CD Review

The Mix, is brand new musical collaboration that combines Hammond B-3 specialist Melvin Seals from Jerry Garcia Band fame on the Keyboards and Vocals, John Kadlecik and Kevin Rosen who use their guitar, bass, and vocal abilities to recreate classic Grateful Dead performances in their other band the Dark Star Orchestra, and the highly skilled drummer Greg Anton from legendary Bay area rock band Zero, to create an innovative and original debut album called American Spring.

The Mix have lived up to their moniker on this album, by mixing their unique styles and musical versatility together to create some down home Americana music that upon first listen seems comfortable and familiar, yet original and fresh. There are hints of blues, folk, rock, and even a little funk throughout the album, which gives The Mix its musical flexibility.

Melvin Seals’ tantalizing tapestry of sound enhances the overall feel of many of the songs with every extended funky note on the keys. His keyboard mastery can be seen on the albums initial track "What’s Become of Mary." After my first listen, I immediately found myself humming along with its catchy chorus. John’s guitar work and vocal quality also echo some tonal resemblance to the Grateful guitar legend himself. There are also short, yet sweet solos taken by both John Kadlecik and Melvin Seals, that seem to be perfect launching points for some extended live jamming.

The second track "Sister Smile," is a ballad that has a down home feel that is catchy, emotionally charged, and melodically beautiful. It almost seems like this song could have been a long lost track from the Grateful Dead’s epic album Workingman’s Dead, because of its folky yet rocking feel. Lyrically the song stands out, and leaves the listener wanting to press repeat on the C.D. changer.

Jerry Garcia’s essence can be felt all over this album, with sounds, musical textures, and vocal similarities that seem to bring the listener back to years past. Yet there is a freshness to the music, that allows the listener to sit back, enjoy, and experience something completely new and original.

Jerry’s longtime lyricist partner, Robert Hunter, also offers up some of his lyrical genius on two songs on the album, including the hauntingly beautiful title track "American Spring," which offers a somber yet powerful warning about the path our country is treading. As always it takes me a couple of focused listens to fully begin to digest the depth of Robert Hunter’s lyrical intensity and poetic brilliance.

The Mix’s American Spring is a musical journey that takes the listener simultaneously through the past, with tastes of each of the musician’s long and extensive musical backgrounds, as well to the future, with the originality and inventiveness of the songs themselves. There is something for everyone here, and I recommend this album to anyone who wants to experience the musical vortex where the past, present, and future blend comfortably in order to create a transcendent musical celebration.