Song Review:
Blues For Dixie
Overall Impression:
Blues for Dixie is a groovin' boot scootin' tune, full of classic influences including blues, classic country, and a touch of dixieland, striking a nostalgic feeling in this song, bringing us back to anywhere within the last hundred years of music in the South, as Nolan Bruce Allen and his band pine for home, Dixie. Blues for Dixie is full of imagery in the lyrics, conveyed by a gorgeous singing voice, and supported by terrific instrumentals. The vibe of the song, although longing for home, is upbeat and had my bobbing my head along the entire song, and I was singing along the second time listening through.
Strongest Point(s):
The musicality both in the composition and performance is spectacular. The timing is in the pocket, the intonation is pure, and the communication between the ensemble is solid. The harmonies are enjoyable, and fitting to the style and the song. Nolan Bruce Allen has a smooth crooning voice, and the instrumentalists are clearly masters of their instruments and their place and function in the group and composition. The quality of the recording and mix is superior, and the blend and balance is fantastic, with everyone being represented well the whole time, and no one is buried in the sound. The punctual harmony on "Blues" is very effective in punctuating the message of the song, along with verbally punctuating the line. Also I love the clarinet, it really brings a sense of New Orleans jazz to the song.
Target Audience Appeal:
As I stated above, you clearly have a grasp of your voice (compositionally) and know the sound you want to create. I would suggest maximizing your exposure by advertising your music for use in all media platforms, such as advertisements, movies, tv, streaming services, along with blasting social media. Often times, it is a right place right time situation, so by increasing the places and times, you are more likely to get a hit. This appeals to many different genres, including blues, country, swing, light jazz, dixieland, dixie, and classic jazz.
Artist target suggestions:
Nolan Bruce Allen and his Band have a unique sound for modern ears, that I believe you should keep exploring. While it's good to have role models and influences, remember that your voice is most important for your music. Nolan Bruce Allen, Aaron Tippin, Alan Jackson, Asleep at the Wheel, Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Clint Black, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Duke Ellington, Eagles, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Garth Brooks, George Jones, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Merle Haggard, Nat King Cole, Red Steagall, Riders in the Sky, Roy Orbison, The Beatles, The Time Jumpers, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Tony Bennet, Tracy Byrd, Travis Tritt, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson
About the Reviewer:
Rob Lawson is a Master’s Music Performance major at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is a percussionist, composer, conductor, and recording artist. He has performed with the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Horn Choir, Pit Orchestra, and Keystone Winds. He has composed, arranged, and premiered works for Percussion Ensemble, Pep Band, and Brass Quintet at IUP, and conducted the Pep Band, Symphony Band, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and Chamber Ensembles, along with various recitals. Rob graduated from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Music in Performance, was the Principal Percussionist and Timpanist of the Wind Ensemble, Percussionist and Drummer with the Beatles Band, and conducted the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, New Music Orchestra, and various Chamber Ensembles. Rob also has experience with the recording process, both in front and behind the mic, from solo pieces to rock bands to full orchestral ensembles. He also teaches private lessons in percussion, conducting, music theory, and has taught high school marching percussion.
Vocals: Strength
Lyrics: Strength
Instrumental Performance/Execution: Strength
Melody/Rhythm: Strength
Arrangement/Flow: Strength
Recording Quality/Overall Mix: Strength