1. A New Dawn
2. Dayspring
3. Angel on my Shoulder
4. Turn out the light
5. Time Well Spent
6. Julia
7. Aquarius Island
8. Nocturnal Vision
9. Even the Surest Things Change
10. Schizoid Scat
11. House of the Rising Sun
Lindsey Blair – Guitars
Clay Ostwald – Keyboards
Nicky Orta – Electric bass
Carlomagno Araya – Drums, hand percussion
Richard Bravo – Hand percussion, shaker (tracks 2, 7, 11)
This is the debut album by a quartet from Florida. It is led by guitarist Lindsey Blair, who composed all but two of the tunes. His abilities as a composer
and guitarist enable him to present a variety of music in a wide range of styles. This eclectic mix ensures that the listener’s interest is maintained
throughout.
There are Latin rhythms on several of the tracks, accentuated by assistance from Richard Bravo playing extra percussion on three tracks. For instance, Dayspring has the hint of a samba beat without it being too obtrusive, plus a fine bass solo from Nicky Orta. There are also gentle ballads like
the translucent Julia, a delicate Lennon & McCartney composition. For contrast, the CD includes several numbers with funky jazz-rock beats,
such as Turn out the Light and Schizoid Scat. The former has slide guitar which is almost as searing as that of many rock-hero
guitarists. The latter demonstrates how Clay Ostwald uses the Hammond organ to stoke the fire, while drummer Carlomagno Araya keeps the fire burning
brightly. House of the Rising Sun (as arranged by Lindsey) is an animated mixture of rock and Latin rhythms.
We find another contrast in such numbers as Time Well Spent and Nocturnal Vision, whose melodic lyricism is reminiscent of Pat Metheny.
But Aquarius Island is more in the style of George Benson. Angel on my Shoulder has an almost nursery-like simplicity without being
childish.
So, a very mixed bag - but a bag that is well worth dipping into more than once.
Tony Augarde
www.augardebooks.co.uk
CD Reviews
Southernmost Records 
