A mixed bag of
new releases, part VII

Somehow, I seem to use the title “A Mixed Bag of New Releases” at least once a year. Here they are for 2003.

Woosley Band, Marveling At The Rings, Gone Shabby Records.

Columbus, Ohio isn’t generally known as a hotbed of musical activity, but don’t tell The Woosley Band, aptly named after chief singer/songwriter/guitarist Sean Woosley. Also prominently featured is guitarist Barry Hensley, formerly of Big Back Forty, one of the better alt/country/rock bands this writer ever heard. The material is solidly in the rock vein with only a trace of country in the form of the occasional pedal steel flourish or an Appalachian-style vocal harmony. One will hear a sound that falls somewhere between The Rolling Stones and The Byrds in all their incarnations. Marveling At The Rings is a worthwhile listen for sure. www.woosleyband.com.

Charlie Parker, The Complete Dial & Savoy Master Takes, Savoy Jazz Records.

Alto saxophonist Charlie Parker is quite correctly revered as one of the true innovators of jazz and one of the fathers of the bebop era that followed the demise of the big bands after WWII. A tragic figure who died young from the effects of a lingering addiction to heroin, Parker’s “Dial and Savoy” sessions from 1944-48 remain arguably his finest work, and its all here in full splendor. On dates as a leader and sideman with Miles Davis and Tiny Grimes, Parker never failed to innovate and inspire his fellow musicians. If you have never experienced the magic of Charlie Parker’s music, this is a good place to start your journey; available at quality record stores everywhere.

Eric Clapton, Live On Tour 2001, Reprise Records.

Eric Clapton’s premeditated move away from “guitar god” status is in plain sight on his latest release. For years, the famed guitarist has inched farther and farther away from his former role as ace blues/rock guitarist and closer toward a goal of “overall entertainer,” a move some of his older fans find repugnant. This double live disc contains tracks from Clapton’s extensive career, including “Sunshine Of Your Love,” “Layla,” “Cocaine,” “Hoochie Coochie Man,” “Key To The Highway,” the insipid Latin jazz instrumental “Reptile” and “Bell Bottom Blues,” among others. What remains here is the umpteenth version of the sentimental “Tears In Heaven,” “My Father’s Eyes,” “River Of Tears” and a sticky-sweet take on “Over The Rainbow,” that should cause diabetics to run in the opposite direction. Some people like the new Clapton. Others don’t. This writer numbers himself among the latter.

Wayne, Music On Plastic, TVT Records.

Wayne’s debut disc Music On Plastic, was quietly released toward the end of last year and hasn’t made much a splash in terms of sales. The group’s music is tuneful yet heavy-edged rock with a strong melodic sense, no pretense and an obvious debt to The Beatles and Badfinger, among others. The band steers clear of emo clichés and although their sound is not particularly distinctive or original, the sheer quality of the songs carries the ball straight into the end zone. Can you tell I just finished watching a football playoff game? Unfortunately, that’s true (the Jets lost). Wayne’s new disc is a touchdown though. www.TVTrecords.com.

Northernblues Gospel Allstars, Saved!, Northern Blues Records.

This is an interesting release; four Canadian gospel singers backed by a great studio band. This writer never really saw the connection between Canadians and African/American gospel soul. But with the notion of music as a universal language, there’s technically no reason why this music shouldn’t succeed. And succeed it does. Lead vocalists John Finley, Hiram Joseph, Amoy Levy and Danny Brooks take turns on lead vocals, rejuvenating traditional material and debuting original compositions that could be best described as uplifting and spiritual without proselytizing in an offensive manner. If you like old school soul music and blues, Saved! will shake your tree. www.northernblues.com.