This invigorating disc will have you stepping away from those same ole blues to letting your diversity soar. It will strike a captivating chord with those who were raised on rock but it is not for the blues purist at heart. While in high school, Warren, Ohio born Vincent Yannucci became fascinated by the blues/rock sounds of Edgar Winter and Rare Earth. Similar tones and grooves emanate throughout this 10 track 43 minute disc of high caliber all-original material. Yannucci produced this CD and on it he performs synthesizer, drums, congas and percussion. However, it's Gary Lee's dazzling fretwork that fascinates. In addition, Lee tackles bass, keyboards and lead vocals. These two encyclopedically talented musicians create the majority of music although 6 other artists were involved in the recording.
The songs are evenly divided between instrumental pieces and lyrical pieces. The instrumentals begin with a conga and percussion party on "Nights On Lafayette Street". Within moments, Lee's guitar comes out and takes a commanding lead over the celebration. Elements of Santana and Eric Johnson can be heard on "Santa Ana Winds". Here, Lee proves when a guitar is played effectively it can be the most expressive instrument. Later, the song is given a reprise via a live version. On it, Yannucci proves his band is not a phenomenon of the studio. The song's magic is accurately reproduced for a rendition that is more intense than the studio version. New age space rock appears on "Wicked Venture". The tune is heavy on the synthesizer and features superb keyboards. "Eclipse" refreshingly fuses rock, jazz and blues. The tune demonstrates the brilliance of the multi-talented Yannucci and Lee. Jeannette Jones belts out the lyrics with almost as much brilliance and certainly as much enthusiasm on the laid back rocker called "Back to L.A.". She effectively holds her notes on "Dog Eat Dog World" which complements the soul-infectious rhythm. The natural gruff of Gary Lee's voice can be heard on "Taught Me How To Boogie".
This release proves once again that independent discs carry the most surprises and almost always surpass the musicianship heard on major labels. The jams are accurate, delicate and determined to make you keep this disc in your player. Too bad the liner notes on the LP length disc do not provide any information on Yannucci or his bandmates. If 12 bar blues has got you down, let the Yannucci's fused music take you away.
For CDs and information, contact: www.vincentyannucci.com
Simply click on the CD cover at left to order this CD NOW!
This review is copyright © 2002 by Tim Holek, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission.
For permission to use this review please email Ray Stiles at: mnblues@aol.com
Web Hosting & Design:
Web Hosting & Design.
Most affordable web hosting and design services available.
Find out how you can host your current site at Blues On Stage, or how I can help you design your own website!
If you would like your CD reviewed, please send TWO (2) copies, along with promotional material to:
Blues On Stage
PO Box 582983
Minneapolis, MN 55458-2983
E-mail Ray Stiles @ mnblues@aol.com with any questions.