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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

CD Review: Josh Myers Band - Soul Serenade Sessions


Josh Myers Band - Soul Serenade Sessions
2007 Josh Myers Band


Is Josh Myers the next Joe Satriani or Eric Johnson? That really is the question here. Josh Myers Band's Soul Serenade Sessions is full of great rock tunes that are constructed along traditional ABACAB formats with one important difference: the lead vocalist here is Josh Myers' guitar. The lyrics themselves are lost in the mixolydia, but the singer is in perfect voice.

Soul Serenade Sessions is an exercise in stepping outside of traditional views of what rock music should be. The Good Fight is one of the finest rock tunes you'll hear, with down and dirty riffs and a soaring chorus. Part of me desperately wants to hear this music with an actual vocalist, because aside from having outstanding guitar chops, there is first-class composer behind Soul Serenade Sessions.

The most evocative and moving recording here may be Josh Myers' interpretation of Amazing Grace. There's a blues feel to Myers' interpretation that is at once reverential and original. Josh Myers dances along the fretboard and from mellow to heavy blues-oriented rock like night turning to day. And just when you think you've heard everything Josh Myers has got, he hits you with Takin' Back The Farm, a raucous country-rockers that blows the cover off your speakers.

So yes, a part of me hopes that the Josh Myers Band adds a vocalist at some point in the future, if just to add another dimension to the music. If not, it really doesn't matter. The music is that good.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Josh Myers Band at www.joshmyersband.com. You can purchase copies of Soul Serenade Sessions at www.cdbaby.com/joshmyers.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I recently discovered the Josh Myers Band when I stumbled upon their YouTube video clip of the Live performance of "Amazing Grace", from their album release concert for their stunning CD, "Soul Serenade Sessions".

I was immediately impressed with the musicianship of the band, the fluidity of their jams and improvisations, and in particular the outstanding guitar pyrotechnics of Josh Myers.

There is a level of passion and soulful expression here that really grabs ahold of you, and the melodies stay with you.

There are a lot of great players out there, to be sure, but many of the current crop of technically-proficient and flashy players are just that -- technically proficient and flashy. At the end of the day do I remember their music? Not often. With Josh Myers I do.

This debut CD has many fine cuts and there is a variety of styles to satisfy any lover of Blues and fine guitar instrumentals.

I hope they continue to crank out more great music, and mount a tour to support it. Josh Myers Band is one to watch, and their CD is definitely one to add to your collection.

Kudos, guys!

-- Jeff B.
Morgan Hill, CA

Anonymous said...

You should also know that the Josh Myers Band has recently redirected their website to a .net (not .com!)

New website: http://www.joshmyersband.net