Local Musicians CD Reviews
July For Kings
“Monochrome”
July For King’s “Monochrome” is the bands latest release among a steady flow of releases since the bands inception in 1997. The Monochrome release incorporates former members T. Miller, Drew Phillips and fellow artists.
The core band has hammered out a rock solid radio ready CD with Monochrome. The album blends a mix of pop, super pop, heavy pop and melodic acoustic. The first two tracks “Say It Now” and “Fighting Fire” are perfect for top 40 “Q102” listeners, same with “100 Pianos” and “Emma”.
The band moves into the WEBN listener range with the much heavier track “Roses”. That’s definitely the song with the most raw thump behind it. July For Kings keeps it interesting with the songs “Like A City”, “Sam” and “Blue”. All three tracks would feel right at home on WNKU and probably already are or will be shortly. The band has tasted commercial success and this latest release could easily get in the charts, if Clear Channel will see fit to incorporate them into their long list of the less fresh pop tunes they plug now (which we doubt will happen). Check it out or purchase it on the bands website www.julyforkings.com If your an adventurous indy pop fan your sure to dig it.
The Comforts
“Come On In”
We have to admit we have never seen The Comforts live show. Their new CD release “Come On In” speaks volumes about the band though.
The Comforts 2009 release sounds like it was in Sony’s secret 80’s vault stash that was left hidden from the public. Just now being released for 80’s hungry fans to feast on.
You would swear it was recorded when the top 40 chart read: Cutting Crew, Culture Club, Simple Minds, Wang Chung, Tears For Fears and Cindi Lauper. It’s almost camp intentional, but intentionally fun nonetheless.
One things for certain, The Comforts do an excellent job of writing originals that sound like past 80’s top 40 hits. Had this CD debuted in 83’ The Comforts would not likely still be residing in Anderson, perhaps they would be relaxing on pink patios in Miami, permanently retired. The Comforts have put out a quality product with “Come On In” and show off their song writing ability with playful prowess. It’s easy to label a band 80’s pop when they play 80’s pop covers. It’s a lot harder to create a funky fun sunflower 80’s retro vibe when your playing all originals, especially when it sounds like you may be playing little known 80’s hit covers. You can check out the “certain to be funky fun” live show at Luckman Coffee Company on July 8th @ 6 pm or September 16, at the quite appropriate Northside Tavern. www.myspace.com/thecomfortsrock
The Sonny Moorman Group:
Continuing Cincy’s Blues-Rock Tradition By Randy McNutt
The Sonny Moorman Group, Cincinnati’s premier blues-rock band, is back with another album, “Live As Hell.” Like guitarist Moorman’s previous recordings, this one won’t disappoint his growing number of fans.
“He can flat-out play—and sing.”
It’s encouraging today to pick up a recording made by real musicians—talented, enthusiastic players who are close to the people. These guys don’t need drum machines and the latest hi-tech gadget that’s necessary to disguise sloppy playing and off-key singing. But then the Sonny Moorman Group doesn’t need any gimmicks. All they need is a room filled with music lovers, and that’s exactly what the band gets wherever it performs.
Backed by the steady drumming of Dave Fair and the hot bass licks of Marc Hoffman (what a delight to hear them, too), Moorman wails through Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited,” the rock classic “Whiter Shade of Pale,” and Lonnie Mack’s “Cincinnati Jail.”
Co-producers Erwin Musper and Moorman provide a clean, high-quality sound.
The trio’s musicianship is tight and they are obviously having fun with the 14 songs on this album, released by the independent Atlas Records. The Macon, Georgia-based label specializes in blues-rock, a field in which Moorman excels. (The band’s other Atlas recordings include “Crossroads Motel” in 2005 and “Supreme Special: Live at the Cincy Blues Fest!” in 2006.)
As a guitarist, Moorman gives a dynamic performance of Mack’s “Wham!” It’s no easy number to master, yet Moorman manages to place his personal stamp on the high-energy instrumental that was a hit for Mack on Cincinnati’s Fraternity Records in 1963.
I love “Wham!” Come to think of it, what I like about Moorman and his band is their appreciation for the past. While they stay firmly grounded in the present, they aren’t afraid to pay homage to blues-rock icons such as Mack and bassist Tim Drummond, whose “If You Have To Know” also appears on the album.
Since 1996, when Moorman (with the Dogs) recorded “Telegraph Road” for 706 Records in Memphis, he has been turning out carefully crafted recordings for the blues-rock audience. He has steadily built a following across the region and the nation, always giving credit to the older Cincinnati musicians who taught him to appreciate hot licks. So in a way, Moorman carries on the city’s blues-rock tradition by teaching even younger players what he has learned.
Sounds have been passed from blues giant Freddy King to Lonnie Mack to Sonny Moorman.
If you enjoy blues-rock, check out “Live As Hell” by Sonny Moorman, Marc Hoffman, and Dave Fair—the Sonny Moorman Group.
They are real players who make real music.
