In 2007, Ike Moriz released the solid gold alternative pop album, All Around the World. 
The project showcases Ike's other musical talents outside of the jazz genre. More along 
the lines of what we call classic rock in America, the recordings on this particular 
collective are chock full of cool melodies and Ike's signature tenor vocal.

Ike clearly chose wisely when selecting the right backing musicians to help deliver the 
messages on All Around the World well. For Ike's part, he mixes enough sincerity and 
strength in his delivery on songs like "All Around The World," "Anything You Want" and 
"Bite The Dog" to remind you that he's not ashamed of his British influence. For an album
that is nearly five years old, I still enjoyed it's vivacious yet sensual tone giving any guy 
out there plenty of mood music to play when he's alone with that special lady.

One could say that All Around The World wins Ike some cool points for creating a project 
that several years later hasn't lost its appeal.  Ike could easily win over a new group of 
fans who may not know about this totally awesome classic rock release. I could hear a 
re-release of some of these tunes on top of a remixed more up-to-date sound, because it
could do well. 

I like Ike Moriz better as jazz artist (mostly becuase I'm a bigger fan of that genre), but this 
alternative pop album has made a powerful statement which suggests that he's not done 
making great rock inspired pop tunes yet. Check it out today.

Review by: Senseitional
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Ike Moriz - All Around The World (Mosquito Records London) 
With the exception of this year's "Breathing Dreams" Ike Moriz' recent album releases have been easy listening affairs, as he's made a name for himself as a gifted interpreter of the Great American Songbook. 2007's "All Around The World" appears to be a precursor to "Breathing Dreams" and showcases Moriz' songwriting is a contemporary setting, and incidentally betrays a welcome appreciation of British pop and rock from the `70s to now.

Bowie, Suede, Felt and Neil Hannon emerge as influences, though Moriz is very much his own man and his songs (and tunes) stand up to comparison. It helps considerably that he has a voice that sounds like no-one else, and there's a sophistication to the recording which strips away any hint of indie budgetary constraints. Moriz sounds like a star and "All Around The World" drips pop glam.

The album begins with "Whereof One Cannot Speak", written by guitarist Jim Barnes (The Darkness), it sets the scene with a planet-worrying bass rhythm, an ambitious arrangement and a lyric that mentions Sartre. "All Your Heroes Are Dead" is much subtler and spacier, though just as grand, and features a hook that in a fair world would guarantee abundant daytime radio play. "Killing Games" repeats the trick and "Anything You Want" confirms Moriz' ear for a classic melody. A top album, and thoroughly recommended to those who enjoy huge pop arrangements and songs with giant gold hooks. 
www.ikemoriz.com
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