Contenders

Contenders

Track Listings

1. Expand the Room

2. Isolated [Lunatic Calm Mix]

3. All About Beats [Mild Mannered Janitors Mix] - Junior Blanks

4. Be Bi Bop

5. Jazz & Drums - Chop Shop

6. Catching the Skinny [Freaky Chakra Mix] - Mephisto Odyssey

7. Microphone Enhancer

8. 20,000 Leagues

9. Soul on Ice - Chop Shop

Tracks:

Mondo Garaj
Hindi Gumbo
Be Dope
Junckt
Poodle Factory
Big Smack Down
New Meeting
Beware My Ethnic Heart
Madagascar
Gulam Sabri
Bajo
Milk Carton Blues

Customer Reviews:

jack of all trades.......2006-02-18

Fareed is a master gut-string stylist. His electric work has no insight into tone. When the band refers to old-school funk, it undermines itself with it's lack of warmth. On eastern inspired numbers, the discoish rhythms and forced structures bog down the flow. Apparently jam bands are a big deal, and therefore, GM is a good business decison..only.

Groovy ethno-jazz..dig it!.......2005-09-05

Coupla tracks don't exactly work, but at least 2/3 of this is super-delicious soul smacking ethno-jazz fusion. Fareed Haque--half Indian, half Chilean--a master guitarist, teams up with fluid fusion bassist Kai Eckhardt, keyboards player Eric Levy and drummer Alan Hertz to deliver a CD of rare treats that please the psyche no end.

The last track, Milk Carton Blues, is minus Mr. Haque and a nifty little number, but for the full flavor of the band, check out the title track, Junckt, Be Dope, and Beware My Ethnic Heart. These you can't live without if you're a world fusion maven. These guys mix the grooves with the world music thing and do it so well it's a real pleasure.

You can hear the influence of Zawinul/Weather Report on a couple of tracks and that's a good thing; Garaj Mahal has learned from the best, integrated it, and moved it in their own direction.

Cool band. Nice cover art, too. A winner.

Garaj Mahal - The Jazz Rock Jam Band Super Group.......2005-01-23

LADIES AND GENTLEMENT, GARAJ MAHAL!

Happily, this band has true synergy. In the classic sense of the word that "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts," Garaj Mahal has no weakness. The band is capable of supreme moments of clarity where time and space expand and you are one with the music. In addition the soloing capabilities of each member is at the level of talent where you are simply mesmerized by how good these guys really are.

The band is an interesting combination of elements with a touch of humor that makes them hard not to like. Kai Eckhardt, probably most noted for his work with the John McLaughlin Trio, and Fareed Haque having a stint with The Zawinul Syndicate under his belt lead this quartet through some Jazz Rock jamming that rivals any "well known" Jazz Rock musician(s), and is by far and away the very best of the now profusely proliferating "Jam Bands" scene. There are other great Jazz Rock Jam Bands to be sure, such as Aquarium Rescue Unit, The Derek Trucks Band, Bela Fleck, Charlie Hunter (Garage A Trois), and of course Phish. But none of these bands can rival the speed, dexterity, and tastefulness of Garaj Mahal. Garaj Mahal are great musicians that can jam at an incredible level, listening closely and reacting quickly, they make it all seem so easy and it always sounds so tasty.

I chose to cite "Mondo Garaj" [Their official studio release] to post this review as an example for a description of the band itself and all four of their official releases. They have a unique sound that is at once recognizable and yet smacks of many great bands and styles. From Grant Green's "Jan Jan", to the Zappaesque "Poodle Vamp", and Alfred James Ellis's "The Chicken", this band knows no limits. Their original compositions such as Hertz's "Make A Hippy Happy," Haque's "Gulam Sabri", and Eckhardt's "Never Give Up," and "Semos" (the father of all "apes" in Tim Burton's remake of "The Planet of the Apes") are perfect vehicles for the unified talent of this band and have an earthy quality that can be summed up in two words "good music".

