Album review: RON POPE & THE NIGHTHAWKS

RON POPE & THE NIGHTHAWKS

Brooklyn Basement Records [Release date 08.01.16]

Ron Pope is a bit of a hit in the digital download/streaming age with over 474 m illion streams on Pandora and over 100 million plays on YouTube. It does appear he is making a living from the world of streaming, along with download sales of his singles. He has released solo albums previously, although this album marks his debut under a band handle On this album he hooks-up with his favorite Brooklyn-based musicians who formed the Nighthawks.

There is a lot of musical variety on here, shades of Tom Petty on ‘Southern Cross’, an impressive opener to the album. ‘Hell Or High Water’ is a damn fine piece of good time rock ‘n’ roll, reminiscent of the Stones in their early 70′s finery. You can imagine this one being a live favorite.’Take Me Home’ is another fine piece of rock, featuring some mighty fine guitar playing behind the massed, gospel like vocals. Do seek this one out and give it a listen.

He even has a go at ragtime on the insanely catchy ‘Bad Intentions’ (check out the YouTube video to this one). Pope comes into his own on the slower, broody songs like the heartfelt ‘Leave You Behind’ and ‘One Shot Of Whiskey’. He is a good lyricist painting vivid pictures in the listener’s mind.

Very impressive collection of songs and you can see why Ron Pope is such a hit with the streaming and singles sales.  ****

Review by Jason Ritchie


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THE BEE TELLERS River Poem (Black Sand Records)
LAUREN FREEBIRD Like A Bomb (indie)

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14:00-16:00 KATARINA PEJAK – Pearls On A String (Ruf Records)


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