OSCAR JORDAN: Eclectic Soul

Oscar Jordan

Eclectic Soul

© 2004 Big Oscar Music (641444947027)

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Eclectic Soul is a throw back to the great rock albums of the 60's and 70's pulsating with raw energy and a wider scope of influences than contemporary albums. It's a twelve course meal with ample helpings of rock, funk, blues, and jazz influences.

notes

Oscar Jordan is set to release his highly anticipated new album Eclectic Soul (Big Oscar Music) on Thursday July 1st. Recorded and mixed at Grandma's Warehouse in Los Angeles, this release finds Oscar Jordan drawing from his well of musical influences to create a fresh and varied collection of original compositions. While his connection to the blues is still evident, Jordan adds to the mix other ingredients such as funk, rock, Latin, gospel, r&b, and jazz, weaving a diverse tapestry of solid material. Eclectic Soul is Oscar Jordan's first new release since 2001's critically acclaimed Mister Bad Luck.

"Mister Bad Luck was a wonderful recording covering many facets of the blues. I'm very proud of it, but blues is only a piece of the pie," said Oscar Jordan. "Who grows up with a strict diet of blues? When I began compiling songs for Eclectic Soul it seemed like a bunch of great songs that should be on different albums. I later realized that it was because contemporary albums are so genre specific. On a heavy rock album you get heavy rock, on a blues album you get blues. Eclectic Soul is a throw back to rock albums of the 60's and 70's. Those albums had stylistic leaps from song to song. Bands like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and Traffic, gave us a wider musical picture. You heard the heaviest rock song, an acoustic composition, and after that blues. Eclectic Soul is an honest musical creation. It's not about labels and name tags. Just good music."

The release of Eclectic Soul begins a new chapter for Oscar Jordan. With a wider musical scope and vision, this new release spotlights top-flight songwriting and raw energy. Produced by Phil Bloch (Solomon Burke, Terry Evans, Ry Cooder) and engineered by Andrew Bush, the album's 12 tracks feature the singles "Never Been Hurt" and "Like a Lover Should." Eclectic Soul has the passion of Dave Matthews, and the fire of Lenny Kravitz, with a richly unique voice that's says Oscar Jordan.

The Mighty Sons of Hercules are: Oscar Jordan, songwriter, guitars, vocals; Randal Yamamoto, bass; Alex Lane, keyboards; and Nick Karvon, drums. Guest vocalists include Terry Evans and Karen Dilworth. Guitarist/Songwriter T.J. Sullivan co-authors three songs and contributes Dobro and Mandolin.

reviews

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  • great songs,each different, with elements of jazz, blues, soul,good song order
    author: Newlife_tv@hotmail.com

    the cd Electric Soul, is a great work of art,the music, song selections, order and arrigements have a true touch,of Jordan majic, with a blend of difference; reminding me of the great B'B and Albert King.I will make this Cd a music......

  • Eclectic Soul is just that - Eclectic !!
    author: BluesJack

    Eclectic soul surprised me, it was just that, diversified blues. Sounds from Church to honkey tonk, acoustic guitar here, a piano dominated song there then heavy Hammond sounds that throw you back to the 70's all backed by solid vocals. If something in this CD doesn't make the hair stand up on you, you missed the spirit of Oscar Jordan all through this work. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do! BluesJack

  • What took so long??
    author: D.C.B.

    About a year ago I purchased " Mr.Bad Luck". Recently I received " Eclectic Soul". What the Hell took me so long? Those who wait are destine to miss, a musical bliss. One of my favorite(s) on the c.d. is Ruination, (as Jimi H. would say- Have you ever been Experienced? ). To understand ,just do yourself a HUGE favor and get the c.d.Than you can ask, What took so long? aka. Thanks Oscar, for the signed copy...DAL

  • Blimin' 'eck
    author: Nosaj Selwonk

    Tasty.

  • author: John Graham

    Oscar Jordan has gotten back to the core of why TRUE Rock and Roll bands such as Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones considered themselves: blues bands. It is, in my humble opinion, because Blues spawned Rock. Artists from The Beatles to Santana may admit that as well. This hard driving Rock/Blues second effort from Oscar proves that Rock is alive and well. From 'Never Been Hurt" to "These Blues," this album rocks from the Delta to Chicago. My personal favorite is "Hendrix T-Shirt;" containing the lyric 'I walked a mile for a Camel to a house called Betty Ford.' It's a fantastic journey through the guitar wizard/word-smith that is Oscar Jordan. The album art alone should be enough to, at least, get one to taste a sample. The lyrics, musicianship, arrangement, production, and craft-work that build this revolutionary breakthrough should be heard by anyone that enjoys music. Enjoy!

