A definite pop-rock machine, the Craig Kelley Band has released it’s second CD, Tried & True. For the most part, it’s an upbeat collection with great guitar licks by one of the best guitarists in the area.

No joke — Craig Kelley reigns as Central Pa’s “Guitar Wars Contest” champion, and David T. Chastain as rated him as Central PA’s number one guitarist three times. Like ballet honing a football player’s technique, Kelley’s degree in classical guitar has given him the raw skill and dexterity. Couple this with his songwriting and you have a recognizable and fun sound.

The fun doesn’t stop at the sound, either — the lyrics help to set each song’s tone and to drive the music. The title track could be featured in any one of today’s teen-splashed movies, fast and crazy and spattered with words about some burned-out chic. And, while I never would’ve know had it not been pointed out, “Words of Love” is a fantastic collage of Beatles’ title phrases — and nothing more. Surprisingly, it fits together well, forging one of the better songs on the album.

Other tracks, such as “Black Betty” and “Sweet Memory” intertwine a blues flavor with their pop attitude. All in all, the vocals impress, as they’re appropriately rough and sugary. The melodies and harmonies will latch onto your brain if you’re not careful as well. This sound is truly reminiscent of Pittsburgh’s sons The Clarks.

Tried & True follows the band’s debut, Still Searching (1997). With Stu Kavolis on bass, Mike Leib on keyboards and guitar, and Steve Sponsellor on drums, Kelley and his band have received accolades both regionally and internationally — Europeans seem to like their sound quite well.

“Americans like to flip-flop … ” singer Danny Otemiller raps in the mantric “Americans” off the debut CD release by Hexbelt, Wonderland? (Fatback/Romeo Records). He must know what Americans like; Hexbelt has been packing shows for years in regional bars and taverns, and this CD is a good first course of a full Hexbelt meal. Describing their music as “straight-ahead rock ’n’ roll,” Dan sings about hard times, good times, and broken hearts. Guitarist Mike Couch lays down the guitar stylings which make up the second quarter of the unique Hexbelt sound, while drummer Brendan McGowen and bassist Nathan Erbe finish off the package with a loose groove which has listeners tapping their feet from the very first notes. The result is a refreshingly honest sound which is certain to turn heads in 1999.

The CD begins with the upbeat jangles of “Forget -Me-Nots” and continues to groove through blues, jazz, rap, funk, and honky-tonk flavors. Wonderland? maintains a consistent sound throughout the CD but throws curve balls at the listener at every turn. “Americans” shows off the jazzier side of the band, while rockers like “Throw Me the Rope” and “Church Key” show the power and passion the band delivers during their live performances.
A mellower side is heard on “Pain” and “Corkscrew,” giving the album depth and sensitivity.

The production by Steve Ward (Cherry Twister and The Pollins, among others) with assistance by guitarist Couch and live sound tech Mike Strickler is top notch, catching the essence of the band’s live performance. Also contributing to the recording are friends from other local favorites, including Trixi Greiner and Pete Barnhart from Burning Bus and producer Steve Ward from Cherry Twister. Both organic and slick, Hexbelt crafts songs that are full of foot-tapping beats, and ear-catching melodies. Wonderland? is a must-have for anyone who loves a good groove, and Hexbelt is a must-see for anyone who enjoys a good time.