Ari Herstand One Take CD

The new live CD One Take – his second release – showcases many of the definitive live aspects of Ari Herstand’s show that his debut album Baby Eyes did not. Songs such as “Float on By,” “Poster Boy Celebrity” and “Air Cries Wind” feature Ari’s unique, solo looping style. Combining multiple, intricate guitar parts and impressive beat boxing with harmonized trumpet licks and catchy vocal melodies, Ari’s solo, looped songs have just as much – or more – excitement as the full band songs on the album. Only containing three songs from Baby Eyes, Ari shares his growth and songwriting progression – with a matured emphasis on lyrics – with developed, full band versions of new songs such as “Beneath the Moon,” “Blanket-Go-Round” and “Itch Inside Your Ear.” Songs such as “35” and “So Fantastical” display Ari’s charismatic, personable persona while the weightier “Proud Honeybee” sarcastically expresses his disdain for aspects of the American culture and demands social change. “So Fantastical,” “Poster Boy Celebrity” and a revamped “A Smile” feature Ari’s unique, percussive acoustic guitar work. Critics and fans continue to be amazed at how his rapid, slap guitar style, juxtaposed with catchy, acoustic pop/rock songs fits so perfectly into the mix. By incorporating the trumpet and cello arrangements – all composed by Ari - his sound is easily set apart from every other acoustic, solo singer/songwriter in the field. Ari Herstand is not afraid to share the spotlight with his band members. Playing impressive solos and commanding, textural guitar work throughout the album, Brian Palay brings a welcomed talent to the mix. Having played together for over 8 years in different projects Joey Wedel (drums), David Burney (bass) and Ari have gained an obvious, intuitive understanding of how each player operates. Lucas Shogren, a cello major at the University of Minnesota and Tim Kloster, a trumpet major at Ari’s Alma Madder, McNally Smith College of Music, make up the harmonious duo. The CD also features Kevin Sinclair on Saxophone on a jammed out version of “Center of a Kiss” and Joey Kantor on the keys on the fan favorite “The Photograph”"Herstand’s music dwells seldom on the superficial. He’s not your average guy with an acoustic guitar. In a unique style that blends elements of pop, folk rock and jazz — think jam man Keller Williams, with an air of Dave Matthews and (more energetic) hints of Jack Johnson and Norah Jones — Herstand’s new album leaves little to be desired." - The Badger Herald (Madison, WI) http://badgerherald.com/artsetc/2007/02/22/local_singer_comes_h.php