Originally Posted By: bluage
Dear Ms. Janice, 'Tommyad', and Bud...

Whoa! That didn't last too long, but what's over and done, is, well...over and done, ha, ha laugh !!! (Maybe it's just me, but doesn't the phrase 'over and done' sound like a backyard cook's technique for speed-grilling steaks ???)

Without ever knowing anything about the people, their culture, and the places that 'bluegrass' developed and evolved, it seemed perfectly clear to me that it just had to be the music of people who are bound to the land, just because of the genre's name, 'bluegrass'. A musical tradition that would take an element of Our Mother Nature for its name could only be reflective of a lifestyle rooted in its relationship with the soil, the earth -- if I'm correct about this, of course smile.

Too bad 'soul music' is mostly associated with African-American musical influences, because its expression is not limited to any one ethnic group. The way Ms. Janice vocalizes the lyrics is proof of this -- it's the voice of the one, the only, righteous truth for anyone who has lived the story told in the lyrics, and who couldn't relate to them ???

"Just when you think that you’ve got it made
The sky can turn dark in a flash
Dreams of the future become watered down
When you can’t let go of the past"

I mean, damn! That stings like a drop of Mercurochrome of Merthiolate dabbed on a fresh cut.

The Real Tracks (along with the loops) are alive with the feelings that Ms. Janice sings about. And though I don't know much about mixing, I think I know a great example of it when I hear it smile.

After the Storm has got a beating heart that can't be ignored. Hat's off to ya, folks !!!

Truly-ooly,

LOREN



Loren, your creative, articulate and thought provoking reviews always make remarkable reads and we always look forward to them. Your mention of soul is so spot on. The two of us measure a vocal, irrespective of genre, for the presence or absence of soul. Yes, it's hard to define and perhaps trite to say but it's either there or not for us. So it was VERY meaningful for you to mention it and it is appreciated along with every word of your response.

Thank you.

J&B

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