Rick Lisak
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Review by Mike Breen of Cincinnati's City Beat Magazine, from the April 12-18, 2006 edition, in the Locals Only section:
"Calling themselves a "progressive acoustic" band, The Sloes are a versatile three-piece specializing in (but not limited to) Americana stylings with the occasional World Beat undercurrent. The band's 10-song debut, Desperate Train, is somewhat sparsely arranged, but the minimalism is filled up by the trio's lively, passionate performances. Though built largely around the boundary-ignoring, melodically-solid songwriting of singer/guitarist Rick Lisak, multi-instrumentalist Scott Carnder (who provides inspired basslines as well as mandolin and bouzouki) and drummer Stan Ginn (who offers a variety of dynamic percussion sounds) are crucial to the album's warm glide and organic grace (a slew of guests provide strings and lap steel support to great effect).
The trio's debut elegantly rides the rails through shuffling roots rock (the title track); bluegrass-flavored folk rock ("Desperate Times"); folksy, winsome balladeering ("Letting Go"); wispy, crooning jazz ("Winter Into Spring"); and hooky, emotive pop ("Don't Turn Your Back"). Elsewhere, they toy with undulating Latin ambience ("There Was a Time"), and Middle-Eastern rock (on the blissfully strange cover of "Paint It, Black"), while the circular mandolin riffing, "Billie Jean" bass riff and off-kilter melodic leaps of "ClickTrack" result in the album's most unique moment. "Felt the Sun" is another highlight, a gentle slither of folk pop that climaxes with some sunrise harmonies so gorgeous and meticulous, The Beach Boys would be jealous.
Desperate Train's fusion of tranquil folk and more exploratory roots music adventures makes it an album full of subtle surprises, tied together by writing that is admirable in its creativity but also traditional enough to appeal to open-minded purists."
- City Beat Magazine
Discography
"Open Road"
Photos
Bio
Over the last three years, Lisak
and Rowe have honed a spare, rich sound that exemplifies their love of acoustic
music and harmony singing. Cincinnatian Rick Lisak has been writing and
performing since the early 70’s. He has published songs with Charlie Daniels’
publishing company, earned two Emmys for his work in daytime television, as
well as accolades for work in
music production for television, radio and the internet. Zach Rowe hails
from Northern Kentucky, and is a classically trained guitarist. He received his
degree from Loyola of Chicago while also majoring in history. Since 2004, he has
been performing regionally in rock, acoustic, and country groups. The two
combine to make music akin to a “twangy” Simon and Garfunkel, inspired by the
roots heritage iconic of the Ohio River Valley.
Band Members
Links
