Album Review – Michael Olivieri Band – Love Is Contagious
Unlike the the Coronavirus, LOVE is something you hope to catch! Speaking of catch, the new album “Love Is Contagious” from the Michael Olivieri Band is very catchy, melodic, full of hooks and rockin’!
Lead by singer, guitarist, pianist, Michael Olivieri and joined by former Laidlaw lead guitarist, Buzzy James; former Vanilla Fudge bassist, Tom Croucier; former The Doors of the 21st Century drummer, Ty Dennis & veteran vocalists Dawn Saylor and Trish Burke-Manser. Kerry Chester handles all the organ and Wurlitzer duties on the album.
01. Walk On Wine – I was hooked within 10 seconds due to its boogie and walkin’ bass line. This is a perfect example of how you kick off an album. Uptempo and infectious with lyrics delivered with a snarl & a wink by Michael. The gospel tinged vocals of Dawn and Trish really add a nice counterbalance to the lead vocals.
Buzzy’s guitar solo is memorable but listen to that tone. Tom and Ty really make this track stand out with their playing. This should be a fun one live and I really hope they make a video for it.
02. Love Is Contagious – The title track is just a sultry groove that picks up steam in the choruses without losing the groove. Another shining example of what a great rhythm section can do for a band.
I can’t rave enough about the blend of Michael, Dawn and Trish’s vocals. Takes me back to the days of Sly & The Family Stone, The Black Crowes, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd etc.
Buzzy shines again on the solo that takes the track to another level musically. I can foresee an epic jam to this song live. Digg the Wurly.
03. Heart Of Stone – I really enjoy the multiple tempo changes that add to the vibe of the track, the layers of bluesy guitars and Michael’s moody vocal delivery.
04. When Love Flies – Things slow down a bit here with Michael really laying his soul on the line. Yet more praise for Dawn and Trish! I really enjoy piano driven tunes and when you add Buzzy’s leads into the mix with the aforementioned vocals…DAMN!
The breakdown section with the funky bass and wah lead into an extended outro that will have you swaying & dancing!
05. Four Post – The first video released from the album is a lusty groove rocker. I’ve raved for years about the greatness of Buzzy James as a guitarist and this cut is a prime example of what I’ve been saying since I first heard him in 1994.
This track makes for a nice midway point on the album. It rocks with the guitars and vocals interweaving & pushing each other.
***Directed by Anjani Lynn White***
06. Change Of Heart – Bringing things down a bit, Michael really bares his soul here lyrically and vocally. You FEEL where he is coming from! The solo section gives the vibe of a release of emotion. This will be another righteous one live. By the way, Michael, judging by this album, you made the right choice!
07. All For You – This tracks builds with some tribal drumming and fuzzy guitars before Dawn & Trish come in. Sonically it is very textured, vibey, moody and kind of dark. It’s a bit of departure sonically but fits when accented with some the background vocals, piano, Wurly and guitar work.
08. Lesson Learned – This bluesy dirge clocks in at over seven minutes long. Lyrically, it hits me right in the feels with Michael’s eerie vocal delivery atop the melancholy piano gave me a case of the shivers. Dawn and Trish’s contributions add a touch of light to the track. What an epic way to end the album.
Former Leatherwolf frontman/guitarist Michael Olivieri is back with a new M.O.B., The Michael Olivieri Band. If you are expecting Leatherwolf, you are not going to find it on this album and that is fine by me.
This is the perfect example of the type of albums I really enjoy. Varying moods, textures, sonics yet they belong together as evidenced here. There isn’t any fat on this album just eight well crafted tunes chocked full of emotive vocals, hooks, bluesy riffs, memorable solos, angelic backing vocals, harmony for days and a driving rhythm section.
Michael Olivieri Band’s “Love Is Contagious” available now!
PayPal $10 to:
7tholive@gmail.com
Ships same day.
Thanks for the support!
![(L to R): Buzzy James, Trish Burke-Manser, Michael Olivieri, Dawn Saylor, Ty Dennis, Tom Croucier [Photo Credit:Lori Brystan]](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49621252388_6551c6f7a1.jpg)
Category: Reviews
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