High Side of Lowdown by James Cohen

28 May

Written by Glenn Astarita
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Hailing from Canada, guitarist James Cohen dug the sounds of flamenco recordings and gypsy music when he was only six years old. And at the tender age of seven, Cohen started playing guitar. On this effort, Cohen relates the Spanish element through various tempi, with assistance from Tony D. on steel string guitar, bassist Devin Johnstone, and others, performing on selected tracks.

A nicely produced set, Cohen displays full command of his instrument, as he incorporates a stylistic approach into familiar musical territory. The band even indulges in a mid-tempo swing vamp on the cheery number titled, "Tiny Monkeys." Yet Cohen’s fluent lines, rapid strumming and penchant for constructing memorable melodies, are rooted within the flamenco idiom. And unlike some of his peers, Cohen isn’t totally caught up with replicating Django, when playing within the gypsy-jazz genre. A good thing for sure, yet one of the prime factors with this release is rooted within the artist’s distinctive musical persona, as the group will often serenade the willing listener. In sum, Cohen doesn’t establish a new paradigm for flamenco-based stylizations or anything that may seem interrelated. However, his music - instilled with a lighthearted, yet focused approach - should theoretically, warm the hearts of an extensive fan base.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: James Cohen
CD Title: High Side of Lowdown
Genre: World Music
Year Released: 2003
Record Label: NorthernBlues Music
Tracks: Pun Tango; Santa Anna; Blue Gypsy; Mock Pollock; Elsie; The Lemming; La Tormenta; High Side Of Lowdown; Tiny Monkeys; Fortunes Fool; Without You.'
Musicians: James Cohen (nylon string guitar); Tony D. (steel string guitar); Richard Bell (piano, keyboards, vibes, accordion); Devin Johnstone (percussion); Stu Watkins (bass).
Label Website: http://www.northernblues.com
Rating: Three Stars