Eugene Macari
Blues for Django
Angela Macari O’Looney
A veteran musician with a penchant for jazz, Eugene Macari performs favourites from his extensive repertoire on this lovely CD, which is named after a master guitarist Django Reinhardt.
Produced by Jim Doherty, it was recorded over a period of days with Eugene performing on a variety of instruments including Double Bass on certain tracks. It’s a relaxed and extremely stimulating collection of standards, with a few easily recognisable classics thrown into the mix.
Eugene’s pedigree as a former professional musician is diamond standard, with a star studded list of accomplishments to his name. He has done it all where live appearances are concerned.
Red Hurley, Dickie Rock, Tony Kenny are among the list of people he played for. But that’s only national stars!
International stars include such names as Shirley Bassey, Rebecca Storm and Matt Munroe. Bands he previously played with include The Jim Farley Band, Earl Gill’s band, Bebop Gold, The Gaiety Orchestra and The National Concert Orchestra.
Eugene was also a regular sight on R.T.E. Late Late Show during Gay Byrne’s reign and also on The Proms. He often found himself performing background music for the film industry too, and his guitar prowess can be heard on many well known Themes.
Not a bad profile for a guy who drives a Dublin Taxi!
After his few years away from the music scene, Eugene dreams of returning to his True calling, but hasn’t yet decided at what level. However, if you sat with a glass of wine and just let yourself be indulged with Blues for Django, you’d never be able to say you don’t like jazz again.
Blues for Django Acoustic
This number is a slinky piece with a divine melody line and involves lots of variation, which Eugene addresses with the flair and flamboyance of the expert Jazz Guitarist. Its three and a half minutes of pure pleasure.
That’s all
A slow, melancholic song, this would bring a tear to a stone it is so sweet. It’s a number that simply beckons the musician to play it with reverence. Chords in it are wonderful and for the first verse and chorus, Eugene plays the melody through. Then he begins the jazzier second phase of the song, where he caresses each note and bar with just the right amount of elaborate riffs to make it tantalizing.
Eugene performs a second version of the title song from this album on his Byrdland guitar. This instrument is a dear friend to him and when you hear this track you understand why it’s his favourite.
Blues for Django has a very haunting but beautiful melody line and as Eugene bends notes and glides his fingers, effortlessly performing the elaborate fretwork, he expresses his love for both jazz and his Byrdland!
Secret Love
This is where the Double Bass comes in!
A soft drumbeat with brushes lends to the atmosphere of this upbeat cover. It’s a much loved song from the musical Calamity Jane and Eugene ensures that you hear the familiar notes before performing the jazzed up second phase. However, he gives it the Macari treatment later on, where he adds superb improvisation with mind blowing chords and lead combined!
The Way You Look Tonight is one of the most romantic love songs of all time. When you hear it being sung to you by a deliciously seductive guitar, it’s a million times more romantic!
As in each track on his album, Eugene performs the number in its entirety first, before putting his elaborate slant onto it. Yet he’s able to do this sensitively enough to allow his music to be accessible to people less familiar with contemporary jazz. This would be for me, what sets him apart from some of the musicians one might hear playing jazz.
One of my favourites on this CD, Jersey Bounce is a number that would have been played by big bands such as Benny Goodman’s. Eugene can turn it into an ideal piece for his Byrdland. He and his guitar take you to heaven and back, as he adds those unique flourishes to it and seduces the listener throughout with jazzy riffs and chords that are undeniably special!
Nuages which is one of Django’s most popular compositions, has an exotic melody line and involves slinky chords, accompanying delectable notation, as Eugene bends notes here and there and performs twists and turns that are unforgettable. It inspires thoughts of Hawaiian beaches and orange sunsets. He returns to the haunting chorus, reminding you of how beautiful this composition is and fades with a few jazzier bars.
This Song is you
Fast, with a superb key change, outstanding chord combinations and stunning improvisation, this number is a Feel good journey from beginning to end!
Stardust
The intro to this is unbelievably beautiful and when you hear the chorus, you say ‘Oh yes, I know this one’.
Performed by many singers and played by almost all of the big bands, this standard never loses its charm. However there’s certain tranquillity about this version with just a guitar featuring, allowing the pretty melody to be the focal point. A flawless touch of improvisation adds to this and Eugene once again makes a gorgeous classic his own.
