|
Crank Up Some NEPA Originals This Summer
by Mark Urichek
Connections Magazine
George Wesley
“Hold On”
For over two
decades,
George
Wesley has
been the
voice of
reggae, dub,
and
Caribbean
rhythms in
NEPA.Wesley
has been showered
with accolades such as
singer/songwriter of the year in various local
media and been recognized as having a sizzling,
powerful live show. George is back with a new
offering titled “Hold On.”
The disc, which was produced ‘live’ – with no overdubs – at WVIA studios with local music
guru George Graham at the helm, is about as
authentic a reggae experience as you’ll have the
pleasure of hearing this far north of Jamaica.
From the ultra-rhythmic, minor key, slow burn of
the opener, “Fading Away,” to the gravel-throated
rave-up of the frenetic “Junkie Man,”Wesley
knows how to keep an audience enthralled – and
dancing in the aisles. Wesley’s use of midi-guitar
on the disc, with ‘looping’ (i.e. George can
basically be a one-man band), enabled him to
open up a whole new world of sonic possibilities– such as a faux horn section, keyboard/synth
sounds, and expanded guitar tone. Tracks like
the classic soul/R&B flavored “Ain’t No Trouble”
are a spirited example of Wesley’s midi/looping
exploration – with a robust horn ensemble complementing
the swinging rhythm. The uplifting,
careening “This Is The Sound” is also notable as
it features a mix of fascinating synth textures, as
well as a healthy peppering of steel drum sounds
and good vibes that will transport you to an
evening beach party under the coconut trees.
Wesley’s voice, it should be stated, is an effective
instrument as well. The rough, gritty passion in
his voice shines through in impressive fashion
on tracks like “Your Love’s Got a Hold On Me,”
and the driving, funky closer “When I’m next To
You I Feel Lucky.” Just the right amount of
reverb is applied to George’s voice on the discpositively
dynamite vocal character.
Look for George Wesley live this summer, both
with his trio featuring Chris Condel on drums
and bassist Peter Fritz and as a solo “one man
band” (which George nicknames ‘The Small Axe
Orchestra’) at venues from Hawley to Atlantic
City.
Visit George at www.georgewesley.com.
|