“Orcastra”, Jon Bare and the Killer Whales
“Orcastra”, Jon Bare and the Killer Whales, Mega Truth Records, 2001
This CD is one that you might not remember after playing it.
Jon Bare is apparently quite accomplished (according to his website), being a computer database expert, a contributing editor to “Recording Magazine,” and so on. But maybe that is what is missing here. There is no soul here, as if Bare is not putting his full attention on his music.
Songs like “Bone Appetite” and “Shakey” are energetic with Bare’s rock guitar, and there has been a lot of work done on the production. There are plenty of horn arrangements, and there are even a sitar and tabla on “Be My Someone.” There is variety, too. “Mo’Money” has an island flavor, while “Get Funky,” well, gets funky.
But every song sounds a bit like something you have heard before, with well worn lyric themes. Bare’s web site says that this CD is his “Sgt. Pepper,” and says that it is “Steely Dan meets Pink Floyd.” Those sentiments, which I personally disagree with, may also show some of the problem. This CD seems stuck somewhere in the past, with its emphasis on rock/blues guitar and soul flavored horns.
With all the variety of music that is available now, it seems that Bare will have to update his sound to find success.
Websites: Jon Bare at aol
Another Jon Bare site
- Dave Howell
(This article first appeared in the SouthBound Beat music site.)
This CD is one that you might not remember after playing it.
Jon Bare is apparently quite accomplished (according to his website), being a computer database expert, a contributing editor to “Recording Magazine,” and so on. But maybe that is what is missing here. There is no soul here, as if Bare is not putting his full attention on his music.
Songs like “Bone Appetite” and “Shakey” are energetic with Bare’s rock guitar, and there has been a lot of work done on the production. There are plenty of horn arrangements, and there are even a sitar and tabla on “Be My Someone.” There is variety, too. “Mo’Money” has an island flavor, while “Get Funky,” well, gets funky.
But every song sounds a bit like something you have heard before, with well worn lyric themes. Bare’s web site says that this CD is his “Sgt. Pepper,” and says that it is “Steely Dan meets Pink Floyd.” Those sentiments, which I personally disagree with, may also show some of the problem. This CD seems stuck somewhere in the past, with its emphasis on rock/blues guitar and soul flavored horns.
With all the variety of music that is available now, it seems that Bare will have to update his sound to find success.
Websites: Jon Bare at aol
Another Jon Bare site
- Dave Howell
(This article first appeared in the SouthBound Beat music site.)