The Adam Schlenker Band opens up this CD with an interesting almost American Indian drum beat which is joined by a rolling guitar lick a few measures later and builds into a solid rocker. The song 'My Way Home' works well as an opening track, and would work very well in a live show also. There's enough dynamics to make it interesting and rocks hard enough to get people tapping their feet.
Another good song on the CD is the title cut 'Easy Access' which works around a solid bass guitar riff and blues guitar riffs and with pretty good use of dynamics.
'Change Is' is a medium tempo rocker which reminds me of a lot of songs from the 60's for some reason...sort of a late 60's garage rock with Hendrix overtones.
"Everybody's Talking," which clocks in at just over eight minutes starts out OK, but runs out of ideas about halfway through the song. It should have been ended after about four minutes.
The strangest song on the CD is "Coffin," clocking in at 7:30, which starts out at a slow tempo, sounding like it was recorded in someone's living room with a microphone placed some distance way. It then sort of morphs into a larger sound with different sections with some pretty rockin guitar work to end the CD on a high note.
The vocals on the CD are serviceable and work within the context of the CD except on the slower ballad songs where a band better have a good vocalist or one with a unique style. Musicianship generally is good to excellent, with some interesting songs and interesting licks added by the bass, guitar and drums. Production on this CD is good, and sounds pretty decent and the packaging is professional. Overall, if I had to rate the CD, (using the "STAR" system) I would give it 3 out of 5. If you like blues with a bit of rock thrown in, this CD should meet your needs.
Adam Schlenker - Guitars & vocals
Pat Sisk - Bass and backing vocals
Jeff Stewart - Drums
Special Guest: Reese Wynans - Organ, Wurlitzer and piano
Website: www.adamschlenkerband.com
Booking Info:
(614)-299-7739
1047 Afton Road
Columbus, Ohio 43221
This review is copyright © 1999 by Robert T. Murphy, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.