Turn the key and get that motor running – Project Grand Slam’s East Side Sessions
is a helluva driving force in the jazz, Latin, rock and pop genres. Slick saxophones, precious piano and of course, undeniable bass lines, East Side Sessions contains 12 scorching tracks. Ready to roll from the get-go, East Side Sessions doesn’t idle.
PGS is the mastermind of band leader and bassist Robert Miller. The band is based in New York City and by geography alone, NYC sprinkles the cultural mix of sounds that ooze from the band’s repertoire. East Side Sessions is the band’s ninth album first to feature Marilyn Castillo on vocals and Alex Blade Silver on saxophone. Besides Miller, the long-time band includes Marcello Casagrandi and Baden Goyo on keyboards, Tristan Clark on guitar, Joel E. Mateo on drums and Guillermo Barron Rios on percussion.
“The One I’m Not Supposed to See” is a solid hit. The robust sound feels like a summer day, a jaunt through the city with the sights and sounds of a buzzing community. It’s bursting at the seams with keys and a luscious bass line. Lyrically, the line “it’s real, I feel” is confidently sung by Castillo. Her vocals are smooth and reminiscent of Lani Hall.
By track three, “It Is A Miracle To Me” the mood becomes a clap-along song. The word ‘fusion’ gets through around a lot by music folks and this song is really a great example of the melting of jazz and an island vibe. The lyrics “the magic in the air is way up high, it’s not something you can see” and those words felt very applicable. The special sauce in this song is something you can’t quite pinpoint, it’s what you feel.
“Juliet Dances” is a lovely, lovely tune. If ever there were a soundtrack to the work of Edgar Degas, this song fits the bill. It’s not outright about a ballerina, but one gets the sense from the moving piano keys and Castillo’s gentler vocal approach, it’s soft like ballet slippers.
A timely song, “I’m Falling Off The World” is anthemic. The explosive saxophone and fast tempo over reaches, giving just an inch of space with Castillo’s singing of the lyrics “we’re going to make it somehow.” The band created an equally, fast-paced split screen video. The video shows sometimes intense concentration from the band members, an example of the passionate playing. Filmed during the pandemic, the video shows social distancing and doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to keeping up with the super-charged song. It’s colorful and gives a fine visual to one of East Side Sessions’ best songs.
The last track I’d like to focus on for this story is “The Week”. The song has a bright guitar, with trails of muddy, yet melodic riffs, giving it that more rock soul. The saxophone sweeps in over the percussion and it’s momentum carries a breezy feel. As Castillo sings about the days of the week, her voice is embellished by little cascading sounds. “Sometimes things go, where you never know, what can I say,” she sings. Just like the entire album, you won’t know where you will go, but PGS have a way in taking you there.
Tory Johnston