Music on Our Radar
Casey Abram’s Self Titled Debut Album Casey Abrams
Casey Abram’s Self Titled Debut Album Casey Abrams… Before I get into my review of Casey Abram’s self titled debut album “Casey Abrams”, I feel compelled to first lay some foundation.
I am guilty (along with millions of others) of having spent quite a bit of time watching American Idol. I could try to cop out and blame my family for watching the show while I was just in the room, but, in all fairness, I have enjoyed some of the performances.
I have had quite a few discussions with fellow musicians about the “value” of this kind of “reality” show and I will continue to contend that occasionally an amazingly talented individual will rise to the surface in the whole process. Ironically, these individuals usually don’t win the contest, but through their exposure get the attention of producers. In turn, they go on to get recording deals and progress their musical career. Such is the case of bassist, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Casey Abrams.
Casey is the only one contestant I can recall that has got on stage with a bass and delivered some kick-ass performances. Bassist and producer Randy Jackson sure took notice and is the driving force behind this CD as executive producer
Overall, the CD has a fair amount of Casey on bass, but it also displays his ability to play other instruments proficiently. His vocals are as solid as ever but the song selections seemed to target a much younger demographic. Most of the tracks are Casey’s own compositions collaborating with various musicians and songwriters.
Lets have a closer look at some of the tracks:
“Simple Life” starts up the set with Casey on double bass and notably in his comfort zone. The bass opening blending into a “Bobby McFerrin like” vocal attack starts us out on the right foot. Casey keeps it simple indeed as the bass and vocals add instruments as the song progresses. Very pleasant vocal patterns and even some scatting almost make you miss the fact that the tune is a little repetitive. Here is an even simpler version:
“Ghosts” is an interesting example of what only two guys can sound like working the different tracks; Casey plays acoustic guitar (which you hear the most of), electric bass, cello and vocals. Rune Westburg plays “all instruments”. The feel of this tune is a kind of light country/folk music but more polished.
“Get Out” opens with a mandolin (Rune is playing) and progresses into a song that I could see some “boy band” making; Casey does all the vocals on this track.
“Blame it On Me” gets Casey back on double bass and works an interesting tempo (kind of rockish/bayou style) with his vocals; this cut is very danceable and up beat.
“Stuck in London” has Casey playing a very simple recorder line as well as playing bass and singing. The tune sounds like this song is, as so many are, inspired by real events (you know, boy missing girl far away). The music has a cool syncopated tempo and an almost ‘Island’ feel (maybe it is the mango reference) even though it is about London. The progression of the piece is nice and I like the changes.
So you get the general idea about this first release from Casey Abrams… There are some nice musical elements mixed in with what might be commercially viable. From the videos, I can see that Casey is committed (I don’t mean because he is more shaggy) and working hard, paying his dues. I do believe there is a lot of potential in his music (he is still only 21) and look forward to hearing more from him as he evolves musically.
As always, I am exceptionally happy to see a bassist in the spotlight.
Casey Abram’s Self Titled Debut Album Casey Abrams available at Amazon.com
Check out Casey’s website iamcaseyabrams.com
Bass CDs
Album Review: Brian Bromberg, LaFaro
Brian Bromberg, LaFaro…
Scott LaFaro was an extraordinary upright bass player who we lost in 1961 at the age of 25. Even though he was a young bassist he worked with the Bill Evans Trio from 1959 to 1961; he was an exceptional musician and his bass work was lightyears ahead of his time.
Brian Bromberg has teamed up with pianist Tom Zink and drummer Charles Ruggiero to produce a tribute album to this legendary player. We are treated to a dozen tracks (with three bonus tracks on the digital platforms) that were Bill Evans Trio standards. While the original band’s work inspired Brian, this tribute album is not an attempt by the musicians to replicate the music but to organically express themselves on these tunes. When you listen, you may note that it doesn’t sound like LaFaro and it isn’t supposed to.
As I have noted on many of Brian’s previous albums, the bass work (all upright here) is extraordinary and he knows how to get a crystal-clear sound. Every note is pristine and balanced perfectly with the piano and drums. Brian’s approach to recording upright bass should be the golden standard for all upright players. He also handpicked the other members of this trio and they are excellent musicians who really deliver the goods.
If you would like more insight into this album, I can share that in my cover interview with Brian, coming soon.
