Kweevak Music Magazine "CD Review" Dispatch: Issue #0001

ABUSED ROMANCE - NAKED FACES: From L.A. to Tel Aviv to Portland to New York and back to Los Angeles these modern rockers have earned their wings and frequent flier miles while honing their take on the melodic music genre. Stylistically the band are often compared to the reigning acts like Incubus, Linkin Park & Nickelback – and on their debut Naked Faces the dynamic quartet are exposed as potential threats to the throne. The opener "Hit and Run" strikes hard with a punchy chorus and a crunchy guitar attack. "Overcome" is another boisterous jolt that’ll try to knock the listener out. Things pick up even more steam by track three - and on "Silent Call" it’s clear this band have found a fortuitous formula of loud melody meets earnest and urgent execution in a transmission of punky power pop. "Shine" rounds out the opening four numbers with a bright offering about the search for enlightenment. On the debut from Abused Romance the only abuse should come from the repeated plays the disc is bound to receive in your player - and you might fall in love with these guys while you’re at it.
• Info: [USA/CA 2009 - web] (2009 Review by Richard J. Lynch for Kweevak.com)

ASSEMBLY OF DUST - SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: Assembly of Dust are kicking up a storm on their new CD with a lot of help from their friends. Assembly of Dust (AOD) was founded in 2002 by Reid Genauer and since then AOD has performed at a number of major music festivals including Bonnaroo, Gathering of the Vibes and the Newport Folk Festival. Their first album was described as a "1920's dust bowl kind of blue-collar Americana". Some Assembly Required is their sophomore release and deals with more contemporary themes and textures. Some Assembly Required is spirited but there is a sad undercurrent that flows through many of the songs. AOD are obviously well respected based on the impressive list of guest players who appear on each of the thirteen tracks. "All That I Am Now" is vibrant and enriched by the robust vocals of Richie Havens. "Pedal Down" is an up-tempo piece about being down trodden and features Zach and Andrew Gabbard. "Cold Coffee" has a bit of a blue grass feel and David Grisman's mandolin adds to the melancholy mood of the tune. "Arc of the sun" with Mike Gordon is dreamy and spacy in sections. "Second Song" is a creative collaboration with Keller Williams. "Light Blue Lover" has a colorful lilt enhanced by Grace Potter and Tony Rice. "Edges" is buoyant with Bela Flecks' beguiling banjo followed by the sassy storytelling of "Leadbelly" with Jerry Douglas. "Borrowed Feet" dances with bold base lines and gushing guitar grooves from John Scofield. "Revelry" with Martin Sexton and Tony Rice is rousing. "Straight" featuring Theresa Anderson is textured and thoughtful followed by the tantalizing "High Brow" with Al Schnier punctuating points about the ebony temptress. "You Lay The Dust" has Jeff Pevar on triple duty (dorbo, mandolin and fretless bass). It is a subtle, mostly acoustic number with religious references sprinkled throughout the song. Some Assembly Required is a versatile record that is chromatic and filled with curious lyrics. AOD (Reid Genauer - lead vocals & guitar, Adam Terrell - lead guitar & vocals, Andy Herrick - drums and John Leccese bass & vocals) are polished players but the additional musicians add to the diversity and drama of Assembly of Dust's latest assemblage of songs.
• Info: [USA/NY 2009 - web] (2009 Review by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com)

CROSBY LOGGINS - TIME TO MOVE: When your father is Kenny Loggins you have an opportunity to learn the family business - that is catchy songcraft filled with melody and pop supported by vocal self assurance. On Time To Move, Crosby Loggins' debut solo release on Jive Records, the younger Loggins shows he can get a little footloose as well by moving his feet in the direction of a successful musical career of his own. Crosby had many mentors growing up - not only his father, but his dad's friends were the likes of Jackson Browne, Graham Nash, and Michael McDonald - so he was constantly in the presence of rock royalty who served as role models to the aspiring musician. The disc begins with a fabulous four pack including the sturdy and strong opener "Good Enough" which proves Crosby has the goods to make it on his own. The title track features a signature lead by John Mayer and moves on the conviction that it's time to take action to confront one's own destiny. "Radio Heart" is a catchy uptempo rocker about being tuned in to relationship frequencies that should get some auspicious airplay for the talented singer-songwriter. "Heaven Help Me" is a song and prayer for guidance as Loggins begins his journey. A transcendent musical break rides the track's jazzy undertones through to the end with hints of jam. Crosby's impressive debut confirms that his win on MTV's reality show Rock the Cradle was no fluke. Now he'll face the reality of following up this release with the always difficult sophomore album - but, it appears a new star has been born - and, for Crosby Loggins, it's time to shine.
• Info: [USA/CA 2009 - web] (2009 Review by Richard J. Lynch for Kweevak.com)

KEITH MILES - BEYOND THE HEADLIGHTS: Award-winning songwriter and POCO bass player returns to the production chair for the sophomore effort by his friend and sometimes writing partner, Keith Miles. The results go beyond expectations and enlightens on a diversity of styles from Americana folk, big band, olde time swing and country crooner. The results are as eclectic as they are enjoyable. The CD leads off with a determined "Road I'm On" and displays an artist confident in the direction he's heading in. The cover of the classic "Samson and Delilah" might be the strongest track here bolstered by a powerful dose of blues harp. "Iola" - originally recorded by Sundrud's Great Plains co-written by him, Miles and another associate - is a plaintive homage to the fragility of the heartland and the life of the family farmer. Another co-write with Jack is "The South" which explores just how deep the roots go when one is raised below the Mason-Dixon line. Beyond The Headlights is a fine second effort from the talented Miles that's loaded with artistry, Hammond organ, fiddles & horns - that should help him get a few mores miles down the road in style.
• Info: [USA/TN 2009 - web] (2009 Review by Richard J. Lynch for Kweevak.com)

MARK KARAN - WALK THROUGH THE FIRE: Mark Karan is a composer, guitarist, singer and writer. Mark has worked with an impressive list of popular players including Dave Mason, Huey Lewis and Trey Anastasio. He heads his own band Jemimah Puddleduck but since 1998, Karan is best known for his role in Bob Weir's Ratdog. Mark has the challenging lead guitar spot, which requires him to play many licks made legendary by the late Jerry Garcia. Having had the pleasure of seeing Ratdog live on a number of occasions, we know Karan aptly emulates Garcia's signature style yet Mark brings his own artistry to the music. Walk Through The Fire is a solo project with Mark handling production and playing an array of instruments. The CD also features many guest musicians who add textures and tones to this personal and passionate record. Mark penned a number of the twelve tracks and the last song "Easy Wind" was written by Robert Hunter. Walk Through The Fire features solid, straight-forward songs. The CD is seasoned with styles ranging from bayou, blues, reggae and rock. Several tracks have light, lilting vibes reminiscent of The Dead and flavored with Little Feat. Other songs are more serious. The production is clean allowing chords, codas and jams to stand out. Mark's voice has an earthy quality, which works well in the rootsy rock format that makes this record real and relevant. Mark Karan is a multi-talented musician and Walk Through The Fire is a great opportunity for him to shine and demonstrate his individual skills. Throughout, 2009 Mark will be touring with Ratdog.
• Info: [USA/CA 2009 - web] (2009 Review by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com)
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