Album Reviews Artist Spotlight - Jarrod Champion Sleeps Till Dusk | Artist Spotlight - Jarrod Champion Sleeps Till Dusk |
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| Written by Art Michalski | |
| Friday, 05 September 2008 | |
 When we had a chance to
listen to Jarrod Champion’s voice on his band’s
second full length record, one voice immediately came to mind. Champion’s
voice hearkens the late Jeff Buckley. Champion takes that vocal
template and applies it very well to the self-titled release. The band’s record
is a refreshing turn into the piano based, jazz leaning sound that a
lot of popular bands are emulating these days. It seems
like most bands that dive into this genre of music are just waiting for the
moment where MTV or some teen show picks up their song and it becomes the ringtone on some 13-year-old girl’s phone. But, Champion’s music
is far smarter to fall into any of those trappings. Early songs on
the album, such as “Sour” and “Each To His Own”
recall people like Buckley and guys like Rufus Wainwright as well.
There are some truly hauntingly appealing moments on the record: On
tracks like “Sober,” Champion comes off chilling, but his
vocals hit an emotional chord with the listener. At some points, the
music heads into a throwback of singer songwriter types of the past
on tracks such as “Owed” and “Language."
Jarrod and his band came together out of the remnants of past projects the band mates had worked on in the past. It’s a common case for many bands; band doesn’t pan out and they go on to form something far more enjoyable and find a passion within that music. The band has recorded two EP and two full length records (including Sleeps Till Dusk) throughout this decade. Jarrod and Sleeps Till Dusk have received rave reviews from local stations 89X and WRIF and played many festivals over the years around town. Their latest round of dates brings them around town- with a date in Mt. Clemens this Friday (September 5th) and at the Dally At The Alley near the Wayne State campus this Saturday (September 6th). If you get a chance to check out some a more jazz based piano group, Jarrod Champion and Sleeps Till Dusk should be the highlight of your weekend. Check www.myspace.com/jarrodchampionsleepstilldusk for more upcoming dates and to link to buying the band’s latest or past material. |
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