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Joe Olnick

Joe Olnick Band - Downtown

Review by Gary Hill

This new instrumental album is classy stuff. Previously I reviewed an album by Joe Olnick that featured him playing every instrument but the drums. This time he's released a band type project. I've still got it listed under "Joe Olnick" solo at MSJ just because it keeps them together under "artist." As much as I liked that previous set (which was also instrumental), I think this is even stronger.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2017  Volume 6 at  garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2017.

Track by Track Review
Downtown
This instrumental is such a classy jam. It's packed with funk and soul. It's all delivered in a package that is jazz wrapped in classic rock sounds. It simply oozes "cool."
Philadelphia Moonlight, Part One
There is a major jam band vibe on this killer cut. It makes me think of the Grateful Dead in a lot of ways. It's another solid number on a disc that has no shortage of them.
Food Truck

Another that's loaded with funk, this jam is so cool. There are some great retro sounds in the mix here. I really love the guitar soloing on this number.

Parkside

With some cool effects built into it, there is a bit of a reggae vibe to this instrumental. It's another fun number with a great groove.

Philadelphia Moonlight, Part Two

I mentioned the Grateful Dead in my review for this first part of this. I'm again reminded of that band here, but this time it's more the "space jam" type of sound. This is trippy and exploratory, feeling rather freeform in a lot of ways.

Rush Hour

I dig the funky groove on this smoking hot jam. This is so cool.

Sports Complex

Fast paced and almost punk rock in its raw energy, this has a lot of classic rock and roll built into it.

 
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