THE RECIPE
Geode (Phoenix Rising)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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West Virginia's entry into the jamband sweepstakes, The Recipe offer up a more distinctive sound than most, with no small part of the credit going to guitarist/vocalist Joe Prichard and vocalist Kristen Wolverton, the group's songwriting team. I've long held that no matter how talented the musicians are, or how long the jams run, without great songs in the first place jam bands quickly fall into the pits of the "mindless noodling" stereotypes that follow them all. Great songs are the salvation, and The Recipe have great songs.

They also have the musical traditions of the West Virginia hills to draw on, and violinist Hannah Ross standing by to add the right lick at the right time to tie them to those traditions. The rhythm section features the requisite bass and drums (Mike Vitale and Gregg Lowley, respectively) and is augmented by congas and percussion from Tom Whelan, providing yet another dimension to the sound. When they lock in on the groove, the results are impressive.

There are a lot of bands vying for the ears of fans of improvisational rock these days. It's easy to overlook some good ones. The Recipe are one of the best I've heard - don't miss them.

Track List:

Real Wilde Cinema * Honeybee * Cajun Rose * One Day Away From The Cusp * Witch Hazel * Pinwheel * For Houdini * Stardust Lovers * The Garden * The Seed

© 2001 - Shaun Dale