CD REVIEW - Guy Schwartz The Return of the Zap Rhythm Band By Hollywood Steve Rangel, Houston Music News I honestly wonder if the board at Guy Schwartz studio ever has a chance to cool down... From the psychedelic mind of a serial songwriter comes The Return of the Zap Rhythm Band. For this effort, Schwartz (vocals, guitar) endlists a familiar pair of co-conspirators, Roger Tausz (bass), and Billy Block (drums). As always, theres no shortage of uber-talented guest musicians on hand. The result is a perfectly performed and produced 12 song offering that is as impressive as anything Schwartz has done thus far (well... this month at least). Schwartz is the most genuine of artists - one who steadfastly refuses to be confined to a particular genre. Rock It, the opening song, is a disco infused dance track that features inspired work by sax player Eric Demmer. The surprisingly tender Restaurant is one of Schwartz patented storytellers, complete with a deadpan lyrical turn. Close To You is a previously released favorite of yours truly. Block & Tausz lay a punchy foundation on So Damn Easy, and Baby Dont Love Me Anymore is a solid straight-up blues piece. Schwartz appropriately places The 99% and War Part 3 (more on war) back to back. Its a wise choice as these songs essentially combine for a two-act statement on society and our countrys questionable priorities. Schwartz consistently avoids preaching. His protest songs are not angry. Rather, they come across as logically stated alternative points of view, making them much more relatable. Schwartz explores the limits with the spacey Pearl Harbor Day, then demonstrates exactly how effective of a songwriter he truly is on Something Blue. Its a touching and reflective song with contemplates regret and hope. The band cops a slick groove on Your Hold On Me. and then Schwartz turns the spotlight on two of his gifted cohorts. Tausz is outstanding laying down the slap-bass on the seventies funk monster Carlos, and guest guitarist Rusty Burns (Point Blank) shines on the deliciously and moody You Are Not Alone. The twin-guitar melodies and frantic solo work are reminiscent of 80s hard rock ballads, giving the song a unique energy. Some of the best musicians in the world are unpredictable. Guy Schwartz greatest asset is his unpredictability I never know what to expect from him and that makes me look forward to his next release.... which is probably finished by now. guyschwartz.storenvy/products/9440830-cd-guy-schwartz-the-return-of-the-zap-rhythm-band
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 21:06:41 +0000
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