Write By The Sea β Vol. 2 β Compilation
Musicians gather at a house in St. George Island, Florida to write, record & produce songs for charity β this time — brain cancer research. Itβs the 2nd volume from this non-profit to raise money for charitable causes.
The 11-cut compilation Write By The Sea (Hubbub! Records β drops June 26) is kicked off by some interesting tightly constructed alt-rock deliveries & then some.
βParadise,β by Bradley Rhodes & Shannon Labrie is most creative with its subtle music & overlapping vocals with aggressive harmony-laced singing. This has a wonderful groove, an infectious performance.
The deep soulful vocals of Shannon with Michael Logen follow on βLet It Go.β A bluesy reminder of Bonnie Raitt & the tune has a consistent soulful guitar mindful of Stax, Muscle Shoals. Itβs a delight despite its retro pedigree. Β The CD boasts styles as diverse as folk, rock, pop, soul & Americana throughout. Itβs guaranteed to please the strictest, purist ear. Itβs a cohesive project from a diverse group of musicians who met each other for the first time at the sessions.
Proceeds are earmarked from this project for brain cancer research. These musicians have contributed to multiple charities through these efforts & raised generous amounts of bullion from a minimum of 38 states. Thatβs to be admired. They also perform their songs at live concerts & festivals.
βBluebirds,β (Todd Wright & Ethan Mentzer) rolls along at a nice clip filled with beautiful Beach Boys type vocals. Instantly likable.
βBlackout Lullaby,β has muscle as performed by Steve Everett & Bradley Rhodes. Their combined voices work well & the song is compelling without being dramatic. There are many tracks here that are simply enjoyable despite many performers not being top tier music industry stars with instantly recognizable names. The talent is genuine, it’s a labor of love & there are no flat tires on this bus.
Many songs are well-written & performed but some kick into high gear β βYankee Girl in Nashville,β smokes with inspired Lynyrd Skynyrd energy. The entire ensemble of 10 musicians contribute to the final cut βThis Love of Mineβ & come off sounding a little like the 70s ensemble Delaney & Bonnie & Friends sans the Eric Clapton lead guitar.
But the spirit is there & this has the necessary energy to perk up ears. A good engaging set. Iβm going back to listen to βParadiseβ again.
The LP was produced by Rock by the Sea — Brian Fechino except βLean into Me,β (Brian with Todd Wright, & Ethan Mentzer). Tracks βBluebirds,β & βWhat It Takes,β (Todd Wright & Ethan), & βBlackout Lullaby,β (Ben Jackson). All well-done.
The 34-minute CD is available at https://www.rockbythesea.org/