CD Review: Escaping Pavement's 'Uprooted'

Escaping Pavement
Uprooted
Self-Release

Escaping Pavement is a Michigan-based band that explores classic Americana blues, rock, roots, soul, and country with anti-pavement tunes with an Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, and Stevie Nicks' sound. Lead female vocalist, Emily Burns, sets the tone with a classy voice that centers around folk, pop, and Americana. The crystal clear vocals and instrumental arrangements contain a heavy 1970s feel that is nothing to laugh at. "Daydream's Haze" opens with a jingly guitar intro and throbbing B3 organ with upbeat drums and a classic vocal lead. The song is folk-tinged and country-cured without any deficiencies. "Part Of Goodbye" contains a folk-centered, rock-tune with vocals akin to Heart throughout. The song is rather punchy, grungy, and infectious. "Winter Homecoming" contains a jaunty guitar, mandolin, and banjo-tuned folk song with both male and female vocals. The Americana song is classic with scintillating strings and varied vocals that do not stray too far from the country roots. Anyone with an interest in Americana folk and rock with a country vein will love Escaping Pavement's latest tunes on Uprooted. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Greater Alexander's 'Positive Love'

Greater Alexander
Positive Love
Greater Records

New York-born, Greece-raised, and currently located in Michigan, Greater Alexander (Alexander Vlachos) brings us scintillating folk tunes with classy guitar stylings and various instruments that come together to form an engaging type of music. Greater Alexander's vocals are akin to Jack Johnson and Paul Simon. Moreover, the musical arrangements are not too unlike the aforementioned musicians. The sweeping folk guitar tune, "Baby Steps," contains a steady beat and wistful vocals that are free-flowing. "Feel Of Summer" is another breezy and sauntering tune on guitar. The acoustic guitar is refreshing and sparkles with folksy charm. Moreover, the whistle medley is another sign of folk-isms winning out. "Everlasting" incorporates a little piano accompaniment with backup vocals and wispy lead vocals that are soft and light throughout. "Let It Be Me" is another fun song with acoustic guitar-driven elements and vocals akin to Australia's Xavier Rudd. Twelve songs in all are included on the album and all of them fit a folksy vein. Part of the folksy fusion could be due to the global influences. Anyone familiar with Jack Johnson, Xavier Rudd, Paul Simon, and similar artists will love Greater Alexander. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Lac La Belle's 'Bring On The Light'

Lac La Belle
Bring On The Light
Double Lot

The music of Appalachia is not particularly well-known in the state of Michigan, but Lac La Belle is set to change all that. Jennie Knaggs is the primary vocalist, but she also plays the accordion, ghost fiddle (spooky!), guitar, mandolin, and ukulele. Nick Schillace is also a vocalist, but plays the 12-string guitar, 5 and 6-string banjo, and resonator guitar. The thirteen songs represent heartfelt, lyrical displays of good'ol folk music with splendid picking, plucking, and strumming. Jennie's vocals are sweet, smooth, and crystal clear throughout. Jennie's vocals are reminiscent of Shawn Colvin's earlier days. The mostly instrumental "New Memories of Oklahoma" contains a good dose of plucking splendor that shines with Appalachian nostalgia and Jennie's folksy vocals. The guitar-driven "Housebreaker" contains Nick's vocals, alongside the banjo. The rousing blues and rock-tinged "I Am A Hammer" is littered with folk leanings and Appalachian charm with Nick's old timey voice. Fans of Appalachian folk music, Americana, and old time music will love the music of Lac La Belle. ~ Matthew Forss