Michael Rubin – 5 Minutes of Passion
Produced by Josh Fulero (guitars), the 11 originals of Michael Rubin’s (vocals/harmonica (chromatic & diatonic)/bass harmonica) sophomore LP 5 Minutes of Passion (Drops August 21/Many Hats Records/41:43) are pop-storytelling-oriented pieces. Originally from NJ, Rubin is now Texas-based. Thematically, the album can be controversial since Rubin tackles subjects such as God, communists, socialists, all things clitoral (really?), vaccinations & propaganda. So, buckle yourself in; it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
More vintage-sounding music in context pours from Michael Rubin’s harmonica & the accompanying big band/swing horns. He has a shaky, peculiar voice, but it works – in a sort of big band vocalist’s timbre manner. Experience lines his tone & along with the Dixieland horns Michael is exuberant & convincing on “Dirty Words.” A few suggestive lines but nothing vulgar (that I could detect). It’s tongue-in-cheek, not quite Rusty Warren, but Michael’s not a comedian either.
The colorful language is a sprinkling of spice on some randy upbeat numbers with an always hot harmonica & a tight band. “Doo Doo Daa” has its sophistication with the wild drums & punctuating harmonica. It’s an instrumental, but it “says” a lot. Rubin has locked his teeth on a good style, part Paul Butterfield, part Rice Miller (Sonny Boy Williamson II) – swamped in his own New Orleans jambalaya of music.
“Big If” is a slow-burn blues tune with delicacy, but it’s when the deep sax notes knock on the bordello window that the song gets humid. Slinky at times, with expressive lyrics & fanciful storytelling. Rubin’s voice suits the melodramas fine, if not with a little humor. More upbeat & danceable is “Alien In a Chair” (not a title that suggests the blues), but the construction of the tune is clever. Not silly, especially when the instrumentation is applied. It’s borderline Johnny Bond (“Hot Rod Lincoln” “X-15”) from 1960. Rubin is never tedious or campy. It may be the application of his rousing harmonica; the prickly lead guitar welded to the big band’s sound of horns keeps it above board.
“5 Minutes of Passion” is closer to novelty. But his humor is country — it will remind some of the recordings of Adam Sandler or, to be kinder, Roger Miller. This song’s blue words are deeper blue. But not vulgar. Good playing often decorates mediocre tunes (“Nap”), so the momentum isn’t lost altogether. Good lead guitar solo in this one. But little else to recommend it.
Highlights – “Dirty Words,” “Doo Doo Daa,” “Big If,” “Alien In a Chair,” & “Little Circus Town.”
Musicians – Greg Izor (Chronomatic harmonica), Cesar Crespo & Matt Smith (guitars), Michael Archer (bass), Jason Corbiere (drums), Emily Gimble (keys), Guy Forsyth (banjo/bgv), Lindsay Verrill, Dan Grissom, Ted Hadji, Ryan Conlin & Wilson Marks (bgv), Sweet Gary Newcomb (pedal steel guitar), Paulo Santos (sax/clarinet) & Patrick Harwell (trumpet/trombone).
Color image courtesy of Michael’s website. CD @ iTunes & Apple + https://michaelrubinharmonica.com/new-cd.html & https://blindraccoon.com/clients/michael-rubin/