Tom Collier BOOMER VIBES – Vol 2
TOM COLLIER
BOOMER VIBES – Vol 2
Summit Records
Tom Collier, VanderPlas electric vibraphone/marimba/piano/accordion/synth bass/drums/drum programming; Eddie ‘Pick’ McCord, electric guitar; Ed Kraft, acoustic bass.
On the first tune, a Jimmy Webb standard called “Galveston” Tom Collier plays all the instruments except the electric guitar. Eddie ‘Pick’ McCord plays the guitar while Collier over-dubs a list of other instruments including vibraphone, marimba, piano, accordion, synthesized bass and drums. I enjoyed his take on Webb’s other popular tune he covers, “Wichita Lineman” where Collier employs beautiful chord harmonics during his acoustic vibraphone presentation. The arrangement on “Your Cheatin’ Heart” is a ‘swing’ and adds the live, acoustic bass of Ed Kraft to the mix. This is more pop music than jazz.
This album is a nod to the many talents of Tom Collier, who plays a multitude of instruments. He’s like a one-man band, who invites a few guests to join his production from time to time. However, when you are not interacting with ‘live’ musicians, sometimes the project sounds sanitized. Every tune doesn’t have to be perfect. The human ability to improvise and play as a unit with other musicians brings color, excitement and life to the music.
When Tom Collier plays “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” as a solo vibraphone piece without drums or bass, it takes the funk out of the ‘hit’ rhythm and blues song. That’s what I mean by sanitizing the music. He removes the grit and growl from the tune. However, on the song “Born to Lose,” also played as a solo vibraphone piece, I am quite intrigued. The concept of reinventing “Boomer Vibes” (songs from the 1960s & 1970s) using his impressive talents on vibraphone with the additional instruments he plays, is an interesting concept. It shows Tom Collier’s reverence to great composers and artists like Mick Jagger, McCartney and Lennon, Hank Williams, Ray Charles and Jimmy Webb. Here is Collier’s second ‘do it yourself’ album, with one more to come. He plans on making this concept a trilogy.
Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil
* * * * * * * * * * *
BUY NOW
Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!
Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.
We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.
Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly
