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Syzygy
by JDA
The first six bars of the
first track set the feel for the entire album
but by no means define it. I've come to expect a lot from this
trio
of veteran studio musicians and my expectations were exceeded by Syzygy
. . . JDA has gone above and beyond the
call of duty on this album.
The album does a bit of genre-hopping, but the totality
is almost like
an opera, with each act being a work unto itself while telling a
definable story with the whole.
You will feel the changes, but they won't
make you dizzy.
"Like Beginnings" is
rock ballad with a power pop feel. Swelling
refrains with near orchestral harmony directly contrast the otherwise
simplistic tune, creating a very enjoyable and somewhat inspirational
listening experience.
"I
Wanna Believe" is very Beatlesesque, it could have been written by
John and Paul in the latter part of the 70's,
but I think even The
Beatles would have failed to provide the same passion.
"Making Up For
Lost Time" is a bit heavier than the first two, but
retains that power pop feel while introducing a bit of melodic
rock
reminiscent of Yes and Genesis with perhaps a touch of Gentle Giant.
"Someday"
at first brought Asia to mind, and while the song retains
that sort of feel, it becomes much more earthy right away in
true JDA
fashion.
"You Are Free" is a country-rockish, brit-bluesish ditty that
has a
more happy and whimsical feel than the prior tracks. It contains a
message that is much loftier than the
tune suggests, however, a dichotomy
that I was excited about after listening to it a couple times. I like
this
one a lot more than any song of its kind I've heard to date.
"A Bitter Pill" jumps right
back into the rock ballad salad with guitar
licks that would make zero ambiance guitarists drool. The guitar is
especially passionate in this song with a restraint worthy of greats like
Steve Hackett and Eddie VanHalen.
Very Pink Floyddish in feel, this is
one of my favorites, if not my favorite.
"From Heart To
Hand" revisits a late 70's Beatles sound while retaining
the great guitar work and interjecting a bit of an early
90's touch. I
wish the vocal harmonies were a bit tighter on this one, but the power
of the song itself more
than compensates. Don't listen to this one if
you're at all sad unless you don't mind breaking into tears . . .
very
emotionally powerful song, this.
"Bluestown" steps into the power pop ring with
weighted gloves and goes
straight for the knockout. JDA experiments with vocal processing in
this one and brings
it off quite nicely.
"Bluesshack" is a slightly unsettling short harmonica piece that
perhaps
was intended as a closing to "Bluestown" but instead (or in
addition to) brilliantly sets the stage for "What Could Be Better," which is
another
Beatlesesque ditty that is both highly entertaining and inspiring
with its simple message and pleasant melody.
"Freeway" starts off a bit slow with a buildup that slides nicely into
a rockin' blues ballad that
feels quite a bit like Creedence Clearwater
Revival with ZZ Top joining the jam session. The guitar is way in the
background, almost like a disjointed afterthought on this one and
that's sad because it's very tasty.
"Constant Devotion" made me wonder if JDA had switched engineers in the
middle
of the album because this time, the vocal feels seperate from
the track. Again, too bad because this is a strong
track otherwise and
would have probably been my favorite. As it is, though, it remains one
of my faves on this
album because the guitar break alone is worth the
price of admission and both the bass and drums strut a bit.
"Elusive" instantly brought King Crimson to mind, specifically the
insturmental, Discipline.
I am at a loss as to why, but there it is and
since I love King Crimson, I'll leave it at that.
"The
Message" was the perfect choice for the final track. Very
powerful, it leaves the listener wanting more .
. . like with the final
brush-stroke of pigmented oil on canvas, the painter knows it's not finished,
but puts it
away because otherwise, it never would be.
In totality, this album brings to
my mind an image that is both stellar
and earthly . . . that angels have descended to Earth and taken up
residence,
sacrificing their divinity to fully enjoy all that being human
has to offer.
I like
this album . . . so much so that I will give my strongest
recommendation: if you love rock, you must
own this album.
