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Review of Aaron Nazrul's Butterfly Man
This album definitely is a stand out in all imaginable categories.
Category: Vancouver/Canadian Indie Music
Contributed by Shane Christensen on December 19, 2007
Sample Aaron' Nazrul's Music here. (Purchase the CD Butterfly Man through itunes.)
I have always had a sincere respect for quality musicianship, going back to my first few years of musical discipleship in listening to the likes of the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and bands like Steely Dan. I love both the quality and diversity of music that a lot of these artists gave us, and the fact that they were fearless in pursuing new musical boundaries and horizons, as well possessing a level of production that was revolutionary and trendsetting in many ways. Sadly, in this day and age, it seemed to be a lost commodity. Or so I thought.
For this fearless and adventurous spirit is alive and well, and is actually a product of the great city of Vancouver in the form of both producer Simon Kendall and singer/songwriter Aaron Nazrul on his debut release, Butterfly Man. I listen to a lot of different music and genres, and this album definitely is a stand out in all imaginable categories. Both of these gentlemen, as well as the rest of the musicians and studio crew deserve a tip of the hat for a job well done.
First off, the production is absolutely fantastic. This is the type of disc you want to… correction, need to listen to on a top rate stereo or even with a pair of quality headphones in order to give proper respect for its sonic brilliance. The recording has an equity that enables you to hear every instrument and sound clearly and with succinct balance, which is rare in the age of digital recording.
From the opening notes of As the Sun Goes Down, I’m immediately drawn to Nazrul's similarities to The Cowboy Junkies, Blue Rodeo and Dave Matthews for the quality of musicianship. The adjectives melodic and brilliant consistently come to mind during the listening of this superb album.
I’ve always been a sucker for the Hammond organ, and during Standing on the Bridge, the album’s second offering, Simon Kendall plays so perfectly that I almost feel like it's the early ‘70s, and I'm listening to some Rod Stewart and the Faces. In fact, Mr. Kendall has impressed me so much with both his musical and production talents on this album, that I’ve determined that I have to get out all my old Doug and the Slugs vinyl and give it another listen. His work is nothing short of amazing, and if he doesn’t pick up a production award for his efforts, it would be criminal.
The jazzy opening guitar riff on the third song and the album’s title track, Butterfly Man, is also a throw back to an era of quality music, comparable to some of the stuff Winnipeg lad Remy Shand has done. It is this mix of the different types of music that define the album, as it contains a bit of soul, latin, folk, and easy rock, to stir your musical senses.
The fourth song, Take These Chains, also has great qualities, but I was immediately taken aback somewhat at the glaring similarities to Dylan’s Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door. Let’s hope Mr. Zimmerman doesn’t get a whiff of that.
The song that follows, Lay Low, is very Joe Cockerish, and the blend of the hammond and piano parts carry the tune. Great production can turn a rather ordinary song into a brilliant tune, because Simon Kendall and Lin Gardiner again work their production magic.
Delivered follows with a banjo opening that immediately captured my interest, and never let it go as that instrument carries the song which gradually builds up to a musical crescendo made complete by the great background vocal work of Frazey Ford and the addition of the harmonium and wurlitzer, compliments of yet again, Simon Kendall.
Tired of Waiting is an infectious latin number complete with clavinet and trumpet parts, as well as a raplike Spanish vocal that makes it impossible not to dance upon hearing this tune. I don’t smoke, but I really had the craving for a nice Cuban along with some fine rum while enjoying this beauty, which should top the Hispanic music charts if given its fair due.
It is followed by Come and Get It, which is the most Doug and the Slugs sounding cut on the disc, and which also has the listener dancing about or grooving in their seat, due to its punchy vibe, compliments of some great hi-hat work of drummer Shawn Soucy.
New Place sounds similar to a Blue Rodeo offering, except for the addition of the clavinet which gives it a defining sound. Again, kudos to Mr. Kendall who does an excellent job with his grand piano, clavinet, guitar, vocal, and production work. Okay, now I’m starting to dislike this guy! Is there anything he can’t play or do?
With the first few seconds of the next song, When the Night, I’m looking around the room to see if Shakira is anywhere in sight (my Christmas wish has been answered). Nadine States provides some amazing soulful vocal work.
Savannakhet Breakdown has a catchy reggae vibe and sounds like it chronicles some of the experiences of world traveller, Nazrul. He spent some time riding around a number of South East Asian countries on his motorbike, resulting in a world music vibe recording.
It’s Only Life is a short and sweet melancholy tune that reminds me of Floyd’s Wish You Were Here, and then catches the listener by surprise as it’s cut short and the funky and very soulful Mandarin Oranges breaks through and proves that rap can be infectious.
And then the song Daylight begins, and those goose bumps are spreading all over my body again. This song is a standout with its southern bluesy vibe thanks to the amazing vocal work of Ms. States, Marcus Mosely, and Mr. Nazrul. I never knew it was possible for a white man to write a song like this, as it has an authenticity and blues sincerity that is usually offered by certified blues greats like Johnson and Dixon.
The final track is also a bluesy number, complete with some absolutely amazing funk guitar and hammond organ playing. It’s hard to pick THE standout piece from this great body of work, but this song would probably be the one right now as it’s an absolute masterpiece.
But ask me tomorrow and it might be something else, because Butterfly Man is a musical journey through the world and a number of musical genres, and it’s done with such mastery that I am both delighted and proud that this great effort proves what I have said and believed all my life. This country of ours possesses talent that produces some of the finest work in the entire world, even if we are the last to recognize our own accomplishments.
I hope in the case of Aaron Nazrul’s Butterfly Man, this recognition is immediate and profound because he has given us a quality of work that is nothing short of brilliant. And that is something that he and Simon Kendall and the rest of the singers, musicians, and studio crew can be deservedly proud.
Visit Aaron's MySpace Site here.
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