  • author: Jay Septoski

    I was looking forward to getting this one and I was not dissapointed after listening to it a few times. I'm a little bit jaded in this genre but Oscar delivers the goods in a big way. In my opinion blues/ rock is all about the quality of the singer, I've seen and heard hundreds of records where the band kicks it but the vocals aren't quite up to par. This isn't the case with this CD. It's obvious from beginning to end that this is a first rate band that flows effortlessly from stank-ass, funky blues to Latin flavored Santana-esque grooves with nods to the classic soul stylings of the masters like Otis Redding and Al Green. The key element for guitar freaks is the sublte nod to the spirit of Hendrix which to me means soulful and toneful guitar playing that smolders, then burns and then just explodes. If you are a fan of classic rock, blues and soul then this is a must have. Oscar Jordan is the real deal with a guitar in his hands but when he steps up to the mic he brings it big time. He is the ultimate one/two musical punch. You don't know me but I say buy it now!

  • author: Roger Sullivan

    I've been listening to this CD in my car for the past week. This CD is most excellent. The band is very tight, and really hit all the marks. The production is nice and warm. Very pleasing on the ears. The album opens with a old record scratching sound that gives you a hint of the some of the nostalgic elements to follow. Highlights include: The funky and infectious opener "Never Been Hurt" "Like a Lover Should" Awesome chorus. This tune has a very authentic retro vibe... in the best possible way. "Loretta" This is a laid back instrumental... Awesome guitar work! "These Blues" This beautiful duet closes out the album. Great vocal work on this one all around. 5 out of 5 :)

  • author: Norman Reid

    Remember when you got more than one good song on a CD? Remember when artists were willing to step out of the box to follow their artistic vision? Remember when you could buy a CD and get a plethora stylistic flavors? Well, look no farther than Oscar Jordan's Eclectic Soul CD. This CD is clock full of grooves, tasteful melodies, soulful singing, bluesy guitar playing and plain old good music. Oscar throws in everything but the kitchen sink on this release, funk, blues, r&b, old school rock, you name it, it's in it. High lights for me is the funky blusy instrumental "Loretta" and the catchy sing alone "I Like You Better When You Were Drinking" This is one of those CDs you hope that a big label will get behind because more people need to hear it. As a well known blueman once said, "If you don't like this, you have a hole in your soul".

  • What you've been waiting for
    author: Straight Up Publications

    Eclectic Soul will soon become a long term resident in your CD player. Jordan accomplishes the monolithic task of actually creating a diverse album with a broad palette of styles and influences. From the groove of Like a Lover Should to the driving kick of Never Been Hurt to the sardonic hilarity of I Liked You Better When You Were Drinking; This album supplies what is so sorely lacking on the charts today, namely: Talent and genuine style. Whether you're sipping bourbon or singing along in the car, you can't miss with this one.

  • whittles every branch of the blues family tree without raking the leaves of clic
    author: Gary Gravina

    This album whittles every branch of the blues family tree without raking the leaves of cliché. By rights, Eclectic Soul should knock Los Lonely Boys off the charts, both as a finely wrought album and as a collection of brilliant singles. The Mighty Sons are very tight, very familiar with each other, and extremely well-served by Oscar’s voluptuous but restrained guitar work. Eclectic Soul jumps in with both feet, funky and full of rock in Never Been Hurt. Hendrix T-Shirt, one of the most gripping tunes I’ve found in months, leading into the swampy simple Rough Neck, earns its position as a mix-disk two-for. The instrumental Loretta comes at the exact moment the album needed to shut up and play its guitar. The bass bounces in and clears a landing zone for a guitar sound so aching and human, vocals would be unthinkable. You might hear Santana, Mark Knopfler, or BB King in the tone, but Oscar distills his influences so well, they sound as much like their namesake as Jack Daniels tastes like corn. And no hangover! I Liked You Better When You Were Drinking is a very funny gospel-esque croon with a ragtime rave-up cherry on top. Be Cool showcases the overall thicker more lush sound of this album, with swirling Hammond organ and sparse twangy guitar lines, like a smoky club for your soul. In the second-to-last track, Ruination, you finally get the blues opening-line staple, ”Woke up this mo’nin’.” The song, however, is anything but blues staple. These Blues sets you back down on Mother Earth and sends you on your way acoustically. In the age of laboratory musicians, it’s a rare treat to hear a voice so clearly studied at the School Of Hard Knox. A Road Scholar, if you will. Strong, clear, emotional, sly, even the bluest tune is uplifting. The mixing and overall sound has resolution and clarity without being surgical. Sinewy and elegant, the material needs some exposed edges, and has them. This was a very lucky find.

