Without hesitation, one of the best live bands around is Honey Spot Blvd. So it only stands to reason that with the upcoming release of their much anticipated second CD titled, "Under the First Floor," that this near technically perfect four piece unit would have a release party of the same nature. Saturday, May 23, the Ivy Tavern located at 3108 South Broad Street in Hamilton, NJ is the scene of the unveiling with a "Free" show complete with buffet and a cash bar.
These four highly capable multi-instrumentalists formed circa. 2003 and call the Trenton, NJ area their home base of operations. They are extremely talented, well rounded musicians beginning with lead guitarist Bill Wieszczek (A.K.A "The Professor"), followed by rock solid bassist Terry Crawford and the group's leading lady; Jessica Paris, who plays guitar, flute and handles most of the vocal duties. Recently, the band's backbone, drummer, and recording engineer Rusty DiPasquale hand delivered the new product for review.
Upon first listen, one can't help but notice a marked difference from their first disc; the self titled Under the First Floor"Honey Spot Blvd." Gone are the brighter upbeat overtones, led by Paris and her aggressive, sexually edgy vocal styling and in its place, a more male dominated product with a laid back feel.
With four of the twelve tracks featuring either male lead or prominent vocal harmonies; this is a definite departure from their previous effort. Where as "Honey Spot Blvd." was a "Trip to Paris" where the band relied heavily on Jessica's voice; this one features Professor Wieszczek on two, DiPasquale on one and his son Salvatore making a return appearance; rapping his way onto the disc.
The collection starts off with the semi mellow guitar laden track "All Comes Down To This." This tune having a mystical quality to it; utilizes Paris's softer vocal side and is definitely an interesting first position choice.
Track number two, "Sugar on My Lips," is one of the two tracks on the CD that are vintage Paris. "Your body's like sugar..." This offering oozes with sex appeal, raunchy guitar, wailing (or should I say moaning?) harmonies completed perfectly with a little giggle at the end; listen close, it's a nice touch.
The Professor takes the vocal lead on "You're in My Way." This slice is laid back yet shows moments of almost angry like guitar riffs which crescendo in and out allowing the tune to rise and fall like a tide; never getting too high or too low.
"Roll Off My Shoulders" is another shining moment for Paris as her vocals and flute solo are supported nicely by Rusty's drum track wrapped around a well done bass line by Crawford and a nearly subliminal guitar track buried just enough in the mix to stand out perfectly. This tune has been part of their live repertoire for some time now and although well done in studio is much better witnessed live.
Number five, "Brother September," is a DiPasquale vocal spotlight; his only lead on the disc. The man who provides the beat also does a nice job when behind the microphone be it providing backing or lead vocals and this one is no exception.
The sixth cut features DiPasquale's son Salvatore providing a slow rap as a compliment to Jessica's lead giving "Refuse You" a unique style all its own.
Wieszczek returns with lead vocals on "After the Storm," a track complete with thunderous sound effects and a different feel than the other selections on this disc. Hard to put a finger on exactly where this track is going at times as it seems a bit repetitive both lyrically and musically in spots but still delivers the HSB experience.
"Sailing Around the Moon" has a neat dynamic yet a dark feel led by haunting guitar work and punctuated by Paris's seemingly almost weeping vocals.
Track nine, the eerily wonderful "Hypatia," starts off with a nifty Crawford bass riff, has a great backing flute track and makes great use of dynamics and Paris's trademark vibrato that she seems to have kept under wraps for most of this second disc.
"Move It," is one of the more up beat tunes and more like the HSB their fan base is accustomed to. This cut is well done from every angle and a nice transition after "Hypatia." "Now baby let's move..." Yeah, good stuff right there.
"Wish List" is yet another laid back offering which seems to characterize this second helping from the group. This album has a decided slower pace then their debut and this fits the mold perfectly.
Completing the disc is "My Jebus." This tongue in cheek,funked up, playful cut epitomizes the fun loving, entertaining group of players that comprise the group. With vocal improvs by Wieszczek and Paris and great work by the rhythm section; this tune percolates along and is a well placed finishing piece of the puzzle.
Overall, "Under The First Floor" is a well produced, mixed and solid second CD but it is also very different from their first offering. There appears to be a subtitle in the bottom right corner of the cover artwork which reads, "Genuine Jersey Swamp Funk." This could be referring to the the band's mix of tunes on the disc or just another example of the humor which endears them to all who catch them at a live show. A HSB live performance guarantees a good time for all, beavers, bubbles and now "Swamp Funk" will abound and brand new music that will tantalize even the most stubborn soul.
To discover more about Honey Spot Blvd.; please visit www.honeyspotblvd.com .
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled “Rock On Radio” airing Sunday evenings at 7:000pm EST on multiple internet radio outlets where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
(BLAIRSTOWN, NJ) -- Kalos, a Celtic roots trio, will perform an eclectic, invigorating mix of instrumentals and songs at Roy's Hall on Friday, May 17, 2024. Showtime is 8:00pm.
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