|
 SUBURBAN ALPHABET (man alive music productions.)
Suburban Alphabet is the name a group of L.A. based musicians chose as their moniker. Their CD is contemporary in feel and all the material is original. The group consists of Jeff Miley (electric guitar), James Miley (keys), Mike Elizondo (bass), Paul Tavenner (drums), Jeff Babko (keys), Jim McGrath (percussion). The Miley's, Jim or Jeff wrote all the tunes.
"Suburban Alphabet" opens the CD quietly, yet there is an insistent quality to it. James Miley plays synth and piano in an easy, relaxed manner. The tune allows for a little quirky touch here and there from various musicians as it ambles along at a slow pace. The tightly-contained energy is all in the playing. It is also the longest cut and not totally indicative of the rest of the material in the CD. "Turn Around" ups the tempo and by the time the group arrives at the third tune, "Let me in", they're really rocking out. This is pretty free-wheeling material, heavy on the drum beat. The next piece "Improvisation" is the shortest, at a minute and a half. "I'd Rather Stay" is a pretty tune but these guys really aren't into pretty for pretty's sake. The tune turns edgy. Jeff Miley uses his electric guitar for exploration, but the soothing percussion by McGrath helped to rein this one in. James Miley on piano and synth gives it a true romantic flair. "A.Q.M.D." is dark and moody, with a compelling pulse and once again, Jeff Miley uses his space to explore in an outside stance. "Chicao" is another softer tune, followed by the heavier-textured "No I'm Not." "Dr. James" is much more accessible, with some fine melodic piano work from Jeff Babko. The CD closes with a heartfelt (and pretty) "Last Minute." Everyone sticks to the melody and plays it straight-forward. It becomes a prayerful closing. Nice.
This CD is for adventurous listeners. It's not easy-listening contemporary jazz, but offers more of an improvisational slant, with a pleasant surprise here and there. I don't need my jazz to be pretty, but a soft touch amidst gritty material always catches my ear. -Myrna Daniels
|
