Relix Records presents the sophomore release for John Popper as a solo artist, most famous for being the rotund frontman, creator, and mastermind of the jam band favorites Blues Traveler. Popper, a singer/harpist, experien... more »ced astounding success with his original band, earning a fervent grass-roots following during the early 1990s on the basis of their relentless touring schedule and a sprawling blues-rock sound. Aligned alongside other neo-hippie outfits including Phish, Widespread Panic and the Spin Doctors, Blues Traveler went on to become one of the most successful annual tour packages of the decade. The group's momentum was derailed in the fall of 1992, however, when Popper was severely injured in a motorcycle accident. After taking much of what was necessary time away from the stage, Popper completed his 1999 debut solo effort Zygote, which has scanned over 39,000 units to date. After taking time off to get back on his feet following some health problems, Popper has returned to the lifestyle he knows best; rock and roll! And who would?ve thought that after all that time away the man would?ve been able to pick up right where he left off?! Well, actually, we did?« less
Relix Records presents the sophomore release for John Popper as a solo artist, most famous for being the rotund frontman, creator, and mastermind of the jam band favorites Blues Traveler. Popper, a singer/harpist, experienced astounding success with his original band, earning a fervent grass-roots following during the early 1990s on the basis of their relentless touring schedule and a sprawling blues-rock sound. Aligned alongside other neo-hippie outfits including Phish, Widespread Panic and the Spin Doctors, Blues Traveler went on to become one of the most successful annual tour packages of the decade. The group's momentum was derailed in the fall of 1992, however, when Popper was severely injured in a motorcycle accident. After taking much of what was necessary time away from the stage, Popper completed his 1999 debut solo effort Zygote, which has scanned over 39,000 units to date. After taking time off to get back on his feet following some health problems, Popper has returned to the lifestyle he knows best; rock and roll! And who would?ve thought that after all that time away the man would?ve been able to pick up right where he left off?! Well, actually, we did?
"First things first, and before you read on, consider this: the music on this CD sounds a bit like Blues Traveler. If that doesn't appeal to you, look elsewhere. For those who are still reading, let me just say this: it's not a great CD. However, it is entertaining and provides a sort of alternate view to Blues Traveler. Those who have heard "Zygote", John's first solo album, and/or Frogwings' "Croakin' at Toad's" may have caught that they have different characters to them than anything BT has done, and "The John Popper Project" is the same in this respect.
This is John and Tad (bass) from BT along with Marcus Bleecker (drums) and DJ Logic (turntables), and a number of the songs sound like Blues Traveler with more of a beat, groove and rhythm to it. If you're averse to rock with turntables and the occasional programmed beat (e.g.: "Trigger"), I'll say this: it's done pretty well and tastefully. It's obvious but not overpowering to the point that the song suffers. It's also not rap-metal, so no worries there.
It also doesn't always work, either, but I enjoyed the CD as a whole. Some songs are laid back, some are jammy, some are fast-paced and some sound like sped-up BT. A few songs will garner many repeated listens (such as "Louisiana Sky", "Fire in her kiss" and "Morning Light"), though some will not. Truth be told, if you like Blues Traveler, you'll find something to like (Popper's lyrics, his harpistry, his vocals; the occasional keys; Tad) on this CD. Whether it's your cup of tea is up to whether or not you're interested in taking a chance on an entertaining yet decidedly different shade of John Popper."
This really is a great album.
Chad A. Koenig | Ballston Spa, NY | 04/26/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have always loved Blues Traveler but I was skeptical to hear DJ Logic on turntables. What a pleasant surprise. It doesn't sound like anything else. I mean, music wise- it's Blues Traveler but it's got a nice twist on it. I can't say that every song is perfect but if you are into experimental music instead of mainstream, then check this out. I amso glad that i did and would love a second album!
Chad Koenig"
Popper
Anthony Hanley | seattle | 10/06/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Popper really does it this time, some tracks are reminiscent of Blues Traveller, but the album in whole really pushes the extremes. This makes for a great listen! Soulful, hard hitting, bluesy, experimental, it's all there. I would like to see a follow-up and perhaps tour to support this excellent worthwhile endeavour.
---Anthony hanley"
Good but not as good as one would hope
DPG | San Jose | 12/19/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This cd has grown on me. At first it seemed a bit like a collections of BT songs that make it to the slightly irregular bin. Changed a bit but sort of the same old reliable thing. I gave it a while to work its magic and lo-and-behold it really has.
Some of these songs are flatout BT sounding (which is fine to my tastes)
But halfway through this cd finds itself with "Fire In Her Kiss" and then it stretches itself and gains its own ID.
Give it a shot and give it a few plays..
and for what it is worth this album has brought a very fair bit of poker luck... i listen to it and I do very well... so maybe you can incorporate the luck of Jihn Pooer into your gambles and vices as well"