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Musig
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Musig
Switzerland Brothers Erv and Jeff
Maynard from New York USA hit the nail on the head with
this CD, which offers a tasty variety of blues/rock/ballads, masterfully
arranged. In addition to some fine rocking tracks, Erv has penned
some of the finest acoustic numbers that touch your heart with a beautiful
blend of melody and lyrics, while brother Jeff belts them out with intensity
and soul. Even brother Ken Maynard helps out on the production side.
A true family affair! Although I felt some of the stronger material
was buried later in the CD, I look forward to the
next effort from the family. BEST TRACKS: SHE SOLD MY MONKEY & DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN?
ion to round out the band.
Blues
On Stage For more of this review, click Blues On Stage The
Capital-Adirondack SCENE Magazine For the Maynard Brothers disc, blues and bluesy rock seems to be what they do…although I must admit, I was slightly more impressed with a couple of the acoustic ballads. With no obvious flaws, the disc needs pruning and a little shuffling of track positions. For what it's worth, I believe when it comes to marketing a disc, always put your hottest stuff up front, 'cause you never know how long they're gonna listen. Listening through the first track, "No Devils", (which isn't a bad tune, just out of place, sounding more like an interlude than a slap-you-in-the-head attention grabber), you quickly come to the realization that the disc has some heart and ability, both in writing and execution. With the second track offering some good clean Stevie-Ray style stuff, "What To Do" brings your attention back to where it should be. Add a little classic blues, some rock-a-billy, bar room swing and a couple acoustic ballads, and you've got a band I'd actually go see. But guys, take some advice from a chronic compulsive…thanks for the fourteen tunes, but save a few for disc two! The Maynard Brothers are obviously able to write and perform some solid tunes….in fact they've been playing a few decades. First taking the stage together back in '72, our dynamic duo; shaven-headed, guitar slinging brothers, Erv and Jeff Maynard, have been doing it for almost 30 years now. In a unique spin, brother Erv writes most of the tunes and plays the guitar, while brother Jeff Maynard, "The Throat", offers steady vocals and a solid bass groove. As for Erv's writing, I'm sure he could sell songs to any blues label. His guitar licks are well placed and on the mark. Harold "Clutch" Reiser (who the brothers refer to as "the brother from another mother") supplies solid percussion to round out the trio. In short, absolutely featuring some tunes worthy of airplay, the self-entitled release certainly has its moments. From good time bar room rockers like the blues-swing anthem "Hung Over Again", (a real smoker which features a top shelf lyrical hook worthy of radio attention), to memorable finger-picked ballads like the haunting "Do You Remember When", they certainly get it done. The 12 bar blues of "Call the Warden", was only missing Charlie Musslewhite's harp, while the acoustic track "Don't Walk Away" could shine on any alternative venue. I did find the disc a little sparse on the guest musicians and back-up vocals…something which should definitely be considered for future efforts. Spicing it up, the blues track "Better Things To Do", featured the sax-ie sounds of Capital Region musician Rick Rourke (sic) …and subsequently the track shone as the introduction of the horn seemed to add a brighter luster to what you knew was there.. Also adding Tony Perrino and his B3 organ to "Down To The River", again the track brightened the spotlight on the band. But I'm sure anyone who's seen the band already knows they can play, I'm just saying that adding that musical diversity made their disc transcend to the next level. But even with all my jabbering, I'd certainly vouch for The Maynard Brothers if anyone asked. Nice job boys.
All
Music Guide Blues
Revue Apparently no one told guitarist Erv Maynard that. On his band’s debut, Maynard pens a dozen or so tunes that are smart, nuanced and original. With brother Jeff on vocals and bass, and family friend Harold “Clutch” Reiser on drums, the Maynards come across as a tight, flexible outfit with bar-band-grown-up charm. (And in fact, the members of the group have been performing around their home base of Johnsonville, N.Y., for nearly 30 years.) Despite their facility as musicians and a team - Jeff’s bass lines are always fresh, and Reiser holds any groove steady - Erv’s songs remain the centerpiece. He could probably work as a writer-for-hire at any respectable blues label. Originality,
of course, doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning tradition. The acoustic
“Down To The River” repeats a familiar blues tale of murder and
demon-haunted guilt, but it’s dark melody and guest Tony Perrino’s
B-3 underpinning raise it a cut above the rest; the song also features
Jeff’s best vocals. And “Call The Warden” is pure slow blues
anguish in 12 bars, with Erv’s pained guitar solos telling the
death-row story more succinctly than the lyrics themselves do. But it’s when the Maynards move beyond standard blues fare that they truly excel. The uptempo “Don’t Call It Love” works on several thematic layers simultaneously and features some of Erv’s most involving lyrics; “She Sold My Monkey” is a tongue-in-cheek heavy rock number that in a more daring time would be an FM hit. Elsewhere, Piedmont-leaning blues (“No Devils”), pop balladry (“Do You Remember When”) and classic R&B (“You And I Can Fall In Love”) expand the Maynard’s palette without making them sound like mere dabblers. The disc ends on a misstep, and it’s a shame: Erv’s folky, acoustic “Better Things To Do” could have been fantastic (sample lyric: “I don’t care if you don’t love me/ Like fish don’t swim in the deep blue sea”) if not for a forced gimmick in which the band members trade off vocals. No matter - the Maynard Brothers Band’s first release is a keeper, and they’re an act to keep an eye on.
Blue
Suede News
The Catalogue
Man The
Maynard Brothers Band are based in their hometown, Johnsonville, New
York State. The band
consists of brothers Jeff (bass & vocals) and Erv Maynard (guitar
& b. vocals) and Clutch Reiser (drums & percussion).
Their sound has been described as blues based roadhouse rock.
These guys started playing together in 1972 until Erv joined the
Air Force in 1983. In 2000,
after a 17-year break because of Erv’s commitment to the military, the
Maynard Brothers Band were finally working together again.
They are now signed to Northern Californian label, Pacific Sol. The self-titled debut release is full of intelligently written original tunes. It was recorded at Westside Studios in Round Lake, New York State. Erv and Clutch produced it. The guest musicians are Tony Perrino (Hammond B-3), Bobby Howard (piano) and Rick Rourke (sax). Some of the awesome tunes are “Call The Warden”, “Don’t Call It Love”, “What To Do”, the driving “I Want To Be Your Man”, a dark acoustic number “Down To The River”, a bluesy morning after song “Hung Over Again” and a couple of real rockers “She Sold My Monkey” and “Redneck Express”. This may be the Maynard Brothers Band debut but they sure can play like seasoned musicians. A winner. - John Bates.
DWM
Music The
lyrics are smart, and range from funny to terrifying to rip-your-guts-out
sad. But, the best thing about this CD is Jeff Maynard's vocals. This guy
can just flat-out SING! I rate these guys WAY up there in talent,
originality, and professionalism. The songs are all different, yet you
KNOW the same guys are doing them... the versatility is amazing. Do
yourself a favor. Buy this CD! |
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