2015 – EPOPS Productions
By Phillip Smith; July 23, 2016
It only took one listen to Mike Sponza’s latest album, Ergo Sum (Latin for “Therefore I am.”),
to realize it was going to be one of my favorite discs this year. British
singer/guitarist Ian Siegal joins Sponza in the writing and performance
on seven of the eight songs on this stellar album of blues and soul, recorded
at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London.
Sponza takes
an interesting look at the golden mean and applying it to daily life in “Modus
in Rebus”. A small burst of Frank Zappa-inspired vocals, satirical lyrics, spacy guitar licks, and the
lush sounds of a Hammond organ played by Dean
Ross make this a stand-out. There seems
to be a little Alabama Shakes vibe
going on with “See How the Man”. Sponza’s playful guitar sounds great. Backed by saxophonist Matej Kuzel and trumpeter Chris
Storr, this song sends me back to the Memphis Stax/Volt days. While on the
subject of Stax, I have to mention
another favorite, “Prisoner of Jealousy”.
Siegal sings this one with
the conviction of Otis Redding while
the rest of the guys settle quite nicely into a smooth Booker T and the MGs groove. It sounds plumb terrific.
The funky guitar riff and
contagious melody running through “Kiss Me” is delightful, as is the soulful
vocals, swampy slide guitar and rich sax/organ accompaniment which bring the
masterpiece “Penelope” to the forefront.
Special guest, British blues singer Dana
Gillespie gives a smooth and intoxicating performance on the captivating “The
Thin Line”. Topped off with fabulous
bursts of brass, and little dabs of slide guitar, the song plays out
beautifully.
Thoughtful lyrics, powerful
vocals, and perfectly executed melodies make Ergo Sum a fun yet intelligent album. It’s going to remain on heavy rotation in my
player for quite a while.
