Robert Rex Waller Jr – See The Big Man Cry

Robert Rex Waller Jr – See The Big Man Cry

Robert Rex Waller Jr. – the singer/songwriter at the helm of country rockers I See Hawks In L.A. for the past couple decades – honors some of his prodigious roots with this solo effort. Robert’s musical interpretations take you back to a different corner of classic country; when the sound was orchestrated, big and often bawdy. His voice resonates with red dirt and is driven by subtle but also powerful emotion. His take on The Walker Brothers “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore” potently launches the disc with comforting hooks. He injects a country-fried jolt into the Everly Brothers’ foot-stomper “Amanda Ruth,” complete some killer guitar licks. Bruce Springsteen’s “Tougher Than The Rest” is a true heart render, and makes you think of what it may have been like if the “Boss” was from Nashville instead of Jersey. The varied versions here tend to mirror Robert’s own musical idiosyncrasies, which is a good thing considering his talents and the chops of those he surrounds himself with on this excellent disc. – MW

https://www.robertrexwallerjr.com

Initial Kick – Plays With Mercury

Initial Kick – Plays With Mercury

Deko Music – B0CFRFTMT2

Angel bassist Steve E. Ojane and Hurricane Jane guitarist Frankie Schaffer have combined forces to create this killer project of retro influenced rockers. Infusing vestiges of glam, arena rock, hair metal, and vintage classic rock, the music is both powerful and engaging. “On The Inside” kick starts the disc with potent guitar riffs but unique little pop-hook flourishes. “Wish You Were Here” is a rollicking blast that has a touch of punk but sticks with the overall retro vibe. “Me And Rock And Roll” feels like a song that Mott The Hoople wish they had done – a glam ballad with an extra jolt of intensity. They even pop in a slightly gritty but somewhat faithful version of The Archies “Sugar Sugar.” Steve’s vocal work has a rock-and-roll-crooner quality which fits perfectly with the musical backdrops. Frankie’s guitar work is flawless with a touch of inventiveness, further augmented by the talented guests including Angel bandmates Billy Orrico and Charlie Calv plus Richie Ranno from STARZ. Reminiscent of when rock was fun but also…rocking! Hopefully this will not be the last disc from these guys. – MW

https://www.initialkick.net/

Jon Byrd – All Your Mistakes

Jon Byrd – All Your Mistakes

Alabama born Jon Byrd has been creating his own music now for quite a few years after a successful career as a sideman. His latest release further exemplifies that striking out on his own was a good idea as his music is catchy and inspiring. You can tell he reaches deep into his songwriting soul to weave expressive tales mostly from life experiences. His voice has a uniquely mesmerizing quality, undeniably country but he goes a bit deeper with his singing. You can actually feel, not just hear, but FEEL influences from Townes Van Zant, Hank Sr, Roy Orbison, and others with the way he fuels his songs with pure emotion. From mellow crooners like “I’ll Be Here Only One,” to the folksy vibe of “Golden Colorado” and the honky-tonk blues of “Woman, Sensual Woman,” his musical eccentricities add further intrigue to the songs. He is strong in all aspects of song creating and this makes for a very enjoyable disc. – MW

NEWS!

Fly To The Sun – Fly To The Sun

Fly To The Sun – Fly To The Sun

The debut release from this project spearheaded by Universal Records producer/vocalist/flutist Ray assembles an impressive array of musicians, creating an equally splendid collection of song. Mostly in the prog-to-art rock mid-ground but with more depth than that, the songs have a quirky vibe with pop sensibilities melded with plenty of musical intrigue. The name-sake song has a comforting groove that one minute may have the feel of a modern day orchestra and the next a hard rocking guitar driven band. Ray’s vocal talents are on full display on the feel-good hooky “Colorado You.” “Taj Mahal” is a mesmerizing journey to a faraway land with plenty of instrumental prowess guiding you. “Soaring With Angels” has a subtle intensity and intoxicating groove, and is both catchy and fresh. It is not surprising that there is some excellent musicianship throughout this album when you have players including Jennifer Batten, Billy Sheehan, Andrew Giddings, Gregg Bissonette, Joe Deninzon, and many others involved with it. While it may not be hard rock like people are used to hearing from those musicians, the talent that flows through this music makes it nonetheless enjoyable and intense in its own wonderful way.- MW

https://www.flytothesun.com/

Dominic Gaudious – Chapter 16: Loose Ends

Dominic Gaudious – Chapter 16: Loose Ends

Instrumental guitar virtuoso Dominic Gaudious has been around for a long time, but there is no shortage of creativity in his songwriting tank. In some ways, this may be one of the most inventive albums in his distinguished career. He doesn’t merely push the envelope here – he utterly destroys it. The snappy groove of “Bring You Down” kickstarts the album with a danceable vibe and some frenetic guitar ejaculations. You may think a song with the title “Funkulator” is strait up funk, but Dominic’s unique slant weaves in various ethnic grooves and adds in some of his trademark didgeridoo work. The title track is a rocker with a subtle flowing from mellow pop to the brink of metal, evoking comparisons to Vai and Satriani. “La Buena Vida” shows that he can still handle flamenco stylings with the best of them. “Didjbot” displays even more of his prowess with the Australian didgeridoo, in a tongue-in-cheek disco-meets-electronica fashion complete with robotic voice box. I could go on with the descriptions, but there are just so many ear-pleasing twists and turns in this album that mere words can’t do the work here justice. Just give it a listen, particularly if you have never heard Dominic’s music before. You will wonder what else you have been missing. – MW

https://www.dominicgaudious.com/