Improvijazzation Nation 

Issue # 44 REVIEWS:

Blind Pineapple Phillips - TEETH IN MY MIND:  Those who have been following this "D.I.Y. thang" for decades now (& yeah, it HAS been decades) will recognize B.P.P. as one of the (many) monikers that our pal Bret Hart has attached to his performances.  He blew ME away (back in the early '90's) with a submission to this 'zine under that performance name.  I puzzled for MONTHS as to who'n'l this Phillips character was.  This '90's outing features B.P.P's very agile acoustic guitar blooz', with some odd (& at times quirky) chords & percussives you won't BELIEVE thrown in.  His lyrics will FEEL like a dentist (mental or NOT) yankin' 'em out from th' rootz (somehow I just can't get th' image of Steve Martin outta' my head)!  I doubt you'll ever see/hear B.P.P. in a feature movie , but you SHOULD!  Perfect 21st Century incarnation of what th' "Blues Brothers" were to thee youth of the late 20th!  Just catch th' title of my fave trak... "Shovelin' Through Frogs".  Now, THAT's th' blooz, peeple; actually it's way MO' than blues... call it "undercurrent blooz", maybe!  Down-home & able to twang yer' heartstringz in an instant!  Very pleasant & laid-back listening... this gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for those who love highly original blues/folk (with a TWIST) toonz!  Imagine some kind o' unGOURDly cross-breeding 'twixt th' Harts, thee Phillips's & some aliens with guitarz & dented-red-spoke bicycles, eh?  Contact at 609 Morehead Street, Eden, North Carolina, USA 27288 or via e-mail to bhart@rock.k12.nc.us   Rotcod Zzaj

Ferraro - EAST SIDE MANSION:  Very interesting solo prog-rock in from William.  As you might expect for progressive, heavy use of synths/strings for building the lead-ins, & some clearly defined percussives as th' underpinning.  He also plays a mean sax!  One reason you don't (often) see/hear prog-rock here, I suppose, is that it doesn't really lend itself to being in the "HOMEMADE" arena.  Ferraro has definitely proven that he can create a totally enjoyable listen that sticks to it's progressive roots!  TOTALLY self-generated, recorded in his home studio.  Keep yer' ears on Will's music, there WILL be more of it on th' scene in the next 10 years or so... gets a RECOMMENDED for those who want fresh, new rawkin' with strong prog leanings.  Contact at 4202 County Route 4, Oswego, New York 13126, or via e-mail at williamf@northnet.org  He also has a WWW site at http://www.candyspiteful.com/   Rotcod Zzaj

Golana - FEATHER ON THE WIND:  This CD features some excellent (& very relaxing) flute works by Golana (nee Scott Cunningham), a native-American player.  The unique thing is that his playing doesn't focus on the more "traditional" forms of native-American music(s)... all the way from "Eagles" to "Chopin/Mozart" (though those native-American "influences" can be heard coming through clearly, particularly in the percussion).  Accompaniments vary.... some nice hand drums, all the way to some well-played acoustic guitar on track 3 (Alleluia).  Strong spiritual influences penetrate the listener's mind, a direct result of Golana's intensity of style and desire to convey his message.  You can't "frame it" as new age, it's clearly not native American - just pure Golana.  Provides for a beautiful listen, gets a RECOMMENDED from us.  Purchase at records stores around the country, or online at http://www.oginali.com  Rotcod Zzaj

