Scheduled for release 09 July 2012

“Night & Day,” the latest (or up-coming) release from Suite 709 hit my in-box last week, and it rocks! I could just end this review right there, but this isn’t Twitter…

One of the things that I dig about what I do is the fact that I get to hear so much fantastic music before (almost) anyone else. “Night and Day” is no exception. Scratch that, it is exceptional! I don’t recall who it was that turned me on to these cats, but I’m sure glad they did.

Class

“She got class, that’s why she in a league of her own…” Almost any time I hear a simple eighth-note lick on a Rhodes 73 start a record off, I figure I’m in for something classy. And Suite 709 are definitely in a league of their own. “[It] ain’t easy” to write a review on a record like this one. Finding the words to do justice to the music can be a tough chore!

Every song has it’s own special something that grabs ears and makes feet want to do the 709 Shuffle. Hit the guys up on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/suite709) to figure that one out. From rockin’ guitar riffs to great organ pads, cool modulated bass, and of course those groovy Rhodes sounds, the fellas have a great grasp on sounds that make you wanna get up and dance.

Jirod Greene’s smooth vocals and easy style are perfectly complimented by Dietrich Schmidt’s keys and David Butler’s tasty guitar. Drew Walters on bass and Zach Boston behind the kit lay a rhythm bed for the group that moves the songs along like a steamroller (and that’s a good thing). Heck, Boston even knows when not to play – when was the last time you heard a drummer stop for a measure or two?

Real Musicians!

So many groups today just jam on constantly, covering up the vocal, pounding out 32nd note double kick drums over what should be a ballad, running guitar leads over the top of everything while the bassist just goes nuts… Not these guys! No-sir-ee-bob!… they are musicians. Each part and each instrument is chosen for a purpose, they play off each other and compliment the other guy. That’s rare, these days, and I (for one) appreciate the heck out of it.

What are you doin’ to me? I like it.

I’ve had the cans clamped down tight all day (except for when I had it cranked up on the studio monitors) and I’ve felt like I was seven years old – hiding that transistor a.m. radio under the pillow, after bed-time. Stevie Wonder, Kool and the Gang, KC and the Sunshine Band, Percy Sledge and so many great soul/pop/rock acts came out of that little speaker. The guys that make up Suite 709 are a bit young for it, but I think they must have listened to them all.

“Every Suite 709 show is like a party from beginning to end. With a sound that has been classified by fans as funk to rock & soul, Suite 709 blends the elements of R&B and Soul with a touch of Rock to create a unique style that translates to multiple audiences. The Suite 709 sound is reminiscent of Motown’s mega-pop group The Jackson 5 to modern day R&B superstar John Legend, with a touch of James Brown’s flare. Their thrilling live show is an indication of one thing in particular: Suite 709 wants to make you dance. ” (www.unlocksuite709.com)

I could go on, but it’s time for you to experience it for yourself. I think you’ll agree, Suite 709 are on their way to some serious success in the music world.

Live on Google Plus

Last week, in an article about using G+ to help promote your music career ( http://wp.me/p1xwHa-IZ includes a video from Red Bull with the song “I Like It” ) , I mentioned the neat things Suite 709 are doing over there, and here is an example of one of them. A live concert from 501 Studios in Austin, TX was streamed to a Hangout via Youtube.

  Get you some – you’ll like it !

I do believe I’ll be trying to scrape up some extra cash to order a copy of this one on vinyl – yes I said, “vinyl.” You should, too. Hey, I’ve already got a darn fine high-res digital copy on all my computers and phones, but that ain’t enough! I’ve been jammin’ this all night, and “I’ma do it again tomorrow night.”

Get your copy here: www.unlocksuite709.com/store