2022 – M.C. Records
By Phillip Smith; June 25, 2022
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com
American Roots Project is the latest release from Jack’s Waterfall, a
band which originated as The Water Street Blues Band, co-founded by pianist/vocalist
Jack Licitra and harpist Steve Demanchick in the 1990’s. The ten tracks of music are all-original songs
written by Licitra and heavily steeped in New Orleans tradition. The album quickly garnered my affection on
the first listen. Along with Licitra
and Demanchick, Jack’s Waterfall is comprised of Mark
Carpentieri (founder of M.C. Records) on drums, Trifon Dmitrov
on bass, and Rod Borrie on trombone.
With the trickle of piano keys, and a second-line beat, the opener “Louise” rolls out in a carefree stroll, bringing a big smile to my face. Licitra’s polished vocals pull me right in. I love the vibrant NOLA barrelhouse mood and lyrical flow that gushes out in “My Baby’s Gone a Long Time”. Lucitra is a true master of song-writing. “Soul Rider” is another that steals my heart. The soulful vocals are perfectly paired with a brilliant piano performance. The funky jam of “Community” reminds me of good times at Phish concerts. The song has been lodged in my brain for a few days now. American Roots Project wraps up in a glorious way with “Like an Eagle”. With the DNA of a strong Southern spiritual, this celebratory song is most definitely a feel-good one.
This album is terrific from start to finish, and leaves me wanting to hear more from Jack’s Waterfall.
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For more information about Jack’s Waterfall visit this
website : https://www.jackswaterfall.com