Bill Horist - SONGS FROM THE NERVE WHEEL:  Dense, thick and rich solo guitar improvisations that will put you (right back) in TOUCH with your "nerve wheel".  We were fortunate enough to review his first CD, "Soylent Radio", also released on UNIT CIRCLE REKKIDS.  This round seems to be at a level "below" that first release (& that's a compliment, as it means that his playing digs down into the psyche even FURTHER).  Somehow, there needs to be collaboration betwixt Bill & my (acoustic guitar improvisor) friend Ernesto Diaz-Infante (down in San Francisco), if there hasn't been such already... Ernesto's playing style definitely comes to mind!  I particularly enjoyed "Gravity's Backwash" (track 6), but that's probably because it has a steamrolling rhythmic undercurrent to "guide" the listener through the strange sonic territory.  This album will THRILL those who dig experimental guitar & frighten those more into "normal".  It gets our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as the "PICK" of this issue for "best improv guitar works".  Contact at 1222 E. Pike St.,. PMB-815, Seattle, WA 98122-3916, via e-mail to flattopbix@yahoo.com  or on the label page at http://www.unitcircle.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Electric Voodoo - 7 STAYIN POWERS: Tekito Communications (way down in New Orleans) sent a stak o' full-length CD's in, & this is the first that caught my ear... wot' a strange mix, but TOTALLY indie, volkz!  If this is a sign of th' new musical underground - I'm all FO' it!  Percussives all OVER th' place, pseudo-Afrikan chants runnin' in, under, down & through.  No doubt that if yer' leave th' headphones on too long with this conglomeration runnin', you'll be guided to spirit-land & put upon to do thee NAS-tee 'pon somone!  It's not like music you've ever heard before, & if yer' earz're into adventure - you've just FOUND it!  Kick back 'n imagine yer'self as th' object of a tribal ceremony... girls dancin' 'round, stirrin' up th' pot (& these folks MUSTA' been doin' somethin' with (a) pot)... you get th' idea, right?  This music can NOT be "classified", it stands on it's own - enough so to get a RECOMMENDED from us.  Contact at PMB # 432, 828 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70116, or visit their website at http://www.crosswinds.net/~tekito/main.html   Rotcod Zzaj

Phinney/McGee - HOMEMADE ALIEN MUSIC, VOLUME ll (Ancient Astronauts):  Hal (McGee) has been around the underground/homemade music scene since it began, way back in the tape-exchange days.  Chris (Phinney) joined him early on.  This CD release is from HalTapes... good to know Hal's still "alive & kickin'"!  The music is what I would call the ULTIMATE in space elektronique... it really SOUNDS like what I imagine a journey through the outer reaches is like.  In fact, without ever VISITING Cape Kennedy (or izit Canaveral), I feel like I've been to Venus & back twice or thricely!  The beauty of this music is that it's not all "drone"... lots of lil' twists/turns... hell, HAVTA' be, as the accompanying comic book describes a journey they made through a wormhole!  If you've never listened to these masters of elektrik (synth)-insanity before, your ears are in for a treat... you'll agree with me when I declare this MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!  Synth-lektrik-listener's heaven!  Contact at 1909E SW 42 Way, Gainseville, FL 32607-5407, or via e-mail to Chris at  chris.phinney@gte.net   Rotcod Zzaj

Lewis Trio - BATTANGO:  Old phartz' like me feel right at home with th' kind o' jazz you'll hear on this fantastic CD!  Strange, 'coz it's on a new label, Nubenegra... the aural attractions are in the agile blending of Latino/Cuban with straight-ahead ol' fashioned jazz.  Leader (Ricardo Gonzalez) Lewis' violin adds a touch of "french" that REALLY loads it up with energy.  The piano of Ivan Gonzalez Lewis is EXCEPTIONALLY strong as well, though we can't leave out the wonderful bass work by Alain Perez, either.  Strong percussion by Gerovis Pico and Yuri Nogueras round it out.  I fell in love with the violin work from the first measure, truly beautiful!  All elements fuse together (though it's NOT fusion) to form a perfect whole!  Those who love jazz will agree immediately with my rating this as MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as electing it the "PICK" of this issue for "best jazz".  If you don't get another album/CD this year - GET THIS!!!  Simply wonderful!!!  Contact through the publicity agent at elizabeth@alula.com or on their WWW pages at http://www.alula.com   Rotcod Zzaj