Stevie Wonder’s Isn’t She Lovely is a cheerful number and I find it really refreshing when performed as an instrumental. Choppy chords and a hint of jazz here and there give it a bit of extra oomph.
Autumn Leaves
Rich and memorable, this would have been sung by Nat King Cole and a number of legendary singers. Autumn Leaves is an extraordinary number that has some dramatic chord combinations. In this version, Eugene changes octaves during the chorus, lending a little more dynamic. Fingers fly across the guitar frets and stylish flourishes are injected, while chords set the lively, slinky pace!
Moonlight in Vermont
This number is quite popular with lovers of jazz and it must be one of the finest compositions ever written. Performed with soft drums in the background, Double bass infused to add depth and the subtle key change that lifts this piece completely, are key features. Chords are gently strummed and elaborate improvisation makes this lovely number even more irresistible.
In the wee small hours of the morning would have been one from Sinatra’s repertoire. A lovely choice for a slower number, this is a soulful and beautiful love song. Eugene’s guitar pours out each note with velvety smoothness and his imaginative rendition here is touching.
Where or when is a standard that would for me bring back memories of famous female Jazz singers such as Lena Horne and Peggy Lee and was also recorded by Old Blue eyes. This jaunty Rodgers and Hart composition from the film Babes in Arms is played here with artistic twists here and there and sweet slides or bends where necessary to flavour it. Eugene plays double bass too, which gives it fullness.
Stardust is performed on Eugene’s Martin as a finale to his one man show. And somehow it fits just right, especially if you enjoyed hearing it the first time round. I would imagine that only a true musician or guitar lover could empathise with this philosophy, but it being one of the most well known and well liked Jazz standards makes it the perfect encore!
To sample any of these inspiring instrumentals, visit Eugene’s My Space page and prepare for a soothing and unforgettable experience!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Xeosun gig review (also see irishunsigned.com)
Xerosun/ D.N.A./Zero Tolerance/Censura
Fibber Magees
22/01/11
Angela Macari O’Looney
Xerosun are a four piece Dublin based metal band, who recently released their debut album Absence of Light.
Members are Fiachra-Rhythm guitars/Programming, Ives-O’Sullivan- Vocals/Bass, Darrin Bell-Drums/Percussion and Gareth Jeffs-Lead guitars/Programming. They have an original sound that could only be appreciated by true heavy rock lovers, who enjoy indulging their darker side occasionally.
Once drawn in by their passionately performed music, you find yourself returning for another taste, and another and another!
This wasn’t my first time in Fibbers, but it was my first live gig there.
The first band up were very young, but seemed to have brought quite a following with them.
Zero Tolerance
Members of Zero Tolerance are Macker McDonagh, David Fitzsimons, Louis Maher and Dylan Scully. Hailing from Celbridge, they produce a good sound, are confidant, polished and very entertaining.
They began with a grunged up version of Whiskey in the Jar. This involved guitars performing with the use of lots of distortion. Lead in particular was brilliant. I thought this number a great choice to open up with. This rocked up version was made popular by Metallica and this young band definitely did it justice here.
They continued their set with The Dawning, where Dave did yet more outstanding lead. Amazing riffs throughout were played by all three guitars in synch and flanger was used for the scorching solo. Lead vocals were excellent here and I found each instrument impressive, blending well together.
They went on to perform Slither, a Velvet Revolver cover which involved a fab riff intro and an exceptional lead solo. The crowd sang along with the chorus and was getting into full party mode now.
C.O.D. , Out to get you and Empty and Hollow were the remaining songs in this set. Each inspired lots of air guitar playing and head banging and with cool chord combinations and a great beat to each number, the lads got the show off to a great start.
Dedicated Noise Addiction (DNA)
D.N.A. are a band who lean towards the old style school of Rock. Their influences such as Zeppelin, Guns ‘n’ Roses and AC/DC feature in their music. They are an act who truly live to play and are totally unforgettable after you’ve witnessed them.