  • author: Joel Icenhower (IKE)

    Oscar Jordan gets down with this release. This CD sounds like Albert Collins, Jimi Hendrix, and B.B. King all rolled into one. The CD opens up with "Never Been Hurt" which is pure funk performed flawlessly. My favorite track is "Loretta" which has a "Tin Pan Alley" vibe to it ala SRV. Oscar's tone and phrasing makes this a joy to listen to.

  • There's more than one shade of blue-- and blues-- in the rainbow
    author: Paul Kenedy

    You have to be old enough to appreciate what Oscar Jordan has done on Eclectic Soul. Eclectic, yes. Soul? Dripping with it. But "traditional blues?" Nope. Yes, you've gotta be old enough to remember where music was in the late 60's, early 70's--before corporate evil stepped in: bands like Humble Pie, Savoy Brown and Electric Flag; mixing and matching genres of music and blurring the lines between them. For them, as Oscar, it was nothing to mix the funky (Never Been Hurt) with the jazzy (These Blues); the moody (Loretta) with the rootsy (Rough Neck). My personal favorite is Be Cool, Oscar's sly tip of the fedora to Jimi (don't believe me? Dust off your copy of Bold As Love and listen to Up From The Skies!) On a more pragmatic level, Eclectic Soul show trememdous maturity and growth in Oscar's writing and guitar playing, with lots of sympathetic backing from the Mighty Sons, one tight bunch of mothers. Don't be afraid. Broaden your musical horizons. There are many many shades of blue in this musical box of Crayolas. Enjoy them all.

  • There's one than one shade of blue-- and blues-- in the rainbow
    author: Paul Kenedy

    You have to be old enough to appreciate what Oscar Jordan has done on Eclectic Soul. Eclectic, yes. Soul? Dripping with it. But "traditional blues?" Nope. Yes, you've gotta be old enough to remember where music was in the late 60's, early 70's--before corporate evil stepped in. There were bands like Humble Pie, Savoy Brown and Electric Flag; mixing and matching genres of music and blurring the lines between them. For them, as Oscar, it was nothing to mix the funky (Never Been Hurt) with the jazzy (These Blues); the moody (Loretta) with the rootsy (Rough Neck). My personal favorite is Be Cool, Oscar's sly tip of the fedora to Jimi (don't believe me? Dust off your copy of Bold As Love and listen to Up From The Skies!) On a more pragmatic level, Eclectic Soul show trememdous maturity and growth in Oscar's writing and guitar playing, with lots of sympathetic backing from the Mighty Sons, one tight bunch of mothers. Don't be afraid. Broaden your musical horizons. There are many many shades of blue in this musical box of Crayolas. Enjoy them all.

  • Oscar Jordan's "Eclectic Soul" is a powerful work showing his great versatility
    author: Steve

    The opening track, Never Been Hurt, starts off with gospel harmonies, then kicks into a jam that will get your funk going strong. With fine accents from Alex Lane on keyboards, Morning Affirmation shows a more contemplative side of Jordan. Hendrix T-Shirt is a complete change of gears. Introspective piano work and Jordan's clear, slightly husky voice take us on a ride into a man's soul. Rough Neck goes for a deeper blues feeling and features some fine slide guitar work. Loretta is an instrumental with Randal Yamamoto's slinky bass line setting the tone. The piece is reminiscent of the best of Mark Knopfler's work, and this track is followed by You and I with a Latin syncopation, very evocative of Carlos Santana. I Liked You Better When You Were Drinking brings us Karen Dilworth on lead vocal. Her work is superb, and not only on this song; she adds class and beauty throughout the disk with her delicious background vocals. This is a song of broken love with a sense of humor, and it's a great piece of writing by Jordan. Be Cool has a very jazzy feel and a 'poolside in Vegas' kind of vibe. Then it's back to driving guitar rock with Jordan's searing, howling lead work on Sing Your Song. Ruination sees Jordan going back to his true Chicago blues roots for a heapin' helpin' of down and dirty blues, but there's a surprising military drumbeat just to throw us off track and keep things fresh. We finish out the disk with These Blues, an acoustic piece with Dilworth's fine background vocals. This track shows what a versatile musician, writer, singer and guitar player Oscar Jordan is. Eclectic Soul by Oscar Jordan and the Mighty Sons of Hercules is a fantastic piece of work that should be in anyone's collection.

