Chicago quartet Cosmic Bull sing about taking risks on their new single Once the Dust Settles, a progressive funk song wherein Zappa-esque keyboards join forces with a catchy walking bass. Band leader Mark Vickery pitches in with a gruff vocal part that has "ear worm" written all over it. It is a track from their forthcoming new album Band Substances, which will be out on March 8. They will be playing a record release show on that date @ Gallery Cabaret.
Chicago based singer and guitarist Mark Vickery goes for a late night jazz mood on Guest List In Heaven, the new single by Cosmic Bull project. A lonesome harmonica, swirling synths and whispering drums accompany his lament about loss and trying to find his bearings. It is a collaboration with multi-instrumentalist/arranger/producer Paul Von Mertens as part of the new 6-track EP Hangin' in the I.P., a collection of songs about social duress and environmental concerns.
Hangin' in the I.P. is available here.
Chicago based singer and guitarist Mark Vickery takes a sharp left on You Never Know What's Coming to You, the third single by his Cosmic Bull project. Using the bottom end of his voice on top of a funky backbeat and a mix of NOLA jazz and Motown funk, he brings a good-natured sense of foreboding to the track. It is not clear of it is good news or bad, but it is a party tune either way. Drummer Gerald Dowd (drums), Alan Berliant (bass) Newtron Cole (percussion), Josh Bell (saxophone) and Rikky McRae and Kari Nelson (backup vocals) must have a whale of a time recording it, with producer Scott Tallarida keeping it all together.
HCTF review of Unkindness of Ravens.
Singer and guitarist Mark Vickery uses folk and a bit of soft rock on Unkindness of Ravens, the new single from his Cosmic Bull project. multi-instrumentalist/arranger Paul von Mertens is on board again, with drummer/percussionist Ryan Murphy laying down a subtle back beat. Inspired by a trip to the forest Vickery tackles climate change - "Shedding the bees and smoking the trees" - projecting a smoldering anger that is pretty intense.
HCTF review of Holding My Breath Til the End of Time.
Mark Vickery circled back to music after a 20 year hiatus. He kept this vocal chords in shape as a voice over professional, which explains why his timing on the electric blues single Holding My Breath Til the End of Time is spot on. The other half of his Cosmic Bull is the seasoned multi-instrumentalist/arranger Paul von Mertens (Brian Wilson Band, Mavis Staples, Poi Dog Pondering).
