Artist-The WyattChristmas Five
Title - Are You Ready
Released 2024 https://www.part-records.de/english/
Reviewed August 25th 2024 by Rockin Rebel.
Members are
Andy WyattChristmas - guitar + lead vocals
Peter Kühn (Grandpa) - guitar, harp + vocals
Philip Flottau – drums
Martina Jansen(Miss Martini) – piano
Olaf Schumacher - upright bass + vocals
From their own media, The band has been active for twelve years now and in the meantime the trio has become a quintet, The WyattChristmas Five. Since the start in 2010, not only the sound has changed, but also the entire line-up: Of the original line-up, only founder and songwriter Andy WyattChristmas remains. Peter Kühn on harp, guitar and vocals joined in 2015, followed in 2017 by Martina Jansen on piano, Olaf Schumacher on double bass and Philip Flottau on drums. The five create a brilliant musical firework of blues, swing and rockabilly in an extremely varied and danceable form! Polyphonic vocals, boogie-woogie piano, driving shuffle groove, blues harp and a very flexible solo guitar give the band all the possibilities to fire off new musical salvos. All tracks are original tracks from members of the band. The recordings which was all done on a 16 track Fostex recorder and a mixing console. All tracks were produced, mixed by Mr wyattchristmas himself back in 2023. Arrangements by Stefan Noltemeyer. cover and inlay illustrations by Birgit Vogt,and graphics by Truthdesign.
Track by track
Are You Ready
Such an array of sounds on the opening track. a self-penned track by the lead vocalist and his Grandpa Pete. And the writing side defiantly runs in the family. Great lyrics and vocals backed by a great sound from the band, every time I hear this track, I hear something new. Brilliant opener.
My Best Friend Went Crazy
I have heard some great reasons to put the lyrics down for a new song, but this one wins them all. You be swimming in a great sound with some great piano playing. Plenty of Rockin at the tiki bar whilst your ears are drowned by the band.
That Crazy Little Feeling I Got
Another demonstration of the talent of Andys writing skills. Love the snares on the drumming in the background along with the piano. Some great advice given in the sleeve notes on this track.
Changing Times
The first of three tracks written by andy and Miss Martini. A bluesy vocal with a vaudeville vibe, the bass takes the highlight on the backing and some nice cabaret style piano. Blend that all together and you get a great fusion of genres. The final section of the song is speeded up which gives its rockabilly/swing style. Very nicely done.
Devil's Got A Hand On Me
A quick paced blues track, starting with some piano boogie style from Miss Martini, add some harmonica and you get a great track. some very nice harmonies going on throughout the song. Again, that sliding snare sound plays its roll in background. Great lyrics and vocals give this bluesy track the perfect finish. slow outro gives it that hard, down and out feeling.
Alligator Bar Boogie
Awesome Boogie Woogie Piano sets the theme and continues to paly along to Andys vocals, rockabilly shines out on this track and a real bopper. The second track provided by the talents of Miss Martini and Andy. The story of a bar often frequented by all the visiting fans at the Viva Las Vegas rockabilly weekender.
Riot In My Trashcan
Public warning within the lyrics of this track. the title itself should give a pre warning about the terrors of what happens to certain aspects of the trashcan. Simple lyrics with a really catchy backing. It may be about a trash can but it’s not a rubbish track.
800 Miles
Superb intro with some awesome drumming and a jazz vibe piano. Soon switches to a Rockin rhythm. The tracks tells of hardship of travelling across the length and width of the country from gig to gig,venue to venue before that lonely journey home. I guess we as fans of this beloved music forget the woes of behind the scenes for these great bands. But please note you bands and artist. We love you for it.
Please Do Like You Did It
Another great intro with the drum and bass marrying up to produce a great sound which continues throughout the track. Piano sits on the back burner and guitar shows up for a musical break.
Calling Your Name
A track that has been lay dormant for so long has finally had the debut it so so deserves. My favourite track on the album so far. Beautiful backing and great vocals take this mid-paced quick step (stroller) to the dancefloor
Too Far Too Long Away
Taking back the Rock n Roll vibe with this great track. takes you back to the big band days and the jiver’s filling the floor. Listening through the headphones it really does take you back days of soda pops and coloured socks.
I Am Waiting
Big band, blues and a twinkling piano style intro. Just what more do you want to any track, it so reminded me of what you see and hear in the movies when a couple walk into a posh bar and the band are playing in the back ground. Stunning job.
Don't Drink That Whiskey
You only have to see the title to know this track is a self-advised notice to oneself. But do we listen? NO. the intro is a deep and heart pounding bass rhythm. Some pumping piano and great guitar bring this final track to life. A great Rockin track to bring us to a close.
Summery.
What can one say about this album, well there just aint enough room on the page. Its a brilliantly thought out and written album. It covers just about everything that rock n roll was built on, all done on a vintage machine that brings a past sound with a modern touch. 13 is said to be unlucky, well not on this album. Most enjoyable.
Recommendation
Everyday and twice on a Sunday. It’s a no brainer.
Links
Don't forget to visit our website for even more great reviews.
Comments