Digericruise

Review from James Lowe of the Electric Prunes

Didgericruise

David Fuglie's mind must be on vacation? He and his cohorts Saylar Craig
and Mark Stenov have crafted a musical diorama that prods us to pack
our bags and cruise around the ball with them and "didgg" it. The first sinister
rumble of this ancient instrument hits your speakers and you know this is gonna
be a "Tour de Didgg". But wait! There's more!

Fuglie's songs take us from smooth take off in a plane to the scent of heather in the winds of Scotland.

This CD reminds me of folk journeys of the past, feet dangling in the tropic waters or dancing between crossed swords on the mizzen deck. There is even some tango for your mango! More than just the head banging didgg (which we're all used to....) these songs are layered fabric in nature with little things poking out
from time to time. Like bongos. When was the last time I heard a bongo? A little French refrain and some fine fiddle licks wind their way through the plucking guitar maze and we are off to Africa or Brazil. This is around the world in the nicest way possible; circumferential snappy didgery growl, hum and pluck. This musical offering will set you on the deck with an umbrella in your drink and take you on the didgericruise. Anchors away!

jAMES LOWE
electric prunes

- James Lowe

http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-didgericruise.html
CD REVIEW: Didgericruise - Didgericruise
By Cyrus Rhodes - 01/03/2012 - 12:42 AM EST
Artist: Didgericruise
Album: Didgericruise
Label: Arkose Records
Website: http://arkoserecords.com
Genre: Acoustic folk/blues/Spanish folk
Sounds Like: Chris Issak, Lyle Lovitt, Peter Paul and Mary
Technical Grade: 8/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 7/10
Commercial Value: 8/10
Overall Talent Level: 8/10
Songwriting Skills: 7/10
Performance Skill: 8/10
Best Songs: Tango, Plane, Kabasa
Weakness: Post Production Assignments, Overhearing Didgeridoo
CD Review: Arizona’s own Didgericruise release their debut, self-titled CD in 2011. Line-up includes 3 piece David Fuglie (Vocals, guitars, Ukulele, Mandolin, Banjo and Bass), Saylar (Vocals, Bowed Strings, Accordion, and Bouzouki), and Mark Stenov (Dideridoo and percussion).
The CD kicks things off with “Plane” an upbeat intro piece that serves up classic Americana vibe that delivers slamming fretwork, driving rhythm and rich harmonies and vocal melody from Fuglie and Company. Track 3 “Island Time” shifts gears with its smooth flowing rhythm, impressive solo guitar accents and catchy vocal vibe from Fuglie. Track 4 keeps things moving in the right direction with “Drowsy Grungy Maggie” a fiddle driven melody with dynamic musical groove that peaks & valleys its way through emotional fruition. This CD makes a solid first impression and really never lets up. As this CD slowly unfolds I can hear many different musical soundscapes reminiscent of such classic acts like Lyle Lovitt, Chris Issak, Paul Simon and Peter, Paul and Mary. The music itself is an amazing blend of modern acoustic folk, with Bluegrass/Americana roots with an unmistakable accordion driven vibe. The musicianship of all the players involved is equally as impressive. The earthy fretboard accents are well placed. The rhythm groove (Bass/Drums) is thick as a brick. The vocal presence of Fuglie is warm and inviting and fits this style of music perfectly. You will notice lush layers of instrumentation layered everywhere, from impressive solo guitar licks, amazing harmonies, impressive percussive accents, mandolin, accordion and even diffels and strings. But the most impressive thing about Didgericruise is the impressive songwriting, playing and vocal persona of David Fugile. He deserves allot of credit for his contribution. From Spanish “Tango” to rocking “Didgeriblues” and “Espania Voctoriosa” to upbeat “En Afrique” and seductive “Kabasa” to grooving “Brazilian Fantasy” this CD has something for everyone. I especially like the 7 instrumentals offered on this fully loaded catalogue. The CD ends with “Dream Time” the perfect finale statement for a CD of this caliber.
It’s hard to find any real weaknesses with this CD. I would offer up 2 item that would make it even better. It's generally never a good idea to have your mixing engineer and your mastering engineer be the same individual. This is typically a big NO NO in the recording Industry. Why? First – he already knows where all the dead bodies are buried (haha), Second: the more professionals you have assigned to your post-production the more perspective you can get out of it. As a producer I highly recommend having each phase of the production process (Recording, Mixing, Mastering) handled by a different professional altogether. At the end of the day it can be more strokes on the canvass. You won't regret what having 3 or 4 different sets of ears making your music sound as professional as possible. The second item – give the didgeridoo a freaking rest! It really wears on the ears and wears out it's welcome half way through the experience. At times it can even be overbearing sitig to high in the mix.
From start to finish “Didgericruise” is one impressive catalog of music. The music is consistent, uplifting and extremely entertaining. Note for note, song for song there isn’t really a weak piece on this entire catalog. The writing and playing abilities of David Figlie and company are rock solid. The lyrics are catchy lyrics, the melodies are well crafted and hooky. Last but not least the songwriting and vocal presence from front man David Fuglie is world-class. HE deserves alot of credit
ASK A QUESTION & FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR(S):
For a short bio, along with an intro to the columnist section, see here : http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-cyrus.html. If you would like to ask Cyrus Rhodes a question, you can write to cyrus@musesmuse.com . Please indicate the column you're inquiring about in the subject matter of your e-mail.
If you have a suggestion for a column or would like to be considered as a columnist yourself, feel free to write to me at jodi@musesmuse.com .


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