Michael Olivieri – “good bye rain” – Album Review by Scott Thomas
Michael Olivieri "good bye rain"
Olivieri states, “I felt I needed to get back to the roots of where I came from musically. ‘Goodbye Rain’ is musically what I’m really all about.”
I just received Michael Olivieri’s New CD “goodbye rain”… The first song right out of the head phones come to me very cool and swampy sounding with a great melodic-hook and chorus… With Michael’s passionate vocals, K.K. Martin’s ingenious lead guitar work, and Patrick Knowles’ (R.I.P.) deep slide playin’, this track definitely keeps the vibe movin’ right along very nicely… Now you have a tune that will get ya chillin’ and willin’ by the end of it and all the while, opening your mind to more of Olivieri’s muse… The innovative and kick’n percussions will surely put a ‘pep’ in your step. Michael’s blend of rock, country, and soul can be found throughout this Album… His passion for playing multiple instruments stands out on this modern take on classic rock! Using such instruments as the Wurlitzer Organ, the Mellotron, banjos, saxes, pedal steel, ac & el guitars, mandolins and more. Nothing speared here…
Michael Olivieri was born and raised in Huntington Beach, the youngest of 7 kids in a musical family. His two older brothers both sang and played guitar. Michael being left-handed was at a little bit of a disadvantage because he really wanted to play but the only guitars that were lying around were for righties. He had to force himself to play right handed. Both brothers were very patient teaching him to play. They would spend hours jamming, singing and working out three part harmonies, fascinating Michael with the whole concept of harmony and how it worked. He was usually assigned the highest vocal part, giving him a great foundation for a singer.
…And warm harmonies are what you will fine an abundance of on this musical collaboration. One thing I noticed right away was the smart production work all the way around… The vocals, instruments and guitarz all had perfect tones and were mixed very well. So thumbz up to Marco Forcone for not letting the little things get lost in the mix… I also like the album-cover’s inviting theme and photography… It goes w/ the music clip on YouTube…
It was in the seventh grade talent show when he and some of his closest friends played “Stairway to Heaven” that he got his first taste of live “ROCK”. The light went on! He had to get an electric guitar. It was those early times in his life that were the basis for his passion for music. In his friend’s garage the sound of LEATHERWOLF was formed; with three shredding guitarists, they took guitar harmonies to a new level. His early days were now playing a big part in developing intricate harmonies.
Well, as this CD rounds out… I really like all the songs on this nicely put together album. My favorite songz are “”Good Bye Rain”, “Freedom”, “Back to Start” (really showz off Michaels vocals) and of course his clever rendition of “Brick in the Wall” by Roger Waters.
I give this masterpiece 4.5 stars out of 5 – Keep up the good music Michael Olivieri !!!
Scott Thomas
http://www.myspace.com/michaelolivieri
