By
Matthew Smolak
In this review:
The George Bushes
Handsome
The full-length debut, Handsome,
from The George Bushes is a snazzy-looking package that builds
upon the sharp image marketed on their fine Web
site. Best of all, the band and the CD wear the image
well.
Described by some as “nu-grass”, The George Bushes
are an hones-sounding bunch that draw from bluegrass, country
and, to my ears, boogie-woogie (check out the killer guitar
in the opening track “Clover”). They aren’t
musical purists – they’re bound to offend strict
devotees of each of the different styles they draw from –
but they have honed a sound that is unique and rings true
to the ears and heart of those who just plain dig good music.
The drums and electric guitar aren’t bluegrass, the
saxophone isn’t country and the whole package isn’t
rock and roll. But, when you listen to The George Bushes,
you hear the band playing what comes naturally to them.
The song-writing duo of Melisa Stefaniw and Erin Sullivan,
with Stefaniw on vocals and acoustic guitar and Sullivan on
vocals, lead the group. They’re backed up by solid musicians
in Marc Jenkins on electric guitar, Stephen McGonigle on big
bass fiddle and Brian Horwitz on drums.
Generally, the ten tracks on Handsome are real country,
such as “Clover”, but also venture into other
styles. The George Bushes seek bluegrass in “Redemption”,
flirt with jazz and rhythm and blues on “A Lotta Good
Laughs” and revel in some rock-and-roll with “Killer
In The Woods”. The only disappointment with the album
is the new version of “Electric”, possibly their
best-known track. The original version, found on the 2003
CD compilation Ralph Nader Was Here, put out by Edmonton
radio station CJSR, was somehow more satisfying, perhaps because
it was a little less polished and less cluttered; the electric
guitar piece that shows up in the Handsome version
wasn’t there in the original.
The overall sound of the band, whatever the influences, is
solid and lighthearted, gripping your spirit as much as your
ear. While The George Bushes’ live show is the best
way to catch them, the CD is a fine ensemble.
More on The George Bushes: www.thegeorgebushes.com
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Matthew Smolak is a musician, brew master
and politician living in Edmonton, Alberta. He is a regular
contributor to Inversion. Listen to Matt live via Web cast
on Sundays between 9 and 10 a.m. MST as he preaches to the
savage mind and spins eclectic mixes. www.cjsr.com
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