REVIEWS by Michael “Jacobs” McKenna
Hailing from the Jersey side, transplanted to the Pennsylvania side, Alex Radus tirelessly pursues perfection when it comes to his songwriting.Two years in the making, “Jewels &Tinware” is now a reality for this creative artist. His efforts to date include multiple CD’s, numerous awards and critical acclaim from artists like Ritchie Havens, Regina Spector and Nellie McKay. Consisting of 12 tracks, 11 original and a Rogers and Hart classic, the music tends to cross many different genres with such ease that one would have a hard time noticing the changes. “Genius” has lyrics that are full of ambitions and characterizations that sometimes crop up in a wandering mind. “We Can’t Play Like Django” fills our ears with toe-tapping country-like percussions in an old-timey western style. Dave Cahill’s string work is masterful! “I Haven’t Missed You” goes way back to an early 50’s jazz style that I haven’t heard in years. The Rogers & Hart classic “My Funny Valentine” is reworked with B.B. King sounding strings in the intro that morphs smoothly into a funky mid-tempo groove that is accented nicely with Dan Manchester’s upright bass. “Someday” would have the cats in the Delta jazz clubs groovin’. “Baptism Sketches” reminds me of a 70’s band called Poco in its style and presentation. “Never Get Lonely” has some cool acoustic riffs that give this track a peppy sound. “I’m A Pistol” is a country-flavored Americana song in the mold of the classic 1958 Frankie Laine classic “Rawhide”. “Soldier of the Devil” sees Dan’s vox go to a deep baritone reminiscent of the late master Johnny Cash. “Law of Lonesome Hearts” is a classic tear-jerker. “Shoveling Stone” reminds me of an old prison song that the inmates would sing while working on the chain gangs or in the hut. “Disorganized Religion” sees Charlie Heim’s toe-tapping percussions give this track a fun sound. The funky bottom enhances the straight-forward vocals that Dan nails with ease. The tracks on this effort take one to many different places, touch on realities that permeate our lives and leave one yearning for more. The creativity, originality and talents meld together seamlessly in a note of perfection. I had to listen to this CD exactly 3 times to get the total picture of what Dan and the boys were presenting. Well Done!! I give this 2 THUMBS UP!!!
104 | Steel Notes Magazine
steelnotesmagazine.com