Jef Peace
PeaceWork Music Net
FROM 16 GRAMMY-AWARD WINNER CARMINE D'AMICO
Carmine was the guitarist on most of the SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER soundtrack, has
worked with FRANK SINATRA, BEN VEREEN, TINA TURNER, LEAONARD BERNSTEIN, to name just a few.
WE ARE THRILLED TO GET HIS FEEDBACK!
Great Classic Rock.Loved the songs,especially Your Vocals Joel.Very different
from the current generation of Rock,
you have meaningful songs with a message.
JDA . . . stands for Just Damn Amazing
by jef peace http://www.peaceworkmusic.net/0473/0473.htm |
Rating:
9
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JDA . . . harrumph! What does JDA mean?
Juvenile Delinquents Association?
Junkie Druggies Anonymous? Jamaican Drummers Association? Okay, okay, it
really stands
for Joel, Don and Arno, but to me it stands for Just Damn
Amazing!
I listened to "Through A Moving Window" because it
was submitted to PWMN for
distribution and I had to . . . then, I listened to it again because I
wanted to . . . then
again and again so I could write this unsolicited
review as a small "thank you" to JDA for creating this CD.
It starts with the Genisesesque "The Change Will Do
You Good." Not bad, not
bad at all . . . interesting, even. Then BLAM! "Who She Was" grabs you by
the ears and captures
your heart and soul, moving you to make a mental note
to begin searching for JDA t-shirts and other paraphernalia so you
can let
the world know you're a JDA fan.
Then JDA continues to cement the newly found adoration
with "The Door,"
"L'Aurore Suit La Nocturne," and "The Tide Has Turned Away." Then, just
when you thought you had arrived
at the Pearly Gates, "And She Knows" makes
it obvious there's a higher level than Heaven, at least musically speaking .
.
. "And she knows that the best is yet to come . . ." can it get any
better?
Believe it or not, yes. "No More Goodbyes" stirs passions
almost instantly
and takes us through a short journey with a pair of lovers who have become
one with each other and
the universe around them. Reminiscent of Styx and
Yes, but with a style all their own.
Then, almost ultra-simplistic in comparison, strains
of acoustic guitar let
us know the pace is about to slow down a bit and we're treated to a gentle,
whimsical love ballad,
"You're In My Heart." If I were a woman, I'm sure I
would have teared up on this one . . . but, of course, being a big,
buff
man, I made certain I was alone before allowing the mist to gather at the
bottom of my eyelids.
"Dead Boys" bring us back to the present and moves
us a bit into the future
with electronic piano and sub vocalizations blending with other sounds to
intro a very unique
song which I can not find words to describe. I like it,
possibly more than any other on this CD.
Then, back to the basics with "Blues Hand." Very well
done, great lyrics
and solid instrumentation with a couple interesting hooks.
Then, the only let-down on this entire album. I found
"Hail The Conquering
Hero " to be a bit, dare I say, trite? However, this is the only song on
the album that I didn't
absolutely love and to be fair, it's only inferior
by comparison.
JDA more than redeems themselves for disappointing
me and leaves me with a
huge grin on my face and a soul at rest with "For A Moment She Believes."
This song is worth
the purchase price in itself. Very strong writing and a
literal monument to what is possible when three musicians get together
and
create a song.
I can't stress enough how amazing I found this CD to
be . . . it has made my
"all time top 100" list, somewhere around 20 or so, not too far from albums
like "The Wall"
and "Quadrophenia." If you're only going to buy one CD this
year, make it "Through A Moving Window."
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A FIne Time
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jda
JDA is original without leaving
their Brit-Pop roots. Having lived in England some years back, this tune reminded me of walks on the moors, dinners in rural
pubs and the shrinking pound years. Took me somewhere.
