Marc Belloni
Indeed!
(Independent)

There probably aren't too many attorneys moonlighting as hard rock guitarists/vocalists but, one of the beauties of New Orleans is that nearly everyone here plays some kind of instrument.

While Belloni's heavy, crashing, squealing guitar is not exactly something a jazz and blues lover is going to be listening to on the CD player while stuck in peak hour traffic, this record has enough going for it to allow it to rise above the pack. For one thing, every track is original, with some of the most intriguing lyrics I've seen in quite awhile; perhaps even since the early '70s. There are metaphors like "Life is like an okra, forgotten and abused sitting in the gumbo for the weekend." Then there is a track called "Front Line" which is lyrically reminiscent of early Dylan in his anti-Vietnam war years and delivered in a Dylan-like solo style.

Featuring Matt Beeson on drums and Carrollton Station owner Eric Orlando on backing vocals, this is a stylistically diverse and interesting CD.

-Dean M. Shapiro

OffBeat Magazine

November 2004