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Western Vacation:
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Western Vacation:
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| You may be asking yourself,
"Western who?" Others may remember the name of
this band from way-back-when. Western Vacation is a
re-release of the previously out-of-print LP by the band
of the same name. Originally pressed in 1986, this debut
release has seen the light of day once again on CD
through MRP Records. Don't be disillusioned simply because the name doesn't sound familiar. I can only sit in wonder, pondering why the pieces written by these musicians have never received the appropriate airplay and attention they deserve. Western Vacation consists of Bob Harris on vocals, Martin Schwartz on guitar, and Chris Frazier on drums. Bass is played either by Jac Mihanovic or Stu Hamm. Keyboardist Tommy Mars makes an appearance on five of the nine pieces, one of which is a solo improvisation featuring Mars at the keyboard with his own vocal accompaniment. The remainder of the disk features Scott Collard on keyboards. Western Vacation contains a fresh sound founded in distinct melodic content and strong musicianship. Compositions often contain interesting and musically challenging drum work that accents the vocal and rhythmic feel of each song, rounding out its already pleasing texture. Stylistically, the pieces are well suited for airplay, and fall under the category of rock, although the band delves briefly, for one piece, into a smooth reggae feel. The disk is affectionately dedicated to guitar wizard Steve Vai. Western Vacation curiously finds an unknown guitarist named Reckless Fable taking a blistering solo on the title track. This guitarist sounds remarkably like Steve Vai. It doesn't take much imagination to realize, at the time, Vai was signed with another label and was prohibited from appearing on the LP using his name. As Charlie Parker appeared with Miles Davis as "Charlie Chan," likewise, Vai appears with Western Vacation under a pseudonym. Vai fans take note! Even with the addition of an extra track, Western Vacation is only 45 minutes long. The sound is representative of releases from the early to mid-eighties. Sonic levels are low, and the sound is not exceptionally clear and vibrant. Even still, the recording is decent, and well balanced. The musicianship is exceptional, the music is original, and even after 10 years, it still sounds fresh and current. Western Vacation stands the test of time, and a new incarnation of the band is currently being formed consisting of nine members. With a new release forthcoming on the MRP label entitled "Vibraudoblast," the band plans a 1996 tour. You may be hearing more from this group of musicians. Perhaps now they will receive the attention they deserve. |
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