The songs on One Step Closer may come as a shock to some of the fans. The focus is on melodic development and hooks as opposed to the usual extended solos and jamology. I see this as a bold move. They had something to say and, rather than play it safe, they followed their instincts. Sure, it's funny to think that the same group who bluegrassed up Weather Report's "Birdland" can turn around and write "The Big Compromise", a lilting song that wouldn't be out of place on a John Hiatt record. Still, all of the usual String Cheese musical tasties are there...but toned down a bit (check out "Drive", "Betray The Dark" and "Rainbow Serpent"). But have faith people, as Keith Moseley says:
- "...And starting this summer, when we play the new songs live, a 3-minute song may turn into a 6-minute song or longer. On stage is a great place for the improvisational vibe and the hook to co-exist."
That's what I like about this jam band's musical ethic. String Cheese takes a decidedly jazz-like approach, using the songs as source material for the improvisations to follow.
Ah, and those long, 'noodling' solos? A player is riding on top of a tune's structure and coming up with interesting ideas that tie the song's parts together. He's both extending and completing the song. And while it's for the musician, it's for the fans too. If that's not community, I don't know what is.
(For more on One Step Closer, check out Blogcritic Aaman Lamba's fine review here.)
Article comments
1 - Aaman
Thankee Mark for the reference - fine review yrs too - gets at the heart of the Cheese factory:)
2 - Mat Brewster
SCI are a lot like the Dead to me. In that I've really enjoyed what I've heard of them live, but am generally underwhelmed by their studio output. Although, admittedly, I haven't heard all that much of their studio stuff. Any recommendations on studio albums?
3 - Aaman
One Step Closer and Untying the Not, ignore the other one.
4 - Mark Saleski
they also have a ton of live recordings here