“It’s a ‘Brown’ sound. Big, warm, fuzzy and majestic” – Edward Van Halen describing his unique and innovative signature guitar sound.
Think about that, a “Brown” sound - a visual description to an auditory occurrence or event. One might just say that’s a misnomer. I disagree. Personally that makes all the sense in the world. I’ve never claimed to be an expert, and my business card doesn’t say “musical critic”…but I know music. I understand that it’s a living thing and yes I understand what it’s like to “see” it. I’ve been blessed to be haunted with the obsessive nonstop pre-occupation for music and have for almost 4 decades now…it’s a wonderful curse. Not for just listening to the music, but being able to look through the notes and lyrics and see its collage of colors. Some artists end up with a complete and well assembled composition…while others have missed the canvas. The point is; I’m not a musical critic – I’m more, and if you’ll permit me I’d like to request your trust in my opinion.
Released in 2009, the CD “No Turning Back” by CTS and Jeff Senour has represented sight and sound to me as if I had just began to be infected with infatuation for music all over again.
I would describe their music as pushing the envelope to explore, and then exploit every wall and boundary found only within the limits of their own genre. “No Turning Back” and its 16 tracks show that CTS has remained perfectly honest to themselves and their abilities as they have written their way through each song differently while maintaining unwavering quality with signature sound. Certain tracks were recorded to capture and contain the raw rock edge that ignites your auditory senses, others will captivate you with infectious and melodious power ballads, some will move you as you note the brilliance of the lyricism and songwriting therein, there are some that will remind you what unadultered joy in youth was like, inversely others will break your heart…just so you remember what your heart feels like, followed by the awe inspiring recognition and praise for the hero’s we see in our lives -  and the ones we don’t. 
The music is as diverse as it could be, while remaining as common as it can be, written by a group to be just what they wanted it to be. This is not a band, they are artists. They play with color.
I would describe who they are as anything but what you may think. From what I know – none of them knows what a “rock star” is and has no desire to; which fits them well for they are humble. They do not seek their own personal success; that gives them class. They believe that every effort of theirs is but to serve a greater good – one common to all of us; that makes them selfless. While with generous hearts offering a steadfast portion of all proceeds earned to give to what they believe in; and that shows their generous character. That’s who they are. Rooted in deep Patriotism, through amazing music, CTS dedicates their talents to serve a greater cause, one which we all benefit from. They have been men enough to stand up and do it in a time where everyone else sits things out.
While Edward may have considered his sound “Brown”, I’m here to tell you that CTS and Jeff Senour are “Red, White and Blue” all day long.
I wouldn’t simply recommend this CD; I would recommend that you not spend another day without this entire experience of CTS. Not simply for the music; but for the men, the cause and the greater good larger than all of us.
Climb aboard and catch them as they go by, CTS is a rapidly moving entity – rapidly moving straight up that is!
***** Five Stars
Danny Jones – Independent Writer
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Track #15 – “Too Good to Be Real”…..Reviewed with a different approach.
Without prior deliberation I can rattle off instant signature drum riffs in my memory as Van Halen’s “Jamie’s Crying”, Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight”, Dire Straits “Money For Nothing”, Rush’s “Tom Sawyer”, Ozzy’s “Ultimate Sin” and on and on and on. It would take more effort to stop listing them than to choose them. Here’s the point; you have written something well, whether it be a 3 second transition, a 5 strike intro, or an entire marathon-like solo, when a listener can instantly recall your work on such a broad question. Of course my memories and musical preferences are different, but the exercise is the same. I make no references of sound similarities listed above, or their comparison to the following…they are simply the first thoughts that came to me instantly. It doesn’t necessarily represent my favorite; it represents the achievement of the artists. I said all of that to say this, “Too Good to Be Real” has a signature drum line that will adhere to you like static electricity. Without specific description, it possesses an intrinsic feel…just like the aforementioned.
Now, let’s move on to the point. Strange as it may sound, keep the drum lines chosen, memorize them and put them on a shelf next to us. Good, let’s move on.
What is your favorite song coming to mind who qualifies by the best of show in the class of “best written and executed lyrics sung with vocals that just haunt you. Lyrics that nail it for you…whatever your “it” is. Turn around and put is next to the drum information.
Go ahead and plant your feet for this curve ball. Do not change the song that wants to answer this question instantly. Just let it be. What music, supporting a song, places a hook into the bottom of your soul and pulls you into and through the entire song EVERYTIME you listen to it? You know what to do with it.
Just to throw you off, what is the unique quality of the song that has raced through your thoughts since you began reading that has not fit the criteria of the few questions. What is it about it that song that still has your attention? As I inform you that everything I just described is what is known as a songs’ “hook”, go ahead and add it to the group of items in the shelf.
Let’s not take another step…or breath for that matter until we look at what is most definitely my favorite element of a song….The guitars – all of them. The Bass guitar, Acoustic, Electric…if it has strings and you can blast them through an amp – I love them. I’ll not bore you with the riffs that would instantly, and for hours come to mind…but go ahead and follow the same drill – extracting from that a perfect memory to add to the mix.
