http://www.johntaglieri.com/index2.htm, http://thelivesproject.com/
Enjoyable scene setter for this EP/ebook series.
John Taglieri is a guy that I encountered back in 2000 when I reviewed his "Leap Of Faith" album. Since then he had dropped off my radar. Now he is back with a new project containing not only an album but also a book. In fact, we are talking an EP and a short (75 page) ebook. The song titles mirror the chapter titles in the book.
I have to admit that I'm not that much of a book reader with most of my spare time spent grabbing small info-bytes on the internet rather than taking the time to get into a good book. However, I just happened to be listening to this album during my summer holiday and I have to admit that a printout of the ebook proved to be enjoyable poolside reading. The 'Lives' we are talking about are a couple of rejects called Max and Cate. This opening instalment revolves around their meeting and their road journey from New Jersey to Chicago. The project will consist of 4 EP/ebooks released over a 2-year period.
Maybe it is the fact that John is from New Jersey, but I found myself using Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen as reference points when writing notes to describe the music. I guess in some ways the EP is a bit like a concept album. In this respect the carnival music of the intro and final track are maybe necessary from a storytelling viewpoint, but don't enhance the album, especially after repeated listens. The feel extends to the first proper track, "Ferris Wheel", which has spoken parts and an overall theatrical vibe. After this stuttering start, we cruise down a motorway of comfortable and enjoyable American AOR rock with a smattering of power pop giving the songs a contemporary edge. Whilst I know the EP is available as a standalone product, I think the songs take on a new dimension after you have read the book and the lyrics come to life.
There is also a website which is designed to add an interactive element, via facebook & twitter, to this well thought-out project. This introduction has captured my imagination and I am keen to see how the next instalment of the story of Max and Cate unfolds.
