Sounds of Martin Guitars are in full force here on these recent releases.
The shadow cast by bands like The Eagles and the Flying Burrito Brothers is felt hear by the team of Rob Waller/g-voc, Paul Lacques/g-voc, Paul Marshall/b-voc, Victoria Jacobs/voc-dr and guests Richie Lawrence/acc-p, Dave Markowitz/fid, Danny McGough/key and Dave Zirbel/pedst as they mix traditional sounds of the country and bluegrass with a vintage rock feel.
The team shows it knows how to play and create a rock and roll on pieces like “Stoned with Melissa” and the blueser “King of the Rosemead Boogie” while some gorgeous vocal harmonies on display during the title track. Waller can give a Johnny Cash feel during “Ballad for the Trees” while Victoria teams with tender guitar on “Spinning” and simmers with the B3 on “My Parka Saved Me.” Lots of fun boogie-boarding on “The Last man in Tujunga” and the strings twang with delight during “White Cross.” Where’s the Palomino Club when we need it?
Guitarist Gordie Tentrees teams with Jaxon Haldane on the banjo for a casual mix of sardonic traditional self penned tunes. The 12 songs have a low key minstrel feel, with some troubadouring harp and storytelling on “29 Loads of Frieght” whle the team takes you to the rural backroads on “No Integrigy Man.” Some stark blues take place on the complex “I Don’t Have A Gun” while wry humor is in high abundance throughout as on “Caft Beards and Man Buns” and the sardonic “Junior.” A night at the Free Mic.