Being together for over 30 years as a musical entity takes some doing but the Oak Ridge Boys have done just that.
In that time span, this quartet consisting of Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, Willian Lee Golden and Richard Sterban have recorded albums that have sold in excess of 30 million copies. "The Boys are Back" is their latest effort and its nine tracks comprise a little bit of everything. For instance, there's the gritty title track contributed by Shooter (son of Waylon) Jennings which kicks this album off in fine fashion utilizing a gospel/pop/rock combination. Then, there's a pure-play country styling of a sentimental tearjerker which successfully tugs at the heartstrings called "Mama's Table" written by Jamey Johnson and George Teren. If that's not enough, "Boom Boom" written by Blues great John Lee Hooker is treated with reverence by Richard Sterban. The only song which is a slight disappointment is the overdone "Seven Nation Army" by Jack White and it happens to be the first single off the album.
It should not be overlooked that the Boys seem to be trying to spread their wings a bit more by being edgier this time around and this may be due in no small part due to the production techniques of Dave Cobb and the fact that this album was recorded in both Nashville and Los Angeles.Other than the aforementioned Jack White composition, the only minor drawback is the lack of tracks where the BOYS have a chance to mesmerize with their four-part harmony which has always been at the group's epicenter. Perhaps next time around, there will be more of that. Overall, "The Boys are Back" is a keeper
SPF
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(The following is the first installment of reviews of older albums and it will be called Looking Back)
LOOKING BACK
Artist: The Byrds- Roger (Jim) McGuinn, David Crosby, Gene Clark, Chris Hillman and Michael Clarke
Album: "Mister Tambourine Man"
If folk-rock and country-rock had a pedigree, the Byrds could be considered the most important part of its lineage.
Their first LP, "Mr. Tambourine Man" captured the essence of what would become influential musical movements. Its insignia was a melodic sweetness generated by excellent vocal harmonies and Roger McGuinn's guitar dexterity (as Messrs. Clark, Crosby, Clarke and Hillman could not participate instrumentally since Columbia Records' session musicians were assigned that task). As much as anything, songwriting played a prominent role on this album. The group's interpretation of Bob Dylan's title song and "Spanish Harlem Incident" are classic in nature. However, the version of "Chimes of Freedom" could arguably use a little more intensity considering its lyrics. Also, Gene Clark's contributions as a composer have to be underscored. Not only are his writings valuable contributions to this album but they set a standard by which other songwriters can be judged.
Suffice it to say, this album should be appreciated for what it was...an album which was at the forefront of a newly minted and important sound.
SPF
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MUSICAL TIDBITS -
The numbers are in and by all accounts, it looks as though the BamaJam Music & Arts festival could be considered an all-out success. According to organizer Ronnie Gilley, the three day event drew approximately 121,000 people who were entertained by the likes of the Charlie Daniels Band, the Black Crowes, Taylor Swift, Kid Rock, Brooks & Dunn and the LoCash Cowboys among others.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
Tony Bennett will be appearing at the Flynn Center for the Performing Artsin Burlington, VT on July 7th and the Caesar Atlantic Hotel and Casino on 7/10 and 7/11 and at Tanglewood in Lenox, MA on 7/21.
Trumpeter Chris Botti , who can be spotted on PBS lately will be at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco on July 11th and 12th.
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