For Jazz Rock fans, Garaj Mahal is the best thing to happen musically since the 80's. Think about that for a moment. And if I'm exaggerating, may the lord strike me de-, no, no, blind... (Thank you Mel...)

Fortunately, I have a cable connection to my Internet and have downloaded about 30 of their legally taped concerts. I still can't get enough of these guys. What's nice about their official releases "Mondo Garaj", and the three live releases "Vol. I," "Vol. II," and "Vol. III" is the significance of having different songs on each Cd and the recording quality is first class. Even though the band has over 100 concerts for download, you should consider the official releases for the reasons already cited in addition you'll be supporting the band and that's the best way to say "thank you" to a very special band.

In conclusion, no matter where you came from musically, if you're into Jazz Rock, Prog Rock, Jam Bands, Funk Bands, or playing flutes barefoot in a tree (thank you Firesign...), you'll like these guys a lot. Bet you can't buy just one!

Rick Calic
rick@wenospeak.com
wenospeak@comcast.net
Website: wenospeak.com

You may also purchase this Cd from
Website: .abstractlogix.com , or
Website: .homegrownmusic.net

My new favorite.......2005-01-22

I'll keep it short. Wow! This collection of tracks is a melting pot. You'll hear almost every facet of music. I love to hear the Hammond B3 blend in so many different forms. Thank goodness for Public Radio introducing me to this group. I could go on and on, but you can't go wrong putting this in your music collection.

Bionic Jazz Fusion.......2003-12-10

With the success of Garaj Mahal's Live Vol. 1-3 releases, the world is now ready to hear the first eruptions of this band's volcanic evolution.

When keyboardist Eric Levy joined the band, the event took place at In The Pocket Studios in San Francisco, CA. Guitarist and fellow Chicagoan Fareed Haque had tapped Levy to join Garaj Mahal, who were already performing regularly. Veteran bassist Kai Eckhardt and highly sought drummer Alan Hertz, residents of San Francisco, formed a rhythm section of unmatched skill. With Haque's gymnastic six-string workouts and Levy's finely honed keyboard work, the possibilities for the new Garaj were infinite. The quartet immediately captured their sound in the studio, and wound up with more than an hour of stunning material. Friends DJ Fly Agaric, DJ Roto, and The String Cheese Incident's Michael Kang contributed to the proceedings.

That was the winter of 2000, and not until now are the urgent, multi-dimensional sonic journeys that comprise Mondo Garaj available for all to enjoy. With moods ranging from explosive to surreal and everything in between, the album is transcendental and technically amazing all at once. The music defies conventional description, but the mix of studied jazz, eclectic world rhythms, focused funk, and spontaneous creation is immune from comparisons.

We Could'a Been Contenders
Average customer rating:
We Could'a Been Contenders
Line Drive , Jose Loo , Gary Dates , Rick Brunermer , Tim Boyce , Howard Towler , John Berry , John Benthal , Tony Cimorosi , and Chris McKevitt
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000MFQ9YE

Product Description

1. My Baby 2. You Won't See Me Cry 3. Worlds Apart 4. Everybody 5. Still On My Own 6. That Was Then, This Is Now 7. Looks Like It's Gonna Rain 8. I Don't Want to Know 9. You Satisfy My Soul 10.Preacher's Daughter ------------------ Heres a band which is guaranteed to add life and sparkle to any event. This summer marks the nineteenth year Line Drive will be entertaining festival goers across the state. With a broad appeal across all age groups, Line Drive is a mainstay of the Jersey Shore music scene, with a fan base in the tens of thousands. Their soulful sound is an urban blend of contemporary rhythm & blues, spicy horns, and spine-tingling vocals, with melodies and lyrics that are clever and intelligent, and seasoned with well crafted solo work. Like a well oiled machine, that in the pocket groove, which only comes from years of experience playing together, always manages to make you dip your hip! "This band is so good, they should change their name to 'Home Run' or 'Grand Slam!'" -Grover Washington Jr. During their history Line Drive has performed with major label acts including Grover Washington Jr, Tower of Power, Phoebe Snow, Spyro Gyra, Noel Pointer, and Special EFX, as well as two national appearances by Jose Loo on Star Search. Kathy Washington comes to the band after a contract with Atlantic Records. Line Drive has performed extensively throughout the Northeast to enthusiastic audiences, including various music festivals, colleges. and television appearances. They have lent their talents to various studio projects in the form of producing, writing, arranging, and performing, including commercials and jingles both local and national. This band is so versatile and talented, theres no way youre not going to love them. -Two River Times Their first CD, We Coulda Been Contenders achieved outstanding critical acclaim.

