July 1998 Local Exposure: Jim Rhoads • Nectar • NotchoMa • Project Lo

Local Exposure
CD Reviews of Area Musicians

by Ed Yashinsky

Jim Rhoads
Action
[List Records]

Jim Rhoads - Action On the surface, Action might quickly be dismissed as the work of a maniacal thirty-something perpetually trapped in his distortion-ridden youth. However, Jim Rhoads’ DIY project, which Jim proudly boasts was recorded in one room while his family watched TV in another, provides a textbook example of someone working on his own terms. Both lyrically and musically, parts of Action sound like they were lifted straight from Judas Priest or Rainbow, but underneath, bands like Husker Du and X, King Crimson and a host of other progressive rock bands shine through. Action is not for everyone, but for anyone who has dreamed of making a their own record (and there are many out there), there is a lot of inspiration and insight to be garnered here. No one can accuse Rhoads of pandering to trends or prevailing winds, and that is very refreshing. The good news is that Rhoads has formed a band and will bring the project to area clubs. Hopefully it will prove as interesting as Action.

Nectar
Hotcakes
[Fatback Records]

Nectar - Hotcakes It might take a few songs, but suddenly it hits you between the eyes that Nectar vocalist Caroline Rothwell’s voice is a dead ringer for Edie Brickell. That being said, Nectar is hardly another New Bohemians and Rothwell packs more punch than Mrs. Paul Simon has delivered in years. Hotcakes, Nectar’s five-song debut EP, combines classic blues-rock influences with the charged edge currently incinerating the airways. Guitarist Mike Kennell’s Cream-style riffing carries through the Hotcakes’ first two cuts–“Wind of Change” and “Unspoken”–and Rothwell’s Janice Joplin influence becomes more apparent with each listen. Add to this mix the rock-solid rhythm section of drummer Hardy Hill and bassist Dave Henry, and it’s quite apparent that Nectar is mining the right musical vein.

NotchoMa
Skamish
[Notcho Records]

NotchoMa - Skamish In ska circles, NotchoMa must be seen as some sort of enigma. On their debut CD, Skamish, this Harrisburg septet delivers the blasting horns and rock-steady drum and bass that have been the cornerstone of ska for more than 30 years. However, ska purists may argue that NotchoMa melds too many musical influences (calypso, world beat and even some r&b) to carry the ska banner. That being said, Skamish, is nothing more than twelve tracks of party music that should be seen as a welcome addition to the big tent that encompasses ska. Produced by David Ackerman with guest appearances by members of The Toasters and The Allstonians, Skamish glides effortlessly on the nimble fingers of guitarist Jon Hand, the smooth vocal delivery of Deb Graffius, and the precision drumming of Keith Barnes. “Rude Boy,” “Dangdut” and “Walk on the Water” are just a few of the standout tracks here, but truth be told, Skamish is a fun ride from start to finish.

Project Lo
Black Canvas
[LoLo Records]

Project Lo - Black Canvas Although the cover may hint at the twisted dark side of Windham Hill, Black Canvas, a release by acoustic guitar virtuoso Bon Lozaga, holds much deeper roots in the avante-jazz worlds of Allan Holdsworth and John McLaughlin, and the progressive guitar textures of Robert Fripp. Black Canvas begins and ends with lonely, acoustic pieces while in-between a journey expands that knows no boundaries. Backed by an incredible band including the indescribable vocalist Happy Rhodes, electric violinist Caryn Lin, Brand-X bassist Percy Jones, hyper-kinetic saxophonist Chris Farr and keyboardist J. Hatch, Black Canvas unleashes a haunting version of Peter Gabriel’s “Mercy Street,” an enticing India-drenched “Rajah”, a King Crimsonesque “Tolerance, Acceptance, Transformation” and plenty of variety around every turn. However, Black Canvas’ true beauty derives from its lack of individuality. Lozaga has assembled top-notch bands who can all play circles around each other. But here the subdued instrumentation reveals a complex landscape that continues to reveal new twists with every listen.