Coming Into a New Age

• Track Listing

Mike Baron writes: 'James Eisele's 'Coming Into A New Age' is a swinging melange of retro-pop, blues, and jazz oozing Eisele's unique blend of technique and chutzpah. Eisele's guitar chops go way beyond the blues for which he is known and this ensemble swings with the help of featured players Bob Corbit on Sax, Michael BB on keyboards, and Gary Hollis on bass. 'New Age' resembles Van Morrison's 'Astral Weeks,' although Eisele's songs are jazzier. Like Morrison, Eisele has a unique voice that is something of an acquired taste. I acquired it years ago when I first started going to his blues concerts. (James' blues chops are on full display on '3rd Degree Blues.) James hits the notes and emotes. His warbly melismatic-by-mistake style is the essence of insouciance. Bing Crosby eat your heart out. Karrie Daley duets on 'Take A Chance On Love' and 'Cool Cat Nat,' a finger-poppin' blend of Cab Calloway and Dan Hicks. Tower of Power could play Eisele's 'Someday We'll Be Together.' Surprisingly evocative of Stan Getz' Brazilian period.'