This CD “Make it Better (2014)” by Southern California’s own Jimmy Pinchak Band is probably destined to be remembered as one of the classic good timing Americana-Alt Rock CD’s of recent time. Its pure rocking Americana magic the way it used to be, full of cautionary tales, and a passion for life and life on the road. All of this describes Pinchak to a “T”, So who is Jimmy Pinchak/ Well in my own words: He’s a songwriter who draws on life experiences from both the interior and exterior vantage point. His narrative lyrics and sincere performances offer an unobstructed view into the heart of an artist who embraces each moment. In 2013 Pinchak n began work on this album. Band members include: Jason Delott – bass, Nathan Leigh – keyboards, Lael Eccard – drums, Stan Nirenberg – guitar, Jimmy Jax Pinchak – guitar & vocals. Notable Pinchak recruited Jon Fowler, mixed by Josh Mosser (Imagine Dragons – Radioactive) and mastered by Grammy winner Erick Labson. A physical CD can be purchased directly from the band’s website linked above. An album born from the rock gods of old and new, “Make it Better” finds Pinchak finding comfortable middle ground between the more tender musings of “Free Your Mind” and the powerful rock of “On the Run” and “Soul Sacrifice.” From track 1 ”There is More” to the final moments of “Draggin’ the Line” and ”Soul Searcher” this latest 8 track release hits on all cylinders with a fun musical landscape full of power and happy go luck overtones. Some songs are about lost love no doubt while others are about life’s sweet victory. One thing that impressed me the most about this album/band is the sheer impassioned Blues-Rock-folk vibe one gets. There’s a Blues Rock ambience that really sucks in the listener, but also hints of Singer/Songwriter based Rock like Bob Seeger. The CD is professional grade any way you look at it — very professional sounding. The instrumentation and tones give you that genuine feel of good music and writing from a generation ago. It also has a solid feel reminiscent of Classic Rock popular in the seventies. Pinchak reminds me of Gig Blossoms on steroids, Jesse Malin, Justin Townes Earle, Wilco, Neal Casal, and Jason Isbell. Despite this I can also hear more modern Amos Lee, Joe Purdy, Alexi Murdoch, David Gray and Brett Dennen. All members in his band are solid musically. Kudos goes out to the amazing playing – the proof is in the picking. I also always said you can sell what you don’t truly believe, in this aspect Pinchak seals the deal and captures some vintage lighting in a bottle via his amazing vocal touch that will ring true not only for older more experienced listeners but new ones as well.
My favorite tracks: “On the Run”, Free Your Mind and the title track.
Criticism: I recommend Pinchak take more risks not only vocally but with respect to his overall sound.
“Make it Better” wraps up a well-rounded 8 track line-up that delivers an interesting cross section of Blues Rock, and Classic retro rock of the 70’s. Once again – despite this it is accessible to modern day listeners as well. How is this possible? Only an experienced artist armed with an honest, genuine, sincere approach like Pinchak can pull it off. I know I said it before but Pinchak is backed up by some solid players, with solid production instincts, a sincere writer’s touch and a soulful guitar with bite he proves he’s a force to be reckoned with.
ALL MUSIC: http://www.allmusic.com/album/make-it-better-mw0002617023
URL: http://jimmyjaxpinchakband.com/
Score: 3.5/5 Stars
Posted by Page Scarborough edited by Janne Zawa
Comments: jannezawa@gmail.coml
