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Andy Pond has released his first solo album. The project is a culmination of the past 7 years of touring and meeting many musicians with a desire to collaborate. The CD involves artists from all over the East coast who were brought together in the spirit of creativity and challenge. The music is mostly Andy's original compositions, with a few songs contributed by his friends. The tracks are mostly instrumental with four of 14 tracks having vocals. Each song on the CD involves a different ensemble of musicians. This allows the diversity of musical voicings that Andy hears in his head. The wide range of guest musicians takes members from bands like SOMS, Acoustic Syndicate, Larry Keel Experience, The Overtakers, Sons of Ralph, AVAS, and the Mad Tea Party.
The musicians approached the project with a a focus on composition and musicality. And it shows in the performance. Andy's playing is melodic and tasteful with a raw edge indicative of improvisation. Non-traditional is the flavor of the day, with tunes that are in alternative time signatures, and have a wide variety of instruments. From electric power trio to almost orchestral, this album will take you on a journey thru vast soundscapes. Middle eastern/Balkan flavours are followed by Hillbilly/Newgrass and Dixieland grooves and then slam into Funky dance beats. All these influences presented with a respect for tradition make The CX-1 push the envelope for cutting edge acoustic music.
This first solo offering from Andy Pond show his ability to pull influences from ALL music, and meld them with ease. Like Andy's touring band The Snake Oil Medicine Show, this Album is uncatergorizable. All lovers of the Banjo should have this Album. Andy Pond truly shows that the banjo is a diverse and viable instrument in all types of music. Let the "Banjo Revolution" Begin!!! |
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