Robert Urban Wing CD Review

"Rock Widow" Robert Urban Review By: Len      "OK, let's see if I can do it." are the first words on Robert Urban's newest release, "Rock Widow". It is immediately known by the listener that Robert can do it and do it very well! Bravo! Would be the first reaction to this classic rock creation, fused with warm jazz tones throughout. Urban takes us on a personal and somewhat introspective musical journey through his eyes and world. As a complete work, "Rock Widow" very much carries like the score to a rock opera. Each song is independent yet connected. Either connected in spirit or by theme, and or the compelling and unique style that is Robert Urban.

     "Rock Widow" brings memories of days when a new album was reason for gathering and party. Rooted solidly in classic rock the influences are there. The Who, Yes, Les Dudek, the Beatles, and several more. It is Robert Urban's artistic ability to take influence from each while making the finished work truly his own. The familiar feel of Robert's music adds to the overall enjoyment of "Rock Widow". The individuality is not lost nor hard to pinpoint. Great solos, trios, endings, and a myriad of special moments abound.
     Fellow musicians have offered strong support of Urban's latest CD.  Scott Free had this to say, "ROBERT URBAN, a leader in today’s burgeoning New York queer music scene with his "Urban Productions BOLDLY Presents" rock shows & concerts, has released his fourth CD, entitled ‘ROCK WIDOW’.  He has, once again, created a masterful melodic epic, but this one is a more painful search for meaning amongst rock & roll’s ruins."  Jeremy Blue as well gave high marks to "Rock Widow", "Robert Urban’s new release, ROCK WIDOW, is a powerful and innovative collection.  Weaving in and out of the traditional sounds of rock, it allows for Urban’s intricate mastery of the song as an art form to create an exciting and provocative juice." As Robert Urban works with many fellow vocalists and musicians through his New York based Urban Productions, it is not surprising that he would seek their thoughts on his art.
       "Rock Widow" consists of twelve songs. Ranging in style and theme, with deep personal interpretations and social statements. Some like "The Boys From Paradise" and "No Love In Sight" are veritable rock anthems.  The phone fight in "No Love In Sight" by Meghan Cary and Peter Farrell bring an unexpected reality to the song. The amazing musical and lyrical talents of the anti-war "Waiting For Rome To Fall" is just awe inspiring. Film director Wolfgang Busch contributes a unique, poetic combination of German & English spoken word - "sprechstimme rap" - as Robert Urban calls it. YOLANDA contributes an over-the-top SATB gospel choir for the song's rousing finale. The techno bed for "Rome" was supplied by groove-meisters MARK VOLLENWEIDER & TOM O'NEILL of Reason Music Software. "Waiting For Rome To Fall" has quickly risen into the top five requested songs on the Rainbow World Radio Playlist as selected by Internet listeners. "Rock Widow" also includes three covers. Two by Charles Ives; "The Cage" and environmental protest song and "Serenity" both brought forth with the unique interpretation of Robert Urban talent and style. The third, is an acoustic cover from Cream's "Wheels Of Fire" called "Deserted Cities In The Dark" inspired by the relentless TV coverage of villages and homes wrecked by current Middle East conflicts. All songs are strong, poignant, and brilliantly delivered.
      Make no mistake, "Rock Widow" is not a rock tribute CD. More to the point a verification that rock is alive and well. The title also makes a statement about Robert Urban's view of rock today. "Rock Widow" is a significant CD not just to the GLBT music community but to the rock community in general. Sure some of the songs are very "out" in their meaning, however the musical appeal is universal. The only downside to "Rock Widow" for this listener was that it was over. Thank goodness for replay! In my book, this CD could easily and fittingly been called Rock Messiah! 

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