PAUL
ROSE - "Magic City"
Paul
Rose invokes a bewildering array of styles and emotions as he effortlessly
shifts from country to hard rock to a kind of Bill Nelson 'ambient minimalism'
on the wistful, achingly poignant 'Shields'. This track benefits from
a haunting piano motif and Paul also employs synth to good effect on
the intriguingly entitled 'Homework Bound'. The compositions on 'Magic
City' are mostly Paul's except for a re-energised jazz version of Rogers
and Hammerstein's 'My Favourite Things', Johnny Smith's 'Walk Don't
Run', originally a jazz instrumental when played by Chet Atkins that
was reinvented in beat surf mode by The Ventures in 1960- Paul's version
remains pretty faithful to The Ventures if memory serves (I'm probably
wrong then!) and the standard ballad 'I Only Have Eyes For You'.
The title track gets things off to a rousing start but the 3 crashing
chords at the outset are deceptive as soon Paul launches into some soloing
with a 'tip of the hat' to the likes of Steve Howe. 'Metalwork' is as
the title suggests a heavy riff rocker. There's a temporary lull on
the beautiful 'White Flag' before Paul's dexterity, fluidity and wonderful
use of echoes and different guitar styles surfaces on 'Full on Life'.
It's difficult not to be impressed by the talent of this musician and
'Magic City' is another accomplished release by the man who gave us
'Late Show' and 'Slideaway'.
Contact www.paulrose.co.uk
(Phil
Jackson)
Sinnerstar
- Craving Aches and Bitter Lemon Hearts (Sinnersville)
Sinnerstar
is the solo project from Koozie Johns, ex bass player with the Tyla
Electric Band (Tyla being the former Dogs D'Amour frontman). And while
this shares a certain late night vibe, is slightly more mainstream in
its approach.
Well
presented and recorded, this independant release is a fine example of
how to set about doing it yourself. Veering between soulful laments
and traditional guitar rock, it's the quiter moments which have the
biggest impact, especially album standout, "Velvet Eyes".
It's
mellow without being wimpy, rocking without being histrionic, and a
refreshing excursion into the night.
www.sinnerstar.net
STORMCROW
- Bubonic Jukebox
Better
late than never for this quite outstanding release. If you're looking
for an exploration into the dark side of the psyche, then this is where
you want to be.
Calling
it minimalist experimentation may put some of you off, but its well
worth a visit, especially when it all comes together on killer tracks,
"Weather The Storm" and "Killer Daddy".
Dragging
in a melange of effects from dub, funk and skunk, how can you resist
a CD that contains "Mashed", a track whereby some lad from
oop North (or down South from where I'm sitting) talks about mashed
potato over a Dr John gris gris vibe. Madness.
http://www.bubonic.co.uk
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