Regular Columnists

Artist: Band: Dave Bailin & the Bailouts
Album: Studio Recordings
Label: Independent Artist
Website: http://www.davebailin.com/
Genre: Blues/Rock
Sounds Like: Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, Jimmy Buffett, Eric Clapton, The Band, Leon Russell, Grateful Dead, Steel
Technical Grade: 8/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 7/10
Commercial Value: 8/10
Overall Talent Level: 8/10
Songwriting Skills: 7/10
Performance Skill: 8/10
Best Songs: Plans, Voodoo Man, No You Don’t
Weakness: Short Sided CD, Winded Songs, More Instrumentation, Liner Notes
CD Review: (SALEM, MASS.) Dave Bailin & the Bailouts, a 4 piece soul rock band out of Salem, MA that has been performing together since 2009, is a downright fun band with a loyal following in Salem as steady fixtures at In a Pig’s Eye and Opus Underground. They also play all over the North Shore; Spot Light Tavern in Beverly, The Grog in Newburyport, The Dog Bar and Minglewood Tavern in Gloucester to name some of the more popular venues. In 2011 they released their first CD “On The Wire”, a live recording with 8 originals with some obscure covers mixed in. Dave still plays acoustic as a soloist, and does duos and trios with different members of the Bailouts as well as other top notch local musicians. This latest CD entitled “Studio recordings” was released in 2014.

Band members include: Dave Bailin (Guitar, Harmonica), Eric Reardon (Lead Guitarist), Steve Peabody (Drumms), Steve “The Bullet “ Burke (Bass). 
 
The CD kicks things off with “Satisfactory” and slamming intro piece that serves-up driving rhythms, up-beat vocal melodies accompanied by infectious Harmonica, R&B style guitar licks and impressive vocal harmonies and well placed harmonies. Track 2 “Tell” shifts gears a bit with its impressive rock feel, impressive solo guitar and, taboo lyrical content meshed against grand slam chorus. Track 3 “Safe to Say” delivers smooth moving ditty with well-placed vocal melody, dynamic musical flow and thought provoking lyrical content that flows and ebbs its way through to musical fruition. As the CD slowly unfolds you will notice a lot of musical variety from Galloway reminiscent of classic Rolling Stones, Jimmy Buffett, Dr. John, Eric Clapton, The Band, Leon Russell, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and Buddy Guy. First the music itself has a lot of vocal originality and possesses a psychedelic 70’s rock persona. The CD offers a rich melodic vocal foundation and lush layers of instrumentation. I would classify this music as classic 70’s Psychedelic Rock, R&B, Soul Rock and even Jam Band with a strong emphasis on vocal harmonies and good songwriting and superb musicianship. All in all the CD has some truly impressive moments on it showcasing amazing playing, dynamic arrangements, and wire arrangement of instrumentation. Besides the standard 4 piece delivery you will also notice brief splashes of harmonica, Hammond Organ, sporadic Percussion, Electric Piano, well placed Hon section, Impressive Slide Guitar, well placed harmonies, and amazing R&B guitar layered within the music all built upon a thick, as a brick rhythms section. As far as vocal abilities, Bailin brings the mojo and lets it all hang out with a lot of groove-ability and more than enough soul to go around. His voice works well across the board possessing a vocal swagger reminiscent of classic Dr. John, with just a splash of Joe Cocker and Randy Newman. Bailin’s voice fits this style of music perfectly. Bailin clearly demonstrates a strong and confident vocal ability as he takes many impressive vocal risks along the way. All production aspects check out as the CD has solid low end groove and crystal clear high end clarity. Kudos goes out to the amazing R&B guitar showmanship featured by players: The rest of the band just grooves well together. Bailin deserves a lot of credit for being a musical mastermind. Not only did he play on some of the songs he wrote all this music and deserves a lot of credit from bringing this all together. Make no bones about it folks it took a lot of work to put this CD in my hands. From grooving “No You Don’t” to Jumping “Plans” to intoxicating “Voodoo Man” to heartfelt ”Little Ways” to rocking “Roll It” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with Track 9 “One Piece at a Time” the perfect faille statement for a CD of this caliber. 
 
CD is a bit short with just 9 tracks, perhaps 3-4 more tracks are needed to make this a fully loaded CD release. All songs over 4 minutes tend to drag you to the finish line.

In closing Dave Bailin’s latest effort Studio Recordings is just a blast to listen to and is a strong musical production from start to finish. The music is highly original, extremely melodic with amazing writing and playing from all involved. As the CD progressed I became more and more impressed with it. Because of the influences I would say the flower children who like Leon Russell and Grateful Dead out there will love this one. The musicianship is first rate, the songs are quite dynamic and in extend play format many will enjoy. Each song possesses a unique personality, flair, and signature groove. Lastly - the writing and singing abilities of Dave Bailin delivers the goods.
 
Cyrus Rhodes