Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Jason Vitelli: Head Above Tide
Jason Vitelli: Head Above Tide
ByHis third full-length release, Head Above Tide, explores many styles. From reggae to smooth jazz to prog-rock to avant-garde, most genres find representation here. Although there is not much variation of tempo, there are times when the band settles into a groove and their playing stands out, notably on tracks such as "Trees" and "Autumn Hymn"
Lyrically, Vitelli is a talented storyteller. The songs explore themes of humility from many angles, and the lack of a clear verse/chorus structure is refreshing and carries them forward. They are also intellectually challenging, drawing inspiration from and referencing literature, such as William Styron's novel Sophie's Choice, or political events, such as child refugees of civil war in Sudan.
Altogether, the album has many interesting ideas, but lacks the musical identity that most great records have. The wide variation in styles but minimal change in tempo or dynamics create an end-product that sounds more like an extended demo than a cohesive work. This does not detract from Vitelli's song-writing, lyrical talent or his passionate performances, which are more than worth a listen. Fans of Elvis Costello or Kurt Elling may find the album very interesting.
Track Listing
Hit and Run; Fault Lines; The Persecuted; (descension); Labyrinthine; Living Proof; D-Day; Welcome to My Life, Healing; (ascension); Trees; Pinwheel; Autumn Hymn; Propagate; Vacant; Three Marionettes; A Mutiny
Personnel
Jason Vitelli
pianoMichael O'Brien
bass, acousticYorgos Maniatis
drumsMax Castro
congasLisa Trenary
vocalsCherette White
vocalsDave Ramsay
multi-instrumentalistRichard Padron
guitar, electricJason Vitelli: vocals, keyboards, rhythm/lead guitars, alto sax, bass guitar and sampler; Michael O'Brien: bass guitar; Yorgos Maniatis: drums, shaker and pandeiro; Max Castro: congas; Lisa Trenary: backup vocals; Cherette White: backup vocals; Dave Ramsay: lead guitar; Richard Padrón: lead guitar
Album information
Title: Head Above Tide | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Self Produced