Sam Weiser – Sam I Am (Music Review)
By Andrew Duncan • Mar 5th, 2010 • Category: Jazz, ReviewsSam Weiser
Sam I Am
Disappear Records
Rating; 3.5 out of 5
Links:
Sam Weiser: http://www.myspace.com/samweisermusic
Disappear Records: http://www.disappearrecords.com/
In an attempt at not sounding cliche because I am not alone when saying this, but “Wow! This kid is 15 years old, and he plays like that?” At this age, he already looks like a veteran when you read that he picked up the instrument at the age of three.
There is not a genre that Weiser cannot play. From classical to bluegrass to Spanish to Gypsy, it’s all here on his debut Sam I Am.
I am charmed by “Gypsy Fantastic,” a song that mixes Biederbecke-style jangle with gypsy Old World swoon. Producer SONia chimes in with a few moderate vocal numbers, starting with “By My Silence,” but only ends up being distracting when the real purpose of this album is to hear Weiser play. He sways with a gorgeous adaptation of Santana’s “Europa,” and a deep love for Bill Monroe’s “Jerusalem Ridge,” that stays true to Monroe’s vision.
Although a little less intimate feeling with the power behind the song, but still a favorite of mine is Jobim’s “Desafinado.” But the power may be still be emitting off the latin stronghold “Azucar.” Weiser’s rendition of Palmieri’s creation sounds as good as any Latin Brothers jam.
Weiser stretches out his chops and tries to show off every facet of his talent. He does so with a refined taste and sincerity who can sound flawless in the traditional as he can when he loosens his collar and lets his hair down. And for someone with this much talent, he has every right to show off.
Andrew Duncan is a journalist who has migrated to the forces of academia. He has written for various publications including Chord, Heckler, Readyset...Aesthetic, and a vast array of alternative press contributions. When not roaming the streets of Indianapolis, he is either addicted to KXCI, making music, or striving to watch every film listed on IMDB.
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