David Burgess - SILVER NUGGETS & FOOL'S GOLD:  Some enchanting solo classical guitar (with a nice flavor of flamenco jazz) on this CD!  Extremely relaxing, though not lacking at ALL in the energy department.  Imagine yourself sittin' on a luxury liner on th' way to a 1930's movie tryst with a Latino beauty... sippin' on a cuba libre, or margarita, smokin' a nice stogie - somethin' like that.  David's acoustic work is flawless, painting images of Zorro in my ears, bringing on a true sense of adventure.  Don't (for a moment) confuse this with random improv, it's very structured & easy to follow.  That doesn't make it "simple" music, either... Burgess' fingers walk all OVER the strings in complex dances that not very many players of this style can accomplish.  Lovers of well-played music everywhere will find this a "must have" for their collection!  I give it a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED & hope that many will seek this one out for the extreme aural pleasures it can bring.  Contact at 141 Smith St., Brooklyn, NY 11201, or via e-mail to tritonerecords@aol.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Tales - ECHOES FROM THE LAST FAIRYLAND:  Our French friend Jean-Luc Herve Berthelot has put together another synthesized masterpiece for your listening pleasure on this CD.  We have reviewed him many times over the last 5 years, coming to expect excellence in everything he sends us... this exciting musical journey didn't let us down!  "Echoes" seems (somehow) more in an ambient space, tastes of piano composition as overlays to the clean beauty of his synthesizers.  Ideas and images swirl forth from his agile fingers, taking you to wherever your fairyland is.  This is (without doubt) the BEST "TALES" we've heard yet, 8 compositions that touch on the deepest wells of emotion in human experience.  Some SPLENDID sax sounds in here, too!  Strange voices in the background, approaching poetry, but not quite there... ghosts, maybe.  Any listener who appreciates mystery will agree when I declare it MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  Contact on the WWW at http://jlhb.free.fr/tales or via e-mail to jlhb@free.fr   Rotcod Zzaj

Mental Anguish - EYEBALLS GLAZED OVER:  During my first listen through this re-issue CD from Chris Phinney's Harsh Reality label (Gourd, doesn't THAT bring back mem'ries of the "grand ol' daze" of homemademusic), I was busy surfing the netz.  Thot I'd get some ideas for the review(s), but was amazed to find that I didn't remember ANYTHING about my impressions.  It is surreptitious... unobtrusive... and laidback, all in one swell foop!  It may have been the analog hum (only slightly noticeable, as a carryover from the original tape, I'm sure), though I tend to believe it was the composition itself... 5 long cuts that will trance you OUT, volkz!  Solid synthworks that will (very quickly and very smoothly) allow you to distance yourself from the troubles of the day.  Though this is (nearly) in the ambient realm, it still exhibits an energy & flow that sneaks up on you.  Merits a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from us for any who enjoy something different in their listening!  Contact at POB 2241661, Memphis, TN 38124-1661, or via e-mail to chris.phinney@gte.net    Rotcod Zzaj

Mimetic Mute - NEGATIVE:  Strange synth krankin', vox interruptus, nothing normal.... & that makes this DIFFERENT musical adventure come HIGHLY RECOMMENDED in our ears!  The CD is very well-recorded, can serve as pleasant background, but much better listened to in thee LOUDEST vein!  Headphones are a MUST to catch all the little electronic voice manipz... we've not listened to this group before, but rest assured we will (muchly more) inna' future... 'coz we want ALLA' their new releases wingin' their way to us over the next coupla' years.  There are many groups who fancy themselves as being at this level of "in touch" with the mysteries of beat electronics, but few who achieve it with such an intriguing sense of twist.  A VERY enjoyable listen that any with adventure in thee blood coursing thru their aural appendages will find quite satisfying!  Contact at mimetic1@aol.com   Rotcod Zzaj

