"the poor man's Alan Parson's Project"
author: Laura Lynch
Of Autumn reviewed...
kweevak.com
JL HANNAH'S SUMVOICES – OF AUTUMN & INSIGHT: JL Hannah is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter. Sumvoices are musicians including guitarist Peter Kaukonen (tracks 7 & 10) from many states who are part of what JL jokes is "the poor man's Alan Parson's Project". Hannah also describes his album as a "venting of the midlife human condition", alluding to the reflective nature of some of his lyrics. Of Autumn & Insight is a diverse, dynamic CD that draws from the folk, jazz and rock genres. All fourteen tracks and the hidden 'Kingdom Tonight' are colorful. Although Hannah is the lead vocalist, the CD features other talented singers including a number of capable females. The CD opens with 'Autumn Drums (overture)', which begins as a bright instrumental with subtle drum tones melding with spirited guitars parts. Towards the end of the song JL and Linda Couturas confess confusion about where life is going. On track two, Paige Sessa sings and captures the rich textures and tones of 'Passing Time'. Gary Georgett's piano work on the song is gorgeous reminiscent of some of Bruce Hornsby's finest work. 'Dischorus' features JL speaking his discontent over searing guitars and animated keys. 'Sleep Right' is a track heavily influenced by The Doors with Hannah piecing together vivid imagery layered over spacey instrumentation. The song has a good structure with various concepts eventually working their way back to the heavy hook line "let's dive a little little deeper in the fire". 'Kingdom Tonight', about the Heaven's Gate cult, is evocative with haunting lead vocals by Rich Lynch, JL inflecting "forever lost" and John Sheehan's chilling guitars. JL Hannah's Sumvoices is a creative collaboration of diverse musical forces and his songs are innovative and insightful!
• Recommended Tracks: (1,2,3,9,15) [USA/NJ 2005 - web] (2006 Review by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com)
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Strikingly fun and rememberable music that utterly blew me away.
author: Steve Hollow
This newby brings it on slowly but surely, leaving a lasting impression, and a thirst for more. Thanks to the "friends" who lent incredible talent and energy to make each cut a variety of ever changing moods, sounds and internal experiences. The music elements are memerable and lasting, and the mix artistically creats many enjoyable personal experiences not soon forgotten. Thanks.
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