From Dublin, they are Davy Burns- Vocals, Gaz O’Keeffe-Guitar/Vocals, Paul Walker-Guitar/Vocals, Ken Seery-Bass/Vocals and Glenn Tyler-Drums/Percussion. For this gig they had a guest drummer Billy O’Neill.
Opening up with a rocked up cover of Soft Cell’s Tainted Love, Davy was hyper as he sported a crazy looking red mop-style wig. He oozed charisma, but seduced the crowd with his sensational vocals. Grunged up riffs, distortion laden guitars throughout and a manic beat gave this song a whole new meaning!
Deprived was next. This has a fab lead intro, with a powerful baseline featuring. Guitars are amazing and backing vocals do a refrain for the chorus. Packed with NRG it inspired serious head banging from many punters. Davy just let loose here!
One of a kind is reminiscent of AC/DC with a dramatic baseline, screaming lead and Davy using voice distortion to wake up the eardrums of his audience a bit more.
For Liquid Silver guitars perform complex riffs. Bassist Ken shines here and I loved his input into everything including backing vocals and harmony.
Drunk Double has a seductive melody line, with out of this world riffs throughout.
The Drake Escape is a rocking number about an escaped duck. It involves backing vocals in the chorus and has a really memorable melody line. This number was definitely my favorite for the crazy chorus. Davy’s vocals really shone here. Loved this one and it seemed that with each number this five piece just got better and better.
They performed a few more original numbers, all vibrant and with a lot of serious guitar throughout, finishing with a Foo Fighters cover All my life.
The entire set was superb from beginning to end, with first class everything and Davy’s powerful delivery of each song hard to resist.
Dave from Zero Tolerance had his head shaved during an interval at this point of the gig. His sacrifice was in aid of Suicide Awareness and he raised some money for this worthwhile cause. From flowing blonde locks to skinhead, it was a brave and selfless act and reminded me a little of the story of Samson and Delilah. I just hope his brilliant guitar playing doesn’t disappear like Samson’s strength.
Censura
I woudn’t describe the lead vocalist in this next act as a singer, but more of a raging bull!
They hail from Limerick and are a metal band that don’t exactly tantalize my musical tastebuds. Guitars are pretty stylish, but I found the vocalist just way too O.T.T for me.
Younger members of the audience seemed to be really enjoying them however, so maybe it’s an acquired taste. They definitely put a lot of energy into their performance and some interesting guitar bits filtered through here and there. Personally I’d prefer some music in the vocals as opposed to all that screaming!
Xerosun
The moment of truth had arrived and the band I was here to see arrived onstage. The intro to the first number was blasted out and was instantly recognized by the crowd.
Cut me down has machine gun style rhythm guitar throughout. Fab chord combinations and dramatically dark notation vibrate and resound, while Darrin’s drums bash out the rocking beat. I particularly enjoyed the way it comes to a semi stop,
to explode into life again.
Ivan’s gravelly delivery is unbelievably powerful and the rest of the lads sing out the chorus as do the audience.
Guitarist Gareth performed superb lead in the second number In my mind.
Tragic sounding chords and a busy beat with lots of cymbal, snare and drumrolls are key features, plus distortion packed bass and programming that lends fantastic atmosphere. Ivan’s vocals are passionate in this one and at one point things go quiet. Then he belts out the pulsating chorus again.
Broken which is my favorite song from the Absence of Light album was next. The grunge soaked intro with distortion all over the place, a powerful riff and a totally memorable chorus are what makes this number so special. Everyone sang out with Ivan. Guitars are revved up to blow you away, while sensational lead and superb programming add atmosphere.
Transparent Fantasy involves a trickling guitar intro and a tame verse. Things become more explosive for the chorus in this slower, yet vibrant song. Ivan proves his vocal ability as he adapts from the softer soulful verse, to become gritty for the punchy chorus.
All for Nothing This song is brilliant for audience participation. Everyone is encouraged to shout out the lines of the chorus; Hate, you wait, you’ve got to decide for me. This number has a distortion laden riff that’s out of this world and Ives baseline and Darrin’s bashing drums are very effective here too. Love this number!
Gareth performed elaborate lead guitar in 30 Seconds. Vocals were excellent here. It’s a moody number, with dark, dramatic chords and a haunting melody line.
