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OTR ‘Mamonama’ Lion Music (2008) www.lionmusic.com
O.T.R (On The Rocks) brings
together ex-Uriah Heep vocalist John Lawton and ex-Focus guitarist
Jan Dumee (ex-Focus) backed by a set of highly talented Brazilian
musicians, namely drummer Xande Figuerueido, keyboardist Marvio
Ciribelli and bassist Ney Conceicao (all these three have worked
with Jan Dumee previously on his solo album).
Listening to this album it
could have been recorded back in the 70’s with its laid back blues
meets rock feel although the opening song ‘Ghetto’ has a funk feel
and there are a few jazz touches on ‘The Corner Club’ (very Steely
Dan in sound and feel). ‘Hello (Dona Nobis Pacem)’ features lots of
vocal harmonies and makes for a real standout song on the album.
John Lawton really shines (if you pardon the pun!) on ‘Shine’,
putting in an emotive vocal to a lovely ballad. The album does rock
out on a couple of occasions with ‘Taking You Down’ and ‘Woman’
seeing the blues rock side of Lawton’s singing and Dumee’s playing
coming to the fore.
An album for the quieter
moments as it is one to savour and enjoy featuring some very
accomplished guitar playing. The musical variety on here will
certainly surprise fans of Lawton’s Uriah Heep days and if anything
lovers of Steely Dan would do well to check this album out.
Hopefully we will hear more from this band in the future.
****
Jason Ritchie
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Now for something completely different, creative and
unique: OTR aka On The Rocks. OTR is former Uriah Heep vocalist John
Lawton and former Focus guitarist Jan Dumee backed up by a very
talented and tight Brazilian rhythm section featuring Xande
Figueiredo (Drums), Ney Conceicao (Bass), and Marvio Ciribelli (Keyboards).
This collaboration yields some terrific melodic and progressive rock
fusing blues, jazz, and much more.
Mr.
Lawton has never sounded better: his voice is passionate, strong and
soulful. He is simply stunning on the opener 'Ghetto,' 'Hello Dona
Nobis Pacem,' and 'Steal The Night.' Dumee shows his own brilliance
exploring his guitar with equal passion and ingenuity as on the
aforementioned 'Steal The Night,' but also on 'Taking You Down' and
'Mamonama.' Words cannot express the strength and steadiness of the
rhythm section; most bands would kill for such precision. Listen for
Conceicao's bass work on 'Face To Face,' simply outstanding. Marvio
Ciribelli also deserves special recognition for his superb keyboard
as on 'Ghetto' and 'Mamonama.' All these songs are incredibly
creative and enjoyable as is the whole of 'Mamonama.' The real ear
pleasers for me were 'Ghetto,' wildly different, 'The Corner Club,'
melodic and just plain fun,' and the beautifully soulful, 'Shine.'
If there was any bump in the road, it was with 'Woman' which really
did not capture my interest. But considering the strength of the
surrounding material, this is hardly significant.
Frankly readers, it doesn't get much better than
OTR for a classic rock sound made fresh and, more importantly,
significant for a new day. 'Mamonama' is a complete and satisfying
work that deserves your immediate attention. Highly recommended! -
Craig Hartranft
www.dangerdog.com
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OTR – Mamonama
2008
Lion Music
Purveying the tradition of classic boogie
rock, OTR know how to keep the groove
going. Leading the way is former Uriah Heep/Lucifer’s
Friend vocalist John Lawton and ex-Focus
axeman Jan Dumee for record of real rock and
roll. No, it’s not a big melodic rock record,
an overwhelming prog record, or a
headbanging metal record – just a down to
earth rock record – and no complaints.
Similar to Lawtons former band Heep, as well
as Nazereth, early Aerosmith, and Johnny
Winter’s more rock oriented work – there is
a heavy sound that hearkens the days of 70’s
AOR – yet it’s anything but dated.
Striking upon the axe attack of Dumee and
the commanding vocals of Lawton, “Take you
Down,” the jumpy & soulful “Face to Face,”
the blues-funk of “Woman,” and the R&B
infused “Ride On” purvey the heavy blues
rock influence while the semi-acoustic cuts
such as “Steal the Night” & “The Corner
Club” and the ballad “Shine,” with it’s
gospel infused chorus, show a more laid back
approach to the rock mantra that the band
possesses.
There are no synthesizers (but a lot of
grinding Hammond, occasional piano &
Rhodes), no overzealous production, or any
electronic blips for that matter; whereas
the record has a live vibe. One thing though,
is that Mamonama is a unique record
unto itself, nobody makes records like these
anymore, yes we all love our technical
progressive metal and the big sound of
modern AOR, but this is something that is
much well welcome upon the ears; it’s about
time somebody went in the studio and made a
record of real soulful blues-rock; hails to
OTR for doing so.
Added:
October 19th 2008
Reviewer:
Tommy Hash
www.ytsejam.com
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