James Hollihan | Nuevotron
A citizen of Music City (Nashville), Arkansas-native James Hollihan is quite the musical Renaissance man. On The Funky Misfit he takes all of the credits: composer, arranger, and performer on all instruments. The results are a very smart collection of urbane contemporary jazz a la the Rippingtons, the Crusaders, and Spyro Gyra, except way better behaved. While a good deal of contemporary jazz is at best banal, Mr. Hollihan infuses his music with a good-natured personality, a compositional aptitude for writing nuclear hooks, and a well-educated ear for a great tune.
The disc opens with the title cut, a neo-funk piece that demonstrates Mr. Hollihan’s complete arsenal of talent. Hollihan deftly uses tight rhythms and clean guitar and keyboard lines for the perimeter of the vehicle to show off his Wes Montgomery/George Benson/Pat Martino-influenced playing. Mr. Hollihan’s global use of electronics is reminiscent of Stevie Wonder. That is the type of facility he brings to the table. More of the same is encountered on ”Groove Deville,” with the addition of organ and piano to the showcase. The groove is very much in evidence, with Latin and Caribbean strands winding in and out of the song’s structure. Hollihan’s sleek guitar is ever present, grounding his style.
The Funky Misfit contains these and other delights: “Across the Desert Sky” with its steel drum vibe, the easy stroll of “The Hush of Love,” and beautiful ballad “The Waltz of the Leaves” make this recording something special. Within a popular music environment that dumbs down all of the music around it, it is very nice to encounter a recording like The Funky Misfit that can rub up against the popular aesthetic with out picking up any of its stink. This recording is highly recommended.
—C. Michael Bailey, all•about•jazz
Personnel: James Hollihan —All Instruments.
Style: Contemporary/Smooth
Review Published: February 2004
Artist: James Hollihan
Title: The Funky Misfit
Genre: Jazz
Label: Nuevotron
James Hollihan has made his mark for several years now producing and performing with such acts as Marshall Chapman, Russ Taff and Jeff Foxworthy, to name just a few that populate his impressive resume. Now he has decided to turn the tables and become the recording artist with a new jazz CD titled The Funky Misfit, all in ultraphonic stereo.The colors and images found on the cover of this CD invoke thoughts of the lounge and beatnik scenes of the fifties. There is no doubt in my mind that the fifties was the decade that jazz music matured and Hollihan explores all of the styles that developed, including those that had a major impact on him. The fusion of contemporary, Latin and many other styles form into an interesting stew of ideas within each composition. His love for the textures and colors of jazz are obvious in every track on this recording and the result unfolds before you throughout your first, second, and subsequent listening experiences. What is most impressive about this project is that Hollihan played every instrument, wrote all the songs, then recorded and produced the album in his own studio! Who needs a record label when you have all of that talent? This is the kind of situation that is developing more every day with availability and affordability of new technologies.
To be perfectly honest I was disappointed that the CD had to end, but there is always time for another spin. Every time you listen, it is like hearing a new album, and it is readily apparent why this is so. Hollihan effectively uses all of his talents wisely without spreading himself to thin, covering each style of music with detail and care.
I have to give the man credit for such a fine first outing, he chose one of the more difficult styles of music to approach and explore. This CD is valid proof of his talents as not only a composer and producer, but also as a musician. Surely, the recognition will be forthcoming once the word gets out about this music. I do hope that he decides to continue this aspect of his career, as the future unfolds it will most certainly get more interesting to see how he develops.
Rating 5/5
—Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck, MuzikReview.com
CD Title: The Funky Misfit
Year: 2004
Record Label: Nuevotron
Style: Contemporary Jazz
Stepping from behind the scenes after producing rave hits for artists such as Jeff Foxworthy, Russ Taff, Marshall Chapman and Michelle Shocked, James Hollihan has finally come into the spotlight with his own CD, The Funky Misfit
Hollihan, also known as the Fabulous Mr. X, for his ability on guitar, has performed with Russ Taff, Amy Grant, The Imperials and others of legendary stature.
Inspired by the music of Henry Mancini, Michel Legrand, Johnny Mandel and Juan Garcia Esquivel, Hollihan has put together an intriguing arrangement of strings, percussion, and keyboard, along with his own guitar, bringing to life an often funky, often peaceful, but always entertaining ten track CD.
