AMERICAN MUSIC songs for driving around - Buffalo Blues Benefit for Veterans v4
American Music songs for driving around cover art.
AMERICAN MUSIC songs for driving around music review by Joe Tell.
Always on the hunt for new local music to review, I was initially interested in hearing AMERICAN MUSIC after I noticed that this project supports WNY Veterans & Military families.
I was further interested in hearing and writing about some new local WNY musicians I haven't written about or heard before. Bob James, who sings, plays guitar, bass and produced the CD, was kind enough to send me a copy to review upon my request. Thank You Bob.
American Music also features many WNY musicians performing on a unique mix of covers and originals. Artists' featured include Porcelain Train (Tamala -Vocals, Guitar and Ralph Fonda - Drums, Vocals), Melissa Sauers (Vocals, Guitar, Clarinet), David M. Miller (Guitar), Howard Fleetwood Wilson II (Drums) and Tina Williams (Vocals). This review is dedicated to bassist, Larry Smith.
1. Lodi (Fogerty) features Melissa Sauers on Vocals and Guitar, Porcelain Train on Vocals, Bob James on Vocals, Guitar, Bass and Percussion, Larry Smith on Bass, and Ralph Fonda on Drums. Lodi, made world famous by Creedence Clearwater Revival, serves as a introduction to Tamala, Ralph Fonda and Melissa Sauers all taking turns on lead vocals. Bob James joins in on background vocals. Melissa Sauers adds a clarinet solo to complete the musical introduction on this unique take to this classic song.
2. Times Like This (James) features Bob James on Vocals, Acoustic/Electric Guitars, Bass and Percussion and Jon Brady on Drums. Jon Brady serves up a exciting and uptempo drum intro to this Bob James original. The vocal and musical melodies have a retro sound but are delivered in an alternative style. Times Like This has a bouncy, pop sensibility and is one of the best songs on this release.
3. A Wasted Tomorrow (Sauers) features Melissa Sauers on Vocals, Bob James on Guitar, Bass and Percussion and Howard Fleetwood Wilson II on Drums and Percussion. A Wasted Tomorrow is a hard-driving rock song about the in's and outs of hard drinking. Melissa's vocal delivery is punchy and powerful. The vocal solo is a nice touch, but I would've liked to hear some kind of fancy effect on the sound to differentiate the solo from the rest of the vocals.
4. Whippin' Up The Dust (Porcelain Train) features Tamala and Ralph Fonda on Vocals, Guitar and Drums, Larry Smith on Guitar, Ed Croft on Bass. Recorded and mixed by Porcelain Train. Tamala's vocals are sweet and sultry on this mid-tempo rocker. The female and male lead vocals on the choruses sound great. This song is one of my favorites on American Music.
5. Have You Ever Seen The Rain (Fogerty) features Melissa Sauers on Vocals and Guitar, Porcelain Train on Vocals, Bob James on Vocals, Guitar, Bass and Percussion, Larry Smith on Bass and Ralph Fonda on Drums. Like Lodi this CCR song features 4 lead singers taking turns on lead vocals.
6. Woodstock (Mitchell) features Bob James on Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drums and Percussion and Tina Williams on Background Vocals. The male and female vocal blend give this song a unique sound.
7. Stop Draggin My Heart Around (Petty-Campbell) features Porcelain Train on Vocals, Tamala Fonda on Guitar, Bob James on Guitar and Percussion, Larry Smith on Bass, Ralph Fonda on Drums and David M. Miller on Slide Guitar. This is the best cover on American Music. The acoustic guitar adds a melancholy feel to the song, my favorite part of this version is the great slide guitar by David M. Miller.
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Special thanks to Bob James.
Dedicated to Larry Smith.
