Washington Arms by Matt Turk, reviewed by Craig Fenton

Matt Turk- Washington Arms CD 2006

Since 1987 when Matt Turk founded a band called the Hour, his sincerity and precision in the Jam Band and Folk Rock scenes has turned a humongous amount of heads.  Appearing on the same bill at one time or another with Bob Dylan, Mickey Heart and Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead), Richie Havens, Hot Tuna, and Pete Seeger to name only a few has left a radiant calling card the past quarter of a century.

As a solo performer for about two decades Matt paved a second path of musical proficiency.  The 2006 release “Washington Arms” showcases Matt’s competency in balancing electric and acoustic guitar talent without the vocal message being buried.

The opening track “Intro Nothing” could come out of a U2 catalog.  It hits you hard and often and lays the foundation for the next nine songs.

A cover of one of the finest tunes ever penned “I’d Love To Change The World” (originally found on Ten Years After 1971 album A Space In Time) is another stellar addition to the CD.  Matt stays faithful to the 70’s sound while putting his own vocal slant in the mix.

“Endurance” is another solid rock track leaving a mark throughout the 3:40.

A fitting finale song “Sky” is somewhere a cross between Led Zeppelin meets Bad Company.

For the record the Washington Arms is a pre World War 2 apartment building located in New York (Hastings-On-The-Hudson).  If these walls could only talk.  Correction, they have and the stories are exquisite.

To purchase Matt’s music or to keep up with the latest news head over to: http://www.turktunes.com/

All the best,
Craig Fenton
Craig Fenton
Author- Jefferson Airplane Take Me To A Circus Tent”
Jefferson Starship “Have You Seen The Stars Tonite”

New Craig Fenton Review

Steve Gilligan- Jacob’s Well CD 2012

Steve Gilligan is no stranger to the music business.  In the 70’s he was part of the Boston band the Stompers.  Most recently his rock and roll mark has been branded in the New England scene with Fox Pass (bass-player).

It is one thing to avoid a cautious route when contemplating a solo recording but to properly execute the game plan is more of an isolated result than a prevalent occurrence.

Steve’s fifteen track (the back of the CD shows fourteen but there is an additional song called “Wounds”) release blends a folk-rock sound that is both consistent and diverse.  While one moment you may hear Neil Young or Harry Chapin there are remnants of the British folk movement of yesteryear such as Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span.

“Walkin’ Up Blues” leads off the CD and sets the tone for Gilligan’s excursion.  “Before The Fall” is a perfect second track.  It seamlessly absorbs the opening number.

One of the highlights is a track called “Clock.”  It’s flawless, with the vocals and instrumentation sharing a bond.

Gilligan throws a curve mid-way through the festivities with a rockabilly based song “What’s A Little Rock ‘N’ Roll Between Friends.” Once again solidifying the safe approach has long been abandoned.

“Waiting for Winter” is reminiscent of Stephen Stills “Changing Partners.”  The acoustic guitar played by Gilligan is cloudless. 

Steve Gilligan’s exemplary results with Jacob’s Well will have you wishing for a follow-up.  

All the best,
Craig Fenton
Craig Fenton
Author- Jefferson Airplane “Take Me To A Circus Tent”
Jefferson Starship “Have You Seen The Stars Tonite”

TRADE UP - The Complaints CD Single

The Complaints- Trade Up (Single Release)

Since their fierce entry in 1997 on both the Providence, Rhode Island and New England music scenes the Complaints thanks to impassioned lyrics, inflamed musical energy, and a rabid live following have been able to supersede relevance in both studio and live settings.

Even during the economic downturn the Complaints will often perform one hundred fifty to two hundred live gigs per year. 

Dean Petrella (singer, songwriter, and guitarist), Chris Cruz (bassist), and Anthony Marotti (drums) encompass the band.

They have recorded three full length CD’s “Fear” from 1999, “Criminal Mind” released in 2003, and “Sunday Morning Radio” which saw the light of day in 2009.

It’s an injustice to pigeon-hole the group as only Modern Rock or Indie sounding.  While they have been on the same bill as Collective Soul, Nickleback, Train, and 3 Doors Down (to name only a few) they also have shared the stage with Dave Davies (the Kinks) and the Tubes.

While there is the modern sound in the song structures you can also hear Flamin’ Groovies, Joe Jackson, Willie Nile, Graham Parker, and even some Rolling Stones (from the 1990’s and 2000’s).

“Trade Up” extends the level of consistency set in motion from the previous output. The first listen makes it simplistic to ascertain the group continues upward mobility with no fear of freefall.  The single is well crafted with the guitar, bass, and drums establishing their turf with a perfect thirteen second intro.  When the vocals arrive it’s an immediate knockout blow.      

The production is stupendous.  The vocals are never drowned out and there isn’t a competition between guitar, bass, and drums, but a harmonious exploration.

“Sometimes you gotta trade up”, not with the Complaints. They have already achieved their purpose.

To learn more about the band and to purchase their music head over to: http://thecomplaints.com/

All the best,

Craig Fenton

Craig Fenton

Author: Jefferson Airplane “Take Me To A Circus Tent”

Jefferson Starship “Have You Seen The Stars Tonite”