Raw, passionate, soulful and gritty, a.k.a. george is classic American songwriting from its very first note.
Simplistic in its beauty, and hip to the point of envy, it is hobo-sophisticate for an empty, emotionless Internet age. A monkey wrench thrown into this high-tech rat race. A primitive, and much-needed reminder that in this era of point, click and send - real life happens when people love, fail, dream and lose.
a.k.a. george has never been just another band. Its thoughtful, intelligent lyrics make it too smart for pop.
Yet, its glorious harmonies make it too smooth for blues, and its funkiness and groove make it too hip for folk.
Digs, the new release from a.k.a. george, presents another chapter in the band's evolution, while remaining true to their roots in classic American songwriting. As with their four previous offerings, love hangover (1995), Wild and Careful (1996), Alligator Clippings: Mother of George (1997) and Two Tone Throwback (2000), Digs integrates elements of folk, blues and rock to create a distinctive voice for the group from Saranac Lake, New York. While the band has been compared to a diverse range of musicians such as Dylan, Springsteen, Cowboy Junkies, Van Morrison and Fred Eaglesmith, they are recognized for having a sound that "is able to stand on its own without any commercial comparisons" (Evan Lavine, Press Republican, Plattsburgh, NY).
Bernyerradio.com called lead singer Keyes a "hip modern day Dylan" and added cuts from Two Tone Throwback to their roots/radio and acoustic playlists. The lead track "Look Away" hit #80 on mp3.com's Americana chart weeks before the record's release and was also picked up for the soundtrack to Drop Back Ten, a film by Stacy Cochran starring James Le Gros that was well-received at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival and is scheduled for release in 2002.
The essence of a.k.a. george is distilled from the powerful writing of Ron Keyes (guitar, vocals, harmonica) who, on Digs, furthers his astonishing talent for poetically rendering age-old truths with authentic originality. Reflecting starkly on the nature of violence in "How It Is," sifting through the debris of disillusionment in "Motions of Life," embracing the freedom of forgetting and forgiving in "Roll On." There are songs that leave no question about his meaning, but mostly he offers emotional snapshots that bear a remarkable resemblance to some part of every listener's own experience.
Ron Keyes is not only a poet, however. He also has a deep appreciation for and understanding of his musical heritage. One would not be surprised to find Robert Johnson, Hank Williams and Buddy Holly sharing space in his CD rack along with a compilation of medieval madrigals or Pachelbel's Canon.
Another staple of the a.k.a. george experience in the harmonic connection between Keyes and partner Catherine Hechmer (bass, vocals). Though they have progressively moved beyond the simple duet and one guitar of "love hangover", their music is still anchored in their vocal interplay. Keyes' singing has been characterized as a mixture of Zevon, Waits and Dylan with echoes of Springsteen and Petty. On Digs, Hechmer complements this blend as her voice further explores the more textured, smoky quality, Ã la Lucinda Williams, that was hinted at in Two Tone Throwback.
Jeff Oehler (Hive Music), who also produced Two Tone Throwback, has on Digs created a live groove, propelled by the drumming of Buzzy Rickard. Steve Borst, shines on lead guitar, from the Spanish feel of "24 Days" on classical guitar to the electric scream of "Walk the Wall," with Knopfler-esque rambling and down and dirty blues in between.
In its first four albums, a.k.a. george reveals that they have the soul of a folkie and blues in their heart. And in their blood, as Digs proclaims so clearly, runs pure rock and roll.
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.akageorge.comTrack List:
1. Roll On
2. How It Is
3. 24 Days
4. Superman
5. So Close To Mine
6. Ain't A Day Goes By
7. Heather
8. Walk The Wall
9. Verdict
10. Motions Of Life
11. Run Down Shanty
12. Sometimes
13. Farewell
Suggested CDs:
Other Genres:
