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The Urban Renewal Project: Local Legend
ByPerhaps that should read "voices," as the most prominent and often-heard edicts are those of vocalist Aubrey Logan and rapper Elmer Demond who are featured, alone or in tandem, on every selection. While the lyrics, such as they are, are often opaque, Logan and Demond make up in spirit and sincerity for what may be lacking in depth and clarity. Logan is out front on "Change" (arguably her most engaging turn), Demond on "You're Beautiful," "Redshift" and "The Belief," and they share center stage on "My Own Way," "Rooftops & Parking Lots," "Make Like You Mean It," "We Big Tonight" and "Prophecy." The band, for its part, blows up a storm behind them, brash, brassy and rhythmically robust, as this music should be. While there are solosincluding three by tenor saxophonist R.W. Enoch Jr., URP's de facto leader who composed every songnone rises above the level of ordinary. But inspiration, not improvisation, is what this band is about.
Enoch also wrote whatever lyrics aren't "rapped" by Demond, and as noted, they serve for the most part as window dressing for the band, even though some members of the younger generation may find them pertinent and perceptive. Speaking of which, members of that age group are the ones most likely to be drawn to and charmed by Local Legend. That is neither good nor bad, simply a fact. URP is a likable band that plays its chosen music well. It should be noted, however, that Local Legend runs for only forty-two minutes, rather brief for a late-model CD.
Track Listing
My Own Way; Rooftops & Parking Lots; Make Like You Mean It; You’re Beautiful; Redshift; Change; We Big Tonight; Prophecy; The Belief.
Personnel
The Urban Renewal Project
band / ensemble / orchestraMax O’Leary: trumpet; Mitchell Cooper: trumpet; Elliot Deutsch: trumpet; Chris Gray: trumpet; Jeff Collins: trumpet; Brian Clements: alto, soprano sax, flute; Alexander Meyers: alto sax; Michael Czaja: alto sax; R.W. Enoch Jr: tenor sax, Bb clarinet; Matt Ballard: baritone sax; Lindsay McMurray: trombone; Evan Mackey: trombone; Lamar Guillary: trombone; Rhoadell Sudduth: bass trombone; Michael King: bass trombone; Andrew Lee: electric guitar; Tim Friedlander: electric guitar; Dustin Morgan: electric bass; Michael McFadden: electric bass; Satoshi Kirisawa: drums; Scott Spongberg: drums; Ashley Jarmack: oboe; Nancy Newman: bassoon; Lisa McCormick: horn; Aubrey Logan: vocals; Elmer Demond: rap vocals.
Album information
Title: Local Legend | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Lombardy Records
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About The Urban Renewal Project
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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