like "Twisted" showcases Poupko's guitar playing as well as ambient qualities in O'
Keefe's production technique.

With its shifting and shuffling rhythm, "Sleeping Prophet" doesn't connect quite as well as some of the stronger tracks on the album, despite some cool backing vocals and piano parts. "Waiting," with its acoustic guitar, subtle horn charts and lush, yet spacious arrangements, brings The Train You're On to a strong and tasteful conclusion. Poupko's distorted guitar, reminiscent of Paul McCartney & Wings, offers a pleasant touch, augmenting the retro feel already in place. Irwin's vocals are warm and rich as she articulates the struggles of being patient while trying to see and experience the blessings of the present.

Twinray's The Train You're On is an impressive debut. It’s not without flaws, but containing a number of gems, revealing terrific interplay and musicianship along with quality songwriting.

Review by Mike Roots
Rating: 4 Stars (out of 5)