X-Angels
Mississippi Sessions
© 2007 Ash/Al Music (619981250122)
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Echoes influences ranging from the Byrds and Bob Dylan to Brill Building pop and classic British pub rock.
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For fans of the real thing, the wait is over. The X-Angels are back.
After several years of limited activity, Portland’s premier purveyors of roots-rock soul return with a new CD and renewed commitment to live performance.
To the band’s devoted followers, this is good news indeed. For the uninitiated, it’s the chance to experience one of the Northwest’s best rock n’ roll bands.
When they arrived on the Portland scene in the early 1990’s, the Angels (then known as the Cowboy Angels) immediately moved to the front ranks of the roots-rock/alt country movement that was taking hold in the city.
Leader and chief songwriter Tom McGriff had just fled the LA rat race; the debut CD, appropriately titled “Escape from LA”, caught the attention of both critics and fans, who praised the band’s smart songwriting, passionate performances and superior musicianship.
The Angels also built a reputation as one of the best live acts in the region, with a sound that echoed influences ranging from the Byrds and Bob Dylan to Brill Building pop and classic British pub-rock.
Over the next few years, the band released three more critically acclaimed Cds: “X-Blonde” (1996), “Divine River” (1999), and “Four Bridges” (2001); they also played hundreds of live shows and built a devoted fan base.
The record, titled “Mississippi Sessions”, features 10 new songs by Tom McGriff. It also marks the reunion of the original X-Angels line-up of McGriff on rhythm guitar and vocals, Steve James Wright on various guitars, mandolin, etc., bassist Rich Gooch, and drummer Tom Royer; the band is also joined by Dave Fleshner on Hammond B-3.
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Mississippi Sessions
author: Jeff BushWaiting a long time for more of their music. As usual, just 1st rate music and lyrics. If they got play around the country they'd be stars. It IS that good as are ALL of their others. Buy em all and turn others on to this great music. Big Jeff, Olympia, WA
X-ANGELS
author: MUSICMANThis cd gets my vote for ALBUM OF THE YEAR. Not only are the songs great, but the vocals and tightness of the band are spectacular. I am not as lucky as Joe (other review) who has seen them live. I hope they someday make there way to the NY area. Hopefully, more music will follow in the months and years to come.
Album of the Year
author: Joe CalvertI've seen X-Angels perform live scores of times over the years, and have always walked away saying they are one of the best bands I've heard anywhere. Their new CD, Mississippi Sessions, drives that point home as the best album I've heard this year, and i'm predicting next year as well. On this album, the band is true to their deeply inspired by The Byrds, The Band, and Bob Dylan sound, with 10 songs that are all excellent, each one attempting to surpass the previous one. A blend of rock, blues, and country that is truly exceptional, with a modern and radio-potential feel. The smooth and rocking guitars of lead guitarist Steve James Wright, the deep and precise rhythm of bassist Rich Gooch and drummer Tom Royer, and the addition of Hammond B-3 organ accompaniment by Dave Fleshner, takes the emotional lyrics and beautiful melodies of band leader Tom McGriff to extreme heights. This is a must hear and must own CD for the true music-lovers.