Marshall Rhodes
Marshall Rhodes
Bo-La-De Productions
Big River Records
visit the band's website
and on myspace
also available on cd baby
This is a disc that is very easy to listen to; but it isn’t Easy Listening Music in the sense that we normally think of it. The songs are exceptionally well-crafted vignettes that tell their tales of life in an interesting manner that pulls the listener into the action of the story. This disc has a very laid-back Bay Area feel to it that has more to it than tales of love found and love lost. The music has a wonderful feel to it though they use electric instruments, it doesn’t ever get overly loud or harsh which is not to say it is dull because its strength is in the songs, and the very engaging quality that they contain. This band is tight and has that feel as if they have been playing for a long time, as they go through the interesting twists and turns the music takes. There is some stellar playing of electric guitar and electric slide guitar by Michael Lehman, who seems to have a very light touch and doesn’t overplay what he has to
say, exceptionally tasteful would be the operative word for all concerned here. Both the band, a 4 piece, and the supporting musicians leave plenty of space in the music, which gives the listener the room to let it flow. The band is led by Glenn Burke who is the main songwriter, he wrote or co-wrote, 10 of the 13 songs, and does most of the lead singing; Michael Lehman wrote 2 of the songs and Jesse Kincaid who plays on a few of the cuts wrote the remaining song. The rhythm section of Michael Goodwin on bass and Adam, “bagel” Berkowitz, who also produced the disc, is tight and strong without being overpowering. A strong and solid outing with hopefully many more to follow.