Here We Go!
Life Shakes, 2025
8/10
The singer, guitarist and harmonica player Antonio Andrade is joined by an all star cast for these 16 well thought out tracks that comprise his 9th LP.
After the quick intro, “This Is It!”, showcases Andrade’s swift guitar and Kj Reimensyder-Wagner’s smooth voice, and the upbeat “The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down” follows with Ed Lesser’s frisky drums that suit the sing-alongs.
Further along, the folk friendly “Forever Young” puts a fun spin on the Rod Stewart classic thanks to the soulful harmonica and rootsy feeling, while “Drive” is a dreamy interpretation of The Cars that uses Denny Neidich’s reserved drumming and Richard Ranaglia’s well timed clarinet.
Deeper still, the cultured and rich “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” enlists Ranaglia’s well timed sax, and “Love Shack” benefits from Neidich’s congas and Amma Johnson’s animated voice for the dance floor ready festivities.
Most of these tunes have been a part of Andrade’s live set for awhile, and his knack for making known songs all his own makes for a charming and memorable effort.
Travels well with: Dean Mueller- Wishes Never Gone; Ron Houston- R.O.A.M