by Nancy Chang
Daily Lobo
Folk, rock and blues is the name of the game for Albuquerque band Alpha Blue's album Agave Summer.
The band put the finishing touches on the CD, which is folk-rock coupled with an occasional Middle Eastern flavor.
The group created a richly complicated and diverse sound with influence from the intoxicating desert sun, while incorporating world-beat, country and pop into the grooves.
Alpha Blue makes an effort to distinguish its sound by using both conventional instruments and a collection of unconventional instruments ranging from the mandolin to the oboe to enhance the tone of the melodies.
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The album features 10 original songs written by lead singer Debo Orlatski. Each song has its own personality that reflects chunks of life lessons backed up by the unique sound of Alpha Blue.
Keith Levine jams to the band's sound with his supporting vocals and his bluesy style on acoustic and electric guitars.
Michael Grimes adds to the group with the ever-important electric and upright bass.
Zoom Crespin paves the foundation with his workings on the drums and percussion to unify the group's sound.
Agave Summer is warm, with lyrics that provoke the listener to dance, particularly if heard live in an outdoor setting.
The diversity in Alpha Blue's sound is completely unconventional. It takes the listener on a pseudo-trip from the folk world of the Middle East to the European countryside, all the way back to the deserts of Albuquerque.
A CD release party celebrating the dawning of Agave Summer will be held on Friday.
Agave Summer is available at Natural Sound in Nob Hill.
Who: Alpha Blue
What: CD release party
When: Friday, June 18
Where: Range CafÇ in Bernalillo