NOW, Offer me the first song, wait a minute, the first that qualifies by possessing all of your prior answers. It gets a bit tougher now doesn’t it? It does because, although there are more amazing songs available to your ears than the sum total of all of the grains of sand in the world, a great song only IS what it IS. If it exists due to only one or possibly many of the answers you had, it’s still amazing to you. But it is rare that all criteria are met, much less a song that will come to mind instantly. If you haven’t thought of one yet, and you didn’t think of one while stopping in the middle of my question…you don’t have one. Perfect. Then my job has now become much easier.
Commit yourself to an uninterrupted and quiet 3:33 to expose yourself to Track #15 – “Too Good to Be Real”. Before you hit the play button I need to interject the following:
However, this song isn’t the only one that I can think of that could be the answer to the final question, it is however the FIRST that came to mind! Therefore, there exists a possibility that after you listen a few times it could be yours as well.
Trying now to override my brain sending it’s signals to my spine, through my nerves and telling my wrists to pull away from this keyboard to keep it short, I realize the attempt to ignore it is going to be a losing proposition. So I must now contradict my typical and innate desire to allow copious amounts of words to flow in describing this amazing song to the lengthy degree of totally loosing you. Forcing myself to condense my thoughts into a short phrasing attempt: I suggest that you go listen to “Too Good to Be Real”, a song that, for me, contains everything on the shelf and much more. If it doesn’t qualify for the answer to this obscure exercise, that’s ok. It has just been a way to get you to listen. It’s been here all this time. You may quite possibly enjoy it to the extent that I will now be added to your Christmas card list every year because I brought it to your attention.
So in the spirit of “less said is more” I think it is about to happen, sorry I can’t tell you more about the song but I think my hands are about to involuntarily be pulled away from the
Cheers……enjoy. - Danny
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Stop whatever it is that you’re doing and go search for the first person you can find on the street. Ask them what would be the first thing to come to their mind if you said the word “Anthem”. Of course, you and anyone else reading this knows that the answer will be “The National Anthem”.
Most of us are aware that the song was penned by Francis Scott Key in 1814, after the bombing of Fort McHenry by Great Brittan had ended. An uneasy Key looked to see that our Flag had been risen signaling victory. To be extremely succinct, this moving experience inspired the “Star Spangled Banner”…later to be named our “National Anthem” by Congress.
I would like to submit that, if I had been the one you found on the street, my answer would have been rapid and different. Without question, Track #3 – “My House” is nothing but an Anthem in my mind by the purest of definitions. No kidding. No joke. Believe it or not that’s what I said…”ANTHEM”!
In an act that as I strike these keys I will even surprise myself, I’m getting prepared to use a word in describing a song released by an amazing Rock Band that seems a bit out of the ordinary. “My House” is an absolutely…unequivocally…BEAUTIFUL song!!!! Have you ever actually felt something physically move in your chest? Of course you have – wanna feel it at will whenever you desire? Simply listen to this with eyes closed. Try to pay attention to how quickly you will do nothing but remain completely immobilized with a smile that, if seen by others would warm their heart also.
There have been numerous songs released by CTS, my now permanent favorite band I have in my library, that I have written about. Sometimes I’ll take a direction of trying to convey to you the content you will hear – and then convey the true meaning…while others I will meticulously paint a detailed musical picture with carefully chosen words…or both. An undertaking I find to be as effortless as enjoying the music itself. While reflecting on what to write for “No Turning Back’s – My House” (something I do in its entirety in my head prior to a single word written, because it comes from the truth of this man’s heart) I came to the conclusion that I’ll employ neither approach or technique here.
With absolute spontaneity I wish to express to you something you may also find to be true after you listen. Now follow and appreciate the simplicity of this.
As if, when viewing a captured sunset burned into your mind’s eye - deemed by your vision to be the most incredible you’ve encountered…you’ll never – ever stray from the experience and magnitude of seeing the sight in its entirety – as opposed to trying to only focus on its individual elements. You would never pick out and then describe the setting cloud by cloud…color over color. Inasmuch as I’m certain you can understand that sentiment – I’ll not disrespect the experience “My House” in its Anthem state. I will not include a single sentiment regarding the lyrics that will move you, or implement a descriptive use of my words to actually allow you to hear what I have and you haven’t. I don’t want to see its clouds or colors. I only wish to portray the complete sunset of “My House”
I wish not to err in the slightest when undertaking such responsibility as I approach trying to define it. So I shall begin now to not do just that. Sometimes the less you say, the more can be heard.
Do yourself a favor, no I’m not going to say listen to this song…that wouldn’t be a favor, it’s a damn right you’ll earn…no, do yourself a favor and understand that you possess more loose change between the locations of your nightstand by your bed and the floor of your car…than the sum total of this entire CD. Not just for the song I have in the spotlight now…but people, for the gift that there are 15 more behind this one…all different, all straight from the heart…all can be yours as soon as you click “buy now”.
 
