Post by jptheprofessor on Dec 18, 2005 21:51:00 GMT -5
TONY MOLLICK PROJECT – BLUES CATHARSIS (no label) Latrobe-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Tony Mollick has been making music since the 1980's, most notably in the Pittsburgh/Los Angeles-based band One Night Stand and, more recently, in another Pittsburgh-based group, The Groove Junkies. After the Groove Junkies went their separate ways in 2000, Tony decided to explore his own muse further, eventually forming the Tony Mollick Project (T.M.P.) with his former Groove Junkies bandmate, David Blake, on drums; and Altoona native John “Fuzz” McGirk on bass. TMP's debut album, Blues Catharsis, offers nine tracks of catchy, soulful rock that tips the hat to traditional Southern rock and country. The album lives up to its title, as Mollick samples with various styles, flavors, ideas and thoughts through a blues-rooted cathartic release. His passionate, soulful vocals and wide-ranging array of electric and acoustic guitar flavors are front and center, with the tight Blake/McGirk rhythm section serving as the constant that bonds this collection together. Several of Mollick's lyrics deal with life decisions; he tells a story of hard decisions made at an early age on the album-opener “Should've Known Better” (a holdover from the Groove Junkies period, featuring the entire Groove Junkies roster), decides to make every moment count on "Done Wastin' Time," and reflects on the timing of a relationship decision on the lightly funky "Sweet Sister." T.M.P. celebrates vehicles, reflecting on a classic street rod on the Chuck Berry-styled rocker "Little Stingray," and paying homage to a motorcycle and the passage of time on the folksy album-closer "Rusty Angel." Other album highlights include the hard-rocking "Likely Story," spinning a wild tale to the authorities involving women, booze and fate; a countrified ode to music as a healing force, "Make It Right;" and a country-tinged update of a former One Night Stand number, the funky "That's Alright." Producing most of the album, Mollick shapes these compositions into his own vision, and his experimentation with rock, folk, blues and country textures keeps this set fresh and moving throughout. The mix is clean and basic, and all components of the group's sound – including several guest musicians along the way – are clearly heard. Blues Catharsis maintains the bold, muscular brand of rock and soul that longtime fans of Tony Mollick have come to expect; yet enables Mollick to indulge his muse and take these songs in directions consistent with his own concept. The result is a satisfying set that reveals to the listener more of this artist's insight and musical personality. (The CD can be obtained at the group's shows, or by emailing pittbluesman@aol.com.)