John Serrie - CENTURY SEASONS:  This double CD from space music pioneer John Serrie requires serious listening to grasp the intent.  It's not really a one-sitting experience, & it is decidedly NOT "just new age"!  If you give it your full attention, you'll realize that Serrie has skillfully integrated the sounds of what he (& most of us, I think) imagine the journey through space might sound like.  Not jarring loops slam-dunked into the mix, not insignificant patches that leave YOU  lost... this is a FULL SCALE listening adventure, & a MUST HAVE for any serious space music fan!  "CENTURY" goes far beyond the norm for this genre, & will be an instant hit for those who take the time to absorb the full depth.  Be prepared, however, for a long listen.  I would recommend 2 consecutive evenings, mapped out for NO interruptions.  After the listening experience, you will find yourself with many thoughts and energies that need additional time to focus.  Gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from us!  Contact through Creative Service Company, 4360 Emerald Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918... also via e-mail to creatserv9@aol.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Todd Sickafoose Group - DOGS OUTSIDE:  This CD is our first listen to this notable jazz group recorded in L.A.  There are times when it's difficult to tell if their roots are in composed or improv jazz, but comes much closer to traditional in the sense of composure.  Todd's bass is exquisite, furnishing a real sense of direction for each tune on the album.  Peter Epstein's sax doesn't slouch, & the Ferber brothers (I assume), Mark (drums) & Alan (trombone) are as timely (& ON time) as any players I've heard in the last 15 years.  Justin Moore's splendid guitar rounds out a quartet as solid as you'll hear these days!  Some deja' vu in th' experience for me, really reminded me of some of th' pro jam sessions I used to hear around Frankfurt, Germany in the mid-'60's.  SUPER high-energy, if you love good jazz as much as I do, you'll agree when I declare this (not only) MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, but the PICK of this issue for "best jamjazz"!  The BEST jazz listen you'll have in 2k!  Contact (like, immediately) at evander@sirius.com  or on their WWW pages at http://www.evandermusic.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Jacques Chanier Trio - KITE FLIGHT:  "GREAT chops",  is what I said to Jacques when he inquired about whether his CD submission had gotten lost in my stacks.  Some really solid hands/fingers that dance around his piano keys like gypsies on crystal.  He's joined on this energetic outing by Brooke Sofferman (drums) and Thompson Kneeland (bass).  We've reviewed Sofferman before (last year sometime, I believe it was), & his percussion is as crisp & clear as ever.  Kneeland's bass playing is super complimentary.  Paces run from slow to medium to very upscale on Jacques all-original compositions.  This is the kind of jazz I grew up on.... th' stuph with SOUL, folks!  Super-sensitive communication between the players, not ONE "dropped syllable" - & they KNOW the language of jazz.  This CD gets our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for any listener who relishes jazz that will last through the ages.  GREAT material, great music, great FUN!  Contact at www.larondemusic.com  or write to 1 Wyatt Circle, Somerville, MA 02143-3933   Rotcod Zzaj

Tina Lear - THE ROAD HOME:  Our friends at Creative Service Company keep us (always) supplied with wonderful music to review... but, every once in a while (actually, quite more often than that) one of the CD's they send is IMMORTAL!  Ms. Lear's music is just such a discovery.  Some reviewers might classify this as "folk" music - & what a disservice THAT would be to listeners around the world.  Her lyrics are penetrating but pleasant... her musical stylings reminds me of many famous folks, but that's what makes this a classic - this is TINA, pure & simple!  Shades of Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Rickie Lee Jones... all those ladies that are able to capture the stories of life in musical energies that transform it (life) into an ADVENTURE!  Her vocals will make you fall instantly in love with her - & her music.  LISTEN for this lady - & BUY her CD... you'll be very happy you did!  Gets our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for listeners who love the beauty of well-crafted stories wrapped in the luxury of music as powerful as a nuclear reactor!  Contact through Creative Service Company, 4360 Emerald Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918... also via e-mail to creatserv9@aol.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Satoko Fujii/Mark Dresser/Jim Black - TOWARD, "TO WEST":  I'm not quite sure when Ms. Fujii's music busted on the scene, but I remember well how impressed I was with her improv-ability (some couple of years or more ago...).  She doesn't rest on her laurels, I'll tell YOU, people.  Very prolific indeed.  This CD with Dresser (bass) & Black (drums) elevates my respect to new levels.  The piano is just SO "on", as it trades licks with Mark, you might imagine you were witnessing a "charted" jazz journey.  Black's percussives are crisply miked & seemed to really contribute to that "club" atmosphere somehow.  Satoko's piano adheres more closely to "form" than you might expect from an improv player for nearly 5 minutes into the title track, but then she gets into that "out" that we do all so crave (but still continues to come back around to the reference point - always "on time" - if you can dig what I mean); it gets to an absolute FEVER PITCH!  FINE playing, totally loose & free!  Gets our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all jazz listeners!  Contact at eastwork@jp.interramp.com  Rotcod Zzaj

