Downeast Record & CD Review****May 5,1999
Ben James
Our Grading System:
A=Awesome
B=Beautiful
C=Could be better
D=Don't quit your day job
E=Enough already
F=Forget it,Flush it,or #$%^ it.
Listen to some of the songs
"Second Life" is a celebration of American jazz and blues with covers of tunes by several notable composers.
Ben's love of music goes back to childhood.He began playing harmonica at age eight and guitar at age sixteen.At age nineteen Ben hooked into gigs playing harp and guitar with excellent projects such as "Blue Midnight" and "The John North Blues Band."He worked the circuit in South Florida which taught him valuable lessons in road work and musical poverty.
Ben's first release "A Life Of Its Own" has been a landmark sucess for Starlight Records and fueled the fire for "Second Life." A third project is currently in progress in the Starlight Records digital studio, and we anxiously await the release here at Downeast Reviews.
Ben James lives with his wife Judy Claire in Santa Cruz,CA.Ben and Judy can be found performing all over the north central California area.
This weeks review is by:
Donna Crowley (D.S.)
Chris Small (C.S.)
On to the review:
Appearing are:
Ben James-Vocals/Harmonica/Rhythm & Lead Guitars
Judy Claire-Harmony Vocals
Bill Hare-Bass
Dirk Damonte-Piano
Mike Vanderhule-Drums
TRACK 1
Caledonia
D.C.-Nice classic number done in a jazz rhythm.Man, Ben blows a mean tune on that harp,and sings up a storm.Dirk accentuates nicely on the keys,while Bill goes for a stroll on the fretboard of his bass.Great drumming done by Mike gets you up and swinging. Beautiful rendition!!(A+++)
C.S.-Good solid opener.A nice jazz/blues number.Does a good job setting the tone for the rest of the album.Plus it has some nice harmonica solos in it.(A)
TRACK 2
Messing With The Kid
D.C.-I can't decide what is the greatest part of this tune.Is the amazing funky harp? Is it the totally mind blowing vocals? Is it the fantastic acoustic lead solo? Is it the fabulous rhythm section? Or is just how tight this arrangement is? I guess I'd have to say all of the above!! (A++++)
C.S.-Intro sounds like something straight off a Blues Traveller album.This tune is more of a blues song than a jazz song.Excellent guitar solo.The bass and drums are rock solid providing that essential groove. (A++)
TRACK 3
Summertime
D.C.-One thing this album is definitely not lacking is variety.This cover is still in the jazz genre,but it is arranged with mega-tons of originality.The
finest keyboard playing I've had the pleasure of listening to in a very long time.Ben's harp playing will leave you astounded,fantastic.(A+++)
C.S.-This song goes back to that jazzier feeling blues with prominent piano laying down the chord base.The harmonica also lays down a good solo.Nice job with the vocals,too.Tends to run a little long. (B+)
TRACK 4
Stormy Monday Blues
D.C.-Ben makes that harp cry in this tune,and it's layered with his guitar for twice the feel.Bill and Mike certainly give Ben a firm foothold to launch this enchanting number.I think one of the factors to the appeal of this album is the emotion that is emanated.(A+++)
C.S.-Well played 12/8 ballad.With strong accented beats,efficient rhythm section and soulful lyrics, it's definitely a winner.Good guitar solo too.(A+)
TRACK 5
Hoochie Coochie Man
D.C.-Such a full sound that it threw me back a few years,to when bands really paid attention to detail.
