[Harp-L] CD Review of "Kneaded and Thrown" by Rosco Selly

[rosco <roscoharp@xxxxxxxxx>]

PT Gazell is one of my favorite harp players AND one of my favorite people.
It is an awesome feeling to read this review of my CD and know that he digs
it. Thanks, PT!

PT writes:

"Kneaded and Thrown"
Ron "Rosco" Selly

First of all, I feel compelled to make a full disclosure about my history
with Rosco. We were introduced to each other in 2003 and immediately hit it
off.  It was like reuniting with a close friend that you went all through
school with. We both had the same sense of humor, we were both raised in
the upper Midwest, we were both pretty much the same age. Musically,
however we were on different paths. I was exploring jazz standards &
American Song Book selections while Rosco was involved in the now defunct
group "May.be Au.gust." I always liked that group because the harmonica was
being used to play a lot of unison and harmony parts with guitar. A tall
order when you have to play chromatically using guitar phrasing. Rosco
pulled it off brilliantly.

Since the demise of "May.be Au.gust," I have been aware of Rosco being
involved in various duos and trios, but only at arms length. Recently he
sent me a CD titled "Kneaded & Thrown." A quick look at the back revealed
that Rosco had penned all nine songs...who knew! I admit to thinking of him
as just another great harmonica player in a supporting role. It turns out
he writes some very intricate and well crafted songs which use the
harmonica sparingly, but effectively.

As is often the case, one can hear snippets of who a songwriter was
influenced by while they were learning their craft. I suspect Rosco
listened to the following at an early age, Crosby, Stills & Nash, The
Byrds, The Hollies, & Poco. Don't get me wrong here, these songs are truly
his own style...it's just kinda like still being able to hear some elements
of Charlie McCoy's style in my playing...it's a good thing.

Fair warning here...this is not a harmonica project. It is nine well
written songs which are a culmination of many years of performing and
absorbing music and life. The harmonica that is included is extremely well
done.

The overall maturity of all the participants makes this a real easy
listen.There's an obvious comfort level among all the musicians on this
project. Several are from "May.be Au.gust" and others are friends Rosco has
made music with for many years. This is apparent in how the selections are
arranged and performed. The playing is a tasteful underpinning using
dynamics and clever riffs to showcase Rosco's vocals and stories.

A few thoughts about some of the songs:

"Home" ~ features a fiddle with Rosco doing harmony parts on harmonica. I
had to listen several times to make sure it was not the fiddle doing his
own harmony. Very well done!

"7am" ~ this poignant story is dedicated to Chris Michalek who left us way
to early with too little recorded history. Rosco, delivers some very nice
soloing here....obviously channeling his friend.

"Recoil" ~ very cool song idea set around the Civil War, in addition to
several other pointless conflicts we've participated in. The band really
shines on this one. Excellent guitar work here. Nice amped third position
solo by Rosco.

"Miles From Nowhere" ~ my personal favorite on the project. Maybe because I
have had everyone of these thoughts over the years. Spot on here for anyone
who has every been out on the road for any period of time.

"In A While" ~ the perfect way to finish the journey. A ballad with a very
nice amped harmonica solo which improvises on the melody...you know how I
feel about that kind of thing!

Like I said ... Who knew? Well I'm glad I found out. You should too!

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rosco3
http://roscoharp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/roscocd
Also available for down load on iTunes

PT Gazell

-- 
Later,
Ron 'Rosco' Selley
roscoharp.com
https://www.facebook.com/ron.selley

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