OLI ROCKBERGER
Old Habits
Oli Road Records 0996
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Keyboardist Oli Rockberger has played with such contemporary
music heavyweights as Jackie DeShannon, Levon Helm, John Mayer, and Oliver
Mtukudzi. He’s also shared the stage with jazz luminaries the likes of Charlie
Hunter and Les McCann, and with several hip-hop bands. As a sideman he’s
eclectic, but his solo release Old Habits
could really use some focus. It’s one of those albums that are so atmospheric
that one longs for some grounding terra
firma. It falls into no discernible genre, which wouldn’t be a bad thing if
Rockberger were slicing some new grooves. Instead, the album feels more like an
incompletely realized mélange. It has the cool detachment of smooth jazz, but
lacks innovative breakouts or unifying musical themes. There are swells
evocative of a rock anthem, but few identifying hooks; frenetic blended
instrumentation the likes of a Loreena McKennitt composition, but they seem
more like tack-ons than bridges; and quiet moments in which he comes off as a
subdued Paul Simon, but without the melodic unity of folk music. Rockberger’s keyboard work is solid and his
vocals more than competent, but this is one of those unfortunate records that
dissolve into the background as it’s playing. In short, it lacks “Ah ha!”
moments that make it anything more than a backdrop against which life happens.
—Rob Weir
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1 comment:
I totally disagree with your negative views. I think he is spontaneous and a musical genius who is not held back by any gendre and THAT is exactly what sets him apart from most really talented artists. It is what makes him more interesting because he is not stuck in a rut but free to explore the unending possibilities of each note where ever it leads. His focus expands your focus! Life is a learning experience. Open your mind and enjoy!
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