 |
 |
|
His name may appear only in the bylines, but it's clear this jazz-infused pop album is wrought with award winning singer songwriter John Bishoff's lyrical and song styling. He wrote, recorded and produced the album at his studio in Rockford, IL. As the band name implies the vocal sounds are not his, but those of lead singers Holland Zander (Snagg's) and Jinger Christal (X-51). Those familiar with their other bands may be surprised by the sultry jazz vocals they perform on this compilation album with Bishoff at the helm.
The premise of the album 'Fear and Desire' is an interesting one. Take a list of fourteen songs - some of which have been in the works for nearly 35 years - add two female singers, one a pop/rock singer, the other a former country singer - then mix in a group of talented studio musicians - Nicholas Gunn: multi-platinum flutist, Rachel Handlin: Violinist with RSO, Mike Beert: Celloist with RSO, Dave Timmke: acoustic bass, David Painter: keyboards, Tony Vecchio: saxophone, Mark Nelson: trumpet, Cary Sheley: trombone, Joe Burwell: drums, Joel DeLuna: drums, Tito Cevalles: Latin percussionist, Becky Asher: French Horn player with RSO, Dan Pitney: pedal steel guitar, Mark Applegate: jazz guitar, and Adam Plamann: clarinetist with the Wandering Sons - finally, season with a spicy blend of jazz-infused pop and let it simmer.
'Fear and Desire' is a soothing mix of songs expressing emotions ranging from love found, to love lost, and from pain and sorrow stemming from abuse, to resurfaced memories and at the end of it all spiritual salvation. Bishoff's songs weave an ever present wisdom throughout storylines meticulously placed into each lyric and melody.
This is a definite take home album, with songs like 'It's the Best,' a light-hearted look at new love, to the mystical closing song 'When I Reach the Sea' Bishoff takes us on a meandering journey through life experiences that reflect humankind with both its flaws and beauty.
|
|
|
|
| Post a Comment | (3) Comments |
