Customer Reviews

North Avenue Wake Up

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I discovered The Freddy Jones Band back when "North Avenue Wakeup Call" was released. The alternative rock station in Boston had "Waitress" on their playlist and upon hearing it I was immediately intrigued. I purchased the cassette and was forever hooked! I must've played that tape more than any other cassette I had ever owned. The songs switch gears from ballads to rockers with an effortless,seamless flow .These guys display songwriting talents and musicianship that I find second to none. I feel that this CD could be re-released today and have a bigger impact.To me it's as relevant musically as any of the newer material I've listened to.
I was fortunate enough to have seen them play at a small venue in Boston and it furthermore baffled me as to why The Freddy Jones Band didn't attract more attention and the recognition that they obviously deserved!! To this day I can't figure how this band wasn't a huge success!

10 years ago, Albany, New York had a creative and independant radio station-WXLE. The listener was guaranteed to hear music not played on the other tight listed mainstream stations in the area. It was on this station that I was introduced to FJB. WXLE is long gone and so is FJB but in listening to North Ave Wake Up Call, the excitement and the flowing energy of the music is still so present. It's like listening to the best elements of the Allman Brothers and Little Feat with in my opinion better vocals. The music is so positive and life affirming with incredible mastery of the lyrics and the instruments. Say, maybe that's why they didn't last.

It'll be a while until you hear another group with this much talent... They're a rare gem that never hit the mainstream and maybe that's what keeps them so special in the fan base that still exists even years after they broke up.

If Freddy Jones Band albums have on flaw in general, is that they are hard to listen to without skipping the tracks around. I have always found that they've had a tough time stringing the tracks together so that each song segues well with each following track.

This album is definitely an exception (and I would say the their first release was good in this sense as well). This song has some great tunes, a good balance of all the guitars they have at their disposal (the acoustical guitar, along with the banjo and mandolin play a bigger part in this album) which is good, as Wayne Healy's lead guitar can tend to dominate.

This is my favorite album, as it is a very solid listen, beginning to end.

The Third album offered by Freddy Jones displays that they still have the talent to carry forward. The third album is always critical for the future of Bands and Freddy Jones meets the 'Call'. The Album is driven by songs such as Waitress, Ferris Wheel, Turn and Deep In the Flow. I have been pleased with this effort by Freedy Jones, it is not as Moving as 'The Freddy Jones Band' And not as Unique as 'Waiting for the Night' but it is a strong album. The Freddy Jones Band is one of the Best Bands ever. Their music is soothing and intoxicating. Based in Chicago, the band beautifully blends rock with a hint of country. I suggest investigating other Freddy Jones CDs such as The Freddy Jones Band, Lucid, and Waiting for the Night. If you get a chance to see this band live DO IT!! The still play clubs and small venues and it will be one of the best concerts you ever go to!!!!

North Avenue Wake up Call I sort of got by accident. I was in a record club back in the 90's and I'm reading their "If you like this band, check out . . ." So I did and these guys are great. I started out really liking "Hold on to Midnight" The song weaves metaphorical lyrics through this colorful web of intricate accoustic and electric guitar. All the songs on this disc really tell stories that you can relate to like "Waitress" and "Ferris Wheel" The two primary singer / song writers on this disc are Marty Lloyd (hold on to midnight) and Wayne Healy (Waitress) but Rob Bonnacorsi sings too, plus he's a terrific slide guitar player. The band is rounded out by Jim Bonnacorsi on Base and Simon Horrocks on drums.

These guy's are tremendously talented and underratted doesn't even scratch the surface. I saw these guy's live @ Martyers in Chicago a few years back and had the opertunity to A.) See a great band live but also B.) With out a back stage pass the Drummer Simon Horrocks invites me and a friend to hang out back stage with them after the show. It was great, they acted like we were long lost school friends whom they haven't seen in years when in fact we'd never met before that night. They were all amazed that my friend and I would Journey from out city in Indiana to Chicago just to see them (only 130 miles or so) They were so appreciative of that.

In short I'd say you are really missing out if you don't give these guy's a listen. This disc is fantastic and another of my favorites is Freddy Jones "A Mile High Live" and of course "Waiting for the Night" 3 discs that should be in every sophisticated listeners collection.

Freddy Jones Band, especially on this album, made me think Hootie & the Blowfish (wait, come back!) with better songwriting, better chops and slightly more country slant. The music and playing are especially tight, with great ensemble playing throughout. My only problem here is the rather vague lyrics that show up here and there - I feel like they could've done better somehow. This shouldn't detract from the excellence of such tracks like "Hold on to Midnight" and "Waitress". Fans of straight up rock (especially roots rock) will probably enjoy it.