Welcome to the EvO:R Independent CD Reviews Section.
I would like to take a few minutes to introduce ourselves to everyone. The EvO:R review section features reviews from various independent musicians that submit material for our consideration.

I wanted to let you know a little about our review teams collective thoughts on music. It's important to let the people we review know what we think of their music and how we listened to their creations.

We hold nothing back! The team has been instructed to be honest and respectful of all CD's reviewed.

The EvO:R CD Review Team

Hello again!

This installment brings us to MAURIO MARCUS.

This Maurio’s first CD, and it is a killer! Accompanying him on drums is his mainstay drummer Bill Thornton, and bassist Dennis Morlan. Marcus lists his influences: Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter, Anthony Brown (James Rivers Band), Albert Collins, Freddie King, Frank Marino, Robin Trower, Robert Cray, Stevie Ray Vaughan and others. This is apparent from the minute the music starts. Crisp top notch production on every track, vocal delivery that suits each song, solid rhythm section, and great songs are all over this CD.

THERE IS NOT ONE WEAK SONG ON THIS DISK.

The opener Funky Down Home Love, reminds me a little, (surprisingly) of early GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, particularly their ‘RED” album. But vocally here, he reminds me a bit of Jack Bruce. Sizzling guitar throughout, in your face bass and nice, steady, ROCK steady drums!

Track 2, Spellbound does just that. It is a nice comeback from the first one, with a sweet chorused 2nd guitar that supports the tune, nice earthy feel on the lead. Again, I have to say that Marcus’s backing musicians on this CD allow for him to express himself very freely, and with confidence, as they add a LOT to the sound. This is NO surprise, as drummer Thornton and Marcus co-produced the whole thing.

Several numbers feature acoustic and electric slide, Dobro, as well. At times it seems like Johnny Winter was sitting in, at other times I could have sworn Steve Ray was being channeled.

I could go track by track, but it would get redundant. Suffice to say, that they are all blues-funk based, but never boring. The changes and arrangements are fresh in many of them, and vocally, he pitches himself to the mood of each song seamlessly.

Song Samples from the CD
All song samples are from Maurio Marcus page on CD Baby.

Funky Down Home LOve  Spellbound  Ugly Women  Voodoo Heathen 

Walkin Away  Stray Dog Blues  Amy Jes  Simple But True  Hip Shakin' Woman 

Conclusion:

IF you are a of blues, rock, funk, and like a good tight rhythm section, solid vocals, and top notch in-the-pocket delivery, then GET THIS CD!

Rating

My score: 10 out of 10. I don’t say this a lot! But this CD is like a thoroughbred bursting to get out in the race, and it is a winner. One production note that could explain a lot, it was mastered at Abbey Road Studios UK. Need I say more?

Joel Pirard ...EvO:R Reviewer.



About the Editor:
Joel Pirard- has been playing, writing, and recording original rock music for years, as a guitarist, bassist and keyboardist. Pop-rock and Progressive rock explorations, are a big part of Joel’s resume. Currently playing and writing in THE JDA PROJECT, and most recently, JESTER’S PROMENADE, Joel finds himself having the best of times working with musicians he has had a long association with. THE JDA PROJECT features Don Pitz whom Joel met in 1981 and in 1985, Arno Tietje.

JESTER’S PROMENADE features Joel, with ex-ORION and ex-AVALON USA bandmates John Curtin, and CJ Truitt, and ex-AVALON USA drummer and lyricist Bruce Henninger. Joel balances musical time with a rich family life, in New York State , with his wife Alexandra, and their 3 children. Joel Pirard- staff reviewer
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