Reviews - Page 3
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A review by Bobby Bensley
Light, saucy, bouncy and smooth, these are but of a few words that could sum up the traditional jazz piece from the Italian maestro of smooth Lord Bygon. "Your Groove" is well defined and structured in soul/jazz groove, which was the most popular of the Jazz styles in the 60’s. Unlike bebop from which the sub-genre developed, groove places its emphasis on the rhythm. Every layer every tone exists to support the groove. From the hooky little piano melody to the ride on the hi-hat "Your Groove" follows the formula of the genre to the letter. Horns, voice, percussion, piano and even a squeezebox combine to build the groove in this toe taper. Conjuring up visions of smoky clubs and Las Vegas lounges this piece will transport the listener back in time, to a place where the music was eclectic yet cerebral. Scotch and cigars were common and relaxed tempos prevailed. Of particular note is the use of the multi-layered scat by the vocalist at the 3:15 mark. Exhibiting a broad vocal range, which Lord Bygon moves through in a smooth and relaxed manner to end the song. An enjoyable and nostalgic listen, "Your Groove" is a worthy download, whether a seasoned Jazz aficionado or a neophyte, you are sure to enjoy this one. With a rhythm that is tight and infectious, you are sure to be tapping your toes as you listen.
A review by Frank Cotolo
His Munificent-ness, the prolific music-rendering Lord Bygon, does not do himself any justice, even in jest, by calling himself the secret son of Paul McCartney and Donald Fagen. To listen to Lord Bygon's music with that description in mind paints only a part of the picture that is the product of this thirty-something act. Lord Bygon has not just been influenced by the best pop tunes of the 60s, 70s and 80s, he has absorbed all of their nuances and put them into some kind of talent-processing machine, the results which are pleasing, reliable and easily underestimated. Certainly indicative of Lord Bygon's musical campaign is "Joe The Killer". LB corrals jazz, rock and funk as a back drop for his unique voice, which in this tune is like David Bowie's if performing in a surreal nightclub where all standards are tweaked by immeasurable, yet distinct, Warholesque touches. Not to make "Joe"'s sound like it is anything but pure pop, but Bygon's approach, thankfully, teeters on the brink of going into the strange world of pop art with all of its regalia. It never actually enters the arena, but the feeling that it may leaves the listener in movement. "Thirst" also stands on this stage, and Bygon is unpredictable about its melodic path, which leaves the listener, again, moving. This quality is unusual in an artist who presents his material with such distinct sounds. It's admirable, even though it may not be so conscious, that Bygon has the ability to wander. He does just that and with a brilliant flair in "God Bless You" and "Coagulation", which are representative of his finest songs. In the former he plays with chord patterns that prove my osmosis theory of influence Bygon can whip up melodies that stand entirely on their own feet from ingredients long gone in commercial pop. Lyrically, Bygon takes some strange approaches and, always, his jazz phrasing seems to make the lyrics work even when they are rough and uneven. He uses his voice as an instrument and appears quite aware of its limitations (though he has a fine range) and its correct place inside of a song. In essence, I don't know anyone else who might be able to pull off the line, "love doesnt exist; this is the disease of the world". Bygon does it with zest and feeling. All in all Lord Bygon delivers love-oriented songs, but there, too, Bygon has transcended his influences and made up for any lack of poetry with tight productions and mastery of his own vocal style. And all of this is, I hope, just the beginning, for Bygon hasn't yet busted out of the format he has created for himself. All great artists bust out and it will be interesting to hear His Munificent-ness when he expands his horizons. Frank Cotolo
A review by Christopher M. Aranosian
Imagine you had the chance to listen to Donald Fagen's secret home recordings... That's what I envision when I listen to Lord Bygon's tunes. They have have the same jazzy imagination and creativity, melded with pop sensibility and structure, that made Fagen's work so great. Like Fagen or perhaps Elvis Costello, Lord B has a distinctive, unmistakeable voice. He has stated elsewhere that he considers himself first and foremost a songwriter, and I think that is really where his strength is. I really admire his keyboard work and songwriting prowess - some big name smooth jazz artist is going to get smart/lucky one of these days and record a Lord B composition and have a hit!
A review by Jeremy Levy
Lord Bygon has written some great catchy pop music. Each song is well thought out and well delivered. I have been aware of his music for several months since meeting at Jeans Radio. 'mp3' was the first song to catch my attention. A clever tribute to the music format that brings us all together as artists on the web, and that allows us as 'independent artists' the world over to share our product without the need for a record deal.. With nice references to Sting, the Beatles and other musical influences. His voice is a warm baritone with a good vocal range. Sometimes singing in his native Italian. The style is cool lounge with many pop sensibilities and an acute understanding of 'songwriting'. He plays numerous instruments and is prolific in his output with several CDs available. We are currently talking about collaborating on a new song which I look forward to with interest.