Maybe I’m a sucker for a slow jam, but Dana Edelman’s soothing collection of songs for his latest album, Blue Roses, really hits the spot. Edelman co-produced the record with Joshua Paul Thompson, the Grammy winning producer who’s worked with the likes of Alica Keys, Joe, and George Benson. There’s a bit of blues, a bit of folk, and a whole lot of soul (pun intended) infused in each track, and it’s pretty delightful.
The majority of tracks found on Blue Roses have a universal message, like each song is filtered through a weathered truth. This is especially evident when edelman lets his folk rock roots show on the guitar eclipsed “Listen to Me Mama,” which is sprinkled heavily with classic American guitar and drum arrangements.
“Grand Central Station” is a slow jazz influenced addition that flows softly, a treatment that benefits several tracks on the record. Unfortunately, Edelman fades out when he really tries to put in a rock edge, as on “Hot Tamale” with it’s generic blues influences. He gets mixed results when he tries another approach on “One Boy One Girl” which has its moments, but is outshadowed by the song’s production values.
Elsewhere, “Right Now” is akin to Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy” with its touching albiet sugary chorus. Title track “Blue Roses” attaches itself to a nostalgic melody while “Mindgames” is a gem that opens the album on a warm and comforting note. Interestingly enough, the track deals with a slippery counterpart in a compassionate manner.
Blue Roses if anything, allows Edelman’s voice to shine with his ability to elicit soulful melodies. There are several bright spots on the album, which should have listeners taking a long walk on a starry night, Edelman guiding each one with his enchanting voice.
Rukshan Thenuwara – MuzikReviews.com Staff
January 3, 2010
