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I usually tend to steer clear when I see a musician or performer classified as “world music”; it’s one of the few genres that I just cannot listen to.  So admittedly, I was a little leery with this e.p.  But I’m glad to say it wasn’t like that at all – it’s a warm, acoustic-based, somewhat bluesy collection that emanates a good vibe.  All Around, the debut from Micah Olsan & The Many (this is his second release) has feel; it sounds terrific, production-wise and this is one of those pieces where everything fits just right – the vocals against the music; the blend of instruments – a fine effort.

To give you a glimpse, the opening song, “Trouble” takes you on a bluesy river in a classic fashion – impassioned vocals; tight, taut and tense backing with subtle keyboard (shades of Fender Rhodes permeate) and stops on a dime; “The Way Young Lovers Do” (the Van Morrison song) is a well-structured track; soaring melody on the chorus and a very subtle solo with interplay between guitar, keyboard and some very deft drumming.  Here, Micah Olsan makes it his own.  “Because It’s There” has a very country feel with some very sweet guitar figures (especially the use of slide on the solo, against a rollicking keyboard) and a groove that goes from straightforward to a more jazzy direction.

All in all, this is a satisfying offering and five songs are an excellent introduction to Micah Olsan & The Many.  I’m looking forward to hear what they come up with next.

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http://www.micaholsan.com/home

 

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About the Author

Rob Ross

Rob Ross has been, for good, bad or indifferent, involved in the music industry for over 30 years - first as guitarist/singer/songwriter with The Punch Line, then as freelance journalist, producer and manager to working for independent and major record labels. He resides in Staten Island, New York with his wife and cats; he works out a lot, reads voraciously, loves Big Star and his orange Gretsch. Doesn't that make him neat?

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