Melinda Doolittle's "Coming Back To You"

2009 HI FI Recordings

Melinda's first CD is a souful, R&B experience with 13 songs that are all very good, not a dud to be found! The American Idol finalist reminds me of a combination of Tina Turner, Nancy Wilson and Aretha Franklin, with influences from all of the greats. A former backup singer, she takes center stage with this CD.

"Fundamental Things" is the first track and a funky tune with some great horn arrangement. There are two tracks written by Robert Johnson, and transformed into soulful interpretations, "Dust My Broom" and "Walkin Blues".

There are three tracks written by Sammy Cahn and performed in different but excellent vocals. " The Best of Everything" is a slower tempo track but it allows Melinda to soar. "I'll Never Stop Loving You" and "Wonder Why"reminds me of Natalie Cole and that's a compliment!

On my home page is a youTube clip from her song "It's Your Love", could have been written in the 1960's soul era. My favorite is "Declaration of Love" and I've included that for your listening pleasure. The band includes Cindy Blackman on drums, Ray Angry on Hammond and keys, Guitar and Bass provided by Adam Palin, and a horn section with Tom Bones Malone, Tom Tinko and John Chudoba.

As Edna Gundersen stated "Her sterling album, and particularly this soulful slice with its retro girl-group vibe, reveals an accomplished stylist and nimble vocalist with an instrument built for Motown updates and lush pop-jazz ."  I agree!!


Paul Carrack's "I Know That Name"

429 Records

2009 Release

I have been a fan of Paul Carrack for many years, and have followed his solo and Mike and the Mechanics career with an ever present appreciation for both his writing and vocal skills. Truly, I have listened to his music on the same level with Phil Collins/ Genesis, and in some ways their careers have parallleld one another. I have always considered Carrack more on the soulful, ballad style, and this CD is not an exception but a validation of those skills.

It is hard to believe that this is his 14th release, due to the freshness of songs many of which should be on the pop charts. The CD starts off with "No Doubt About It", currently on my homepage, and is in the soul, Jerry Butler era. "I Don't Want To Hear Anymore", follows and was recorded by "The Eagles" with Timothy and Don singing. Both Henely and Schmit reciprocate on Paul's  new CD, and it is very, very good. "It Ain't Easy", is yet another blast from the past- reminicent of the Impressions. "I Don't Want Your Love", this one is a tad Jackie Wilson style ballad, and the influences, and complexed changes of this song is vintage Carrack.

"Ain't No Love In The City", starts out as a 3 chord progresssion, with the bridge highlighting, and backup vocals and horns for dynamics.  "Just For Tonight" and "Eyes Of Blue" will please the Jimmy Buffet fans, and can almost hear The Eagles singing backup. "If I Don't Love You" a soft rock tune is a suspened note pleasure, and then he rocks with "Who Am I", the lyrics continue with a love that is in question- some guitar licks are impressive. "Am I In A Dream" should be on a movie soundtrack.

Through out his career, Paul has delivered his contemporary, soft rock, yet, each of his albums denote his many musical influences and mood swings that Paul can capture the moment into lyric and song, a gift few have. To focus on the moment, bring you to tears or make you dance, that is his gift. "I know Your Name", is vintage Paul Carrack. 
I have included " I Don't Want To Hear Anymore" for your listening pleasure.

This CD is a must- just click the link above to order.

Taylor Hicks-"Going the Distance"
2009 Modern Whomp Records
Produced by Simon Climie

This is Taylor Hick's second album, but his first without the American Idol production team. Fact is Simon Climie is on of the best producers in the industry and "Going The Distance" reflects his talent. He allows Taylor to venture into several music genres and the CD soars because of that. It gets better each time you listen to it.

"The Distance" is the first tune, written by Taylor is a pop song with a great supporting cast with Abe Laborel,Jr. on drums, Nathan East on bass and also includes Tim Carmen on the Hammond B-3. "Whats Right Is Right" follows and was written by Simon Climie and is a soul ballad with Brian Gallegher on sax and Tobey Baker on Whurli piano.

"New Found Freedom" co-written ny Taylor, Climie and Dennis Morgan is of a gospel roots sound with choir and heartfelt vocals. "Nineteen" written by Jeffrey Steele/ Gary Nichlson/ Tom Hambridge is a rather sad one- a soldier that gave his life for his country.. Then a latin beat tune which gets you moving is "Once Upon A Lover", with plenty of rhythm, horns and Hammond.  "Maybe You Should" is a souful ballad and worthy of the charts. This is Taylor at his best and given some air time would hit the Billboard top 100.

"Keeping It Real" and "Wedding Day Blues" are both humorous and upbeat at the same time. "Woman's Got To Have It", a Bobby Womack song also features a duet with Elliott Yamin and is one of my favorites on the cd.

"Seven Mile Breakdown", currently on my home page with a youTube clip, is a cross between blues/ country and was performed by Taylor on AI this season.

This CD is so much better than his first due to new production, better musicians and it's good to see that indeed- He's Back!!!

I have included "I Live On A Battlefield" for you to check out. Plenty of B-3 on this one.

