Search - Brian Blade :: Mama Rosa

Great start as singer/songwriter!

Johnno | Melbourne, Australia | 06/01/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Most of us know Brian Blade as the extraordinary jazz drummer who has played with the likes of Wayne Shorter, Kenny Garrett, Joshua Redman; and pop legends such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Norah Jones - he has also made 3 brilliant albums with his own Fellowship Band.



However, on Mama Rosa Brian makes his debut as a singer/song writer. Singing and playing guitar (as well as drums) he has created tunes which are beautifully crafted. While it didn't hit me on first listen, the music and melodies do creep up on you, particularly after a number of listens. The feel is low key and mellow, I guess you'd call it Folk/pop music. It's quite a departure from the searching spiritual drive and extended solos of the Fellowship Band, but there is still the echo of their magic as Blade's band mates help make up the Mama Rosa backing band. Also lending a hand is Daniel Lanois on lead guitar who plays a number of great solos. Although not producing the album, the overall sound somewhat bears the influence of Lanois' distict atmospheric style. The songs tell stories of Brian's life and family in an intimate, personal way, and being the son of a Pastor the lyrics contain many allusions to a strong Christian upbringing. While some may find these elements reason to condemn the album, I would congratulate Brian on his heart felt sincerity, a quality which pervades the music.



I am not sure how this album will be greeted by Brian's jazz fans but hopefully he'll be reaching a different if not wider audience. For me it's great start for Brian Blade as a singer-songwriter and shows us another dimension to this brilliant musician!"