Reviews

Click image at left for .pdf of June Issue of Urban Life NW
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From the first note of his new CD Urban Ukulele, Michael Powers establishes that this is something different. Indeed it is something different. Ukulele? Yes, ukulele. Michael Powers steps forward once again with an innovative approach to making music. Urban Ukulele, is his latest release and in this effort Michael helps you to discover that your precognitions about what Ukulele music is has been rather limited in its traditional regard.

The opening piece is the title song Urban Ukulele and in those first moments you know this is not something you’ve heard before. It’s a contemporary track with a definite urban feel that sets you up in a “what’s next?” frame of mind. Michael could have produced these tracks on his guitar if he wanted to and they would have all been gems. What I like is the risk that Michael ventured here by experimenting with an instrument that one might not expect to see him play with such passion and style.

I admit to having my moment’s hesitation when Michael announced that he was doing an album on ukulele. I thought “WHAT?”… it was hard to reserve judgment until I remember, “hey this is Michael Powers”. Michael has always done his music his way and that’s what his fans love about him. Original, thoughtful, expressive and passionate, these attributes have always described Michael Power’s music. Urban Ukulele adds to that very impressive legacy.

Favorite Tracks
Urban Ukulele
Black Beans and Rice
Bach Cello Prelude Suite No. 1
Chai Latte
Take It 2 The Bridge

The month of June is the CD release month for the new CD for Michael Powers.

Examiner.com/seattle

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Donald N. Eichelberger
dnenow.com

Michael Powers’ Urban Ukulele reminds me of a magician taking an ordinary object and making it do magical and miraculous things. You might think you know something about the ukulele, but in the hands of this exceptional musician, we are taken on a musical excursion where the modest ukulele comes to town and gets all duded-up, urban style – a little flair and a bit of flash.

Mr. Powers performs this musical magic using a choice selection of familiar songs and original compositions. There’s a variety of styles and arrangements: straight-ahead jazz, swing, funk, R&B, world beat, a little bit of pop, an honest-to-goodness gospel, and even a dainty Bach Prelude. But there’s no blues! Evidently, even given Mr. Powers’ unquestionable facility on the instrument, there must be something about the character of the ukulele makes that makes it impossible to play the blues on it (else, I’m sure, Mr. Powers would’ve done so!). Every song Mr. Powers performs is either upbeat, happy, joyful, or otherwise infused with positive energy. Song after song will give you the opportunity to open-up your heart , be happy, feel good, and on a couple of cuts, you may find yourself feeling positively giddy.

Here’s the landscape of Urban Ukulele: The first song, “Urban Ukulele”, is a smooth sample of and an invitation to the fiesta that follows.

And the party begins right away with the bright and spritely “Dance with the Sun”, and if you let yourself, dance you will.

On “Take It 2 The Bridge”, don’t bother to take yourself. Let Mr. Powers transport your there, swept along in this thick, luscious, driving groove.

“Black Beans and Rice” is aptly tilted because it’s so tasty. Excellent use of hand percussion – a break from the customary drum kit.

You just gotta pat your foot to “Swingin’ It On The Ritz”, but be careful; this is the real deal and you might get whiplash.

Next stop on the urban tour is church. It’s gospel time, and “I’ll Fly Away” is joyful in spirit. There’s no collection plate; instead, the giving is to and for you!

Bach’s Cello Prelude Suite No. 1” is like Belgian lace: delicate, but sturdy; elegant, but not too fancy for us regular folks.

The Rolling Stones’ “Miss You” is as close to the blues as anything gets on this CD. This version struts like Mick; the groove is solid and soulful.

“Urban Shuffle” features the probably-never-heard-before-now sound of ukulele/synthesizer. The result is somehow, unbelievably smooth, yet edgy. (These are the kind of pleasingly blended contradictions that the skillful Mr. Powers, using electronic wizardry, can coax from stringed instruments.)

Despite what the title may imply, “Time to Say Goodbye” isn’t sad. It’s more like an affirming statement that it’s time to move on, without regret or rancor. Consider it an anthem of positive personal growth.

“Pike Place Market” is just like the place: vibrant, varietal, alive. An auditory joyride!

“Don’t get Around Much Anymore” is played with a charming impishness that implies one used to get around quite a bit and had a great time of it, but again, no regrets.

“Buttered Soul” is sassy. The uke melody slashes and twirls like rapier, and it’s impressive the way that the drums creatively drive the rhythm, so that the whole piece moves with smooth precision.

The unadorned “Smile” has the classic beauty of the demure smile of the Mona Lisa, but Mr. Powers’ arrangement adds another smile: It’s the smile that you see that brings a smile to your face.

“Smooth” is tropical, hot, steamy, sultry. Tango with your baby on this one!

“Ala Moana (Path to the Sea)” is another song where the title of the song and feel of the song are well-matched. This Powers’ composition has the free-and-easy feel of shorts, a tee shirt and bare feet on a sunny day at the beach.

As we come to the end of our urban trek, we’re appropriately given a march, “Chair Latte”. And this march, appropriately, takes us right into “Fields of Gold”, which is a fitting conclusion to this CD because this song evokes peace and contentment through fulfillment.

So, when the CD stops and it’s all over, and one sits back, considering what one has heard, one finds oneself ready to go back through and pick-out favorites, which, I predict will be numerous.