This is Vykki Vox’s third release for the Webrock label. Vykki is a powerful and passionate singer/songwriter from the Boston area. Her music has moved away from a bluesier sound to more of a funk/rock thing. The disc that I’m reviewing clocks in at just over 24 minutes. It is a sampler to a full length disc which will be released this spring.
All six songs are Vox originals written by Vykki along with her long time musical partner, the keyboardist Dave Osoff. What really makes this disc sparkle is the excellent lead guitar of Scott Murawski. Many of you might know Scott as the front man for Max Creek. There are many different musicians on this limited set of music but the main players are Vykki, Dave, and Scott, along with Justin Kolack on bass, with Greg Deguglielmo and Greg Vasso handling the drumming chores.
The opening song is a very funky and very electric tune called "Freedom." Vykki’s singing is highly energetic and Osoff’s bubbling organ compliments Murawski’s strong guitar. On "Purple Funk" Vykki pushes the envelope even further with a dance tune that features a rap intro by Delroy Martin. This song is unlike anything I’ve ever heard from her. However, with a full horn section this tune sure does sound great and I imagine it must be fun to do live.
The strongest cut on the disc is a dreamy, melodic song called "Hannah’s New Age Daydream." Vykki can be a very sensuous singer. (The fact that she’s gorgeous adds to her allure.) This song, like a tune she did off her last record called "Undercover," brings out that side of her.
I was surprised to see the inclusion of the song "Woman’s Touch," on this new disc. This was the title song of Vykki’s previous recording. Here it’s had a bit of a make-over but the difference isn’t really that significant. The disc closes with another funky tune called "On Your Side." Once again Murawski’s guitar cranks. He and Osoff make a great team.
"On Our Way" is much more readily available than most independent releases. All you need to do is check out Vykki’s web site at www.vykkivox.com. I like Vykki and I wish she had more of a presence in this area. I’m looking forward to hearing the finished product of "On Our Way."
- Bill Harriman
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