Long way Down begins with a wonderful baseline, joined by heavy guitar notes and rhythm. Chorus is excellent in this number, with dynamic splashes of guitar filtered through. Sound effects are magnificent.
Backing vocals are sung behind Ives. It’s a powerful number and even more so live.
Silent Call was performed to the same superior standard, with Ives able to yell out the grungier parts and alter his voice at will, to become clearer and melodic. This to me is the difference between noise and true music.
The lads finished their set with Enjoy the silence, which is a cover. Gareth plays a lead intro that’s pure poetry in motion. This number was absolutely perfect and showcased each member of the band’s musicianship to great advantage. A big rolling finish brought the show to a close.
I didn’t move from the spot, because I was certain they would get an encore and I was right. Even though it was way past the bewitching hour for me, I could have stayed their listening to Xerosun all night. I even got myself a T-Shirt and am now officially a fan.
They did Motorhead’s Ace of Spades, which lifted the roof, followed by Sense of Life and Heartfalls. I give them full marks for stamina. A band that produces such a powerful and memorable sound are what sorts out the men from the boys!
Fibber Magees
22/01/11
Angela Macari O’Looney
Xerosun are a four piece Dublin based metal band, who recently released their debut album Absence of Light.
Members are Fiachra-Rhythm guitars/Programming, Ives-O’Sullivan- Vocals/Bass, Darrin Bell-Drums/Percussion and Gareth Jeffs-Lead guitars/Programming. They have an original sound that could only be appreciated by true heavy rock lovers, who enjoy indulging their darker side occasionally.
Once drawn in by their passionately performed music, you find yourself returning for another taste, and another and another!
This wasn’t my first time in Fibbers, but it was my first live gig there.
The first band up were very young, but seemed to have brought quite a following with them.
Zero Tolerance
Members of Zero Tolerance are Macker McDonagh, David Fitzsimons, Louis Maher and Dylan Scully. Hailing from Celbridge, they produce a good sound, are confidant, polished and very entertaining.
They began with a grunged up version of Whiskey in the Jar. This involved guitars performing with the use of lots of distortion. Lead in particular was brilliant. I thought this number a great choice to open up with. This rocked up version was made popular by Metallica and this young band definitely did it justice here.
They continued their set with The Dawning, where Dave did yet more outstanding lead. Amazing riffs throughout were played by all three guitars in synch and flanger was used for the scorching solo. Lead vocals were excellent here and I found each instrument impressive, blending well together.
They went on to perform Slither, a Velvet Revolver cover which involved a fab riff intro and an exceptional lead solo. The crowd sang along with the chorus and was getting into full party mode now.
C.O.D. , Out to get you and Empty and Hollow were the remaining songs in this set. Each inspired lots of air guitar playing and head banging and with cool chord combinations and a great beat to each number, the lads got the show off to a great start.
Dedicated Noise Addiction (DNA)
D.N.A. are a band who lean towards the old style school of Rock. Their influences such as Zeppelin, Guns ‘n’ Roses and AC/DC feature in their music. They are an act who truly live to play and are totally unforgettable after you’ve witnessed them.
From Dublin, they are Davy Burns- Vocals, Gaz O’Keeffe-Guitar/Vocals, Paul Walker-Guitar/Vocals, Ken Seery-Bass/Vocals and Glenn Tyler-Drums/Percussion. For this gig they had a guest drummer Billy O’Neill.
Opening up with a rocked up cover of Soft Cell’s Tainted Love, Davy was hyper as he sported a crazy looking red mop-style wig. He oozed charisma, but seduced the crowd with his sensational vocals. Grunged up riffs, distortion laden guitars throughout and a manic beat gave this song a whole new meaning!
Deprived was next. This has a fab lead intro, with a powerful baseline featuring. Guitars are amazing and backing vocals do a refrain for the chorus. Packed with NRG it inspired serious head banging from many punters. Davy just let loose here!
One of a kind is reminiscent of AC/DC with a dramatic baseline, screaming lead and Davy using voice distortion to wake up the eardrums of his audience a bit more.
For Liquid Silver guitars perform complex riffs. Bassist Ken shines here and I loved his input into everything including backing vocals and harmony.
Drunk Double has a seductive melody line, with out of this world riffs throughout.
