Marco Mendoza Casa Mendoza

by Alissa Ordabai
Staff Writer

Rock, jazz, funk, hip-hop and even flirtations with world music are introducing Marco Mendoza’s debut solo album as a fascinating carnival of textures and traditions, starting right from the opener “Living for the City”. It is a spirited, vibrant interpretation of Stevie Wonder’s hit which works perfectly despite (or probably because) of the variety of genres it combines. With a fluid, light touch the band coheres its influences into one whole creating an elegant, swinging mood which reflects these musicians’ perfect understanding not only of the genres they engage in, but – crucially – of each other.

The rest of the record will struggle to recreate this inspired, uplifting vibe with variable success. “Trouble”, which follows, is more of a retro ’70′s funk throwback – more studied than spontaneous – but still fresh and vivid, invigorated by impressionistic jazz piano doodles and edgy, angular guitar.

Further down the line the band’s interpretation of “Suzy Q” turns the classic into a psychedelic slow-burner, while standout “Circle of Life” brings the proceedings back into swing with a hypnotic groove. Here the stark earthbound guitar, the dreamy fretless bass, and lush keyboard solos are all supported by brilliantly detailed, pulsating drums to create a superbly balanced jazz-rock atmosphere which is at once enigmatic and entertaining. This is what the band really excels at – thoughtful juxtapositions and combinations of different points of reference to create a lively, sparkling atmosphere full of heartfelt warmth, yet stimulating enough to keep you interested.

Mendoza’s penchant for slow, pensive ballads reveals itself more as the album carries on, and is probably a less enticing feature of this record. Allowing the album to sag towards the end, after a while those melancholy tunes turn somewhat overwrought, making you hope for more experiment and less for tried-and-tested formulas.

Avoiding huge displays of temperament, the band manages to deliver a congenial record, proving themselves to be a quartet of accomplished, dignified musicians with a vision which when given the necessary edge and a bigger incentive to experiment could soon become an indelible voice on the jazz-meets-rock circuit.

Band:
Marco Mendoza – vocals, bass
Rafael Moreira – guitar
Steve Weingart – keyboards
Joey Heredia – drums

Track listing:
1. Living for the City
2. Trouble
3. Suzy Q
4. You
5. Circle of Life
6. Kingdom of Paradise
7. Are You There
8. Betty Joe
9. Faith (Interlude)
10. Crying Out
11. Get Ready
12. You Got a Friend
13. Bonus Track “TU”

Online: http://www.myspace.com/marcomendozamusic ; www.marcomendoza.com

Label: Mascot Records

Hardrock Haven rating: 7/10

George Lynch

by John Kindred
Staff Writer

LYNCH MOB is back with a new studio album entitled Smoke And Mirrors released on September 18th in Europe and October 13th in the USA.

After seventeen long years singer Oni Logan and guitar wizard George Lynch found their way back together and again show their amazing abilities in some killer new Hard Rock songs.” I would say this new record Smoke and Mirrors, is the record we should have put out as a follow up to “Wicked Sensation”…better late then never I guess…”, says Lynch presenting the new record.

Joining the new line-up are bassist Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy) and drummer Scott Coogan (Brides of Destruction, Ace Frehley).

Lynch Mob are ready to embark on a World Tour in the fall 2009 to follow up on the successful performance at the ROCKLAHOMA 2008 and to promote Smoke and Mirrors.

Hardrock Haven took a bit of George Lynch’s time to talk about the new studio record, new bandmates, guitars and possible tour plans. Maybe a co-headline run with a Lynch Mob / Dokken tour? Check out this exclusive audio interview.

Weblinks: www.frontiers.it / www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords / www.georgelynch.com / www.myspace.com/lynchmobrocks

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