Martini
Garden – Give A Little Love (Independent)
Long Island quintet Martini Garden originally got
together in 2007 around talented husband and wife team, Jim and Christine
LoPiano. Jim plays guitar and writes the material, Christine sings the songs,
and they’re joined by Miriam Hubbard on backing vocals, and the rhythm section
of Mike McBride on drums and Rich Cunningham on bass guitar. Their mission
statement is to “bring peace, healing and love to the world, one song at a
time” – can’t argue with those sentiments.
Of course, such a statement brings to mind the hippy
ideals of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, and I’m sure the group wont mind being
identified with a movement that inspired so much fantastic music. Martini
Garden certainly look back to the ‘60s and ‘70s on their debut offering “Give A
Little Love”, a 15-track collection of blues, rock and Americana styles. For
the most part their songs are upbeat and lively, with Christine’s vocals mixed
high in the mix and a hustling harmonica adding bluesy leads and emphasis.
They kick off with “Meaning of Rock and Roll”, and
all their unique elements fall instantly into place – their good-time rolling
blues rhythm, the mesh of guitar and harmonica giving way to strong vocals, and
a catchy lyric that sticks around. When their approach is gentler and more
reflective, on songs like “In Love” and “Key to My Heart” they’ll remind many of the soulful,
adult pop produced by artists like Sam Brown – which is no bad thing.
Personally, I’m happy whatever way they choose to play it.
Phil S.
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