Keep the Edge Studios of Quincy, MA released Ryan Carraher’s debut album Vocturnal on March 16, 2016. With eight tracks of heavy, solid, modern jazz and influences of both Boston and fusion Vocturnal features Ryan Carraher on guitar, Steve Wilkinson on drums, Evan Waaramaa on keyboard, Brandon Wilkins on the Alto saxophone, and Greg Toro on bass. Composed by Ryan Carraher, produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Keith Asack. This album offers to bring a firework show to imagination. With Vocturnal being an instrumental jazz album the genuine feel of sitting in on a jam session feels very real.
On track number one titled Equuleus the group of talented musicians slowly creep into frequencies picked up by the human ear, introducing themselves in a spectrum of keys, strings, horns, and percussion instruments. Track number two titled Valantis picks up at the same pace as Equuleus however soon after the first bridge much has begun to change in the melody, and the pure talent these musicians have is being expressed to their highest potential. Track number three titled 9 Thermidor slows the tempo down to a cool calming 1930’s esque tobacco smoke filled speak easy. Smooth, warm saxophone accompanied along side by strong yet powerful bass lines give the best of compliments to a meaningful guitar solo. Track number four titled Sagitta makes for a wonderfully great reason to stop and stare upwards into the clouds above Earth, even on the busiest of days. Track number five titled Vocturnal welcomes itself as if it were an old acquaintance whom comes with clean tight guitar riffs, keyboard solo’s, face melting saxophone, and an extraordinarily unique drum sequence. Track number six titled Pangolin keeps that Boston jazz vibe healthy and alive with a strong melodic keyboardist and percussionist rhythm. The type of finger snapping, toe tapping saxophone energy that buries itself within the bones of a human being and causes general mellow behavior. Track number seven titled Gdansk slowly begins allowing each musician another opportunity to play a solo with unique experimental harmonies. Track number eight titled Aquila brings a quick and dramatic end to Ryan Carraher’s debut album Vocturnal.
With visuals of church, clowns, and sunny days on the best of days are rainy nights with salty high water tides. The existence of life lives in a sense of controlled time. Ryan Carraher, Steve Wilkinson, Evan Waaramaa, Brandon Wilkins, Greg Toro, Keith Asack, to everyone not listed, and those at Keep the Edge Studios in Quincy, MA thank you for all the hard work, talent, and pure determination you poured into bringing Vocturnal to life.
Spirit’s Furnace opens with the Bones of J.R. Jones wasting absolutely no time at all and begins with track number one titled 13 Kinds. Filled with a steady pulse, what needs to be remembered is the Bones of J.R. Jones is a one-man band, playing every instrument on the entire record; Jonathon Linaberry is a very talented human being. With the constant feeling of being at a Soggy Bottoms Boys live show, I sat back and enthusiastically enjoyed each and every track on Spirit’s Furnace. Wonderful story telling leads into track number two titled The Heat, showing a bit more edgy blues, rock vibe than actual folk is a decent expression of the music range the Bones of J.R. Jones can accomplish with quality and grace. The single off Spirit’s Furnace is track number three titled Hammers and Nails. Pushing the doors open with this track, soon the Bones of J.R. Jones will be a household name. Hammers and Nails has a fantastic progression to go with an even catchier chorus. Now by track number four titled Bless your Soul, the music is very moving and causing energy similar to cold whiskey drinks inside small town dance halls. Track number five titled Dry Dirt will put a sense of southern raised church vibes right through speakers with heart-warming sine waves of love and empathy. Track number six titled Wedding Song is a breathtakingly beautiful visual of an even more gorgeous moment in time, the Bones of J.R. Jones portrays Jonathon Linaberry’s happily married life to his soul mate Lisa Przystup. Track number seven titled I’m your Broken Dog is a creative way for sadness and yet overwhelmingly positive determination to be expressed through harmony. Loyalty and pain feels like a fairy tale coming from the poetic talents of Jonathon Linaberry. Track number eight titled Walk on By tells a tale relatable to the natural human condition of growth and personal space, effected by the negative impact of unhealthy relationships. Track number nine is an effects stripped copy of track number five Dry Dirt, bringing a necessary raw, rough live feeling performance that leaves a sense of un-provoked fulfillment. Dry Dirt (stripped) is a wonderful track to end the Bones of J.R. Jones album, Spirit’s Furnace.
Spirit’s Furnace is a well-crafted work of art that will last the test of time and prove to become in a sense timeless. Thank you to all of the audio engineers, and most important thank you Jonathon Linaberry for pouring your heart and soul into this album. Again the Bones of J.R. Jones Spirit’s Furnace set to be released April 15, 2016.
Quick to change tempo the horns become hard, and the keys become sharp, all making the vocals of Mr. Paul – Ronney Angel crisp and clear. The tenth track titled Rusty Water and Coffin Nails offers the unique visual of classic blues in the sight of modern times, a story of love once had and better days previously seen. Track number eleven titled Destiny Angel whistles through the mind of those open to the experience. Fallen Brothers track number twelve however grabs the back of the brain and relieves the pressure of what could have been. Lucky number thirteen is titled Lullabye, a portrait of love and conscious soul found in all living beings.
