MICHAEL BRAM
''SUITCASE IN THE HALL''
OCTOBER 2 2012
43:24
1. It Don't Matter Where You Get Your Appetite/3:38
2. Nobody Wins/4:37
3. I Love You So Much It Hurts/2:59
4. Got Love If You Want It/3:46
5. Watch Out!/3:23
6. Suitcase In The Hall/3:14
7. Howlin' For My Darlin'/3:42
8. Chinese Hot Mustard/2:47
9. The Way You've Changed/3:15
10. I'm Going Away And Leave My Baby/3:43
11. Drinking Champagne/4:06
12. Can I Sleep In Your Arms/4:14
REVIEW
By J. Blake
A consummate studio and stage musician, Michael Bram’s credits, professional experiences and tastes are eclectic…to say the least. He has worked with a plethora of exceptional artists, from Jason Mraz, Jonah Smith and Willie Nelson to Watermelon Slim, Bob Margolin and Gina Sicilia and though he is best known as a world-class drummer-for-hire, with three solo albums under his belt, he has also proven that as a vocalist, songwriter and harmonica player he is a musical force to be reckoned with.
As a solo artist Bram’s sights have been focused primarily on “roots music.” His debut album, 2004’s LEROY explored the not-so-blurry line between jazz and traditional blues; allowing the New York native to flex his musical muscles as both a seasoned jazz percussionist and an aspiring blues front-man. 2006’s self-titled MICHAEL BRAM AND THE ALTERNATORS found him truly coming into his own as a blues artist; with a track-list of original compositions and a road-tested Chicago-driven tone. With his latest studio effort, Bram continues his exploration of American roots music with a newly ambitious sound and a wider stylistic scope.
SUITCASE IN THE HALL marks Bram’s debut with the VizzTone label and his first album co-produced by blues-guitar phenom Dave Gross. With Gross’ assistance the drummer-turned-bluesman has managed to capture a vibe that, like recent T-Bone Burnett productions, beautifully straddles the line between farm fresh and dust covered classic.
Over twelve tracks, Bram takes listeners on an audible road trip from Chicago through the Deep South with an itinerary that includes New Orleans-flavored jazz, lonesome country ballads and an assortment of multi-regional blues tones. The result is a diverse blend of roots-driven music that is likely to satisfy everyone from the blues lover to the country fanatic.
''SUITCASE IN THE HALL''
OCTOBER 2 2012
43:24
1. It Don't Matter Where You Get Your Appetite/3:38
2. Nobody Wins/4:37
3. I Love You So Much It Hurts/2:59
4. Got Love If You Want It/3:46
5. Watch Out!/3:23
6. Suitcase In The Hall/3:14
7. Howlin' For My Darlin'/3:42
8. Chinese Hot Mustard/2:47
9. The Way You've Changed/3:15
10. I'm Going Away And Leave My Baby/3:43
11. Drinking Champagne/4:06
12. Can I Sleep In Your Arms/4:14
REVIEW
By J. Blake
A consummate studio and stage musician, Michael Bram’s credits, professional experiences and tastes are eclectic…to say the least. He has worked with a plethora of exceptional artists, from Jason Mraz, Jonah Smith and Willie Nelson to Watermelon Slim, Bob Margolin and Gina Sicilia and though he is best known as a world-class drummer-for-hire, with three solo albums under his belt, he has also proven that as a vocalist, songwriter and harmonica player he is a musical force to be reckoned with.
As a solo artist Bram’s sights have been focused primarily on “roots music.” His debut album, 2004’s LEROY explored the not-so-blurry line between jazz and traditional blues; allowing the New York native to flex his musical muscles as both a seasoned jazz percussionist and an aspiring blues front-man. 2006’s self-titled MICHAEL BRAM AND THE ALTERNATORS found him truly coming into his own as a blues artist; with a track-list of original compositions and a road-tested Chicago-driven tone. With his latest studio effort, Bram continues his exploration of American roots music with a newly ambitious sound and a wider stylistic scope.
SUITCASE IN THE HALL marks Bram’s debut with the VizzTone label and his first album co-produced by blues-guitar phenom Dave Gross. With Gross’ assistance the drummer-turned-bluesman has managed to capture a vibe that, like recent T-Bone Burnett productions, beautifully straddles the line between farm fresh and dust covered classic.
Over twelve tracks, Bram takes listeners on an audible road trip from Chicago through the Deep South with an itinerary that includes New Orleans-flavored jazz, lonesome country ballads and an assortment of multi-regional blues tones. The result is a diverse blend of roots-driven music that is likely to satisfy everyone from the blues lover to the country fanatic.
