Really Eclectic
author: Doug Fruttati
The word eclectic in popular usage seems to mean that an artist plays an acoustic guitar AND it is in tune. This record reflects the dictionary definition of .... employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles. This record has everything from well executed bluegrasss to Jazz with catchy thoughtful pop songs thrown in for good measure. "I want my Monkey back" is a prime example of a tight rock song. Good stuff!
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Mid east meets west
author: Slameen Jugari
Sal/SAZ creek is an excellent melding of styles. A live drummer on some tunes would be good but overall this record exhibits real skills and styles.
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Smorgasboard o chops
author: Pup Dog
I was turned on to this band from a friend. This CD has little of everything and a lot of style. Pop, Jazz, Bluegrass and quirk. All very well written and executed. The only downside is the production is perhaps not as polished as one might want, but then again Match Box 40 is polished....and it blows. Too bad they don't play the North West.
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Your stuff is beautiful, wry, funny, political and intelligent.
author: David Weems
The way a good meal tickles various parts of the
palate, your music stimulates a bunch of
different parts of my brain and unites them in
harmony. The songs are beautiful, wry, funny, political and intelligent. "Wheel of Style" has got all the power, excitement and charm of a new Beatles record, circa Rubber
Soul/Revolver. I mean that, sincerely. I just can't
believe how good it is. Actually, what strikes me most is its originality.
In my world, God looks and acts just like Duke
Ellington. I'm a composer and arranger, so I could go
on and on about the stellar guitar and cello work, the
ingenious banjo playing, the great bass lines, the
nifty synth inserts and the stunning sonic production
values.
But truly---it's the lyrics that knock me out. I feel
like I've just read a great novel, or more fittingly,
a fascinating autobiography. I found myself smiling,
agreeing and frequently laughing out loud with
delight. "Two People" and "Toothless John" actually
make me cry.
It's like being a hitchhiker picked up by James Joyce,
William Faulkner, Kurt Vonnegut and Jack Kerouac on
Route 66 in a truck driven by Dr. ML King.
It's an astonishing album, one of the best I've
ever heard in my life.
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