Wabi Sabi: Reviews

“Plays Well With Others” by the sensationally talented Wabi Sabi is a groovy, irresistible collection of pop/rock tunes! Opening with the jazz groove sounds of “The Power,” this CD immediately grabs listeners by the ears and hangs on until the very end! Musically, “Play Well With Others” outshines most – its unbelievable piano openings, rhythmic grooves, and electrifying electric guitar solos places this CD in the big league. Perhaps even more endearing is the strategic use and placement of brass instruments, namely the trumpet. “Time is Running Out” takes a delightful departure to a harder, faster-paced rock sound, displaying a wide-range of diversity. Lyrically, Wabi Sabi tackles the themes of life and love with literary precision, using occasional biblical analogies (“The Power” and “Apples”). Moreover, stunning vocals and crisp production puts this CD on the shelf next to the big names! If you like the sounds of Maroon 5, you will absolutely love this CD!

Thanks for sending your "Attention! Damian Disorder" album over to Shut Eye Records. I thoroughly enjoyed becoming acquainted with your music. I must say that I haven't heard anyone with quite as an eclectic style as yours in some time. Your wonderfully unconventional, whimsical sound fuses a diverse assortment of genres in a manner that is wholly unique. Simply put, you make "good music". The best thing about your album is its ability to surprise. Both the arrangements and the collocation of songs themselves are completely unpredictable. From the complex tongue twisters of "the skar" to the cool cadence of "you've got reprise" this album is nothing short of amazing. My personal favorite off the album has to be the wacky "the skar". With it's irreverent tone, complex instrumentation, and Phish-reminiscent arrangement, this is definitely the type of song that leaves an impression on first time listeners. I could see this song causing a big stir on the college radio airwaves. Another favorite of mine is "Self Portrait (of the complainer)" (though every track is outstanding). This quirky little shanty freewheels along with wry lyrics atop a breezy reggae progression. This song is the epitome of fun. All in all, I was blown away by your CD. -Ryan Hoffler A&R Shuteye Records, Inc.

Just 3 words --- Simply Freakin' Fantastic. I rarely buy CD's, especially for consideration or review purposes. I just bought this one due to circumstances. I don't care how I got it, I'm just glad I did. I'm here to tell you, this cat has a future, in music no less! Clever, intelligent and unique with 32 favorite flavors, and listenable time and time again. Great musicianship from all the players and well sequenced. I have no favorite track, except maybe numbers 1 to 12. And hats off to John Hopkins - the recording quality and mix is so clear and transparent you can see from the very beginning all the way through to the very end! But I'm beginning to overstate. Just Simply Freakin' Fantastic!