Average customer rating:

Easterhouse: System's A Bitch, With Whores for its Lovers
True Soul Music
Smother the Fascists with Guitar
Best political rock album out there

Contenders
Easterhouse
Manufacturer: Cherry Red UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Waiting for the Redbird
What Does Anything Mean? Basically
From the Lion's Mouth
Unknown Pleasures

ASIN: B00005CDUC
Release Date: 2001-05-18

Tracks:

Out on Your Own
Whistling in the Dark
Nineteen Sixty Nine
Cargo of Souls
Lenin in Europe
Get Back to Russia
To Live Like This
Boy Can Sing
Estates
Inspiration
Johnny I Hardly Knew You
Easter Rising
Ain't That Always the Way

Customer Reviews:

Easterhouse: System's A Bitch, With Whores for its Lovers.......2005-01-20

This is such a brilliant album I almost cried when I heard Waiting for the Redbird, the follow-up album by the rump left by the Perry brother's split in the ranks of Easterhouse. It is a beautiful blending of unyielding revolutionary sentiments, artful songwriting, competent guitar work and vocals, and the kind of red, raw anger and dark, black despair (peeking out from behind a noble effort at hopefulness) that doesn't even consider giving quarter. For the (perhaps) handful of us who are drawn to the rock medium for our propaganda efforts and wouldn't give the bourgoisie so much as a pleasant nod of the head if they paid us, who might have thought we'd exhausted our lifelong opportunities to see the two joined together effectively when punk rock died in 1980, this is a near perfect album. Perhaps only Phil Ochs "The Ringing of Revolution" can hope to beat out Easterhouse's lyrics: "Where is the man who's speaking out for me? Community leaders want more black shopkeepers, the union's a say in the jobs sold away, and I'm told that my homes in a nuclear free zone, but that ain't much help when there's bills to be paid. Police accountability, non-nuclear war strategies have made the fight a mockery." This album would be worth several times over its cost, just to play that at full volume at some Kerry-supporting liberal Leftist poser!

True Soul Music.......2003-02-17

Pop and politics don't always mix well together, but this album is a stunning exception. Like all great soul music, Contenders evokes a mood and tells its story beautifully within the limitations of the pop song format. The haunting vocals and spidery guitars frame the heartfelt lyrics to maximum effect. This isn't a great album because of its political content; it's a great album because it's great music coupled with fantastic storytelling. Even if Lenin doesn't get your motor revving, don't miss out on Contenders.

Smother the Fascists with Guitar.......2002-08-16

Easterhouse's one record of note attempts the impossible and fails beautifully. The guitars climb grandly, the lyrics reach for inspiration, and the whole thing falls like a pebble into the ocean. Andy Perry's polemics will rub wrong if you detest Irish republicanism or have a bust of Maggie Thatcher on your mantle -- next to your cherished framed snap with Big Ian on the front line. While the album does attack Labour hypocrites who forsake the downtrodden for graven image worship of the Saxon kind, the call to topple the swine doesn't ever mute the superb guitar work, which is yet another shade of overachieving Manchester. That blighted pox on the map sure spun gold amidst hayracks of dross. Most eighties music is now unlistenable. Thankfully, albums like this one have real conviction and emotion, not some forced bathos, the kind that now passes for passion: think Creed. Easterhouse made one great record. That was enough.

