Search - Agents of Good Roots :: Straightaround: Live

Proof of talent

retardedelf42 | Houston, TX United States | 11/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Agents of Good Roots is a band that has more talent that the majority of the artists that you hear today. This album proves that. I was first exposed to Agents on a suggestion from a friend, and bought their major-label debut, One By One. That album is more of a sonic collage of many styles, including rock, jazz, and gospel. Straightaround seems to focus a little more on the healthy jazz obsession carried by the band. Plus, these guys can PLAY! It's so unfortunate that our ears are primed to hear cookie-cutter music unlike this. Andrew Winn's guitar/keyboard playing provides an excellent setup for J.C. Kuhl's incredible sax playing. Kuhl really goes off on tracks like "Straight," which ends the album on an impressive, tight jam. This album gets better with every listen, because in spite of the fact that you're only listening to five instruments (guitar, keyboard, sax, bass, drums), Agents always bring something new to the table when you listen. Jazz fans, rejoice! Your voice is beginning to be heard in rock circles! Highly recommended for jazz fans, as well as fans of Dave Matthews Band."

A must have for all music lovers

Brian Pace | 02/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A must have for all music lovers, and the perfect introduction to a very talented band. The vastly disparate singing styles of Brian Jones and Andrew Winn and even Stewert Meyers (yes... three of the four are able to take over lead vocals... another tribute to their musical craftmanship) are far from your typical main-stream leads and add yet another diverse and sometimes unfamilair level to each of their albums. More importantly, the ability of this band to improvise and work their way into a methodical groove helps separate Agents from most bands of the day. If only picking stocks were this easy... Here's hoping new basist Kevin Hamilton can sustain the groove!"

Richmond Band sizzles in live performance

Brian Pace | 07/22/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Agents of good roots offers a good mix of funky guitar riffs and saxaphone set to an skillful drummer in this live recording. Their sound is reminiscent of Dave Matthews and Phish , but clearly Agents have found their own style, thanks in part to the unique voice of Brian Jones. The band showcases their jamming skill on several tracks, like "Shortchange" and "straight", and offer creative lyrics in songs like "The Ballad Of Hobby and his Piano". The recording flows rather nicley in almost all areas. The album has flaws as a few of the songs just don't seem to work ,but otherwise, Agents has produced an excellent album which is a pleasure to experience."