The Funky Misfit shares some soft, wide ranged keyboard movements with masterful violin ensembles, taking the listener through romantic, late night moments.
But, it doesn't stop there. The groove takes a turn and becomes more up-tempo with a funky beat, keeping every note interesting
Jeff Steinberg, conductor of the Nashville Symphony Pops Orchestra says, "The Funky Misfits is tasteful and creative," claiming Hollihan is "gifted for melodic clarity and superb harmonic sense."
Hollihan says one of his greatest moments was when he produced "Under Their Influence" for Russ Taff. He was warned this production was 'commercial suicide' by heads of labels. It won a grammy.
It looks like Hollihan has another winner.
—Nina Goodrich, Jazzreview.com
The Funky Misfit In Ultraphonic Stereo
Nuevotron
Electric guitarist/pianist James Hollihan is a one-man show. Or in the case of his new release, The Funky Misfit, he's a one-man band. Hollihan composed, arranged, performed, recorded, and mixed all the music on this new CD from Nuevotron. And as the album's title implies, the music, recorded in "ultraphonic stereo," is filled to the brim with sassy funk grooves, hip Smooth Jazz stylings, and liberal libations of sensuous R&B sounds.
Also known by other musicians as "The Fabulous Mr. X," Hollihan produced Russ Taff's Gospel CD, Under Their Influence, which won a Grammy on 1991. He's also produced albums by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, Marshall Chapman, and Michelle Shocked, and has performed with Amy Grant, Phil Keaggy, Kevin Welch, and The Imperials.
This ten-track disc gets off to a romping start with a pair of funky, "get down" tunes: the album's title track, and Groove DeVille.
A pulsating bossa nova tinge comes across on It Came From Brazil. Other highlights include a very "dreamy" and romantic version of Solitude (not Duke Ellington's classic) complete with a lush string section, the sultry The Hush Of Love, the easy going yet tranquil The Waltz Of The Leaves and Cypress Shores, and the surreal blues piece, Cafe Blue.
The Funky Misfit gives a delectable smorgasbord of danceable grooves, introspective overtones, and romantic nuances. The music is stimulating throughout, capturing not only the vivid imagination of its composer, but the attention of the listener as well.
Track selections: The Funky Misfit, Groove DeVille, Across The Desert Sky, The Hush Of Love, The Waltz Of The Leaves, Cypress Shores, It Came From Brazil, Solitude, Cafe Blue, Angel Noir.
Recorded at Digitronic Sound Studios, Nashville, TN, in 2004.
—Stephen Fratalonne, Jazz Connection Magazine
—Michael James, Smooth Jazz and More
NUEVOTRON
In the vernacular of Antonio Carlos ''Tom'' Jobim, James Hollihan offers us his panoply of originals. His songs fall into the category of mainstream jazz, & considering that he plays on all tracks, the execution is striking. However, Hollihan takes his music even to a higher level......He thinks symphonically, giving his music a certain ambience. The addition of strings indeed to his latin renderings, give his songs more significance, increasing his range of expression. His orchestral approach & style give his music more artistic weight. All in all, this is a very aristocratic endeavor for a first CD volley debut.
—George W. Carroll, ejazznews
Album :: The Funky Misfit
Label :: Nuevotron Records
James Hollihan certainly paints with his own brush. All of the music was performed, mixed, and composed by Hollihan in ultraphonic stereo.
I particularly liked the ballads. "Solitude" on track 8 was masterfully done, the melody is simply beautiful and showcases James Hollihan's talents to the fullest extent.
The sine qua non of this recording is the meshing of the "instrumentation" which makes it very palatable to the most
discriminating ear.
In "Angel Noir" one can feel the music moving in a direction not unlike the theme of a Film Noir, with a bittersweet touch. A theater of the mind, so to speak.
James Hollihan has created an album that is easy on the ears and soothing to the mind. It was a most enjoyable listening experience.
