How would I describe Florida based J.J. Crowne? Alt-rock with a folksy flair capturing life’s small moments from a adult perspective. Slightly-skewed and world-weary songs that combine the wry humor of Nick Lowe and Robyn Hitchcock with the sophisticated sounds of Joao Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim. There’s a real sense of cathartic musical independence here via this latest work from J.J. Crowne. While everything here is shall I say exceptionally entertaining, and it all covers a pretty wide range of musical styles. Notably Signer/Songwriter and classic Pop. A few tracks stand out from the rest for me in particular. “Toy Soldiers” (Winner Best Song (Folk/Singer-Songwriter) and “Another Day of Love” are 2 strong songs that deliver pure grooved magic and an impressive writers touch. While the movement presents a straight forward hooky guitar, passionate vocals that let it all hang out, somehow the music has a more of an organic feel as the CD hits solid stride. This is definitely a modern example of classic psychedelic-rock popular in the 70’s and early 80’s. I can hear acts like Eric Hutchinson, John Mayer, and Jack Johnson. This style of music is not easy to pigeonhole, however I suspect many of the previously mentioned bands have had an influence. The musicianship from Crowne – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar everything else I might add is how shall I say – off the chain. It’s worth motioning again he did all this work himself. The vocal front from Crowne is equally as impressive. Two more highlights for me are ”I can be the Wind” and “Finally Your Turn.” Both have plenty of good guitar work and earthy atmosphere that sits deep in the pocket but above all it shows just how far Crowne masterfully navigates with sheer precision through his world class songwriting style. All players (including Crowne) demonstrate their playing abilities quite well without being to over the top about it. I get the impression Crowne is impressive to see in a live setting. So are you thinking what I’m thinking? Somehow all the above is not compatible with the superficial times we live in. This 10 song set by J.J. Crowne is well-suited for audiences that enjoy all the conventions of worldly pop music. There are even elements of alternative rock edge. Expect great things from J.J. Crowne as his fanbase expands past Florida. There’s obviously a disgruntled audience out there just waiting for him to arrive.
Rating: 8/10 Stars
URL: http://jjcrowne.com/wordpress/
REVERBNATION – http://www.reverbnation.com/jjcrowne
by Kelly Macina edited by Janne Zawa
Review comments: jannezawa@gmail.com