Michael Falzarano – Sunrise Over the Unknown
Another veteran musician who played with Jorma Kaukonen, & Hot Tuna with his own sparkling solo project & heavy themes, like recovery, the journey back, some inspirational pieces, one with lyrics (“Cupful of Rain”) by the late Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. This showcase is Michael’s 6th solo as Sunrise Over the Unknown (Drops July 24/Hypnotation Records/59:09) produced by Michael (guitar/vocals) & J.P. (guitar/bgv). Recorded in studios in Bellmore, Woodstock, NY & Dallas, TX.
There are 13 cuts to this new showcase with the majority of the pieces melodic & featuring the raw vocals of Falzarano embodying it all with authenticity & his ever-distinctive sound. “There’s a Rainbow” is the first standout. More rock-oriented is the superb “Mighty Mississippi” with its Hot Tuna/Little Feat drive. It has all the meat & potatoes of The Band as well. Down the line you’ll rub butts with “Take Back What’s Mine” a nice slow drag of a rocker, something Rick Danko would sing. Excellent guitar effects, soaring guitar solo, & pristine production. The final cut of the showcase is an acoustic version, & it loses none of its charm.
With a slight reggae push “Get Up Get In The Dance,” despite its dance-orientation title is played with Grateful Dead characterization with the guitars a tokensim of Little Feat, it all works well, warm & jubilant. The only thing missing is Jerry Garcia’s voice but on this, Michael asserts himself quite well.
There are some songs that are also mindful of the late Mark Germino (“Fields of Man’s New Order”) who would have been an ideal musician for Michael to partner with. Blusier territory is entered on Michael’s “Without a Net (Parts 1 & 2).” With its slinky “I Ain’t Got The Fever No More” type of predatory arrangement of Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes. Cool & precise, snaky & accentuated. This vocal tradition returns with the energetic “One Brick At A Time.”
The showcase itself is highly recommended – nothing is overplayed, embellished or mediocre. Nothing. The CD deserved a lyric insert. The songs are good enough to have that bonus.
Highlights – “7 Year Itch,” “There’s a Rainbow,” “Mighty Mississippi,” “Cupful of Rain,” “Get Up Get In The Dance,” “Without a Net,” “Bird With a Broken Wing,” “Take Back What’s Mine,” “One Brick At A Time,” “I Had a Dream Last Night,” & “Take Back What’s Mine (acoustic version).”
Musicians – Kevin Griffin (lead guitar/pedal steel), Tom Circosta (rhythm/lead guitar/bgv), Klyph Black & Steve Rust (bass/bgv), Russell Stedman & Harvey Sorgen (drums) with Clare Maloney (vocals), Rusty Lewis & Kirk Hampton (keyboards), Allan Hayslip (bass), Christopher Purdy (drums), Davis Bickston (tambourine), Justin Pickard & Jimmy Eppard (guitar/bgv) & Danny Lewis (Hammond organ).
Color image courtesy of Michael’s Facebook photo gallery. CD @ Apple + http://www.michaelfalzarano.com/Sunrise%20Over%20The%20Unknown.htm