Winslow

Left Of The Right Direction

Maurice Martin – Vocals

Matt Tieman – Sax

Curtis Tate – Keyboards

Charlie Trenta – Guitar

Danny Kolliner – Bass

Jesse Marquardt - Drums

            Bands always try to find their own nitch, otherwise they should just be a full cover band. Of course from time to time a new band might sound like an older more seasoned band with a little twist. Why am I saying this you ask? It is because Winslow has found their own sound. The blend of soul, rock and pop comes from the 6 member group hailing just north from where I’m sitting now. With one album under their belt, four years of growth and some changes the guys are back for their sophomore release. The 10 track album spread over 45 minutes and begins with “Ain’t That a Shame.” It comes in with a solid sound that will have you raising your eyebrows. The saxophone blasts out of the gates while the drums play is very light. The keys get involved while the guitars a steady. The vocals sound superb and the backing vocals are just as clear as the lead. It’s an uplifting tune with a great vibe. It’s hard to ignore. “Alone Tonight” offers up another great beat as well as solid vocals. Both the lead and backing vocals again whine with their clarity. The guitar solo is sweet while the sax and keys get into the mix. The drums also step up their game in this one. The lyrics just roll of the bands tongue and will do the same with you. It is an all around good tune. “Nothin’s Easy” slows the album down for the first time. It offers up some easy listening tunes and smooth vocals. There are more gang vocals in this one and it sounds more of an R&B tune than a rock one, but it will still have a drawn on music lovers in one genre or another. “Quarter Life” has easy listening written all over it. The vocals will send chills down your spin while the saxophone plays in the back ground. The other instruments step up in the sections of the song, but the sax is the main musical attraction in this one. That is, if you don’t count the vocals which hit some huge notes. The backing vocals bounce off each other while the sax sings in the back. “Stand Up” turns the tempo back up a bit. It offers up great picking of the guitars and the biggest drums yet. It still has the raw soul that Winslow places into their work, but it also adds some rough rock into the mix. The track rolls along with a great sound and some lyrics that you can sing right along with the band. You will have fun with this one. “Everyday” is an uplifting track with passionate lyrics and a great sound. The saxophone adds so much soul to the track while the vocals give the track life. It’s a great sounding tune with emotion flooding the listener’s ears however, the track does repeat just a little bit. There is a calming feel to the tune. “Clarity” opens up with the sax that has a solid groove that grabs your attention. It’s a fun and flirty tune that will put a smile on your face. You can sing right along with the tune while dancing and having a good time. The vocals are big time. “Mo’s Joint” is a slow moving tune with passion coming from every word the vocals give up. The music is soft like they are playing a wedding or coffee shop. You will be holding your significant other tight and dancing during this tune. “Last Goodbye” lights a fire with huge drums and some nice guitars. This doesn’t happen thru the entire track, but does provide a big boost from time to time. It again offers up smooth music and ever smoother vocals. Everything is really under control and the big solo section towards the end was a nice added touch. “The Change” wraps up the album with a voiceover beginning. They then shift to the real meat and potatoes of the tune. The song is again smooth and just glides along on the back of the vocals with added help of the tunes. Overall this is a dynamic and different album. I’m not use to hearing stuff like this and it’s a nice change of pace. The guys give off such a positive vibe and lift your moods. They really can turn a frown upside down. The vocals really stand out to me. They offer up such a smooth style and they just make you feel good. The music is also solid with the saxophone and the keys leading the way. The drums and guitars get their time in the spotlight, but that sax is what really stands out. The album, as is the band, is unique. It is something to put in every once in a while or something that you put in for background music while you are running around the house cleaning up. As far as putting it in for a full run through on a trip, I don’t see that. I think that it is good in doses, but definitely something that needs to be heard.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Tracks to Watch:

Ain’t That a Shame, Mo’s Joint

Track List:

1. Ain’t That a Shame
2. Alone Tonight
3. Nothin’s Easy
4. Quarter Life
5. Stand Up
6. Everyday
7. Clarity
8. Mo’s Joint
9. Last Goodbye
10. The Change

Website (s):  www.winslowsoul.com, www.facebook.com/winslowsoul.com