"WHAT I LIKE"
Root
7-out-of-10
It was in April 2009, I reviewed Blankley's Invitation To The Blues, a disk I enjoyed very much, and Money Talks way back in 2007.
With "What I Like" the disk is more of a compilation, although Blankley takes the lead on the first four songs, then shares performance credits on three more songs.
The disk also includes work by Mike Tabares, Alex Paris, Laura Paris, Paul Schofield and John Meydam.The CD really seems to hit its stride with the jazzy Jarvis St., a Blankley piece filled with mood.
While this CD lacks the one, or two killer cuts to really get you into it, and has an overall feel of something pulled together by friends as a fun project, it is still pretty solid.
Set You Free by Tabares is an interesting piece, and Oshawa Blues, which bring all the players together is kind of cool too..
Overall, not bad at all, although not a top-10 of the year either..
Check it out at www.adsavs.com.
- CALVIN DANIELS
"WHAT I LIKE"
Root
7-out-of-10
- CALVIN DANIELS
"COME AND GONE"
Zachary Lucky
Indie
8.5-out-of-10
Zachary Lucky is a performer who comes by his talents honestly. It is literally in his blood. Lucky is a grandson of Smiling Johnny who along with partner Eleanor have performed one end of this country to the other for decades. Johnny passed on earlier this year, but I am sure he watching his grandson's music career grow.
Johnny would have reason to smile listening to Come and Gone.
As stated in an earlier review of Lucky's Maps & Towns which earned an 8.5, he "is a performer who combines a sort of folk-based approach, with soft rock, and at times a sort of country song writing sensibility. The results are songs which catch the listener as they are delivered by Lucky's fine voice, and simple acoustic guitar work."
Lucky continues to show those same elements in Come and Gone.
The true key for Lucky seems to be his relaxed delivery. The music comes across with a simplicity which has you feeling he is in the room with you, or that you are both sitting around a campfire, and that Lucky is simply sharing himself with you through song.
As an example the song Sins of My Father feels deeply personal, like a secret shared between close friends. For a performer to accomplish that is rare, and Lucky does it throughout the CD.
As a favourite, I might choose O Ontario, which could be a theme song for the province. Very beautiful piece.
Local music fans will want to be at 5th Avenue Cup & Saucer Aug.6, where Lucky will be promoting the new CD. Check it out.
Lucky's website is www.myspace.com/zacharylucky.
- CALVIN DANIELS
Past reviews are archived online at http://calmardan.blogspot.com/
"COME AND GONE"
Zachary Lucky
Indie
8.5-out-of-10
- CALVIN DANIELS
