Album Review: ‘WakeUpSideDowntown’ by Mike Delledera Band
If you’re looking for a group that combines roots/reggae/funk/jazz so well that you will be clicking “repeat” on their album, look no further than Mike Delledera Band.
Mr. Delledera, a graduate of SUNY Oneonta with a BA in Music Industry, also had the opportunity to study jazz/classical and jazz arrangement at Ithaca College. With all this music knowledge swirling around his in his head, Mike decided to bring on some of the best musicians in and around the New York City area for his latest release, WakeUpSideDowntown (2014).
“Silver Ruby Diamond Blues” will instantly hook into the sounds of the band. The tune is driven by the smooth sounds of Thomas Bryan Eaton (Pedal Steel Guitar) and Brad Whiteley (Piano). In Mike’s guitar work on the track, “Gypsy Soul,” you can feel the notes flow through his fingers seamlessly.
Bassist, Joseph Wallace, throws in some funky bass lines on the number, “Main Street USA.” With Brad Whiteley, tickling the ivories, Matthew Feick, keeps the back-beat, Delledera, take the listeners on a guitar journey that could draw comparisons to legendary Phish guitarist, Trey Anastasio.
The frontman’s compelling harmonies with background vocalists (Amy Regan, Rosie Lazroe, and Regi Ransdell) in the number, “Can’t Stop Rockin’,” shows the album’s gospel side. Behind is a Bourbon Street New Orleans feel with a brass section of Michael Kammers (Tenor Saxophone) & Kathleen Doran (Trumpet).
The self-produced,WakeUpSideDowntown, closes out with the feel good, “The Music Echoes On.” With lyrics like “Playing the drums on some pots and pans. I can make a guitar out of rubber band…” you can imagine a child playing “drums” in their kitchen.
WakeUpSideDowntown, is an album that will appeal to music lovers across the board. You can hear with each song that the group took their time to create a picture-perfect album for their listeners. Be sure to check out Mike Delledera Band at Pianos (158 Ludlow Street) in New York City on Thursday, July 31st.
Mike Delledera Band:
Mike Delledera (Guitar/Vocals)
Matt Feick (Drums/Percussion)
Brad Whiteley (Piano/Organ)
Joseph Wallace (Bass)
Additional Musicians On WakeUpSideDowntown:
CX (Rap)
Michael Kammers (Tenor Saxophone)
Kathleen Doran (Trumpet)
Tomoko Omura (Violin)
Isabel Castellvi (Cello)
Thomas Bryan Eaton (Pedal Steel Guitar)
Moriah Simpson Black (Harmonica)
Laura V. Bustillos (Harmonica)
Amy Regan (Background Vocals)
Rosie Lazroe (Background Vocals)
Regi Ransdell (Background Vocals)
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