Best political rock album out there.......2001-10-04

The lyrics are powerful, both musically and politically. The Perry brothers are not afraid to say and explain their views, and do so to a rocking beat. If you are politically aware and a music lover, but don't have this album, then you are all wet!

Average customer rating:

More dynamic jazz excursions

Live, Vol. 3
Garaj Mahal
Manufacturer: Harmonized
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Live, Vol. 2
Live, Vol. 1
Blueberry Cave
Cosmic Hug
Mondo Garaj

ASIN: B00015HVGK
Release Date: 2003-03-18

Tracks:

7-Up
Never Give Up
Thursday
Stoked On Razaki
Material Girl

Customer Reviews:

More dynamic jazz excursions.......2003-12-10

Volume 3 (5/11/02, Fox Theatre, Boulder, CO) is energetic and tasty. "Thursday" is a slice of Rhodes-fried groove that sounds like Steely Dan with Prince on vocals. "Stoked On Razaki" is a frantic exercise in speed-jazz that features Jamie Janover on his custom-made "Mini-Kit", adding more depth to the undulating rhythm. The whole thing ends with an instrumental cover of Madonna's "Material Girl" that spans 17 minutes. Without a doubt, this version explores every possible reach of this precious melody of the 1980's. Using the vocal lines as a road map, Haque urges the band into several sections of differing dynamics that range from thick and funky to tear jerking. You won't know whether to laugh or cry by the time Levy inserts a delicate keyboard solo into the sonic space that the band has wrestled out of this odd cover song.

Average customer rating:

Heavyweight Contenders
Shiney Boys
Manufacturer: Rhyme Slicka Ent.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Southern Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0009S8JA6
Release Date: 2005-07-05

Tracks:

(Intro)
Making Noise
I'm So Real
Blood, Sweat and Tears
Geto Balling - Al D., Shiney Boys
Skit
Marijane
Freestyle
Car Boppa
In Dat Dirty
Hustla
Don't Hate Me
Paid My Dues
Ease My Mind
Looking Good, Feeling Good
Way the South Roll
Freestyle (Outro)
What You Wanna Do [*]

Average customer rating:

Scorched
Cari Lee , and The Contenders
Manufacturer: Star Tone Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music

Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Brought To You Via Saddle-ite
The Road Less Traveled
Tulsa

ASIN: B000BTJC9A
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

I Think About You
The Lover's Curse
Scorched
Fine Fine Man
Burnt Toast And Black Coffee
How Come?
I'm A Little Mixed Up
Don't Be A Fool
You Shock Me
Little Red Rooster
Now I'm Gonna Roll

Average customer rating:

Contenders
Gary Fjellgaard
Manufacturer: Stony Plain Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00004RDSP
Release Date: 1999-12-28

Tracks:

The Boys Of Rhythm
Wind From The West
Contenders
Wonderland
Heartbroken Hero
Can't Pull This Train
Goodness Knows
Islanders
An Islander
Tried And True
King Of The Road

Product Description

Tracks:

For the Love of It
River, Stay 'Way from My Door
You Only Live Once in a While
VLT
Fever
Speed of the Sound of Loneliness
Seven Spanish Angels
Billy Miner
Them Old Songs
Bay of Sails
Still in the Running

Contenders for Record of the Year 2001: The Greatest Hits of 2001

Average customer rating:

Great "G" to "PG" rated Pop music. Track listing is....

Contenders for Record of the Year 2001: The Greatest Hits of 2001
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Telstar
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005U4Z1

Customer Reviews:

Great "G" to "PG" rated Pop music. Track listing is...........2007-01-21

If you like fun pop music like Westlife, O-Town, BBMak and music along those lines, check out the track listing for this cd. To do that, scroll to the top of this page where the pictures are and then click on the picture of the back artwork to enlarge it. All 40 songs/artists are displayed there. Sorry, but I ain't typin' them all!!!