John West
Ok, this guy is cool at least. I mean, he wears hats well and "Rise" (Live 2007) is a very understated tune with some tasty guitar licks.
That’s not enough? How about a song entitled "Umbrella w Cello" (Umbrella Remix 2007). West offers some clean guitar chords with no effects, and lyrics that make every effort to tell a story. His singing style is interesting, as he uses his voice to add the echo instead of employing electronics. There are some comfortable harmonies in the vocals of the second verse. Good stuff here, as the song becomes slightly more complex. There is even a hint or two of Andy Davis, though Davis’ music is keyboard oriented and a bit more involved musically.
Those who want to experience West might hook up with "Keep It Together," (Live 2007) a jazz piece with electric piano and a simple rim-shot backbeat. Driving music for the ocean highway.
West is currently very big in Southern California. He has shows scheduled at the Malibu Inn in Malibu, at Pasadena City College, at venues in Fresno and San Francisco, as well as at Soul Cypher in Oakland (a perfect place for this smooth player, I would imagine). West will also be in San Diego in March and at the Roxy with Matthew Santos. He’ll be around.
Tags: indie, indie music, independent music, john west, music
Nice review. It points out all the relevant qualities of West’s music and style, and after reading it I headed over to his page on MySpace, which is both visually striking and full of info about his concert dates.
I absolutely loved his Umbrella w Cello. I haven’t heard such a wonderful song which employs acoustic guitar and voice so well in a long time. Clearly, this is a nice change of pace from the “angry male rocker” that most comes to mind when “indie” music is mentioned.
ha! “he wears hats well”…
Funny, I’ve never thought of Indie music and “angry male rocker” together. But I can see your point as Indie got a name for itself with some bands that fit that profile.
West has a pretty voice, and his songs relax me every time I hear them. There isn’t one song that I like better than any other. I would recommend hearing all his tracks. It is well worth it.
Ah, this is a nice change of pace. West’s voice is so nice-sounding, the kind that probably has fan girls squealing. I admit that I don’t listen to this type of music too much. The closest album that could possibly relate a little is some Norah Jones, but even that doesn’t hold the atmosphere that John West is capable of expressing in his music. I hope he’ll tour where I am sometime!
I keep hearing a lot about Norah Jones, but I have never really taken the chance to “really” hear her. If she is anything like John West though, I would definitely give her a shot.