As a bonus, you’ll add to your vocabulary used every day the words Jeff Senour and CTS.

Oh yeah, I have to do at least this.....if you’ve ever read anything I’ve had the privilege to write prior to this regarding the sound and songs of CTS you will understand the following…..
 
-          In this one, far and away it’s-  “ … it’s not easy to be a hero inside your heart… “ Damn…!
 
Unlike Francis and Jeff – through all of my efforts I shall never hold a pen that from which words like that would flow.
 
I’ve said too much. The gift is you’re now. Run for it….it awaits your heart and smile.

Danny Jones - Independent Writer
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“Hit and Run”

Epinephrine (ěp'ə-něf'rĭn)  Pronunciation Key  
A hormone that is secreted by the adrenal gland in response to physical or mental stress, as from fear, and is regulated by the autonomic nervous system. The release of epinephrine causes an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Epinephrine also raises glucose levels in the blood for use as fuel when more alertness or greater physical effort is needed. Also called adrenaline. Chemical formula: C9H13NO3. – “Webster’s”.

So, OK, here you go – wanna feel like you could just beat the hell outta anything that today’s world could ever throw your way? Push the play button on Track #6 – “Hit and Run”; and then turn up your speakers “to eleven”. Dig in, for you will feel such a tremendous rush of pure adrenaline as the first few moments of the song take you off guard, it’s unbelievable!!
A raspy 3 chord riff from an electric guitar dialed in with (what sounds to this listener like reverb, delay and compression) sling-shots out to break the silence, stair-stepping over itself directly into a full kit of bass and tom drums which hit you with a combination of powerful blows just as a heavyweight boxer would. As this dramatically grows; time stops for an instant when, if you’re like me, you will note you’ve now involuntarily snapped your head towards the speakers in earnest with eyes wide open as this riff hits a crescendo if you will at “0:09”. This beautiful moment in time is marked by a single, perfect cymbal crash upon which this larger than life bass pounds you down like you’re his nail. You will feel as if you’ve sustained a blow right to your chest. WOW, does this thing take off now! Everything seems to be magnified; the bass vibrates more – guitars buzz tighter – drums are now incorporated with their percussion counterparts. This is my definition of organized chaos. I fell in love with this song by this point on my first listen.
This is so very cool people, all of this has occurred before the first lyric has been sung. You instantly have the feeling that something cool is in store, for this introduction just boils over with attitude. Something in store like jammin rock served CTS style!
Jeff lands without losing his balance releasing his trademark lyrics fitting together like pieces to a musical puzzle would. This is definitely a statement-driven song as you’ll easily discern that he has really, really got something to say here. By the way, I’ll give you some advice, step aside here ‘cause he’s focused, on target and determined to express himself and his message. In other words, get on board and enjoy this – or get the hell outta the way ‘cause he and the boys will run down this one. 
Perfectly snapped into place with this killer rock groove are lyrics like:
“… never saw what was about to happen…”
“… did you really mean what you’re heart became?...”
“… seems everyone forgets what matters …”
People, lines like that could only ever exist within the framework of this amazing music.
 “… did you really mean what your heart became?...” Are you kidding me?? Genius. I’m certain there must exist a Nobel Prize for rock and roll lyricism. I just need to obtain the contact information because ladies and gentlemen we definitely have a candidate here in Jeff Senour. Damn!! Amazingly, all of this has been encompassed within the borders of the first chorus; you can just use your imagination for what must lie ahead of you ahead. I really believe I must have hit the rewind button at least three times at this point of “Hit and Run” when I was first exposed to “No Turning Back”.
The guys continued to hold me for musical ransom as I began to wonder if Jeff had actually been replaced with a second version of himself, kinda like Jeff on steroids if you will. Because, whichever one has the microphone is vocally expressing himself in a phenomenal manner. Don’t assume that I’m referring to things like correct use, upper body posture or the distance you keep from the mic as it changes as the levels of your volume fluctuate. No, no. I’m speaking of an inherent element that cannot be taught. Due to his own intrinsic vocal signature he is able to alter the zero ° level to tilt a few degrees towards the crazy side of the “lunatic fringe”. Let me be perfectly clear and concise readers – this is a good; no this is a GREAT thing. Again, you really sense that there’s something on Mr. Senours mind.
