Harris CD review: 'Music for the Soul' is music for Salisbury

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 3:07 AM  |  Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend |

What is music for the soul? With their new full-length album, Double J Productions has an answer.

Local artist Jimmy Alston and his composer/guitarist nephew Jerry take their listeners on an ambient adventure through soundscapes crafted to uplift even while they soothe.

It is no easy task to define this album in terms of genre. "Music for the Soul" is, in essence, a pastiche of styles ranging from the George Benson-y "Jazzpirational" to the electro-funky "Another Blessing," reminiscent of the late Rick James.

While traversing this auditory landscape each guitar player also maintains a unique voice on his axe.

Jerry's guitar is dominant in all of the tunes, his sleek Schecter carrying the melodies and evoking a tone not unlike Chick Corea's Al DiMeola.

Jimmy, however, provides melodic support with some chord work and counterpoint, depending not on the smooth effected solid body sound, but rather on the classic presence of his Stratocaster.

Combined, they weave a sonic tapestry that touches lightly on the guitar traditions of soul, funk, religious, gospel, fusion, and contemporary jazz.

"Music for the Soul" is music for everybody.

CDs will be available at the Double J performance at 8 p.m. Friday at LGAC, 407 N. Lee St. Call 704-232-1467 for info.

Musician E.W. Harris, recently of Athens, Ga., and now residing in Salisbury, may be reached at ericharrisgroup@hotmail.com.