The projected album release date is April 5, 2024, and will be available at www.brianbromberg.net
Latest
Album Review: Gabriel Espinosa, Bossas and Boleros
Bassist Gabriel Espinosa was inspired by the music he grew up with in Yucatan, Mexico, and now brings us a collection of ten tracks on Bossas and Boleros.
Six of these tunes on Bossas and Boleros are his original compositions. As you might expect from the title, some of these tunes fit in a kind of retro/romantic category whereas others are in a kind of soft Latin jazz vein. Interestingly, Gabriel also found inspiration in current events and translated them into musical interludes.
Gabriel assembled an excellent collection of musicians to bring this album to life and his bass playing is solid and precise but not flashy. His playing compliments the music in a noticeable way but is very balanced in the overall mix. The compositions are intricate and quite lovely with a generous helping of Latin tempos. I especially enjoyed his vocal rendition of “Aqui Estoy Yo” where he sings with just a piano. It is a rare treat to actually hear a bass player’s voice in a tune.
The great thing about this album is it’s universal appeal as it is not all about the bass. Everyone can relate to a collection of beautiful music and it’s excellent execution. This album is perfect to listen to while you enjoy a glass of wine with a loved one as you watch the sunset. Listening made me feel both relaxed and happy and that are feelings we all want to share.
Bossas and Boleros is available on Amazon.com
Music on Our Radar
Album Review: Fernando Molinari, Reaching Inside
Album Review: Fernando Molinari, Reaching Inside…
Bassist Fernando Molinari assembled a team of excellent musicians (including Marco Minnemann on drums) to bring us eight tracks of original, hard-hitting, instrumental rock. Now, even though this music falls in the rock category, it has progressive elements as well as shades of fusion.
This album is high-energy providing a platform for these talented musicians to treat us to the full extent of their abilities. Fernando’s bass playing is flawless and precise and definitely drives each tune with frequent solo sections that give us a clear idea of his skill. Of course, with a tight group like this, the bar is set very high and everybody delivers perfectly.
This is a perfect album to listen to when you want to be pumped up. It would be a great workout set, road trip music, or a fitting background for an action movie. If you want to get your heart pumping, this is the album for you!
Available on Amazon.com
Latest
Album Review: Brad Russell, Metal Improved
Brad Russell, Metal Improved…
We have been listening to Brad Russell play bass over the years, and it is quite clear that versatility is at the heart of his talent. Whether it is playing in the pit for a musical or on stage at the NAMM Show, Brad has serious chops. With Metal Improved, he is giving us a sample of what it sounds like when he applies a focused, overdriven, metal approach to a collection of tunes.
Brad has teamed up with hardcore drummers Gregg Bissonette, Jason Furman, and Aquiles Priester to produce seven tracks of high-intensity, calculatedly frenetic, musical wizardry. Three of the tracks are Brad’s original compositions and the others are very recognizable tunes by Billy Sheehan, Edward Van Halen, Chick Corea, and J. S. Bach.
This EP is badass… if Metal is your thing you will want to give it a listen.
Metal Improved available on Amazon.com
Music on Our Radar
Album Review: Wolfgang Van Halen, Mammoth II
Album Review: Wolfgang Van Halen, Mammoth II…
Following hot on the tail of Mammoth WVH, Wolfgang Van Halen now brings us Mammoth II, clearly showing us that he has a lot more music in store for us to enjoy.
Wolfgang repeats the amazing act of writing the music and playing all the instruments for the entire album with the exception of one track where there is Wah operation on a solo by Patrick “Uncle Pat” Bertinelli. Without a doubt, Wolfgang Van Halen is the consummate musician with a serious amount of talent to play all the instruments at such a high level; you just have to listen to the music to know he has the goods. Pay attention to the detail in each instrument and you find them impressively balanced and expertly performed. The bass work is tight but I find the drums catching my ear as there is some serious drum work here.
The vocals in this album are excellent and the harmonies are nicely blended as it is all Wolfgang’s voice.
There is a generally energetic, upbeat feel to the music in this album and it is loaded with high-energy rock. I personally tend to overlook lyrics as I get caught up in the music itself but it is clear that Wolfgang has a lot to say and I am guessing that it is cathartic to let these thoughts and feelings out. I am sure that many listeners will identify with the lines that they can relate to and adopt these songs as their own personal anthems.
Mammoth II stands firmly on its exceptional merits and is another great piece of work. Bravo Wolfgang!
Available on Amazon.com
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