West Coast Motel is one of a long line of solo albums from Maz Meazza. He presents a suite of songs with a high level of sophistication, whilst keeping them accessable at all times. He drifts comfortably between musical styles and maintains a laid back vibe throughout the course of the whole album. His vocal style lends itself to slow to mid-tempo songs and so the unhurried pace of the whole album is a fine vehicle for Max to showcase his distinctive velvety 'lived in' tones.
'The Long Goodbye' opens with some tasteful guitar playing and both that and Max's gritty, but velvet vocals support tussle with each other throughout the song. 'Alaska' is an acoustic based number which is very gentle and melodic, and lulls the listener with it's quiet charm. 'Blue Heart' is a supper club, smokey jazz style number which is very cool and'late night' in sound and feel. 'Things To Do On Sunday When You Sleep' is an ode to a lover which has some very tasteful accordian playing to embellish and give it an air of European sophistication. As a constrast, final track 'Telegram Blues' is a slow smoking blues track from way down in the southern states and is very well executed and has the right amount of bluesy feel in the guitar playing.
There is plenty of variation in styles across West Coast Motel. There is a sense of travelogue about the songs collectively and this maybe goes hand in hand with the places that Max's career has taken him to. If you like music that's easy on the ear, but is not afraid to move around in musical style, then Max Meazza's West Coast Motel will make a nice addition to your music collection.
Reviewed by Kevin Wallbank
West Coast Hotel Tracks:
The Long Goodbye Bleeding Alaska Summer of 71'' Blue Heart Duffle Jim Complicated Life Things to do on sunday when you sleep Electric Kiss Watchin' Movies Telegram Blues
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