After you buy the CD and listen to “Hit and Run” you may, like I did, wish you could even see him sing as you listen. Just so you could have a visual of how he and the band are rippin’ this out.
None of this is occurring, by the way, without my continued awareness of the deep thumping bass that has been blowin’ my hair back since the song began. You know, it’s really hard not to focus on not focusing and just enjoying the music as a whole when something this specific is noticed – but man he’s good. He rocks! 
Then – are you ready for this? – You’re going to hear one of the coolest, most infectious choruses you’ll be exposed to in a long time. I have the desire to actually write it out in full for you word for word, but the decision not to turned out to be an easy one. The bands musical progression that remains beneath Jeff as he takes off will reverberate through your head over and over. It tells you the story of “Hit and Run” in a few perfectly penned lines. In addition to that, it exposes as truth that, as a society, we do not want to be exposed to or have this truth revealed to us. Jeff has seen it and is opening our eyes; we quickly find that he’s right.
The measurable deteriorating attitude that the mainstream society has towards everything important and sacred – has spiraled down to where we, as good honest people are no longer that. The importance of truth, honesty and goodness together with mutual respect towards each other has lost all meaning. We see a state of decay in the human spirit everywhere we look. This is all symbolized lyrically as being vehicularly paralleled as you are just another victim of a “Hit and Run”.
This analogy is symbolized in my mind as Jeff runs from the imminent car crash bearing down on him, running out of control – trying to evade the actual collision that would reflect our human condition at this point, and how close we are to our own demise. If you could see the video in my head for a song you have yet to hear, it would blow your mind.
You see, its stuff like which makes me upset that I’m a writer in this capacity and not a rock star like Jeff and all of the guys in CTS. Truth be known, I selfishly wanna be the one who came up with this concept, then had the talent of songwriting executed at this echelon, or could perform the type of rock and roll like CTTS as a whole does. This sucks, I wish I were one of these guys after hearing “Hit and Run”! Go buy this CD now!
Oh but wait, there’s more. I would be remiss if I didn’t remark on a couple more secrets.
As the guys cycle through the well-built frame of verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, etc. We are treated with the familiar guitar solo. Lead guitar proves once again that he’s able to pull this whole thing up as far as he chooses. Actually, that’s exactly what he does. He begins slowly, and remaining in perfect time with the ever present backing of bass and drums, tugging 8 single notes up into a cocktail of double strummed chords, tap harmonics and single notes either dramatically hit or bent and sustained. Beautifully accompanied with the combination style tom/bass drums as mentioned in the beginning; the end of “Hit and Run” is most definitely fading away. But it’s here where I let my guard down and the coolest effect occurred. My trained ear was anticipating where the structure would tend to go when I was treated to the lead guitar slamming his tremolo bar (an actual bar that in short, can be bent down releasing the tension on all 6 strings at once – or up to pull them tighter. Producing an infinite range of differing sounds’ pitch) down to the face of the guitar and onto his pick-ups. Time froze as I heard the snake-like slapping of his lower “E” string bouncing to a complete stop, emitting the most incredible sound. As quickly as it occurred, he slowly pulls it back up into the awaiting band mates continuing as if nothing occurred.
Have I mentioned that these guys are incredible?
To sum it all up, as Jeff sings this one out the door…we again are able to enjoy another effect from guitar…as if we deserve anymore - he executes an impression of an ambulance in the background, racing up to, by and then away from you…obviously on the way to the collision site. Brilliance.
I could speak forever about “Hit and Run”, but I’ll do just as it does…and just as quickly as it began – with a single, perfect cymbal crash the song ends.


Danny Jones – Independent Writer
“Catch them as they go by, for CTS is a moving entity…moving up that is – quickly!”
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