Music

Reviews By Kevin M. Wilson

Andy Mason
Illumination
Soulful Pop

This is a delightful solo debut from a former rock drummer. While Mason’s name may not be instantly recognizable, most music enthusiasts would remember his work.

Mason previously kept the beat for a wide range of regional favorites including Paul K & the Prayers, The Blueberries, Yonders, and Big Maracas.

With Illumination, Mason finally steps up front to showcase his gifts as a pianist, vocalist, and arranger. Falling stylistically between Wilco and the Buena Vista Social Club, this record has an overall jazz flavor but is also replete with pop sensibilities.

This release will definitely appeal to the Norah Jones or Harry Connick, Jr. crowd, though, at least in terms of lyrics, there actually seems to be more depth to Mason’s work.

Luckily for us, Mason is still based over in Lexington and is frequent performer on the Louisville scene. For more information visit www.myspace.com/andymasonsound.

Tim Krekel Orchestra
Soul Season
Rock 

A wide range of artists has interpreted the soulful songs of Louisville’s Tim Krekel. Some of these recordings have even made it to the top of the hit parade. Most recently, “Anywhere On Earth You Are” was used as the leadoff track on Alan Jackson’s latest, and Sam Bush’s cover of “All Night Radio” is the standout cut on the new Sugar Hill Records box set.

Krekel has been known to dabble in a variety of genres. Over the years, he has performed and recorded beach (as a member of Jimmy Buffet’s Coral Reefer Band), blues, country, and 1960s-style rock ’n’ roll numbers. So, it is not surprising that an eclectic mix is what Krekel and his “orchestra” serve up on their new album.

A full sound replete with jingle-jangle guitars, keys, and a horn section makes this a fun listen throughout. Truly there aren’t any disappointments here but the standouts include “Casualties,” “It Don’t Bother Me,” and “Wilson Pickett.”

Watch for these local heroes to make their debut on the World Cafe radio broadcast later this month.