Stanley, Michael: And Then…

It never ceases to amaze me that after four plus decades of listening to rock music there are still veteran artists that have seemed to slip under my radar. One such artist is American born Michael Stanley who has been ripping up the airwaves for the last fifty years, first as the leader of The Michael Stanley Band and then fronting The Resonators from the late '80s to the present day.

There are no less than nine musicians including guests Ed Caner (violin and viola) and Don Dixon (vocals).

Clarke and his backing band are no slouches when it comes to musicianship and a good melody or two and right off the bat with the opening track "All Together Now", a breezy rocker with excellent piano and guitar, the melody sticks to your brain like the gum on the bottom of your shoe. For a more retrospective sound try the mid-tempo "Radio Waves" with excellent backing vocals or the heartwarming balladry of "Sound Of A Train", reminding a little of Bruce Hornsby. The piano is especially pretty. On "Shifting Gears" the sound is bluesier where organ and lead guitar form the core of the song. For that melancholy country feel the title track would be a good bet with thoughtful lead guitar and Bob Seger-like lead vocals while the hard rocking "Snakes" is one of the catchiest songs here with excellent guitar throughout.

While maybe a tad ballad heavy for me, there is no denying that as far as Americana roots rock goes And Then… is a fine platter of songs. Released on Line Level Music.

Track Listing:
1. All Together Now
2. Radio Waves
3. Sound Of A Train
4. Shifting Gears
5. And Then
6. Snakes
7. Sweet Spot
8. Long Ohio Winter
9. Hang On To This Heart
10. Don't Say Nothing
11. Good Day For The Blues
12. In Your Kiss
13. Circadian Rhythm

Added: November 7th 2015
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1811
Language: english

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