Searching for a Melody [Megalith]

by Westbound Train

Overview

The Stubborn Records label makes its welcome return to activity with this impressive debut album by Westbound Train, a ska and rocksteady band with roots in Boston and New Jersey. Led by trombonist and singer Obi Fernandez, Westbound Train deal primarily in smoothly swinging old-school grooves of the pre-reggae and early reggae variety, generally steering equally clear of the galloping up-up-up of traditional ska and the smoky mysticism of the roots period. These are all romantic songs: on "Carlene," Fernandez sings in a suave, laid-back voice that contrasts nicely with the lyrics' heartbroken plea, while his bandmates harmonize doo wop-style behind him and swing the proceedings with a gentle but fully assured groove; "Don't Cry" is a sturdy midtempo ska number that defies the object of the singer's former affections not to dance even as it invites her to leave. The syrupy-slow reggae rhythm of the title track frames a sweetly lovelorn lyric, which Fernandez sings almost -- but not quite -- perfectly in tune (nice falsetto, though). Highly recommended overall. [The album was reissued in 2003 on Megalith Records.]

Product Details

Release Date:	03/30/2004
Label:	Megalith / Jump Up
UPC:	0616892537229
Rank:	27142

Tracks

1. Salvation
2. My Heart Belongs to You
3. Carlene
4. There Goes My Girl
5. I've Got This Feelin'
6. Don't Cry
7. Be with Me
8. Say It Twice
9. Reflections
10. Something's Got to Change
11. Searching for a Melody
12. Rock It Inna Style
13. Version City Time

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Westbound Train   Primary Artist
Jeffrey Lee Pierce   Piano,Analogue Synthesizer,Organ
Obi Fernandez   Vocals,Trombone,Percussion
Dave Segal   Soloist,Guitar
King Django   Vocals (Background),Talking
Tom Roslak   Drums
Alex Kontorovich   Sax (Baritone)
Alex Stern   Guitar

Technical Credits

Obi Fernandez   Composer,Producer
Westbound Train   Composer
King Django   Remastering,Remixing,Producer,Engineer,Composer,Mixing
Jeff Baker   Composer
Daniel Newman   Cover Photo