Lines are crossed back and forth between pop, indie and jazz on these two discs.
The band Ozere consists of the eclectic team of essica Deutsch/vio-voc, Emily Rockarta/voc, Adrian Gross/mand-g, Lydia Munchinsky/cello and Bret Higgins. Rockarts has a kind of quirky voice and delivery not unlike a softer Norah Jones, and it works well on the folksy and melodic material such as “Pony Ride” and “The Sun Ain’t Down” that takes you to the Cumberland Gap. A bit of gypsy blood surfaces with the rich toned violin on “Anyplace” while Gross’ mandolin strikes it right on “Keeper.” Parlor piano by guest Matt Giffin makes for a cozy “Wind Tunnels” and the extra percussion by Magdelys Savigne Carrion on a handful of tunes keep the songs varied and exotic. Nice mix of traditions!
Keyboardist and vocalist Salvador Santana leads a peppy team of Jareed Meeker/g-b and Blake Colie/dr through a set of earnest originals. The band mixes crisp rockish beats as on “Be The Change” as well as 70s-ish soul such as on “Somethin’ That’s Real” and “Keep Pressin’ On” with some fun chirping guitars. Some African guitar licks pip up on “Love Is Peace” and inspiring messages are delivered by Santana on “Let the Wall Fall Down” and a gospel drenched “Till The Morning Light.” This guy’s got a passionate heart!