Published on Aug 14, 2000
Here’s a friendly piece of advice for any unsigned band looking
to get press from a reviewer: It’s really difficult to base an
opinion on five songs or less. An artist or band’s style is just
starting to show itself to the reviewer, when – bam! – the disc
suddenly ends. It’s a story I could often tell; only the names of
the bands change.
Today’s subject: Jaco’s Invention, a husband-and-wife duo from
California whose self-titled EP came my way a few months ago. I’ve
listened to this disc on and off since receiving it, and only now,
after all these listens, do I think I have an understanding of
which musical direction this band wants to go.
Vocalist/bassist/percussionist Michele Jaco and
guitarist/bassist/drummer Danny Jaco write in a light pop style,
often bordering on acoustically-based. It’s sometimes a little
disconcerting to hear the Jacos try and decide whether they want
the gentle breeze of pop or a little more crunch to the music. Yet
despite this confusion, there is great promise this band holds out
for those willing to let themselves be taken on the journey.
Two rock solid examples of this are evident. The first is the
disc’s leadoff track, “Eagles Fly Alone”. The name does make you
think this song has an Eagles flavor to it, with almost a hint of
the California country style that was so popular in the ’70s. But
make no mistake, this is a light rock song, and the Jacos do not
water down the song’s roots at all, turning in a solid performance
musically and vocally.
Example number two is possibly the best song on the disc,
“Cinderella’s Wish”. Featuring more of a guitar bite courtesy of
Danny Jaco, this song has some teeth, and it’s not afraid to show
or use them. The layered vocals of Michele Jaco help to seal the
deal, giving the song almost a Heart-like vibe. It’s quite pleasant
on the ears, and rightfully stands out.
Of the remaining three songs on
Jaco’s Invention, only “Restless” stands out above the crowd
as being something above the norm. Closing an album with a song
that makes you think doesn’t always work, but in this case, it’s
the perfect way to wrap things up.
And I don’t want to leave the illusion that “Peaceful, Quiet
Days” or “The River Song” are poor in any fashion; this is not the
case. But they don’t jump out and grab the listener’s attention
like the others. And this is where
Jaco’s Invention has a serious flaw: the disc ends just as
the listener is really starting to get interested in what the Jacos
have to say. This is a time where more would have been the order of
the day.
Still, this EP dares to suggest that Jaco’s Invention has a
probability of good things lurking around the corner for them. It
takes some time to really appreciate and understand what this band
is trying to accomplish with their music. But when the lightbulb
finally goes on, it all proves to be well worth it.