Eric Lindell - Low on Cash, Rich in Love CD Review

In a world where money dominates nearly every facet of our lives, Eric Lindell's latest release Low on Cash, Rich In Love provides a refreshing return to the basics. Declaring in the title track that he’s “low on cash, low on change, rich in love and other things,” Eric reveals the straightforward and sincere attitude that is the hallmark of the album.

With a dynamite cast of supporting musicians, Lindell easily dabbles in the blues, funk, and creole-flavored soul. His New Orleans heritage is unmistakable, especially in “It’s A Pity,” clearly a reflection on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Ripe with thick basslines and electrifying organ runs, this track quickly stands out as one of the highlights.

Eric’s talents as a songwriter and musician are many, but perhaps the most alluring is the sultry and seemingly effortless vocal delivery that seasons every song. The way he sings “baby” certainly had this reviewer spellbound. Mix in his impressive chops on the guitar and harmonica, and you certainly have the fixings for music's next rising star.

While the lyrical content of the album is by no means complex, the themes of romance, relationships, and devotion are instantly accessible and down-to-earth. Lindell exposes himself as a lady’s man in the first minutes of the lilting and sweet opening number, crooning “girl I’ll be doggone if I’ll let you slip away, so lay back, lay back down.”

He continues to pour on the charm in the gritty “It’s My Pleasure,” accented by simmering slide guitar and Delta-inspired riffs. The song slowly builds to a wicked jam, another of the finest moments on the album.

Low on Cash, Rich in Love surely doesn’t break the mold, but it fits into it exquisitely. Lindell has crafted a collection of sing-along worthy songs with rhythms that will definitely get bodies moving on a dance floor. It’s the type of music that just screams to be performed in front of an audience; and as luck would have it, Lindell is no stranger to the stage. If this album is any indicator, his upcoming concerts should not be missed.

Listen:

The Bridge - The Bridge CD Review

There is something undeniably cathartic about driving and listening to music.

Certain albums seem to be made for the open road, and The Bridge’s self-titled release is one of those offerings. With a laid back pace and narrative lyrics referring to wheels a-turning and engines spinning, it is a very befitting companion for a trip down the highway.

The young Baltimore-bred quintet delivers a melting pot of musical styles on this latest CD – from bluegrass-flavored tunes like “Flats of the Old Avenue” and “Chains,” to the incredibly funky “Bad Locomotive” and “Shake ‘em Down.” One of The Bridge’s unique selling points is the incorporation of beat box and saxophone, adding jazz and hip-hop flare into the mix as well.

From the opening song “Get Back Up,” listeners will hear the remarkably tight instrumentation between guitarist Cris Jacobs, bassist Dave Markowitz, drummer Mike Gambone, saxophonist Patrick Rainey, and mandolin/beat boxing extraordinaire Kenny Liner. Supplementing the five core members of the group are frequent guest appearances, including organist John Ginty (Citizen Cope), pianist Mookie Siegel (Phil Lesh & Friends, Dave Nelson Band), and drummer Russell Batiste Jr. (The Funky Meters).

One of the album’s most powerful displays appears in the soulful and dynamic “Angelina.” Jacobs reveals his strength on lead vocals, showcasing a broad range and pitch perfect harmonies with backing vocalists Dave Markowitz and guest Ed Hough.

“Bad Locomotive” is an instant stand-out track, filled with beefy bass lines, smoking hot guitar licks, and a blistering solo from Jacobs that is nearing Stevie Ray Vaughan status. Ominous statements like “halfway to the burying ground” and “I sold my reason for a one-way ride” conjure images of addiction and destructive behavior, which marks a brief departure from the mostly light-hearted tone found in the rest of the album.

Beyond his abilities on the guitar and vocals, Cris Jacobs is listed as the songwriter for nine of the album’s twelve tracks. He and co-founder Kenny Liner share authorship of “The Ballad of Clear Rock,” and Liner is credited with the remaining two songs.

It was an ambitious undertaking considering the band’s heavy national touring schedule, but apparently these two were up to the challenge. What has emerged is a refreshing album with broad appeal, one that literally bridges the gap between genres and generations (and it helps with road rage, too).