Some slick acoustic guitar picking with just the right amount of effect.This one reminded me of some early ZZ Top music.Very powerful ending too.(A+++)
C.S.-Heavy Chicago blues style with heavy distorted guitars propelling this song along.This band has diversity.Another excellent track with great solos. (A+)
TRACK 6
The Wind Cries Mary
D.C.-When I read the titles of the songs on the album jacket,I said to myself how can a guy with a harp and an acoustic guitar do Hendrix? Well let me tell you, he can do it amazingly well.As a matter of fact I'm wondering if I've ever heard it done as well.Covers can be boring sometimes.Not here!! This is some of the tightest material around.(A++++)
C.S.-This track has a southern rock "Sweet Home Alabama" feel to it.A good tune,again showing the variety of this band.(B++)
TRACK 7
Everybody's Crying Mercy
D.C.-This Mose Allison number is a classic tune with some difficult chord progressions.It seems a very small challenge for musicians of this caliber.They pull it off with ease.It comes across so soothing and relaxing.(A++)
C.S.-A true jazz cut.Excellent syncopated accents with great vocals.(A+)
TRACK 8
Since I Fell For You
D.C.-The players accentuate each other so well that it's electrifying.It's a nice slow swaggering number
that deserves a couple of minutes of your attention.
An old fashion tune with some modern feel.(A+)
C.S.-A soothing jazz ballad in the style of the classic "God Bless the Child".The musicians do a good job of portraying the mood.(A)
TRACK 9
Born Under A Bad Sign
D.C.-The tempo of this song appeared a little slow.It
gave it a bluesy texture,which is possibly what Ben was striving to achieve.Still a well done tune,but I feel it to be the weakest of the album.(B++)
C.S.-Good blues number with a funk feel to it.Good strong beats coming from the drummer ensuring that none of the band members will dare lose the rhythm. Average guitar solo.(A)
TRACK 10
All Along The Watchtower
D.C.-I love the opening to this tune,with just the bass guitar and the cymbal.Ben does some slick lead guitar picking in the intro. Another simply awesome acoustic version of what has become a classic rock tune.I truly believed that to try and make another cover of this tune would be a waste,but not so.I'm grateful that Ben took the time to bring back this song this way,so that we may enjoy Dylan's masterpiece once more.(A+++)
C.S.-Very original version of this cover tune.Much slower than the original.I like the idea of using acoustic guitars instead of electric.Good guitar solo.This is probably the most unique version of this song that I have ever heard.Jimi would be proud.(A++)
TRACK 11
Jazz Thing
D.C.-This is the only original composition on the album,and it's a sizzler.It's got some stunning guitar picking and some remarkable harp playing.All accentuated by a dazzling rhythm section and some flamboyant and ornate keys.This is the best in jazz today.(A++++)
C.S.-This song isn't too bad,but it has a fake feel to it.I don't like the use of synthesized instruments in jazz and blues.It ruins the raw feel of the music. The outro helps this song.(C+)
TRACK 12
One Way Out
D.C.-This has to be the best version since the Allman Brothers.Very vibrant and stimulating,makes you get up and into the groove.The harmony vocals are exceptional,and the harp is nothing short of theatrical.This track closed out the album in grand fashion,leaving you wanting more...lots more!!(A++++)
C.S.-Good way to end an album,with a bang.Good strong blues number with lots of vocal soul and excellent solos.The drums and bass have to be complimented on this one,excellent job.The harmonica is also especially good on this song.My favorite pick of the album.(A+++)
Chris' overall impression:
This album rocks.It's got tons of variety with some excellent playing.These guys are the masters of the blues,rock and jazz.I really enjoyed reviewing this band.I was hard pressed to find flaws in their music. If you enjoy blues and jazz I highly recommend that you go to our "Buy The CD's"page and add this to your collection.If you don't enjoy this kind of music then ....well...you must not like American music because this is what it's all about.(A++)
Donna's overall impression:
This has to the finest production of cover tunes that has crossed my desk in a very long time.These are truly talented musicians that take their work seriously.This album flows from one track to the next entertaining you entirely.The harp has never sounded so full and exhilarating.If your looking to perk up a dull party,slap this one on the deck.If the company you keep like the classic rock style,lay some of this album on them.They'll thank you for turning them on to Ben's sound.This one is going to become one of your favorites.If your ready to check this one out go to Ben's website,or you can go to our "Buy The CD"webpage.Either way you have to pick this one up today,before they are sold out.
So until next time,keep your ears to the tunes, your eyes on the road,and keep in touch with us!!
Ben James/Starlight Records
PO Box 3507
Santa Cruz,CA
95063
Tel:408.469.4501
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