THE BAND:
Paul Shortino – vocals, bass
Brad Gillis, Carlos Cavazo, Howard Leese, Dave Whiston, Jimmy Crespo - guitars
Chuck Wright, Jason Boyleston, Sean McNabb – bass
JT Garrett – keyboards
John Homan, Jeff Kathan – drums
TRACK FRAGMENTS:
1.) “Sacred Place”-This track opens with a very Jimmy Page sounding acoustic
guitar arrangement. The vocals of the pre-verse are done with the same
vocal effects David Coverdale used on Coverdale/Page. There are a couple
real strong vocal sections during the verse that really express Paul's vocal
ability. The main guitar arrangement has a very heavy sound to it.
The solo section was turned up and really overshadowed the solo.
2.) “Up to the Mountain”-This track opens with a very modern Bad Co. musical
arrangement. The vocal arrangement of the verse also has a very Bad Co.
feel to it. The chorus as a huge hook within the lyrical arrangement.
The backing vocals of the chorus are very strong. Musically it sounds like
the band just locked into a solid groove and just went with it.
3.) “I Believe”-This ballad opens with an acoustic guitar section with a lead
scale overdub. The vocal arrangements have a very Allman Brothers
influence. The song has a solid groove for the kick in section. The
vocal arrangement changes for the main body of the song to a more Shortino
style. The underlining acoustic guitar arrangement really fills in a lot
of the gaps. The song was just way too short.
4.) “Feel the Rain”-The opening rain sequence really sets the intro off. This track opens with a musical arrangement very similar to
Paul's "Stand or Fall" release. The guitar arrangement is very
laid back with a very small blues lead scale. The female backing vocal section is very
strong and really adds to the tracks dynamics. Vocally Paul has that Greg
Allman feel through the verse. The song almost puts the listener into a
trance with it's very solid blues groove. There are real small blues
scales scattered throughout the song. The solo is very much like the rest
of the song just very laid back with a solid groove.
5.)”Speak your Mind”-This track opens with a heavy sounding guitar riff.
The keyboard arrangement through the intro really fills in several dead spots. Vocally, through the verse, Paul's vocal lines are a lot like the stuff he done
with Rough Cutt. The chorus is very laid back with several hooks within.
Crespo's lead scales that are scattered throughout the song shows why he was a
ample replacement for Joe Perry. For the breakdown section the band could
have added a real heavy bass line.
6.) “Be There”-This track opens with a very subtle keyboard arrangement.
During the pre-verse Paul really shows his vocal talents. This track has
some of the best backing vocals I've ever heard. They have a very
delicate sound too them. Vocally Paul blows me away on this track.
The breakdown section with it's musical change through me off for second.
The song is so strong the band opted for a short solo.
7.) “Get Down (to get back up)”-This track opens with a very modern blues
electric guitar pattern along with a lead scale. The vocal lines of the
verses are very catchy. The drum pattern changes to an opening and closing
hi-hat effect for the pre-chorus, this adds a nice effect to the song. The
song is relatively simple with not much thought process. All-in-all this
is just one of those fun loving b-side songs.
8.) “Love Keep on Shinin’”-This track opens with a very Deep Purple type
keyboard arrangement. The vocal arrangement has almost a David Coverdale
feel to it. The shuffle drum rhythm really suits the verse well. The
musical arrangement is very laid back. There is a real solid bass through
the verses. For the choruses the band adds an acoustic guitar rhythm which
really fills in a lot of the dead spots.
9.) “Change your Heart”-This track opens with a real catchy guitar arrangement
and lead scale. Once again Paul pulls the vocals back to the Rough Cutt
days. The chorus has a huge hook within it. There is a small lead scale
behind the chorus. This is the only track where Paul plays bass on. For
the bridge Paul plays a very small bass lead pattern.
10.) “Feel the Music”-This track opens with a very subtle electric guitar
arrangement. The lead scales played through the intro are arranged
perfectly. Paul really expresses his vocal talent on this track. The
drum snare has an echo effect, must have been a pretty deep snare, this gives
the song a very haunting effect. The song even with a long intro was way
too short.
11.) “Angel”-This track opens with a very eighties guitar arrangement and lead
scale. The vocal arrangement to of the verse has a very almost a Tubes
"She's a Beauty" influence. There is a very cool small lead scale
through the chorus. Crespo and Gillis make a great guitar duo on this
song. You can really hear this through the solo.
12.) “I Believe” (video version)-**same as track 3**
Pretty much what Paul has done with The Cutt is trim a lot of the fat off of what was Rough Cutt in more that just the name. If you where a fan of Rough Cutt than your really going to get off on The Cutt. But then again how can you go wrong with backing musicians such has the ones that are on this one. This release would not only make Paul Shortino fans happy but also Rough Cutt fans and general metal fans as well. So rush out a buy a copy today...what are you waiting for... a special invitation.