Chickenfoot
Chickenfoot
Produced by Chickenfoot,LLC
Redline Entertainment


Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony both from Van Halen add Joe Satriani, a guitar god to many guitarists and Chad Smith on drums from "The Red Hot Chili Peppers and you end up with Chickenfoot. And they rock!

Sammy Hagar sings like the Sammy of his earlier years at 61, how do you do it, Satriani can play with a band and Michael can play the bass and CAN sing.. The surprise of the band is Chad Smith, a funky drummer but he is killer on rock and really makes the CD a rock solid work.

The cd starts with "Avendia Revolution", with Chad pounding the toms and Satriani with some great riffs.
Next is "Soap On A Rope", this is some classic rock and no doubt my personal favorite. "Sexy Little Thing" is  a simplistic song, but a fun experiece. In fact, the entire CD sounds like the band really enjoyed making it, which adds to the overall appeal and listening enjoyment. " Oh Yeah' was the first release from the CD and is a catchy tune, live this one will get the crowd up and rocking. "Runnin'Out" features Satriani playing with distortion and vibrato affects, then switching to a wah for the break. "Get It Up" will do just that- a real rocker!

"Learning To Fall" is the slowest track on the CD, superior mixing makes it work along with the harmonies.
"Turnin Left" has some excellent chord changes and riffs and Satirani goes wild along with Chad- rock on!!

This is not Van Halen, it is Chickenfoot, a unique combination of legends working in unison to make a really refreshing new rock band. I have included "Soap On A Rope" for you to check out.
 

The Following are excerpts from Eddie  D'Elicio's comments, with permission on Chickenfoot::

"Chad - Not fancy, but mighty POWR-ful!  You know, I'm starting to believe people are born to play certain instuments.  Little guys play guitars, and big guys play basses and drums.  As amazing as Neal Peart is, he's still a little guy.  Sure, he's great with a light saber, but sometimes you really need a Force Push to git-er-dun!"

"Michael Anthony - The Rock.  He's one of those guys that help make the other guys seem great (e.g. Eddie and Dave).  I'm guessing they pulled his vocals back a bit to avoid comparisons to VH, since, after all, he is THE voice of Van Halen.  I don't really think of Diamond Dave when I hear "Jamie's Cryin'."  One word comes to mind - experience! "

"Satch - The Master!  Listening to the solos, it's nice to just hear him throw down for a change instead of being the entire show.  I wonder what people who've never heard of Satriani think when they see him up there with Sammy and Michael.  I don't think it's EVH (not enough hair).  We ALL know what everyone thought when Vai stepped into the spotlight next to Roth: "Who's THAT freak?""

"Sammy - Okay, somebody explain to me how this 61-year-old, tequila guzzling, wanna-be surfer dude from the seventies can still belt it out and scream like Roger Daltry after all these years.  It's just doesn't seem possible".

Thanks to Eddie for his intelligent and informative observation!

BATTLE STUDIES- John Mayer
2009

Mayer's fourth album "Battle Studies" is a theme based release with the journey filled with how life can suck at times, but it could always be worse. John compares love to "Heartbreak Warfare", the lead track, and the contradictions of love with '"clouds of sulfur in the air, bombs...droppin' everywhere.'

If you are expecting a new John Mayer after a 3 year timeout, you won't find it on this one. Mayer seldom leaves his comfort zone- not too heavy, some really good guitar licks, but most impressive is his song writing skills. The timeout has also made his vocals stronger. I feel "Battle" reminds me more of "Room For Squares" than "Continiuum" which is a classic and hard to follow for any talented musician.

With a few exceptions, the production is also typical Mayer, little to no orchastration, plenty of acoustic and Strat licks, and a tight band. You find yourself getting into the lyrics and following alongside Mayer as he remains focused on the album theme. As with all musicians, we are influenced by other artists and styles which on a sublime basis affect what we write and record. There are several songs  on "Battle Studies that remind me of said influences.

"Friends, Lovers or Nothing", would make Phil Spector proud. Actually, this could have been on The Beatles "Abbey Road", I can hear John on the piano and the slide guitar riff sounds so much like George Harrison it's mind blowing. "All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye" is a slower temo tune that on first listen once again brought to mind" I heard the news today oh boy" from the Beatles "A Day In The Life." Mayer really takes this song to new levels with another slide riff and excellent harmonies.

"Assassin" is the JMTrio track, and leaves the comfort zone. Intro with vibes, multiple chord changes and melodies and some awesome Strat. This one rocks, but Mayer's song writing skills keep the albums theme. I don't like John doing covers, so "Crossroads" is last on my list for this album.

If there is one that could have  been released on Continiuum it's "War Of My Life". Yes, fight on, fight on. "Edge of Desire" is vintage Mayer, melodic and the vocals are almost hauntingly beautiful with some heavy licks to compliment this, my favorite on the album. "Set fire to all I see..'

If you are a John Mayer fan, you will get this, period. "Battle Studies" reinforces what we already know: Mayer is a great song writer, vocalist and can play the heck out of a guitar and he is only getting better!

I've included "All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye" for you to check out.
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