Westbound Train
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Westbound Train

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"Westboundsound"

“Strap on some shoes, grab your lady, and start dancing, because Westbound Train isn't going to stop until you're in love
with the mood they create.”
- -In Music We Trust.com Album


"Westbound live"

“Westbound Train is a very tight unit that plays a cross between Reggae, Rocksteady, and Ska. Some songs were very
Skank-worthy, while other songs had nice melodies that make you all nice and fuzzy inside. What I like best about Westbound Train is their singer. Not only does the singer have a great voice, but also he is so energetic, and he
always tries to get the crowd into it. It’s always nice to see a band that has good communication with the crowd.
The crowd reacted well to the band and showed their support dancing along, cheering and clapping
- -Rockzone.com live show review


"Westbound connection"

For fans of ska music, these have not been easy times. Groups have continuously disbanded or simply disappeared over the years, after ska’s brief foray into the mainstream in 1998 when MTV put Carson Daly in a black suit and porkpie hat to host “Skaturday,” leaving us only The Slackers, who are, thankfully, always on the road. Recently, though, there has been a significant resurgence of musical interest in ska and the emergence of several bands, quickly drawing attention. One such band is Boston-based Westbound Train.
Westbound Train has been together since 2001. Their first album, “Searching for a Melody,” was released in 2003 by Stubborn Records and re-released in 2004 by both Stubborn and Bucket Hingley’s Megalith Records. With engineering and mixing done at King Django’s Version City, on both the original and re-release, “Searching for a Melody” is comprised mainly of tender love songs, though it does contain a track with Django. The album showed promise in its composition and lyrical writing but lacked a musical force you can just tell should be there. It did, however, draw attention for the group and the laid the necessary groundwork for today’s Westbound Train.
The lineup was changed almost entirely just a year after the initial release of “Searching,” with only bassist Thaddeus Merritt and vocalist/trombonist Obi Fernandez remaining in the group. With a new cast of musicians, Westbound Train’s sound was completely revamped and they began to tour and play shows fervently to showcase their new talent. A second album, “Five to Two,” was released on the band’s own Relative Records this past June and certainly contains the musical force “Searching” was clearly capable of, but unfortunately lacking.
The album opens with “Forever” and a listener can immediately hear the artistic growth of vocalist Obi Fernandez. His voice is certainly notably stronger but also more confident. The blues-influenced backing vocals of Cory Williams, guitarist, specifically on the third track, “Can You Please?,” also aid in the strengthening of the overall vocal sound. Williams’s guitar strumming is also stylistically more blues-derived than the pop style traditionally associated with the ska of this generation, creating a sound closer to the roots of ska music. The horn lines are also much tighter on this album than its predecessor; the musicians are clearly better versed in the musical style and are extraordinarily talented in general. Each track can easily get you up on your feet, or nodding to the groove for those that do not dance.
“Five to Two” is also highlighted by another appearance by King Django, as well as two tracks featuring Alex Desert of Hepcat. “Lyric Architect” is essential Django with his quick-witted and steady rhymes. For those still grieving over the loss of Hepcat from the scene, Desert’s contributions to “Soapbox” and “To Know” may be enough to tide you over until the next reunion tour. The juxtaposition of his deeper, grittier voice, to that of Obi’s sweet and soothing style creates a very smooth and feel-good sound. “When I Die” is the one unexpected song on the album, as the stark guitar strumming and melancholy vocals and trumpeting differ greatly from the rest of the album, though it is truly beautiful in its simplicity.
Westbound Train’s “Five to Two” may be precisely what the ska scene needed to repair its broken heart. Yet, regardless of the strength of the album, it is the live performance of the group that truly captures the talent of the musicians.
Now on tour with The Toasters, Westbound Train will be playing at the Bottom Lounge tomorrow at 6 p.m.
by Amy Barlag
Staff Writer
- The Depulia Weekly


"Arguably one of the best"

Westbound Train's "Five to Two" is arguably one of the best CDs that I have heard in awhile. To classify them in one genre would not do this group any justice whatsoever--they are able to mix elements of numerous different genres, including Rocksteady, Dance, Hall, Ska, and Reggae. Although relatively laid back in mood and tempo, the great lyrics and music that are work in this CD make it a pleasure to listen to.

The CD begins with one of my personal favorite tracks, "Forever." Starting with a catchy horn intro, we are soon introduced to Obi Fernandez's vocals, which are extremely smooth and enjoyable throughout the entire duration of the CD. The lyrics are also very clever and well-written. This song, and entire CD, are extremely danceable. Horn and vocal harmonies, as well as musical peaks and lows are able to make the music extremely moving and touching at times without becoming heavy or extremely over the top.

The CD continues on in similar fashion, with other favorites being "When I Die," and "Lyric Architect." There are guest appearances on the disc by such well known names as King Django and Alex Desert Hepcat, and these featured artists always compliment Westbound Train very well and add a new and great element to their music. In conclusion, you can't go wrong buying this album. One of the best albums I've recently heard, an eclectic mixing pot of many of my favorite genres. I'd highly reccomend picking up this album. CTSKA.com
- CTska.com


Discography

-Searching For a Melody: Stubborn Records 2001

-Searching For a Melody: Re-Release Megalith Rec/Stubbron Rec. 2003

-Kick Ass Ska Compilation CD: Pimp Rec. (Switzerland) 2002

-Leisure Riddims for the Working Class Compilation: SpitShine Rec. 2002

-Still Standing Ska Compilation: Jump Up Rec./ Megalith Rec. 2003

-Version City Session Compilation: Stubborn Records 2003

- Give Em The Boot vol. IV- Hell-Cat Records 11/09/04

-Five to Two: Relative Records 2004

-Give Em the Boot vol V Hellcat Records 05/22/06

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

Westbound Train has been bringing their sweet sounding dance music to the masses since 2001. Their 2002 release, Searching for A Melody, has been described as soulful, flowing, and well rooted, with melodic and yearning lyrics combined with a beat that you can't help but move to.
Though the winter of 2003 brought about a change in their lineup, Westbound Train has grown stronger with a dedication to their passion and an unfailing persistence.
Jesse Hayes, Cory Williams, Thad Merritt, Obi Fernandez, Rich Graiko, Gideon Blumenthal, and Josua Cohen bring together the feeling and emotion of old school R&B and Soul with a flavorful, new school flare. You can hear the ghosts of Curtis Mayfield, Jim Croce, and Marvin Gaye in every lyric that Obi writes and story that he tells. These influences and others, such as Stevie Wonder and Bob Dylan, are referenced so effortlessly and fluidly that they leave the listener with the sort of satisfaction money just can't buy. Combine this with the truly authentic sound of their rhythm section and a horn section rivaled by few, and you have the recipe for a party you won't forget. But it's not just the way they tell a story, or the immense musicality of this group, that makes it so intense. It's the group's idea of family, the coherent manner in which they function, that makes this ensemble what it is. A desire to shed some positive light on this dark, dark world is the cement that rivets this association.
Spring of 2004 brought forth a new project of recording a new album. The album �Five to Two� has the passion and fire that Westbound Train is known for but also be prepared for a change in direction. This album reflects more on life and how it feels to be alive in 2004. Not quite so many love songs this time around, though there will be one or two in for good measure.
Westbound Train is not a passing trend. They are not a bandwagon that you jump on again and off again. The minute you hear them you know that one thing is certain: when this train arrives at its destination, you will be on it.