{"id":325,"date":"2018-05-06T16:00:48","date_gmt":"2018-05-06T16:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.nysmusic.com\/2018\/2018\/05\/06\/hearing-aide-hartleys-encore-hartleys-encore\/"},"modified":"2018-05-06T16:00:48","modified_gmt":"2018-05-06T16:00:48","slug":"hearing-aide-hartleys-encore-hartleys-encore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.nysmusic.com\/2018\/2018\/05\/06\/hearing-aide-hartleys-encore-hartleys-encore\/","title":{"rendered":"Album Review: Hartley’s Encore ‘Hartley’s Encore’"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hartley'sJoining the ranks of Albany\u2019s tasteful and expansive live music scene over the last two years, Hartley\u2019s Encore has become a recognizable name, plastered on fliers at favored venues and taking on hosting duties for local funk nights, and after rounding up a collection of distinguished tracks, the spunky Capital Region locals finally put forth their first, self-titled album on April 20, 2018.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The 6-track effort was recorded and mixed by Soulives\u2019 Alan Evans<\/a> at Iron Wax Recording Studio in Millers Falls, MA and comes stacked with talent, including <\/span>Luke Malamood (Lead and Backing Vocals, Keyboards, Hammond B3, Percussion), Chris Oliver (Guitars, Backing Vocals), Jeff Nania (Saxophones), Josh Gordon (Bass: tracks 1, 3, 4, and 6), Mike Gilet (Drums: tracks 1, 3, 4, and 6) and the help of Erik Pravel (Drums: tracks 2, and 5), Phil Chow (Trumpet) and Brad Monkell (Bass: tracks 2, and 5).<\/span><\/p>\n

From the album\u2019s opening notes, it\u2019s apparent the assortment has one goal in mind: create funky, dance-leaning tracks that leave the live crowd and listener at home no choice but to groove in their immediate proximity. \u201cTake \u2018Em Down\u201d and \u201cCan\u2019t Fake the Funk\u201d are full embodiments of dance anthems, complete with transitions between soulful vocals and an impressive horn section splashed throughout. Groovy, harmonized background vocals and a splash of falsetto are quick to grab an ear as well as carefully placed elements of rock and roll.\u00a0 Although generally funky and soulful, a fiery nugget of psychedelic rock is thrown into the mix with wailing guitar solos by Oliver.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rotating focus on which instruments shine, \u201cKeep That Bright Light Shining,\u201d \u201cAll My Funky People\u201d and \u201cHooklynn\u201d highlight the ability to swap musical hats with tasteful drum lead-ins, tickling of the keys and fleeting solos on guitar. Appropriately named \u201cHartley\u2019s Encore\u201d and placed as the closing track of the album, the repeated mantra of \u201cgonna give you an encore\u201d paired with jazzy pockets of saxophone and trumpet leave you feeling the funk up until the final notes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over six tracks, Hartley\u2019s Encore<\/a> manages to fuse their chosen genres in a seamless way, weaving rock and roll amidst funk and jazz while keeping the message lighthearted and fun. Between catchy hooks, tasty riffs and feel-good tunes, the up and comers pieced together a collection of tracks suitable for those live on the dance floor, cookin’ and dancin’ at home or anxiously wiggling in the car during rush hour traffic.<\/span><\/p>\n

A record release party took place on<\/span> Friday, April 27 at The Hollow in Albany with special guest Victory Soul Orchestra and was hosted by Guthrie\/Bell Productions. They will also perform at Bowery Electric<\/a> on May 18 in Manhattan.\u00a0Hartley\u2019s Encore\u00a0<\/em>is now available on\u00a0Spotify<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Apple Music<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Key Tracks<\/strong>: (Keep That) Bright Light Shinning, All My Funky People, Hartley’s Encore<\/p>\n