Tracks: The Funky Misfit, Groove De Ville, Across The Desert Sky, The
Hush Of Love, The Waltz Of The Leaves, Cypress Shores, It Came From
Brazil, Solitude, Cafe Blue, Angel Noir
—John Gilbert, euroclubdejazz
The Funky Misfit/James HollihanNow what can I say about a project that's called the Funky Misfit? First off, the title may be a bit of a misnomer. OK! So the dude definitely is funky, but quite frankly to my mind he's no misfit. While countless others toil in vain, Hollihan not only succeeds but indeed excels at a project that's highly creative and totally unique. Could Hollihan be a prodigy of sorts who cleverly disguises his brilliance in the trappings of a humble misfit? That may be close to the truth. Or perhaps the misfit moniker is an allusion to the fact that he's located in Nashville, the country music capital of the world. Nevertheless, on this his initial solo outing, Hollihan is the proverbial one-man band, having not only composed all the tracks and played each & every instrument, but having also recorded and mixed the entire cd. In a time where much of what we hear is prepackaged and formula driven this one stands out from the rest.
—Ted Hasiuk, Cafe Jazz Radio
The Funky Misfit
James Hollihan has an eclectic collection of jazz songs in his
THE FUNKY MISFIT. These tunes will delight the listener with their creative freshness and innovative approaches.
There are ten songs in the CD collection. Among the songs are "The Funky Misfit," "The Hush of Love," "The Waltz of the Leaves," "It Came From Brazil," and "Angel Noir."
For something unusual and entertaining, THE FUNKY MISFIT is highly enjoyable. Very nice!
—Lee Prosser, Jazzreview.com
James Hollihan | Nuevotron
By creating his program a little bit funky and a little bit smooth, James Hollihan has laid down a tasty set of originals that lie in tune with contemporary vibrations.
All music serves a purpose. We find that different needs are fulfilled with every album that finds its way to the store shelves. Hollihan’s session is designed for your leisurely Sunday morning brunch. Strings, keyboards, bass and drums surround his delicate guitar. His lush piano magic paints images of vacation spots and exotic adventure.
With “Groove DeVille,” Hollihan pops off with a sparkling electric guitar vamp to take the chill off the morning. Several others highlight his acoustic guitar in sensuous overtones. “It Came from Brazil” proves light and gay. The multi-instrumentalist’s samba-esque parade takes you on a tour of the gentler side of vacationing.
”Solitude,” “Café Blue,” and “Angel Noir” feature Hollihan’s moody electric guitar and piano in several captivating arrangements. They’re pure ballads that allow much room for the artist to express from within. The concept of a one-man band usually leaves comical thoughts of two hands and two feet working four different instruments while the mouth is operating yet another. Thanks to multi-tracking, James Hollihan’s program is far from comical. His smooth and delicate creations give the listener a peaceful setting around which one can gather with friends to enjoy Sunday morning and every other leisurely time of the week.
—Jim Santella, all•about•jazz
Nuevotron
Nashville based jazz instrumentalist James Hollihan stirs up a tasty feast with his latest project. One amazing factor is that he played all the instruments on the album and shows prowess on everything, particularly keyboards and guitar. There is a good mix of up-tempo songs including the title track and the keyboard fueled "Groove DeVille." James' mellower side is the real star here, creating lovely smooth jazz that you can kick back and really get into.
—Mark E. Waterbury, Music Morsels
James Hollihan - The Funky Misfit
(Nuevotron)
Lounge lizard Hollihan treats us to a smooth collection of loose, Happy Hour attitude adjusters so tasty you can smell the gin and tonic dripping out of your speakers. So grab a tumbler full of ice and shake your groove thing to the opening title track, a funky stomper with some gnarly guitar licks, the sprightly, organ-driven "Groove DeVille" and the George Benson-inspired cha-cha, "Across The Desert Sky," which tosses in a stray, Bacharachian (and Bacchanalian!) string and piano tinkle for good measure.
"The Hush of Love" (another nod to Sir Burt?) is as smooth as a pink squirrel—just grab your sweetie for some cheek-to-cheek dancin' and romancin'. The remainder of the album is in the same smooth groove/mood, with occasional forays into late-night romantic orchestration a la Jackie Gleason, Les Brown, Lawrence Welk, et. al. I particularly enjoyed the vibes on "Cypress Shores" and the Francis Lai samba action crawling all over "It Came From Brazil." If you enjoy romantic film scores in the Henry Mancini mold (dig the closing trilogy of "Solitude," "Café Blue" and "Angel Noir"), or the more upbeat "new lounge" licks of last year's wonderful Roamin' Gabriels' Smile CD, you owe it to yourself to strap this on and become a Funky Misfit yourself.
—Jeff Penczak, fakejazz.com