Ned Evett - Strange Kind of Freedom
Nashville born, L.A. based musician, animator and writer Ned Evett will probably always be known as "the glass guitarist" (a nod to his highly original, distinct and self-invented glass necked fretless guitars, and sound).
But there’s also the small matter of some excellent and acclaimed solo albums, including Afraid4U, the Adrian Belew produced Treehouse (featuring "the Globro," Evett’s fretless, mirrored glass and steel resonator) and previous studio album All American Radio, a Nashville inspired album that featured Evett's own invention, the Sliding Glass Capo.
Four years on from All American Radio comes Strange Kind Of Freedom, a decidedly upbeat release that covers a number of highly rhythmic, pop-rock styles, whilst incorporating Ned Evett’s unique take on Americana, folk rock, blues and Nashville country.
That the rhythm section is as important as Evett’s guitar play (on his one-of-a-kind fretless Morningstar all glass guitar), is underlined by the presence and talents of Grammy Award winning bassist Pete Griffin (Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, Zappa Plays Zappa, Zakk Wylde, Dethklok, Karl Denson) and multi-disciplined drummer Shane Gaalaas (B'z, Michael Schenker, Yngwie Malmsteen, Uli Jon Roth, Vinnie Moore, Jeff Kollman).
Fast fretless fingerwork kicks of the calypso rock of 'Good News,' a rhythmic up-tempo that’s as fun as it is infectious. That it also allows Ned Evett to run a few expressive flurries of six-string joy on his guitar is further good news for fans of the glass guitar maestro.
Similarly joyful is 'Make Way For LaBuda,' a pop-rock "Hallelujah" for the (new) age, one that sports some nifty rhythmic work from Messrs Griffin & Gaalaas.
The title track, about breaking free and finding your own path, sits firmly in blues pop territory but with a Nashville country twang, courtesy of Ned Evett's slinky and sliding six-string lines.
A highlight of the album, 'Strange Kind Of Freedom' is uplifting in its groove and tone, assisted by some tasty lead work.
Downtempo contrast is then provided by piano led ballad 'In Between,' which is part lonesome cowboy, part forlorn lovers ("I’ll head east, and you head west… sometimes love is in between").
'Nantucket’s Sleigh Ride' is one of the most interestingly arranged songs Ned Evett has ever written.
A musical kaleidoscope of new age folk, rock and country, the progressively shaped number bows out on a short instrumental run that reminds of the similarly paced 'Baba O’Riley' outro (no bad thing).
'Colors Of The Road,' in vocal duet with Heidi Farmer, is swaying, Americana-pop charm (with a lovely extended guitar outro), while 'Dead Cat Bounce' does indeed bounce, with both alt-rockabilly pop fun and percussive panache.
Dreamy six-minute number 'Message To You,' which builds to a weightier glass guitar cacophony climax, presents itself as another highlight.
The same standout credit applies to 'Rockstar,' which sounds like a slightly heavier, peak-era Moody Blues at their rock meets classic pop best (again, no bad thing).
Lighter relief then comes by way of the country-folk meets reggae-pop of 'Lions,' which closes out the album in can’t help but smile style.
Produced by the band & Cherian Jubilee (who co-wrote all songs with Ned Evett), and expertly mixed & mastered by Cory Churko, Strange Kind of Freedom is a refreshing example of a musician being himself, with his own sound and style. More power – and freedom – to Ned Evett.
Ross Muir
FabricationsHQ
Buy/ Stream Strange Kind Of Freedom: https://artists.landr.com/055855359834
Vinyl: https://8c786d-50.myshopify.com/products/presale-album-strange-kind-of-freedom
But there’s also the small matter of some excellent and acclaimed solo albums, including Afraid4U, the Adrian Belew produced Treehouse (featuring "the Globro," Evett’s fretless, mirrored glass and steel resonator) and previous studio album All American Radio, a Nashville inspired album that featured Evett's own invention, the Sliding Glass Capo.
Four years on from All American Radio comes Strange Kind Of Freedom, a decidedly upbeat release that covers a number of highly rhythmic, pop-rock styles, whilst incorporating Ned Evett’s unique take on Americana, folk rock, blues and Nashville country.
That the rhythm section is as important as Evett’s guitar play (on his one-of-a-kind fretless Morningstar all glass guitar), is underlined by the presence and talents of Grammy Award winning bassist Pete Griffin (Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, Zappa Plays Zappa, Zakk Wylde, Dethklok, Karl Denson) and multi-disciplined drummer Shane Gaalaas (B'z, Michael Schenker, Yngwie Malmsteen, Uli Jon Roth, Vinnie Moore, Jeff Kollman).
Fast fretless fingerwork kicks of the calypso rock of 'Good News,' a rhythmic up-tempo that’s as fun as it is infectious. That it also allows Ned Evett to run a few expressive flurries of six-string joy on his guitar is further good news for fans of the glass guitar maestro.
Similarly joyful is 'Make Way For LaBuda,' a pop-rock "Hallelujah" for the (new) age, one that sports some nifty rhythmic work from Messrs Griffin & Gaalaas.
The title track, about breaking free and finding your own path, sits firmly in blues pop territory but with a Nashville country twang, courtesy of Ned Evett's slinky and sliding six-string lines.
A highlight of the album, 'Strange Kind Of Freedom' is uplifting in its groove and tone, assisted by some tasty lead work.
Downtempo contrast is then provided by piano led ballad 'In Between,' which is part lonesome cowboy, part forlorn lovers ("I’ll head east, and you head west… sometimes love is in between").
'Nantucket’s Sleigh Ride' is one of the most interestingly arranged songs Ned Evett has ever written.
A musical kaleidoscope of new age folk, rock and country, the progressively shaped number bows out on a short instrumental run that reminds of the similarly paced 'Baba O’Riley' outro (no bad thing).
'Colors Of The Road,' in vocal duet with Heidi Farmer, is swaying, Americana-pop charm (with a lovely extended guitar outro), while 'Dead Cat Bounce' does indeed bounce, with both alt-rockabilly pop fun and percussive panache.
Dreamy six-minute number 'Message To You,' which builds to a weightier glass guitar cacophony climax, presents itself as another highlight.
The same standout credit applies to 'Rockstar,' which sounds like a slightly heavier, peak-era Moody Blues at their rock meets classic pop best (again, no bad thing).
Lighter relief then comes by way of the country-folk meets reggae-pop of 'Lions,' which closes out the album in can’t help but smile style.
Produced by the band & Cherian Jubilee (who co-wrote all songs with Ned Evett), and expertly mixed & mastered by Cory Churko, Strange Kind of Freedom is a refreshing example of a musician being himself, with his own sound and style. More power – and freedom – to Ned Evett.
Ross Muir
FabricationsHQ
Buy/ Stream Strange Kind Of Freedom: https://artists.landr.com/055855359834
Vinyl: https://8c786d-50.myshopify.com/products/presale-album-strange-kind-of-freedom