CD Review
John Gaar Band
Bittersweet Success
(Jango Bleaux Records 2004)
by Robert T. Murphy
Review date: February 2005
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award"
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by The Blues Foundation
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I listen to a lot of music and a large amount of CD's go through my player. A lot of the stuff that lands in my mailbox for a review is less than outstanding, but every now and then something shows up that causes me to pick up my ears and listen really really well. This unpretentious looking CD is one of those bright spots. Containing ten self penned songs that are well written, well played and generally very good. This one is a keeper. The guitar work is solid, and avoids cloning the Stevie Ray Vaughan licks that show up way too often these days. The band is tight and throws in some pretty cool changing tempo accents. If these guys sound anything like the CD, they should tear the roof off most any club they play in.
The songs vary from medium tempo semi-country/pop to Mid-wests rock & soul to some kickassed rockin blues. Vocally John Garr range reminds me a bit of Joe Bonamassa on the faster rockin songs and Felix Cavaliere on the slower songs. Garr's voice is perfect for his style. The musicianship is excellent also. Suprisingly the keyboards don't overpower the music which often happens when the rhythm backing is keyboard driven.
Bottom Line: I think this is a pretty darn good CD. One of the brighter spots that has landed in my mailbox recently. Good vocals, good musicianship, good production, and good songs. If you like rockin blues musicwith a touch of soul, then you should like this release. I give it three out of four stars.
John Gaar - Guitar & Vocals
Ron D'Argenio - keyboards
John Ehlenbach - Bass
Tommy Leanza - Drums
Web sites: www.johngaar.com
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