SOUNDCHECK MAGAZINE - JULY 2003 by Debbie Catalano

JABE
Drama City (2 Discs)

This is all about texture - layers of earthy rhythms and inspiring grooves all drawn from the spirit of roots music. A medley of instruments like mandolin, banjo, fiddle, accordion, and harmonica, along with electric, acoustic, and slide guitars, bass (acoustic, electric, double), and drums and percussion are responsible for the wonderfully smoky flavor of Jabe's music. Team this blend with the first-rate playing of Jabe's band - Jay Aucella (bass), Dave Westner (drums), and Sean Staples (mandolin), and Jabe's edgy, folksy songwriting and vocal style, and you've got what I consider an outstanding album. I can't say enough about "Drama City" - I am captivated; completely tingling from the vibes this emanated. Along with this stimulating 13-song CD, "Drama City" features a second CD with three videos and three MP3s. This was an excellent idea as it gives people a chance to get a glimpse of the band's live presence (and I was happy to see one of my favorite tracks "Cold Cold Wind" on video), which is a lot more vibrant and energetic than one may expect for the genre. The MP3s are two live and one studio track - three more opportunities to showcase Jabe's songwriting talent (and sense of humor) and music for newly ardent fans like me. Too many good songs to pinpoint all together here - just for a smattering of hard folk, rock, bluegrass, blues, and roots, I urge you to check Jabe out.

- Debbie Catalano