The Glorious Corner
7-31-20
G.H. HARDING
EAST SIDE CELEBRATION —Robert Miller’s Project Grand Slam’s new album, East Side Sessions, is a major, immediate contender for album of the year. Joyous, rhythmic, melodious … it’s just what we need right now, especially considering the state of the world.
Miller previewed the album with several upfront videos: the brilliant “I’m Falling Off Of The World,” “It’s A Miracle To Me” and the terrifically creative “The Pardners” – which is an epic spaghetti-western featuring the awesome vocals of Marilyn Castillo.
After 8 albums (including the #1 album Trippin’ –2018- ), Miller has successfully transformed the band into a marvelous working unit; definitely a premiere jazz/rock/Latin attraction for certain.
Miller, who re-imagines a classic-rock-song song with each album (he’s done it to The Kinks’ ‘You Really Got Me,’, Cream’s ‘I’m So Glad’, and, The Who’s brilliant ‘I Can’t Explain’) has continued on this album with The Beatles’ “I Wanna Be Your Girl,” that Ringo sang on.
Miller says: “The Beatles are like Mount Everest in this regard. You simply cannot improve on almost any of their songs. But ‘I Wanna Be Your Man’ is among the most obscure Beatles songs – recorded first by The Rolling Stones, and then by The Fab Four with Ringo singing. I not only changed the feel but rewrote some of the lyrics to give it a feminine spin. Done with the greatest respect.”
Tristan Clark’s guitar work is exception; as is Alex Blade Silver’s horn work and Baden Goyo’s keyboard work.
Exceptional work all around from Miller and the band. Expect another # 1. A must-hear work for sure.