Joel Newton Situation
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Review of "One"
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trings and drums plus limited vocal samples provide all the input for the
recording of the Joel Newton Situation. On the electrified ONE, the
guitarist plays with fellow guitarist Lars Aakesson, electric bassist Toshi
Someya, drummer Chris Michael, and violinist Christian Howes. The music
alternates between songs built on rock fusion, island or Latin rhythms,
special guitar effects, and a typically upbeat tempo. Newton assumes the
characteristics of a cat as he energetically plies the strings with
liveliness and agility. All of the songs are original works by Newton or
Aakesson, and they give both guitarists the chance to cut loose with
extended, often wild and wooly excursions constructed over a constant stream
of rhythm. Howes provides additional spirit on the three selections
featuring the electric violin. While Newton is able to build a spark into a
full-fledged fire with his zingy solos, the music is often inhibited by the
less than inventive beat that dogs the performance. The guitar work of
Newton, however, is the main attraction, and he dominates the show with his
spurts of psychedelic coloring.
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Cadence Magazine
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