The Drake Escape is a rocking number about an escaped duck. It involves backing vocals in the chorus and has a really memorable melody line. This number was definitely my favorite for the crazy chorus. Davy’s vocals really shone here. Loved this one and it seemed that with each number this five piece just got better and better.
They performed a few more original numbers, all vibrant and with a lot of serious guitar throughout, finishing with a Foo Fighters cover All my life.
The entire set was superb from beginning to end, with first class everything and Davy’s powerful delivery of each song hard to resist.
Dave from Zero Tolerance had his head shaved during an interval at this point of the gig. His sacrifice was in aid of Suicide Awareness and he raised some money for this worthwhile cause. From flowing blonde locks to skinhead, it was a brave and selfless act and reminded me a little of the story of Samson and Delilah. I just hope his brilliant guitar playing doesn’t disappear like Samson’s strength.
Censura
I woudn’t describe the lead vocalist in this next act as a singer, but more of a raging bull!
They hail from Limerick and are a metal band that don’t exactly tantalize my musical tastebuds. Guitars are pretty stylish, but I found the vocalist just way too O.T.T for me.
Younger members of the audience seemed to be really enjoying them however, so maybe it’s an acquired taste. They definitely put a lot of energy into their performance and some interesting guitar bits filtered through here and there. Personally I’d prefer some music in the vocals as opposed to all that screaming!
Xerosun
The moment of truth had arrived and the band I was here to see arrived onstage. The intro to the first number was blasted out and was instantly recognized by the crowd.
Cut me down has machine gun style rhythm guitar throughout. Fab chord combinations and dramatically dark notation vibrate and resound, while Darrin’s drums bash out the rocking beat. I particularly enjoyed the way it comes to a semi stop,
to explode into life again.
Ivan’s gravelly delivery is unbelievably powerful and the rest of the lads sing out the chorus as do the audience.
Guitarist Gareth performed superb lead in the second number In my mind.
Tragic sounding chords and a busy beat with lots of cymbal, snare and drumrolls are key features, plus distortion packed bass and programming that lends fantastic atmosphere. Ivan’s vocals are passionate in this one and at one point things go quiet. Then he belts out the pulsating chorus again.
Broken which is my favorite song from the Absence of Light album was next. The grunge soaked intro with distortion all over the place, a powerful riff and a totally memorable chorus are what makes this number so special. Everyone sang out with Ivan. Guitars are revved up to blow you away, while sensational lead and superb programming add atmosphere.
Transparent Fantasy involves a trickling guitar intro and a tame verse. Things become more explosive for the chorus in this slower, yet vibrant song. Ivan proves his vocal ability as he adapts from the softer soulful verse, to become gritty for the punchy chorus.
All for Nothing This song is brilliant for audience participation. Everyone is encouraged to shout out the lines of the chorus; Hate, you wait, you’ve got to decide for me. This number has a distortion laden riff that’s out of this world and Ives baseline and Darrin’s bashing drums are very effective here too. Love this number!
Gareth performed elaborate lead guitar in 30 Seconds. Vocals were excellent here. It’s a moody number, with dark, dramatic chords and a haunting melody line.
Long way Down begins with a wonderful baseline, joined by heavy guitar notes and rhythm. Chorus is excellent in this number, with dynamic splashes of guitar filtered through. Sound effects are magnificent.
Backing vocals are sung behind Ives. It’s a powerful number and even more so live.
Silent Call was performed to the same superior standard, with Ives able to yell out the grungier parts and alter his voice at will, to become clearer and melodic. This to me is the difference between noise and true music.
The lads finished their set with Enjoy the silence, which is a cover. Gareth plays a lead intro that’s pure poetry in motion. This number was absolutely perfect and showcased each member of the band’s musicianship to great advantage. A big rolling finish brought the show to a close.
I didn’t move from the spot, because I was certain they would get an encore and I was right. Even though it was way past the bewitching hour for me, I could have stayed their listening to Xerosun all night. I even got myself a T-Shirt and am now officially a fan.
They did Motorhead’s Ace of Spades, which lifted the roof, followed by Sense of Life and Heartfalls. I give them full marks for stamina. A band that produces such a powerful and memorable sound are what sorts out the men from the boys!
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