Xela
Küschtik
Crooked River Groove Records

Küschtik, Xela’s most recent CD, is a collaborative effort between Xela and the Cuyahoga Community College Arts and Technology Department. It was produced by Department Head Tommy Wiggins and is the first solo artist release on his label Crooked River Groove Records. Küschtik is an “unplugged” sort of thing, but that is the only way this CD is not hooked up. It’s Xela solo on guitar, except occasionally when he is joined by double bass and a splash of some mean lip trumpet. Küschtik contains all original material, and I mean that in every sense of the word. Trying to categorize his music as one thing or the other, or making comparisons with other artists really does not do Xela justice. Never derivative or imitative, Xela’s music is an intuitively perfect combination of various aspects of the many different genres and styles of music he has studied and absorbed.

Exemplified in songs like “Cattlyst” and “G’Goddog” is Xela’s talent for composing melodious and clever pop ditties (read, “Hits”). His songs are chock full of infectious hooks and resonant refrains. He also knows how to find his way across a bridge. That, however, is just the beginning. Xela’s lyrics are by turns philosophic, whimsical, wry and sometimes cynical. His poetic and humorous use of wordplay is thought provoking and insightful. Examples of his expertise at turning a phrase can be found in nearly every song, especially in tunes like the reggae flavored “lalaland”, where Xela rastas philosophic about hitting the road, and “look@cha”, which begins with the opening lick from “Misty” and goes on to adroitly skewer the self-appointed arbiters of “what jazz is.”

Xela’s voice is also eminently fascinating, displaying many facets, moods and subtleties. His phrasing is jazzy, daring and expressive and he can go from a Tom Waits’ growl to a Jeff Buckley falsetto in one phrase (or less). Xela’s vocal prowess rarely fails to add interest, texture and surprise to his compositions. Check out “World of Hours” and “Glass 1/2 Fool”.

If you’ve been looking for something real, heartfelt and definitely memorable, do not delay in purchasing this CD. Küschtik is destined to be a keeper in your collection and certain to go into high rotation on your CD player, iPod, MP3 or other music delivery system of your choice. You can purchase Küschtik at http://www.CrookedRiverGroove.com or on Xela’s website, http://www.LuvMutha.com or at any of his live performances, which, like this CD, are highly worthy of your attention.

Xela will be giving a free concert in Kent at the ECC on N. Water Street on Sat 10/8 beginning at 9:30 pm. On Mon 10/10, Xela will host his regular open mic night at B-Side in Coventry. Xela performs from 9:30 to 10:30, with open mic following. On Tue 10/11, Xela is at Phoenix Coffee in Lakewood, performing from 8 pm to 11 pm with open mic following.

Then, on Wed 10/12, Xela embarks on a month long cross-country tour which will include St. Louis, Salt Lake City, Portland, San Diego, and San Francisco.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Laura Varcho lauraevarcho@yahoo.com

 (:divend:)