  • The songs really reflect the album title.
    author: Scott Gordon

    Instead of strictly staying with the blues, the Mighty Sons of Hercules decided to stretch their musical legs and dig into some funk, soul, gospel, and rock as well. You can really hear a wide range of influences in Oscar's playing too, ranging from Santana to Led Zep III era Jimmy Page to Dio era Vivian Campbell. For me, the standout tracks were Never Been Hurt, Rough Neck, Loretta, and Sing Your Song. The opener, Never Been Hurt, features funky guitar riffs backed by some great bass playing and a searing wah drenched solo to top it all off. Rough Neck is somewhat reminiscent of something Jimmy Page might have played circa Led Zeppelin's third album. Loretta, an eight and a half minute jam, sounds more like traditional blues, and has a fine motif, as well. The guitar playing on Sing Your Song is possibly my favourite out of the entire album. Overall, the band sounds very tight. Oscar has quite a set of pipes as well as being a top notch guitar player. The production is warm sounding, and all the instruments are easily heard. This album comes highly recommended.

  • An excellent and original work - a fresh and enjoyable take on the Blues!
    author: Anton Pukshansky

    "Eclectic Soul" absolutely lives up to its name - it is both eclectic and soulful. Oscar Jordan comes up with a range of songs that cover a lot of stylistic ground while still staying true to their blues/r&b roots. Oscar's singing is passionate and direct, his guitar playing pushes the boundaries of the genre while remaining honest and un-pretentious and The Mighty Sons Of Hercules are a VERY tight unit, playing with fire, competence and joy. This CD is a must have for anyone who enjoys blues, soul and R&B, or good music in general!

  • Dad rock that actually rocks!
    author: Daniel G. Fitzgerald

    The strenghts of Eclectic Soul are evident on the first track. "Never Been Hurt" is a thick slab of hard rhythm & blues (emphasis on the blues, of course). Guitarwise there's nods to modern blues, as well as dirty rock stuff like Guns & Roses and the Black Crowes. It's not a purist's take on R&B or hard rock, but a funky blend o' the best of both. The album's absolute high point is "Loretta" -- heartbreaking instrumental w/ little hints of sunlight. While the guitaring is top notch, that's mean diddly if it wasn't paired with the lovely bittersweet melody we've got here. Jordan isn't afraid to let things get nasty. Where many would be tempted to get mannered w/ a song as delicate as "Loretta," Oscar digs in and makes it howl.

  • author: Wes Powell

    Self proclaimed "blues heretic" or not, Oscar Jordan delivers the blues on this CD while mixing in a healthy dose of gospel, rock, and soul. The CD opens with Never Been Hurt which features some excellent bass playing under a funky guitar wah riff with tasty licks galore throughout. The funk continues with Morning Affirmation which introduces the Hammond B-3 organ to the disc. Hendrix T-Shirt is one of the coolest song titles I've ever heard. Other standouts are Loretta which is 8 and a half minutes of pure blues heaven, You and I which is more than a small tip of the hat to Carlos Santana, Ruination with it's traditional blues feel, and These Blues which lives up to it's title nicely with some beautiful acoustic work. Oscar's vocals are as surprising as his guitar work, however, as the performances simply ooze emotion. The track listing is as follows: Never Been Hurt Morning Affirmation Hendrix T-Shirt Rough Neck Like A Lover Should Loretta You and I I Liked You Better When You Were Drinking Be Cool Sing Your Song Ruination These Blues This CD has tone written all over it and Oscar has a way of weaving in and out in a kind of crazy way sometimes but always winds up back in the pocket which is very cool. In short, I dig it. -wp

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