ELLA BLAME

ELLA BLAME has an incredible vocal range: her voice covers the entire baritone, tenor and contralto ranges and exceeds the upper limit of the soprano range. She can produce sounds that are very similar to synthesizers, with no effects. Sometimes angelic, sometimes satanic, the many colors of her voice can be described as Billie Holiday meets Bjork and Loreena McKennit… yes these three names together sound very absurd, you just have to hear it for yourself... more

Kevin BARTLETT

This month's interview guest is KEVIN BARTLETT, musician, composer, bassist and guitarist extraordinaire, founder of the record label "Aural Gratification". Most of you know him as the co-producer of 9 Happy Rhodes albums. He lives in Woodstock, NY where he owns a newly built studio. He recently released his second CD "Glow In The Dark" as a follow up to his first album "Near Life Experience" which was released in 2003... more

Kate BUSH / Never For Ever

1980‘s “Never For Ever” is Kate’s 3rd album. The album was co-produced by Jon Kelly & Kate herself. One of the most interesting things about this album is that it is the first record by a British female artist to top the UK album charts. (Wikipedia). Kate’s progressive approach to music reaches its peak with Never For Ever. She tastefully blends different genres including folk, oriental, rock, classical and jazz. Unlike her first two albums which she wrote on piano, this one was written on synths... more

NO MACHINE / A Terrible Thing

“The idea behind the name ‘No Machine’ is the idea behind the band: a real ‘live’ band, with straightforward, expressive, ‘human’ songs”. So goes the most telling statement in their press release for their debut A Terrible Thing. London’s No Machine comes off as a no nonsense, mature, progressive pop rock group of high caliber. After even the first listen, the most obvious thing that stands out is the songwriting. Although the band is great, which it needs to be to pull this whole thing off, this band is exceptionally gifted in the writing department. A Terrible Thing showcases 11 solid songs which fall nicely into both the modern progressive and intelligent pop camps.

Vocalist Al Rivers humbly commands each tune as a melodious and vulnerable everyman. While his voice is not polished and pretty, the attempt to be so would surely be a distraction. But here, to say not polished is not to say not pleasing. Rivers’ approach begins with knowing melody and then using his amiable tone he pulls the listener in by demanding that they allow his voice to speak for them. It works well.

The combination of Al Rivers’ unusual melodies and the creative, moody phrasing of the guitars and keyboards (including the organ and piano) give No Machine its unique artistic brand. There are listeners who like a bit of straight forward pop once in a while, but those of us who would never dream of turning to the Top 40 for something to listen to would starve without a band such as No Machine. This band gives those of us who want something special a pop format, but they kindly turn it on its head before handing it over for our enjoyment.

Each song on the cd is a well thought-out course in a musically fulfilling meal. Although the writing lends to each song the ability to stand on its own, the listening is much better when one hears the entire cd straight through. Hooks and catchy rhythms abound, over which Al Rivers’ melodies bounce and pull the listener in. But this never infringes on the music’s ability to be seriously paid attention to.

The bulk of the tracks on A Terrible Thing are upbeat and urgent. Highlights would have to be “I Get Down” with its frenetic and (dare I say?) danceable groove, “Tell Me”-a moody stroll, “Elevator” an adagio filled with longing, and “The Races”-a tune which demands the listener’s attention with its drama and vocal urgency.

Overall, an outstanding band and an exceptional debut.

NELSON LEE