I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Seattle To Greaseland, from Joel Astley, and it's smoking! Opening with R&B flavored, Born Cryin' features strong vocals by Joel Astley, over a firm bass line by Randy Bermudes, and June Core. Astley plays a mean harmonica as well, backed by Kid Andersen on keys and outrageous guitar work by Johnny Burgin. Strong opener. Jump track, Candy Shop really is peppy with Astley on lead vocal and hot keys solos by Andersen, guitar by Burgin and harmonica by Astley. Secondhand Kid is another track that allows Burgin to shine with his Texas style blues riffs over a great bass line by Bermudes. Astley really knows how to work the rhythm and his harmonica riffs cross over nicely between rock and blues. Very cool. Swinging, Takin' It With Me, really has a cool feel with a great melody and really nice harmonica work by Astley. Burgin really cuts loose on guitar never disappointing and Core gets the opportunity to rap the skins as well. Very nice. Down To The Rims is a great rocker with a strong melody a moving bass line and well phrased vocals. Kid's keyboard work is tight, Burgin lays in some hot guitar riffs and Andersen, Jill Dineen and Marina Crouse add solid backing vocals. Wrapping the release is No Brighter Gold, a two stepper along the lines of Will The Circle Be Unbroken. With it's simple instrumental backing, backing by Andersen, Crouse and Dineen and a dash of harmonica, this is a sloid closer for a really strong release.
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Thank you so much for the review! I am working up another album as we speak! - Joel
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