RICK SINGER PROJECT

“Ground Level”

Rick Singer admits that the original music that comprises “Ground Level” is difficult to pinpoint in terms of musical styles. Which is exactly why the Rick Singer Project’s recording “Ground Level” is so enjoyable to listen to. For years, Singer has been providing the Newport, Rhode Island area terrific swing, R&B, and Motown music as the singer/saxophone player for his band High Times. Now, as the Rick Singer Project, he has collaborated with some of his personal musician friends to record “Ground Level”, an 8-track effort that showcases Singer and the band’s musical diversity.

The New England region has always been rich with terrific, horn-driven rhythm and blues from the likes of Roomful of Blues and Eight To The Bar, and that very same musical foundation can be heard throughout this recording. Recorded in Westerly’s Room 29, “Ground Level” offers a healthy does of jazz, rhythm and blues, funk, rock, and swing music with an appealing creativity that keeps the listener interested from start to finish. Singer and fellow lead vocalist/keyboardist Joe Greico, who has been playing music with Singer since 1974, belt out one soulful tune after another (Greico’s daughter Erienne also lends a hand with backing vocals on three tracks), and are supported by a strong cast of accomplished veterans including Tom Majeski (guitar), Dean Cassell and B.C. Ramus (sharing bass duties), Mike Warner (drums), and Che’ Cartafalsa (percussion). The talented horn duo of Singer (tenor and baritone sax) and Bill Holloman (trumpet, trombone, tenor sax) provide the perfect compliment to every track. Majeski’s jazzy solos hilight the disc’s opening track, “Mr. Moon”, which moves with the smoothness of a Steely Dan track of 20 years prior. Singer’s “Skyscraper”, offers a rhythmic Van Morrison-esque groove, driven by Cartafalsa’s dynamic percussion mix. A cover of Boz Skaggs' “Runnin’ Blue”, featuring Grieco’s vocal and keyboard work, and the disc’s closing number, “Hot Rod”, a high-speed instrumental, are both a part of the High Times set list. Grieco’s “Waitin’ on a stop sign” is another hilight on the disc, complimented with swing, swagger, and some outstanbding horn work.

“Ground Level” is an ambitious musical project from a cast of seasoned musicians that leaves the listener wishing for more. Let’s hope Rick Singer and friends will collaborate on more musical projects like this in the future. For more information on “Ground Level”, check out the web site at www.ricksinger.net.

- Don Sikorski

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