"Classic Rock, Psychedelic, Progressive, an aural documentary of famous '60s-70s' rock album
'feels.' Harrison slide-guitar riffs, Moody Blues embellished movements, Blind Faith pianos, you name it." and about THROUGH
A MOVING WINDOW, "JDA continues to keep the early '70s classic rock era alive with an energy and verve that I can appreciate.
And I think others can, too."...Frank Cotolo
 A REVIEW ABOUT SLEEPYHEAD
Reviewer: Jason
ABOUT
"SLEEPYHEAD" "catchy tune, in a wacked out way...kinks "soap opera" and "schoolboys in disgrace" come to mind".."guess that
at least the singer is from britainia if not, he should be"
Great! Takes me somewhere!
Reviewer: James Younger
I
had purchased this CD from MP3.com about 6 months ago when I read a review there from Frank Cotolo. I used to listen to Wolfman
Jack on some syndicated program and "Mars" Cotolo was his writer, sometimes on-air collaborator. I saw the name and was curious
to see what he was saying. On the strength of Frank's words I checked out JDA and bought the CD on the spot. These guys bring
back memories and moods that for too long have been forgotten, and yet they sound new! I recommend it and would buy it if
I didn't already own it. You should. It has true staying power!
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Through a moving Window:
Coming from a lush productions, and monsterous multi track recordings background I have been starving for a return
to this formate for years. Since the alternative rock movement all but destroyed anything requiring more then 3 instruments
I have been dead from listener bordom for a decade. Through a Moving Window the new release from Brit rock style band
JDA gives me hope that great production and lush multi track recordings could be making a comeback. The CD takes the listener
on a labyrinthine journey that reminds me of music intended to take your mind, souls, and spirit somewhere while leaving everything
else behind. Through a Moving Window will stimulate your brain, not your libido.
Charlie Harrelson, evor.com review
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jda2
Amazing!
Reviewer: Jason
"JDA returns with THROUGH A MOVING WINDOW, having grown musically, and
with a new collection of songs, each unique and special, yet somehow linked to each other." Absolutely wonderful, I heard
these guys might be performing live!!! Let's hope so!
Review of the band JDA
You know how it is when you listen to a piece of music and you know you have heard
it somewhere before. Well welcome to JDA. This trio brings back the feel of the seventies British rock genera, with a style
all their own.
Look at the band's history and you will see that the
members have done it all, from Deep Purple and Rush covers to Beatles tributes. All the years of pounding out song after song
from all the great artists before them have help to create this framework we know now as JDA.
The trio of Joel Pirard, Don Pitz, and Arno Tietje make up the New York based band. In many groups you get to
say this person plays this instrument and this one plays that instrument, with these guys if you look at the many different
instruments listed under their profiles, you just call them musicians and let it go at that. With all these different instruments
to have at their fingertips you would think that there is a possibility of some interesting music, or a real confused mess.
JDA pulls this off well and their music has a rich feel and flavor all their own.
Don Pitz provides the lead vocals
for JDA. His voices are reminiscent of David Bowie, with a strong range and an almost theatric sound that comes from
covering artists like Ian Gillan, or Geddy Lee, during the bands cover artist period. Don's voice has an interesting
lure to it that will take you back to those great seventies vocalists as his vocals are clear, rich and not that boring baritone
stuff that has dominated the current radio friendly artists of the new millennium. With that said, don't think this band is
just a takeoff from an old 70's band making their 5th comeback. You can hear the originality and the creativity in every song
as they blend their past with music that is ready for today.
The guitar work done by Joel Pirard, and Arno Tietje are
effective, though not stunning. Hearing how well these two artists work together more then makes up for the lack of a real
flash guitarist in the group. The give and take between the piano and the guitar is done very well from song to song as it
is obvious that they have played together for many years. They don't sound like polished studio players reading charts and
working together for the first time, they sound like a couple guys that have been playing together for years and this relationship
is developed with each song. It is almost as if they guys actually got together and discussed what the next move would be
before going into the studio to record the tracks. I've been involved with artists using session players before and even though
the sound is professional and every note is perfect, the real lack of feel and emotion is obvious. JDA uses what they know
will work and then it seems they try just a little harder to make something special. This band interaction is very appealling
and honest.
