
LOS
ANGELES (LookAlive) 4th AVENUE JONES' 'Hiprocksoul' is a flavor that
defies conventional songwriting with a combination of energy and
precision as found on their potent new album STEREO: The Evolution Of
Hiprocksoul (LookAlive/Gotee/EMI), due out March 29, 2005.
Fronted
by vocalist/producer Ahmad Jones, the Los Angeles-based band also
consists of guitarist/producer Timmy Shakes, vocalist Tena Jones,
bassist "Phat" Al Parker, drummer Dee Calloway and the "illest
violinist" Gailybird. Their sound--based on air-tight musicianship and
bracing lyrics--is a distinguished brew of rock, soul and hip-hop
influences with energy reminiscent of the glory days when music was art
and innovation were king.
The album's first single is the
title cut "
Stereo", penned by Ahmad as an homage to many musician's
first love, a stereo. Clever lyrics, teamed up with happy-go-lucky raw
rock melody, make for an infectious 'stereo-ready' tune. A video from
the new animation/illustration company Sumasian Films is due out soon.
Other
songs on STEREO: The Evolution of Hiprocksoul touch on a variety of
themes based on the band's life experiences and personal feelings.
"Fabulous Dramatics" is an example of the Jones' reality-based
tongue-in-cheek lyrical style. The song is about the "drama" that an
ex-girlfriend brings and its theme is captured in the first few words
with Ahmad Jones singing "She used to call me baby, then she stopped
calling me at all. This girl was kind of shady." The title track
"
Stereo", "
Sorry" and "Unhappy Birthday" all share a similar
story-telling style.
Vocal range and musical depth is shown on
the gospel-laced rock track "Who's Watching Me?" Timmy Shakes' guitar
parts and Gailybird's string arrangements add weight to the music,
while Tena Jones, wife of Ahmad Jones and co-lead vocalist in the
group, sings "Scared, trapped, my life has got to change. I won't
complain but I need some thangs."
Complete track listing for STEREO: The Evolution of Hiprocksoul is:
01. Jenny- Intro �interlude
02. Stereo
03. Fabulous Dramatics
04. Unhappy Birthday
05. Overloaded
06. Take Me Away
07. Sorry
08. Monumental Continental
09. Who's Watching Me?
10. Caesar
11. Why
12. Rush
13. It's Over Now
www.hiprocksoul.com
https://www.tygereye.net/4thave/index.html (Tracks available for download!)
www.myspace.com/4thavenuejones