Review of CD - Maybe Today by Lenny Solomon Band

I'm not the type of reviewer who finds it tasteful or necessary to use the name and style of some well known artist to describe a less widely known independent artist or band. So, I'm not going tell you that Lenny Solomon's new CD, Maybe Today, is like a cross between Bob Dylan and Jimmy Buffett. For one thing, Solomon actually can carry a tune and he's much better at playing the harmonica than a certain iconic folk master from the 1960's. Yet, the pleasantly nasal edge of Solomon's voice is in fact Dylan-ish and his "devil may care", "lets go to mars" humor is reminiscent of you know who's social and civil detachment.

This fourteen song recording cycles between Solomon's bluesy and almost outrageous humor found in songs such as the opening tune, "It's Snowin" to darkly rich and emotive tunes like the title song, "Maybe Today." The dramatic swings in the sound and feel of this project give it an eclectic appeal and the resulting contrasts serve to augment the impact of Solomon's poetry and harmonic style.

In spite of the playfully up beat songs such as "Island of Misplaced Souls" and "Friendly Rock, Friendly Tree", this is a blues album through and through.

There is a resounding wisdom that comes across in Solomon's songwriting that speaks of lessons learned amid trial and triumph, disappointment and elation. Interesting aspects of this CD include its straight forwardly traditional instrumentation and musicianship. Just before the project becomes too "country" , or too "folksy", or too anything, Solomon's wailing blues harmonic enters the mix adding yet another dimension of sound.

There are significant social statements made throughout the album. For instance, "The Great Judgment" offers up a "ripped from today's headlines" outcry with lines such as, "bosses are paid, but your pension's bankrupt", and "save yourself but you forget the sea of people left is right the Right has left.".

Solomon's band includes Don Barry on bass and vocals, Dennis Gurgul on drums and Bill Gibbs on lead guitar and vocals. Solomon sings, plays guitar and harmonica. All of the songs are written by Solomon. Although the individual performances on the CD are well done and without flaw, there is nothing that stands out as particularly outstanding or stellar.

However, listeners will appreciate the transcendent effect of this music and will find that contemplative songs like "Maybe Today" and "The Flood" will haunt them and compel them to return again and again to listen to what Solomon has to say. I recommend this CD to you. You will be glad you added it to your collection. Check it out at: http://www.solomonband.com