New Jersey Stage 2017: Issue 3 | Page 83

a cut above so many others , and Gene had become the exceptional singer whose promise I saw at age 13 . I believe his achievement was due more to his musical genes ( his dad is a gospel singer ) and his own dedication than to anything I did . Colossal Street Jam ’ s bio describes the five-piece band ’ s sound as infectious and melodic rock n roll . I heard performances by real artists who communicate with each other so well , that it ’ s at a level I call “ oneness .” And , by the way , I make no distinction between singers and other instrumentalists as musicians . Here are just some of the originals on the 11-track CD Living Free and what I like about them . “ Won ’ t Last This Way ” is the opening stunner , and sets the tone for a powerhouse experience . Gene introduces an attractive vocal attitude with just enough grittiness . I like that he has such a command of his instrument that allows him to be a versatile singer---should he choose to be . In this song , the tight unison and harmony in the recurring riffs by guitarist Sal Marra and bassist Tony Flora become the distinctive sound of a “ dynamic duo .” Marra uses a fat effect here and on several of the tracks that feels to me like a big , warm blanket wrapping around me . And with the solid punctuation by drummer Dave Halpern , this track becomes hypnotic . The title track “ Living Free ” is a beautifully crafted song , with a catchy hook , and vocal harmonies that grow even more lush in a closing vamp with Laura Catalina Johnson ’ s voice soaring in face belt asides . How do you end a song that has built to such an emotional pitch ? You don ’ t . You just sustain the feeling for a moment or two as it marches past you in gentle fade .

NJ STAGE 2017 - Vol . 4 No . 3

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