Baatin - SUNDAY BRUNCH:  This debut CD, in the sometimes-dreaded "smooth jazz" category does much to change the impressions many listeners have of that genre.  Why?  It is, after all, in that zone.  For me, it was his keyboards first, then his flute.  The soul comes shining through, not submerged in cliche percussion & machine licks!  Strong arrangements, even some H-O-T jazz guitar (by Baatin once again) on the 2nd track, "Uphill Road", that will make you FEEL the grist implied in the track name.  Now, don't read me wrong... this is NOT "hot improv" - it won't carry you away into zones unheard of; rather, it's a pleasant musical journey for a lazy afternoon when yer' not too inclined to analyzing what yer' hearing!  If, however, you can enjoy music that allows you to escape the trials & tribulations, this comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by us!  Contact through Creative Service Company, 4360 Emerald Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918... also via e-mail to creatserv9@aol.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Bud Shank Sextet - SILVER STORM:  I'm assuming (from the jacket) that the group aka (also the album title) has a lot to do with the color of their hair!  This particular play on words also has a GREAT deal of meaning when it comes to the jazz these guys play.  Talk about storms... I mean, this sounds like it has the energy of about 5 hurricanes on a rampage!  This is the most exciting & energetic (not to mention flawlessly executed) "straight" jazz CD I've heard in the last 5 years!  Since I've heard so many in that time span & a few score more, that's sayin' a lot!  It's jump city from the first bar, & the energy just does NOT stop!  A big part of the perfection has to be the fact that they NEVER miss a lick.  You might conjecture that this isn't so amazing, since it IS a recording... but when you listen to it, you'll realize that this is (to my ears, anyway) purely natural & nearly all "first take".  It's WONDERFUL to hear this kind of jazz, just the kind of raw energy my ears (& probably many of YOURS as well) grew up on!  Jazz fans will recognize this instantly as the classic it is, true treasure... gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from us.  Contact at Musik International, 154 Botasso Rd., Boulder, CO 80302 (e-mail is musikintl@aol.com    ) Rotcod Zzaj

Craig Keyes - EARTHWALKS:  This CD takes you full cycle, birth/life/truth, through "a life in the day", if you will!  FAR more than just another "new age" rhythm-click trakker, Keyes compositions first draw you near, then suck you in to a musical whirlpool from which there is no escape (not that you'd want to get anywhere other than into his rhythms)... in fact, they're not "new age" at all - more like "life age", to my way of thinking.  The other truly notable thing about Craig's music is his FANTASTIC guitar... you don't find many new age composers who can play this clearly... & the lead guitar (by Walt Gregory) on this track is supreme!  The first trak, simply titled "Birth", is clear evidence to your ears of the energy levels to come.  Strange voices whirling in the undercurrents, there is a LOT to listen to in Keyes' music, more than you'll be able to comprehend in a first (or even a hundredth, perhaps) listen!   Another element that's far removed from the norm (of most "new age") in Keyes' compositions are (what I will term) "natural" improvisations that all free-players will envy!  The energies and inspirations you will find in this album make it a "forever keeper" that certainly merits our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as the "PICK of the year" for 2000 for "best composition"!  You owe it to yourself to purchase and listen to this wonderful CD.  Contact on the WWW through www.earthmusicrecords.com  or via e-mail to earthmusic@juno.com   Publicity agent is Musik International, available at 154 Botasso Rd., Boulder, CO 80302 (e-mail is musikintl@aol.com    ) Rotcod Zzaj

Keith Bear - EARTHLODGE:  We have been fortunate enough to continually receive Keith's CD's (from Makoche Recording Company).  His native American flute playing is joined during this round by his relaxed and revealing storytelling ability.  This is an "enhanced" CD, as well (first I remember from the label, though I'm not positive), with a very revealing talk with the artist.  It's very important that you watch this session, because it will give you some insights into his music that you won't have unless you do!  My wife and I watched it together, & she gave it her blessing - which is saying a LOT about how enchanting it is!  Keith believes it's important for him to do a good job for his ancestors through his playing, & he does that oh so well!  If you approach this as "background" (which many will, I'm sure), you will be robbing yourself & other listeners.  I found myself immediately transported to a zone where both sadness and joy co-exist, much like life.  While I don't lay claim to any particular "revelations" as a result, I can say with conviction that Mr. Bear's journey will be an inspiration to even the hardest of hearts, if they but listen.  Comes MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!  Contact at 208 N. 4^th Street, POB 2756, Bismarck, ND 58502-2756, on the website at http://www.makoche.com or via e-mail to makoche@aol.com Rotcod Zzaj

