anthony Robustelli

Cross Steely Dan with Stevie Wonder, add some Rufus and a little Randy Newman, and you'll have Anthony Robustelli's new CD. Reveling in its 1970s antecedents in spite of its digital-clean, 21st century studio timbre, the music bops and shivers like the best classic jazz-funk, decorated with hints of modern beats and samples.

Robustelli often records his vocals at a relatively low level, increasing the emphasis on his beats, keyboards, and icy electric guitar accents. (He plays most of the instruments himself). The quirky mixing sometimes gives me pause. It's got its own internal logic, I'm sure, but I can't always keep up with it. However, that's a pretty esoteric quibble about a very enjoyable album of well-crafted songs and tasty playing.

Highlights include the catchy "Half a Chance," the swinging, expressionistic "Charismatic Superman," and the soulful ballad "How Do You Say Goodbye," which seems to channel Leon Russell. An easygoing Southern soul vibe makes "Another Rant" a winner, and a brilliant sax solo by Deji Coker helps flesh out the sixteen-minute epic "And When We Tell You."

- Jon Sobel

Before popping Grown Tired of the Con into my player, I peeked at the accompanying biographical information. I really shouldn't do that because I'm an admitted "judge a book by its cover" kind of guy.

I thought the picture of Anthony Robustelli in a overly shaggy fur collared coat, too-tiny smoked shades, and black watchcap was trying a bit too hard to cop some sort of cool look, as if a supposedly hip wardrobe might make up for a lack of musical talent.

Long story short, I dreaded pushing "play," convinced Rubustelli's music would suck.

To my delight, Grown Tired of the Con was the opposite of suck. In fact, I found myself paying close attention to Robustelli's collection of tunes that all displayed a good deal of creative artistry wrapped in a style I'll describe as funked-up Steely Dan.

Grown Tired of the Con, issued by Shady Bear Records, is ten Robustelli originals that combine an interesting mix of instrumentation with competent lyricism. Each song is enjoyable on its own, but in total they complement and unify, without being monotonous.

Jumping off with "Taste," one song hands neatly off to another, building to a peak on the sixth track called "The Way." From here, some sweet techno-bop intros "Even," then moves into the final three cuts that slow the pace a bit without losing momentum, demonstrating Robustelli's skill and awareness of the importance of artful packaging.

For more information, visit www.anthonyrobustelli.com, or call Shady Bear Records at 917-328-6723. - 2 Walls Webzine - Mike Spinny