Album Review: Ricky Small and the Talls
By Christopher Skrypack Dec 21st 2011
Maine native Ricky Small and his band “The Talls” have found their home in San Diego County. The self-titled album “Ricky Small and The Talls” demonstrates the group’s seriousness to their musicianship.
Formally educated at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Ricky’s lifelong pursuit of creativity has come to fruition. His inspirational lyrics, soothing vocals and coastal rhythm mesh comfortably with the Ross Ma’u brother’s pacific island influences. Small’s musical journey, swayed by such artists as Jason Miraz and Jack Johnson, has allowed him to merge his style to include a broad array of genres. The debut album creates a conglomerate of reggae, jazz, funk, pop and folk. Small’s charming vocals together with Nolan Greene’s professional and patient drumming exemplify the endorsement of San Diego’s young and up-and-coming talent.
The album cover’s artwork, both simple and subtle, gives a strong indication of the music within. Recorded in El Cajon’s Room 16 Recording Studio, the polished tracks solidify the group’s localized nature. Tracks such as “Irish Girl” illuminate Small’s poetic folklore while “The Cling” presents the band an opportunity to incorporate backing vocals demonstrating their completeness. Many of the remaining reggae tracks settle doubts as to whether Ricky Small and The Talls will be able to reach those fans looking for a stronger southern California sound.
However, the band may at times be too polished for their own good. Although there are plenty of shifting rhythms to get a concert goer’s feet moving, the band may struggle with those fans looking for something a little more raw. There are likely to be critics that will see the formal education as a limitation to Small’s ability to venture outside the box. Regardless, youth and persistence are certainly on this lifelong musician’s side. “Ricky Small and The Talls” is a strong foundational step towards their future. The debut album will undoubtedly give listeners an indication of the band’s earnestness towards their craft, which is a pivotal element to perennial success.
Free Download MP3:
“Same Old Story”
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