Latin X-posure - DONDE ESTAS:  An even dozen players in this group comprised of folks from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico & Peru (even some from Cincinnati) will thrill you if your forte is Latin-based music with style & verve.  It comes across as sort of "big band", if you will.  There's a roster of vocalists too long to itemize here, but suffice it to say that the experience will have you longing for Latin lifestyle.  Don't think that means that it's all non-English, either... track 4 features Laura Toscaris on a lilting (& very jazzy) rendition of "I Thought I Heard You Call My Name".  There is some excellent high-energy movement on all the tracks, enough to make you get up & DANCE, people!  Excellent percussion on all the cuts, as one might expect.  Those who love music with real rhythm & flair will agree when I rate this as HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  Clearly cool!  Contact at POB 867, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-0867, via e-mail to jcurverecords@fuse.net  or on the WWW at www.jcurverecords.com    Rotcod Zzaj

Marilynn Seits - ALONG THE SILK ROAD:  Certainly the title will give you a hint at the theme of Ms. Seits compositions on this beautiful and inspiring CD!  This is a true D.I.Y. effort, as she composed and played each instrument on every piece, & as a result has a depth of expression that "stock" music can never approach.  Her piano serves as an anchor for the entire experience, though she moves very slowly into it... using traditional oriental instruments in a rather long intro to the entire experience.  Many of the pieces, she says, were inspired by journeys in and through China... this helps to create mood and beauty.  Her technical mastery is clearly evident in the sounds she has woven as distinct undercurrents.  If all you're looking for is dance & be-bop-hip-hop, you'll want to move on to something else... but, if you enjoy substance and wonderment in your listening experience, you'll second my rating of MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  A really nice album for contemplative listeners around the world. Contact through the Publicity agent at Musik International, available at 154 Botasso Rd., Boulder, CO 80302 (e-mail is musikintl@aol.com    ), or learn more about Marilynn at http://www.shadow.net/~jazznow/ms.html  (jazznow@shadow.net ) Rotcod Zzaj

W.O.O. Revelator & the Ernesto Diaz-Infante & Pat Harman Duo - THE FIRST TIME:  Well, mi amigo Ernesto doesn't sound like a "virgin" on any of the traks on this wild improvised CD... for that matter, neither does anyone else.  I've been a heavy fan of Bonnie Kane's W.O.O. groupings ever since E.D.I. first hooked me up with 'em!  Each & every cut is a total adventure!  Ernesto plays some OUT piano/keyboards, the "loosest" I've ever heard him on the keys.  Pat Harman's bass playing is without flaw, as I'd expect (having improvised a bit with him myself).  This "on the fly" improv is the best kind, but it certainly takes folks who aren't "afraid", but who ARE "skilled"... particularly in listening to each other while riding the wave.  Plenty of waves on here, a few of them ("Urban Slip" stands out) approaching "epic-standard" jazz (in a strange sort of a way).  This IS tomorrow's improv, people!  It's among the best free-style I've ever heard (or played), & I've done a LOT of both!  Simply splendid, sensitive improvised spontaneous composition that merits every bit of my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating!  Contact Ernesto at itzat@earthlink.net or W.O.O. at info@wooweb.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Zola Moon - EARTHQUAKES, THUNDER AND SMILING LIGHTNING:  Tell ya' folks, that publicist prob'ly thot he was bein' pretty cute with that FAN in promo packet... but I'm sittin' here just DRIPPIN'!  The improvised blues-style that Zola slams out fer' ya' will truly GET th' earth movin' & toss some of them hearty blues bolts down on yer' world!  This is th' second CD of hers we've reviewed, & I can tell you - she's GOIN' places!  This is that ol' down blues... that stuff that takes every one of us back where we REALLY came from... no hidin' here, you can gloss over yer' whole life, but when you listen to this lady - there's no escape!  Makes ya' "feel the real"!  The band is even shinier than it was on th' last round, but not to th' point of glitz.  Some fantastic bass (which you just have to expect), & th' guitar leads are even mellower, 'specially on my favorite cut, "I Don't Think So".  Zola isn't a "clone" of anyone, that's HER singin' those tunes, & she'll grab yer' heart & rip that zugger OUT!  Th' title tells it all... all purely natural events that can turn yer' life upside down!  "SMILING LIGHTNING", indeed... Ms. Moon HAS th' fire, & she'll charge you UP!  This one (not only) gets our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, it's also the "PICK OF THE YEAR" for "best female blues"!  Contact at 4553 West 171st St., Lawndale, CA 90260, visit the WWW site at http://www.zolamoon.com  or e-mail to colddish@jps.net   Rotcod Zzaj

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