Mini Music Review
Stephen Lewis & The Big Man of One – Peanut Butter jams
I always like the idea of having a summer album. A record that deserves to be played on those beautiful summer days with friends and family drinking beers and BBQing on the deck. Stephen Lewis new album may just be that album! 2013 is proving to be a record year for highly anticipated albums from the Fredericton music scene and the Big Band of One is the leading the charge. Solid production, catchy songwriting, and innovative musicianship make for a great listening experience. Positive vibes abound on Stephen Lewis debut record Peanut Butter and Jam. Reminds me of early Barenaked Ladies when they had a sense of humour and wrote hilariously catchy pop songs.
Since this is Stephen Lewis’s debut full length release, The Big Band of One has made a name for himself as a great LIVE entertainer. Can he pull of a studio recording and capture the magic of his LIVE show performances? For starters, this is well produced studio album, although sometimes too clean for my personal taste. The studio production does compliment Lewis’ high energy party jams. The summery strumming style that make up the catchy hooks are mostly in the fore while Lewis brings in an eclectic range of pop fusion – everything from oldschool beatboxing to trippy psychedelic jam tangents with moments of reggae stylings. Peanut Butter and Jams captures the sunny disposition of Stephen Lewis’ party music. Summer 2013 is looking like one for the record books.
Personally, my favourite moments are when Stehphen reaches for the psychedelic stars. Check out You Say Hey at the 3:45 mark.
Support Local Talent,
Tim Rayne
http://bigbandofone.bandcamp.com/album/peanut-butter-jam