My only suggestion for this polished act would be that they hire a studio engineer and let him/her
handle the recording and mixing of their songs. Having an outside engineer injecting a few new studio tricks could give this
band the final boost it needs to reach a new level of enjoyment.
FINAL NOTE:
When you listen to music that reminds you of another style, it is hard to pick out something different. When you listen to
a person or group that can put so much into a piece of music that you notice, there is nothing old or dated about that piece.
JDA is that group with talent, determination to bring their music to a different level. Listening to them may bring back memories
of yesterday, but the feeling of the music will have you waiting on tomorrow..Bill Carrera
New reviews about the NEW stuff!
What Could Be Better?
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A short, Beatlesque day-trip back to a gentler, more light-hearted
rock era.
Good writing, good instrumentation,
just all-around good. Would hear the final mix of this one.
Freeway - Solid blues rock
a la George Thoroughgood with a side of Jerry Lee
Lewis.Featuring some pretty hot harmonica and a lot of pounding 4/4
gutsy guitarand keys.
You
Are Free -
Powerful poetry and vocals backed by unique and well-executed guitar and harmonies. A possible giant
sleeping here.
From
Heart To Hand -
Nostalgic journey to those harmonious fifties. Love-gone-wrong lamentation with some very interesting
guitar and keyboard to keep us in the present as our mind drifts back in time.
Go hear to hear them!
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/2/jdamusic.htm
Jef Peace
http://www.peaceworkmusic.net/
I had the pleasure of seeing them live on two occasions first on a mini concert staged in NJ together
with a few other great bands from
Evor.com and on the second of the series of concerts that are been conducted all
across
America in the Boston Arlington theater and what a great show that
was !!!!!!!! I'm playing their complete list and two
songs that stand
out to me I believe from their latest are "You Are Free" that starts out with an acoustic
guitar
that righty off the outset sets the mood for what is about to come next as it melts together with some string and electric
guitars
that work remarkably well Then the full band comes in in a big way reminiscent of The best who era but no this
is better the Magnificent bass playing and rhythm of the drums that drive the song through the end is absolutely nothing
short
of magnificent wow what a band !!! Singers sings with heart a good expression the
whole band brilliantly played this song
just as the veterans of rock they are. Also worth mentioning is "From the heart to hand" that starts out with acoustic but
this time around a little heavier on the orchestrations well one
needs one listen to know that the sound they display
on this all their songs was not an accident or a well rehearsed band before a recording but years of collective work together
melting them into what it is
The brilliant sound of J D A
Carmel Risquet
Suicidal Poets
http://www.evor.com/suicidal_poets.html
suicidal poets posted on Sun September 29, 2002 If
you want treat of great Rock Music listen to "For a Moment she believes"
By Jda. It's a pleasure to find one of my favor
Free-Agent Artists here on soundclick. Olso I had the honored to have worked on one of our songs with Mr. Joel Pirard who
plays a magnificent Keyboards, Bass you name it, he can play them all.
On this page they have a few unfinish cuts I had never hear before I imagine from their newest CD that
from what I understand is still in progress!!!
JDA are a musical collective consisting of Joel Pirard, vocals, keyboards,
bass, acoustic guitar, percussion,Don Pitz, lead vocals, keyboards, and percussion,and Arno Tietje, vocals, lead guitar, bass,
acoustic guitar, lap steel, mandolin, percussion. They have created a unique original sound, with a nod to the best of British
rock! These 3 refugees from other bands felt that radio wasnt reflecting their vision, so they created their own.
Suicidal Poets
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SUICIDAL POETS
http://www.soundclick.com/suicidalpoets
More
about THE JDA PROJECT
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