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Music was recorded in 1995 at Canton Music Center. Performing on the CD are Joe Culley, Warren Henry, Sam Kibler, and Michael Stephens. Click on a song title to preview the track.
Sunshower, by Michael Stephens
For You, by Sam Kibler and Warren Henry
Our Friend, the Ant, by Joe Culley
A Little Peace, by Michael Stephens
Latina Molina, by Sam Kibler and Kenny Baker
F. Y. B., by Warren Henry and Michael Stephens
Twelve After, by Warren Henry
Black Elijah, by Sam Kibler
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Osmosis release promising debut
The Record Courier. Ravenna-Kent, Ohio. Sunday, January 5, 1997.
by Mark A. Bednar, Music Editor, 330/296-9657
The Kent music scene has spawned some diverse acts -- from the hard dance/rock sounds of Dink to the swingy/ska sounds of TwistOffs to the reggae grooves of First Light. Now, another Kent band, Osmosis, which doesn't have much in common with the aforementioned bands, has released its debut, "Music" (Osmoco). Osmosis is an instrumental jazz fusion band that makes sometimes relaxing, often moody music, comprised primarily of saxophone, bass, guitar and drums. Osmosis' debut shows their talent in making interesting instrumental music that isn't merely "background noise."
The group is at their best when they perform songs such as the jazzy "For You," which has a simple, main riff played by the saxophonist, Michael Stephens. This song is really textured, and the guitar solos, courtesy of Warren Henry, show immense feeling and power. Drummer Joe Culley pays attention to detail while bassist Sam Kibler keeps the song grounded with a steady bottom end. The light guitar touches that accent the saxophone riff fit the mood quite well. The group is also at their finest on "Black Elijah," a jazzy song with the main riff played by the flute. This is reminiscent of a Stevie Wonder sound, with a lot of soul injected into the song.
Osmosis [does] pretty well with a series of songs in the middle of the album. "Our Friend, the Ant" is a very percussive song and starts off with a drum solo from Joe Culley that lasts more than two minutes. The song has a party atmosphere in the backgound. The song has an energy and drive that make it ideal for a live setting. "Latina Molina," like "Black Elijah," features a flute playing the main riff. The melody gets darker as the song progresses, which is a good quality. Also, as the song develops, more instruments are added until it's a frenzy of drums, saxophone and guitar.
Unfortunately, the same can't be said for "Sunshower," the album opener. The main riff, played by the saxophone, is far too happy. The saxophone overpowers every other instrument in this song, making it sound too peppy. When Osmosis sticks with the more serious-sounding melody, they sound great -- this is more their style.
Bottom line: Osmosis shows a lot of promise and talent on their debut, "Music." The band should continue to explore the darker, jazzier melodies that they touch on with this release -- that is their strong point.
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