Jordan E. Spivack is an award-winning composer and lyricist. His sound is somewhat a hybrid-a mix of new age and smooth jazz. I didn’t know his background when I first started listening to My Provincetown, so I wasn’t swayed by his pedigree. Sometimes you expect more from an artist who’s picked up awards.
My Provincetown is at times soothing music for a stressed world. I was immediately mellowed by the first track, “Romance on Moonlit Bay”. Laced with a Latin tinge it oozes big city cool. The melodic arrangements are reminiscent of Lee Ritenour, a great jazz guitarist. I forgot for a few moments I was sitting on a bouncing plane surrounded by screaming infants.
“Café Blasé’ is not blasé at all. There's a fine line between a melodic tune and a busy mess and this crosses over to the wrong side. Things improve with “Pilgrim’s Monument”, a regal sounding song; like something you’d hear in a movie’s transitional scene. “Commercial Street” showcases Jordan’s exquisite piano chops. He tickles some nice ivories that slightly mimic Billy Joel or Vince Guaraldi of Peanuts music fame.
“Atlantic House “ at first sounds almost techno. An experiment in sound it fuses random beats and styles together in an uncommon way that actually sounds good after a few times. It’s almost “clubby” sounding. “Race Point” and “Portuguese Bakery” are very upbeat, energetic and lively. These will all get you moving on the treadmill.
A few of the songs like “Christmas Around the Cape” run a tad long, but overall Jordan E. Spivack is an excellent musician whose admiration of many genres and performers shines through. He makes great use of a variety of instruments and overall has produced a worthwhile accompaniment for your next dinner party. Anyone who enjoys an instrumental background while working or lounging will definitely be hitting repeat on My Provincetown.
January 8, 2009
