"Meditations" - C Lanzbom Desert Rock Records 26-4 review
by Rob Kallick
In the early '80s Soulfarm (formerly Inasense) lead singer and guitarist c
Lanzbom studied with the "hippie rabbi" Shlomo carlebach. Those years of study eventually led to the birth of Lanzbom's band when he met fellow singer
Noah chase. Carlebach's teaching helped Lanzbom blend middle-Eastern styles
into his music which some have called "Kibbutz rock." Lanzbom's new solo album serves as a tribute to the late rabbi who helped him find his place.
Half the songs on the album are carlebach originals with five others penned
by Lanzbom. Lanzbom's compositions are obviously heavily inspired by carlebach's
work and teachings, and Lanzbom adds his own unique flair to them. Staying
true to the title of the album, "Meditations," Lanzbom's makes you want to do
just that. The songs bring to mind many descriptive words - soothing, healing,
peaceful and therapeutic just to name a few - but I think the word that Lanzbom is most looking for to describe his music on this album would be
spiritual.
Technically speaking this album is pretty much perfect. The recording brings
to life all the intricacies and delicateness of Lanzbom's acoustic guitar playing. His style is so fluid and lifelike you can practically see it oozing
out of your speakers. complemented by a bass and a harp and a little violin and
flute thrown in for good measure, Lanzbom creates beautiful music that will
set your mind at ease. A Payoff makes you think of just that - a day off from
your normal routine with nothing to do. Harachaman, the opening song on the
album, starts off slowly and builds and builds with a flavorful solo by Lanzbom until returning at the end to the main theme.
"Meditations" brings to mind a more peaceful time many years ago as the middle-Eastern flavor is present throughout the entire album. While many
people are familiar with Lanzbom's work with Soulfarm and Inasense, it is
safe to say that those same people will find a place for this side of him as well. While most of the songs have a very arranged feel to them, there is
a genuine spontaneity in the music that would appeal to even the most
hard-nosed jamband fan.
|
