The Way We Are

Album Review

Fred Moolten has put together an album which, for the majority, has the depth and dynamics of music put out by great bands like Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman. The album does have variety in musical styles by incorporating rock, jazz, and folk elements, but the big-production cabaret-quality presentations require one to have an appreciation for that style of song. Ten of the 13 songs were produced by Mike Lewis in Miami; these are the songs that have an overproduced quality. While there may be a market for the sound captured on these tracks, the market thins down each year. Maybe one day there will be a resurgence in the big band-era sound — when is speculative and certainly anyone's call. To try to market an artist or band with this style music is not something any major label would attempt in 2001. Three of the songs were produced by Don Vappie in New Orleans, and what a difference it made, because these are the best songs on the album. Fred Moolten and Don Vappie are a perfect musical match; they certainly compliment each other's style. "I've Got Peace and Quiet," "Coming to the Valley," and "Expedition Rag" are what in the music business would be called hit material. The melodies are infectious, the lyrics expertly crafted, and the instrumental presentations are ace performances. The other songs from the album range from average to good, but the Moolten and Vappie numbers make the album a must-have.