Preston Frazier shares his favorites from Bernie Chiaravalle and Fernando Perdomo to Alex E. Chavez and Parlor Greens on this list of the Best of 2024 in Rock:
BERNIE CHIARAVALLE – ‘CHIARA DESTINO’: Do we need another cover album? When is this well done, This well played, and produced this well played the answer is a resounding YES! Guitarist and singer-songwriter Bernie Chiaravalle may be best known for his funky rocking guitar work in Michael McDonald’s band but he has an eclectic solo career. Chiara Destino, Italian for destiny, finds Chiaravalle putting his stamp on well-known rock classics such as “I Want To Tell You” by the Beatles and “My Back Pages” by Bob Dylan along with lesser-known gems such as “Dino’s Song” by Quicksilver Messenger Service and “All the Children Sing” by Todd Rundgren. The result is a 14-song magical carpet ride, with every note played by Chiaravalle.
FERNANDO PERDOMO – ‘SELF’: Fernando Perdomo is the role model for an artist who is constantly refining or redefining his craft. The next Best of 2024 rock entry continues Perdomo’s forward-leaning approach. The album combines Perdomo’s Southern California-like song craft with Perdomo’s evident prog-rock pedigree to give the listener a look at the many musical faces of Perdomo. Expertly self-engineered and self-produced, Self is perhaps the guitarist’s most accessible album. “Searching For Myself” conjures up the very best of Laurel Canyon. Perdomo’s vocals are tight and compelling. Perdomo, handling all the instruments, weaves in his warm Martin D 28 acoustic guitar textures to enhance his melodic concepts further. Care has gone into the sequencing of Self as the album builds in interest.
MARK BACINO – ‘TOP OF THE WORLD’: A much sought-after producer, writer and multi-instrumentalist, Mark Bacino combines succinct and clear writing on Top of the World with excellent production, and outstanding playing. Not a note is wasted in the effort. The opening salvo, “Kaylee Hughes,” is as close to perfect as pop can get. Bacino’s tale of an almost too-good-to-be-true potential suitor and a skeptical potential mate is both clever and catchy. His vocals effectively reflect both angst and paranoia, while his Wurlitzer solo is coy and enticing. Michael Leonhart’s horn work adds a cherry to the cake. Bacino’s clever lyrics have a dark edge here yet are relatable and clever. The 10 songs on Top of the World demonstrate song craft at its finest. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait another decade for Mark Bacino’s next release.
ALEX E. CHAVEZ – ‘SONOROUS PRESENT’: This may be his solo debut but the Chicago based Alex E. Chavez has already had an acclaimed music career with the group, Dos Santos. Recorded in Chicago and Los Angeles, Sonorous Present is an immersive journey into Chavez’s life, with elements of tragedy, isolation and discovery. Chavez handles the guitars, electric bass, keyboards and well as vocals, with Queztal Flores as producer. Flores’ approach is innovative and sympathetic to the vivid storytelling, most of which is Spanish. The results are not easy listening, but these 13 tracks present a cohesive theme and obvious craftsmanship. Guest appearances by Aloe Blacc, Martha Gonzalez and Lucia Guitierrez Rebolloso among others further Chavez’s stunning vision.
DARK MONARCHY – ‘WEIGHT OF THE WORLD’: With four complete studio albums and as many EPs, the Dark Monarchy has seen a steady progression of their music. The latest release from the band consisting of prog-metal multi-instrumentalist Mark Anthony K and Joe Bailey continues their upward progression. The vocals, handled by both principles on Weight of the World, continue to evolve, and the double bass drumming has been elevated to a new level. Upon reaching the final track, “Solitaire,” one can’t help but be amazed about how Bailey and K produced and arranged these songs. Before you know if Weight of the World is over, you’ve hit the remote control to play the album again.
PARLOR GREENS – ‘IN GREEN / WE DREAM’: A riveting and funky debut album, recorded live to a Tascam 388 analog machine. Organist Adam Scone, guitarist Jimmy James and drummer Tia Carman bring the sum of their heady playing experiences together to create an organ trio that leans heavily on soul, funk, and jazz. The 10 originals on In Green / We Dream are varied and effective. While engaging, the album’s closer and sole cover, “My Sweet Lord,” only confirms the care and attention that has gone into the original songs and their arrangements. “Driptorch,” the album opener, jumps out of the speakers with melodic guitar leads by James and muscular drumming from Carman. The title track is a pocket-heavy, jazzy romp. “Steam Presser,” another album favorite, capitalizes on the more is less approach. In the end, Polar Greens delivered a near-perfect debut.
EMERALD CITY COUNCIL – ‘MOTION CARRIES’: Emerald City Council boasts members who descend from rock royalty: Vocalist Jake Livgren is son of Kansas co-founder Kerry Livgren while drummer Noah Hungate is the son of Toto co-founder David Hungate. But the band never relies on their pedigree. Producer/keyboardist and principal writer Brent Bristow has crafted catchy progressive rock utilizing the individual talents of the band which is rounded out by Jeremy Nichols on bass and Seth Hankerson on guitar. Lyrically rich and musically powerful, highlights on this Best of 2024 entry include “Realize II Brutal Camouflage” with its Kevin Gilbert flare and the epic “Platform of Illusion,” with its detailed arrangement and relatable lyrics. Motion Carries captivates on many levels. It’s a stunning debut.
PROJEKT GEMINEYE – ‘CANADA: STORIES AND LEGENDS’: The second 2024 release by Projekt Gemineye, Canada: Stories and Legends takes a thematic turn from What’s On Your Mind. This time Mark Anthony K takes the listener of a look at his home country of Canada. No, it’s not an ode to hockey and poutine. Canada: Stories and Legends is a look at the development of the country, with the scars as well as the achievements that many are not aware of. K doesn’t try to capture the entire storied history but his short glimpse is enough to whet the listener’s appetite. His metallic sensibilities and musicianship remains at the forefront. “The Lost Generation,” the first single from Canada: Stories and Legends, was a worthy addition to the Projekt Gemineye canon with provocative, direct lyrics and a musical urgency that invites air guitar playing – and repeated listening.
- Bernie Chiaravalle, Fernando Perdomo + Others: Preston Frazier’s Best of 2024 in Rock - December 13, 2024
- Jazz Guitarist Juan Dhas Discusses ‘Aether’: Something Else! Interview - November 30, 2024
- Mark Anthony K. Discusses Projekt Gemineye’s ‘Canada: Stories and Legends’ - November 16, 2024
