If you are looking for the old Dazz Band sound of R&B, jazz, funk, soul, and pop, you will not find it here. Calzone (formerly Mike Calhoun, a founding member of the Dazz Band) has decided to take his talents into a very different direction…..ROCK! Change can sometimes be a good thing. His cover of his new CD, In Blue, is attractive but it does not come close to reflect the gift that is inside.
In Blue is an eclectic project with elements of rock, funk, rap, jazz and blues, and even a few gospel licks that give tribute to his spiritual roots. On Side One is Old School/Soul School, with a taste of Aerosmith rock on “Do Ya,” a Randy Crawford style ballad on “To Love You,” Norman Brown jazz on “Thang For You,” and B.B. King blues on “Pain,” and “Killer Blues.” These two blues cuts in particular, spotlight Calzone’s excellent guitar playing. Side Two, on the other hand, is New School/Rock School, heavily rock influenced, with a few Latin and gospel pieces. It is particularly strong, showing Calzone’s versatility and songwriting skill. “Ghetto Preacher” is a great conscious rap wiht early Tupac style, while “Undone” and “Friday Night” are rocking Aerosmith & Journey. Further variety is shown in the Alabama-like “Back Home,” while “Fear No Evil” shows a Santana influence.
In Blue is a fine album and display of Calzone’s skill as both a musician and songwriter. Recommended.
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