|
Before my ears had a listen to the Jackmormons' fifth release Conscious Contact my eyes took notice of the overall package design and notably the sweet placement of the Buddhist painting under the CD itself. Produced by Dave Schools (Widespread Panic) and engineered by David Barbe (Sugar, Son Volt, Macha), there were two amazing bass players in the control booth steering this one. The aesthetics would continue to please me throughout Jerry Joseph’s debut with Terminus Records.
Starting off with “Coliseum” the twinge of “pop” opener featuring Chuck Leavell on keys, a special addition to the original members of Jerry Joseph & The Jackmormons. Next, I was grabbed by the anthem “The Kind of Place” which is featured as a single on the Web site JerryJoseph.com. Check it out! For me it was reminiscent of a “Throwing Stones” - the kind of music that is representative of an uprising of sorts. It rocks powerfully and tangles with optimism as well as darker forces. It also features David Barbe on backwards guitar, Dave Schools on keys and Todd Nance (Widespread Panic) on percussion.
“Ching-a-ling” is an easy rock, diggity number with rhythmic integrity that has more of a “jam band” feel. This feeling continues with “Ten Killer Fairies” with its awakening strums that have an airy, bluegrass feel. “Conscious Contact” with some really great fast paced guitar got me movin’. This chosen title track seems to tie the album together as all tracks seem to make reference to contact with a multitude of internal and external forces. All great rock n’ rollers wear their heart on their sleeve and Jerry Joseph is no exception. Joseph’s song writing talent is clever and stands out in this collection introspective and powerful music.
Other highlights include “Pure Life,” a dreamy but darker song that goes in to depths of struggling through the grip of addiction. Also, the complete sincerity of “Muscle” is a tribute to the many strengths of women.... which is right on by me. Then, “Fastest Horse in Town” where Todd Nance and Mike Houser (Widespread Panic) take you to the depths of a southern rock jam on which Houser’s guitar contributions are stellar.
I highly recommend this album. The combination of superb song writing, talented musicians, and excitement profile the strengths of the band. Yet with a few guests adding a little extra flavor, the sound is relaxed, never too busy, never too much, never overshadowing the core of who they are—Jerry Joseph on vocals and guitar, Junior Ruppel on bass and backing vocals, and Brad Rosen on drums.
Nicole Evans
JamBase Chicago Correspondent
Go See Live Music!
|
