SubCharts
Compiled by Keith Zimmerman
July 12, 1991/ the Gavin Report
FROM THE HIP – MICHAEL DOWDLE (AIRUS)
Guitarist Michael Dowdle shoots From The Hip and delivers an upbeat, spontaneous cache of songs. Dowdle is equally plucky with electric and acoustic guitar. Electrified tracks like the Steely Dan-ed “Out Of The Blues” and a strutting “Alligator Shoes” are kicking, full band arrangements that could help energize Adult Alternative playlists without chopping up the waves too much. They pleasantly remind us of the plugged-in fluidity and lyricism of Larry Carlton. Sam Cardon provides tasty synth riffs on these live-in-the-studio performances. Acoustic guitar tone poems like “No Worries” and “My Best Friend” are more moody and pastoral.
SYNTHESIS Quick Looks
Michael Dowdle “From The Hip”
July 1991
AIRUS RECORDS
OVERALL RATING: 4
Last year’s release by guitarist Michael Dowdle, “Touch”, was a runaway favorite with the Synthesis staffers and our weekly Synthesis listening sessions. “Touch” was one of the best examples of combining jazz and new age together I’ve heard in quite a while. “From The Hip” still has that distinctive, often melodic Dowdle touch. However, the songs lean a bit more towards the jazz end of the spectrum. This gives “From the Hip” a slightly different sound than “Touch.” The songs also are more uptempo in nature. In general, “From the Hip” manages to come across as a good, solid jazz CD. It doesn’t, however, have the universal appeal of “Touch,” that would make it a required purchase for new age fans.
SYNTHESIS
September 1990
Compact Disc Of The Month
Michael Dowdle “Touch”
I don’t know about you, but for me, nothing is more enjoyable than searching through bin after bin of CD’s and finding an absolute gem. Such is the case with “Touch” by Michael Dowdle. Michael Dowdle’s impressive guitar performance is complemented by an extremely competent backup band. Whether it’s a synthesizer solo from Sam Cardon or some appropriate drum fills from Ken Hodges, everything seems to support Dowdle’s guitar performance.
I guess the thing that sets “Touch” apart from all the other New Age/Jazz releases out there is Michael Dowdle’s sense of timing and melody. Every song on “Touch” is a classic, from Dowdle’s breezy guitar licks on “Take Your Time” to his stunning acoustic work on the final track “In a Quiet Place.”
“Touch” is one of those few CD’s that is absolutely perfect in every respect, production, writing and performance all are flawless. It’s no wonder that “Touch” is the number one requested CD at our weekly Synthesis listening sessions, edging out Suzanne Ciani’s new CD. During one of these sessions, someone stated that “Touch” is such and outstanding release, Airus could sell “Touch” with a money back guarantee. Everyone laughed, but you know, if Airus did offer that money back guarantee, I’m sure that they wouldn’t have any takers. It’s that good. If you have trouble finding “Touch,” ask your dealer to order it for you, believe me, you’ll be glad you did.
PAC ATTACKS
MICHAEL DOWDLE “TOUCH” AIRUS AIRD-0040
The process of session players evolving into recording artists in their own right and pursuing solo careers is certainly nothing new in any area of music. For guitarist Michael Dowdle it was a step along the way that appears to have broadened how he approaches his music. It also seems to have shaped his musical sensibilities perfectly for PAC programmers. His distinctive guitar style can still be heard on the themes of ABC Monday Night Football, ABC Movie Of The Week, the FOX Network…and now his first solo release “Touch”. If you didn’t already know he was featured on last year’s surprisingly successful PAC CD from then newcomer Sam Cardon (“Impulse”). Dowdle’s dues have come out of a variety of experiences from The Osmond Bros. to the Utah Symphony. His melodic sense should be a winner with PAC. The opening track “Take Your Time” has a nice summertime shuffle with Carlton-esque licks that conjure up a bit of Steely Dan feel. On the acoustic side there’s “A Brighter Day” with another catchy melody. This one sounds right in the pocket for PAC. It draws you inside and leaves you feeling good. Who could want more from a song…especially a radio format that thrives on instrumental jazz which strikes a positive chord with listeners. The title track brings a fresh clean feel that you wouldn’t mind “bringing home to mom” (i.e. it aims to please.) For the most part the release “Touch” is like a soothing ride in the country. Music that engages the imagination.
Paul Stribling
May 11, 1990
PAC stands for “Progressive Adult Contemporary”
|
