Ben Brandt Solid Ground (Katalex Records)
While it might be a stretch to include this release with our Americana designation, it’s nonetheless an excellent record from a relatively unknown entity out of Pennsylvania. Brandt, who originally hails from a Harrisburg-born band known as the Soul Miners Union, has stepped out on his own with a slightly more polished sound. It is, however, rock, if not blues-rock with – on this release – added elements of funk thrown in on a ‘here and there’ basis.
All any artist can hope for in their musical career is growth. Since the release of a 3-song EP in ’24, Brandt’s Solid Ground demonstrates true progress. A gifted guitarist, he has assembled a group of like-minded musicians who have merged their talents to forge this solid, 11-track release (J.D. Simo – producer/rhythm guitar; Ted Pecchio – bass; Adam Arashoff – drums).
Time spent in Nashville exposed him to an inspirational cast of players, yet you can definitely hear the influences of his heroes in Trower, Bloomfield and Robben Ford on this release. In short, Brandt commands an exceptional guitar sound and owns an impressive range of tones.
The disc leads off with a high energy and distinctive hook which may recall the opening of CCR’s “Fortunate Son” but is, by no means, similar beyond its up-tempo beat. “Solid Ground” is powerful step forward which highlights the tightness of this foursome with its guitar-and-bass-driven approach to a song pitted against the super-tightness of drummer Arashoff (who has yet to have an off-beat moment). An aggressive beginning to establish their identity, Brandt injects a few surprises along the way to further define his hybrid approach. Like so many guitarists – including his heroes – Brandt’s vocals grow on you but his range is somewhat limited and, although musical, his voice contributes a lighter sound that begs the added muscle that his music demands. The vocals accompany the songs rather than lead them – his guitar being the strongest voice of the two.
This collection of original songs is separated three times by a frenzied, hard rock ‘jam in progress’ – as if you’ve just walked into a club and the band is firing on all cylinders at once, without apology. Likely not intentional, but these muscular interludes serve as an intermezzo of sorts, ‘cleansing the palate’ between each set of compositions. Entitled “Matthews Tire Pts. 1-3”, one gets a clear picture of what Brandt & Company might serve up live. “Matthews Tire Pt.1” is a short, bass-driven blues excerpt featuring some fine lead guitar.
A key track on this release is Brandt’s “Burning Bridges,” if not for its role as a change of pace. Slow and slinky, it boasts a funky groove from his iron-clad rhythm section and, replete with wah-wah guitar and some tight, jazz-inflected solos, Brandt comes on like Curtis Mayfield with his high register vocal.
Likewise, “Fine Line” delivers on a similar funk vein as Brandt’s vocal is strengthened by a call-and-answer with backup singers (who sound not unlike alley cats…). More great guitar lines and more than a few exceptional solos (with a scorch thrown in for good measure) make this another great track, exhibiting mature levels of confidence.
The straight blues-rock of “Parasite Blues” is a full-on attack featuring the band as power trio. Broken into two parts at two different tempos, it’s a heavy throwback to ‘70s rock. At the 1:33 mark, Brandt slows things down and rips into a severely Trower-esque mode on guitar – convincingly so. His guitar skills ooze with promise, returning to the song after this tasteful detour.
Palette-cleanser #2 – “Matthews Tire Part 2” – rocks a little harder, jam-like, for a minute and a half.
The guitar-led “Under the Weight of Us” offers a stronger vocal yet falls short of providing a memorable tune to lock onto. Halfway through, however, Brandt slips back into Trower mode, transforming the song into a thing of beauty.
A continuation of “Matthews Tire Part 2,” “Part 3” continues the frenzied jam and reaches its inevitable conclusion.
Speaking of confidence and of giving credit where it’s due, Brandt displays titanium cajones by attempting to cover The Who’s time-honored “The Seeker” – the only non-original. A smart, tasteful re-arrangement with a vocal to match, this courageous cover falls into the category of another strong, album-defining track.
“Little Something” purrs like a kitten, together with snarls aplenty atop tight rhythm accompaniment. The addition of Simo’s second guitar grants Brandt some extra space to stretch out. Brandt’s mostly self-penned originals (here, a co-write with Natasha Cornblatt) with lyrics which, although ineligible for a Pulitzer, provide each track with a range of subject matter, some more personal than others.
“Scramblin’ (The Well)” is not only the perfect closing track, it expresses a different approach to the band’s songcraft, incorporating acoustic guitar and bits of slide which accentuate the vocals as they set up yet another note-perfect Trower ending.
All-in-all, Brandt is a young contender with some stand-out talents who has presented 11 intriguing songs with the help of a tight band who, collectively, know a thing or two about entertaining an audience. Given the absorbing blend of old with new on this release, there are many potential directions to go – and Solid Ground provides a tasteful touchstone for whatever is to follow.
Find more information here on his website: https://benjbrandt.com/home
The album was recorded at Greasy Time Studio in Nashville; produced and mixed by J.D. Simo; and mastered by J.J. Golden.