Brokenhearted Lopsided Blues

Reviewed By  Janet Mawdesley       January 30, 2024

 

Artist – Michael Whalen   

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           Released:             February 2024

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A single word, WOW sums up Brokenhearted Lopsided Blues, an up-tempo blast created by Michael Whalen on his beloved Synthesizers and accompanying instruments, with a bit of help from Tom Eaton on the mixing desk, in memory of his father Richard J Whalen, who loved it when he created Jazz with a definitive groove.

Whalen, known for his more electronic, neo classical and complex arrangements and albums, simply cuts loose and free with this up tempo, pulsating collection of nine songs that are unashamedly feel good vibes, but if you don’t want to get into the groove, you can just rock quietly along in your chair.

 So Far From Home sets off the vibrant collection with a catchy Caribbean introduction that lifts the spirit and brings with it that amazingly vibrant atmosphere that permeates the music of the Caribbean.

A fun song follows with Shorty’s in Love which reminds somewhat of the very measured sound of certain cartoon style shows of a long time ago with a catchy, crisp, modern overlay. A piece that makes you smile the entire time.

Bringing out a mix of sounds from the Jazz era in electronic format, Brokenhearted Lopsided Blues is Whalen simply letting the groove, so to speak, take over and going with the flow.

The Sweet, Sweet Rain is a song that somehow seems to have decided to join in with the Jazz beat as it has overtones of a previous, highly acclaimed album Imaginary Trains, delivering a sweeping sound that soothes and settles.

Moving along a little, Cairo Blues is intriguing, captivating and pulsating. The sun descending, the call to prayers echoing, the heady sounds of the night calling those who enjoy the dark caverns; the shisha bar scents drifting out, filing the streets with exotic smells to delight the senses.  Exotic and sensual.

Big Band has not been left wanting with All That You Dream, a robust and rich piece with a punchy vibe which, if you close your eyes and allow your mind to take you any place at all, you will return feeling energized.

As a closing piece the reflective and perhaps more instrumental than Blues or Jazz, is the gorgeous piece A Million Miles from My Heart, which is filled with emotion, sound, memories and softness which makes a fitting finale to an absolutely outstanding collection of captured sound and energy.

Brokenhearted Lopsided Blues is Whalen stretching his musical muscle, inviting everyone to enjoy a ‘jam’ session full of various styles which come together for a feel-good album to absolutely delight.  

Brokenhearted Lopsided Blues is available for pre order from 6 February 2024 and is being released on 16 February 2024.