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Tuesday, 31 January 2006 04:38

“Buxom Bitch” couldn’t be any more charming, both musically and lyrically, because of its lenient nature to combine soul with a man complaining about his old lady.

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Nick Peraino’s music is very strong and accessible, from his lyrics to his music. As a jazz enthusiast, Peraino moved to Chicago in 1998 to attend DePaul University to work on his degree and to gain momentum in creating fresh blues music in the city where its heart still beats heavily. He later received his bachelor’s degree in jazz guitar, but felt he later felt the need to branch out into a more complex version of fusion of blues and progressive rock in his career.

Nick Peraino & Blue Moon Risin’ was born of this need to combine soulful lyrics with something that is slightly organic in sound, and yet it still holds onto that rhythmic random nature that defines the blues. However, the lyrics retain a somewhat humorous tone, one that brushes off greater hardships for those of everyday problems.

The entire record is somewhat sentimental to the everyman, highlighting topics ranging from a nagging old lady to more philosophical ideas that we are simply a drop in the pan in the world’s melting pot.

“Buxom Bitch” couldn’t be any more charming, both musically and lyrically, because of its lenient nature to combine soul with a man complaining about his old lady. With the likes of Trey Anastasio, Peraino’s drawl draws upon the man’s problems; here he seeks out a massage for his back as well as his self-worth.

The record often relies on the principles that makes jam bands so popular and worthwhile to listen to. Jam bands often work with a heightened sense of familiarity in each song’s spirit and melodic delivery. These are songs you can sing with, but they are also something that a person can feel connected to at the same time.

It’s evident that this foursome is a group of guys who want to make great music that’s not over produced, giving the songs a raw and live quality that gets the listener involved. Many of the songs, including “Other Than My Giant Chevy” and “Remnants of a Storm,” really highlight the vox along with strong guitar rhythms and percussion. Nothing is overdone here and it all flows together nicely.

“Other Than My Chevy” begins easily with lyrics like, “Well I turn on my radio as I’m cruising down the highway/my mind flies ’way while the music plays.” This isn’t the stuff of a renowned poet laureate, but it’s relatable and it works. Noisy Picks and Humbars is genuinely a real musician’s record that would best fit the soundtrack of a group of friends winding down on the road from a trip to a summer music festival.