Artist:

Despite mixed reviews in publications, this album is absolutely mesmerising. There is something for everyone in this album; whether it's the song about the culture of America (Break Down) or the inspired national anthem (Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing), every song has the kind of genius ideas that we've come to expect of Jason Moran. Also, Cradle Song is a nice touch, a tribute to his mother, who recently passed away.

The adventurous pianist, composer, and bandleader Jason Moran added guitarist Marvin Sewell to his band on 2005's Same Mother. Sewell is back and melding further with his own funky blues-based playing on Artist in Residence, which is a far-reaching jazz record combining elements of post-bop, New Orleans jazz, funk, blues and even post-20th century classical music to Moran's array of shades and colors to play with. The repetitive sampled spoken word loop by Adrian Piper which acts as the ground for both the opener "Break Down" and "Artists Ought To Be Writing" is a bit h jarring when the band lights up under her. As she chants "Break down the barriers/Break down, misunderstanding/Break down, the artworld/Break down, the artist/Break down, the general public . .," the band uses it (looped continually through the piece, even in the solos) to ground everything in a circular rhythmic principle…

"Portrait of the Artist as a Young Ram" is the second and final album by the band Ram Jam in 1978. Re-released in 2006 on Rock Candy Records. A new strain of heavy metal music is summoned forth on Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Ram, as the band raises the volume to deathly destructive decibels and peels off chain after chain of flashy riffs captained by speed and purpose. Intimidating vocals, booming with hunger, coupled with a ferocious energy skirting on the edge of punk, further lock the material tight.

"We are an Independent band that has always strived to stay true to our musical vision. Our fans have always played a big role in our careers and thanks to them we are still standing. They have been the inspiration for this new album which tells the story of our journey as artists and our struggle with the music industry. We want to create an awakening with this album to inspire people and other artists to stay true to themselves."