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I began a couple or three years ago to hear recordings
that I categorized to my readers as "American rock" music. The
recordings that loosely fit into this category were those that
contained portions of numerous genres, including blues, folk,
southern and classic rock, all melted into a most delightful
casserole. This new style of music has been particularly gratifying
to these old ears, which have managed somehow to survive boy bands,
rap, and disco.
One of my favorite artists of this type are the New York based
Maynard Brothers. With the release of their second CD "Nasty
Packages", the lads have managed early in their career to do
something that few other bands seem capable of
accomplishing: |
they have managed to follow an excellent debut recording
with an even better second effort. No sophomore jinx for the highly
talented Maynards, as "Nasty Packages" artistically eclipses their
self titled debut recording. It is, as was the first, a mixture of
acoustic and electric rock and blues, all either partly or totally
emanating from the pen of guitarist Erv Maynard, who is beginning
to establish himself as one of the better song writers of this
generation. Brother Jeff again adds both bass guitar and even
better quality vocals than on their fine debut set. Drummer Harold
Reiser returns along with new comer and long time friend Gary
Bracjewski on second guitar to improve an already formidable line
up.
The set begins with a "Peter Gunn" sounding intro, which
gives way to the hard driving and very cleverly written "Don't Mind
Livin' Alone". A jazzy "Some Days You Burn" is next, followed by an
the acoustic title track which is absolutely haunting. Though
lyrically a bit on the dark side, it is a tremendous showcase of
both Erv's enormous talents as a writer and Jeff's splendid vocals.
But it is the next track, a Texas rocking "Sad But True" that will
probably get the most attention of most listeners. Songs like this
one, the pulse pounding "Waitin' On A Bone", the slow blues burner
"Leave Me With Something Baby", and the Hendrix like "Drifting
Away" are going to help gain the Maynard Brothers many fans
worldwide, including this reviewer, who finds their work among some
of the very best available today.
" Nasty Packages" is available from two of Bluesrockers
favorite suppliers Pacific Sol at www.pacificsol.com
and CD Baby at
www.cdbaby.com. Be sure to visit the band online at
www.maynardbrothersband.com.
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