CD Review
Young Avenue By Alex Kramer This CD is from 2016, I just recently got this from Alex Kramer. Title “Young Avenue” Let me tell you it is awesome. I love it when you get an album that you really can’t put into any genre. This is one of those albums, I would say that there are many aspects of Jazz/Rock music on this album. A lot of the songs are remising of the 70’s & 80’s. The album starts out with a song “Loving You is Easy” that sort of has a sound that you could here on Bourbon St. in NOLA. A real upbeat tempo, This song starts out with a little bit of a New Orleans Brass Band sound. The chorus has a real catchy rhythm to with a clarinet in the background with some great harmony backing vocals. That just set the song. Second song “Wait For Me” I really love the rhythm on this track. It has a Funky/Soul feel, especially when they bring the horns in. The lyrics are well written of a guy trying to get his girl back. The described way Alex uses metaphors in this song puts it on a whole different level from your typical love song. Third song is “Chill In My Bones” This song has that T-bone Burnett feel to it. Kind of Jazz/Blues sound. On the lines of the eerie New Orleans sounds, This is one of my favorites on the album. Alex’s voice is perfect for this song, he really brings the whole song together. Another song that has a very descriptive lyrics in it. The lyrics really sets the mood. Fourth song is “The Riddle” is my favorite song on the album, I think the reason that it is. The song has such a simple melody to it, plus Alex’s vocals just glide with the rhythm of the song and then when you get to the chorus it takes a little bit of an upbeat turn with the backing vocals. The other thing that I like about this song is the drum work on it. The drumbeats are so clean and tight. This song is one that I would put into a Top 5 List. Fifth song “Interlude” is just a little over a minute instrumental. It is very good; I am just not a fan of instrumentals. Sixth song “Ain’t Nothing New” Another one of my favs. This song starts off a little on the melancholy style, kind of a Harry Nilsson song. Which is a great thing. Once again Alex lyrics are very well written that you don’t have to think hard about the song it’s painted there on the canvas of the song. Then the song picks up a little bit with the tempo for a few bars and finish with the same melancholy sound. Great job. Seventh son “On The Level” is probably the only hard rock song on the album, Which doesn’t mean that it’s out of place on this album. I think it still fits in with the concept of the album. Cause it’s still got the great vocals that Alex does so well. This song has a much more upbeat tempo & powerful drums. I see people at a show hearing this song just standing there bouncing up & down with their hands held high. From the first note to the last it has that heart pounding thumping. Like the other songs the lyrics do a great job of telling the story. The last song “Testimony” This song is one with the most Funk to it, has a real Prince vibe to it. It’s got me wiggling in my seat as I write this. This song kind brings the whole album together in one song. One of those feel-good songs just to boogie to. Now I have to say your going to think the album is over, the digital counter still shows like 4 mins left and all you got is silence. But wait, when there is about 2:38 left it kicks back it with some more Funky music. Now to put all of this in perspective. I have to say that Alex has an amazing voice that can sing the mellow songs and go to a Rocker style song. Alex’s vocals are very unique, meaning that he doesn't sound like anyone else. Now Alex with the help of some friends wrote on the songs, which to me is a feat in itself cause all of these songs are top-notch. Again, I know this is not a new release (except to me) but it’s one of best albums that I have heard in a while. I can sit and listen to this album from start to finish a few times over. So, I highly recommend you check out Alex Kramer. https://www.facebook.com/alexkramermusic/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/24Y6MdPK7XLkDyBhlurlOv
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AuthorHello, My name is Michael. I am into music, have been for over 48yrs. Big fan of all kinds of music, right now it has been the Blues for the last 10yrs. I do not play any instruments, But I very interested in the recording aspect of the industry. Have messed around with it a little and always learning new things about it. I have met many wonderful people because of Music.. Hope you enjoy my Blogs... In the last two years I have been producing House Concerts. I also in the past 2 years got to produce and engineer an album for a very good friend of mine from Sweden "Magpie". Archives
February 2024
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