Album Review:

The Bob Pressner Band – Summer in Illusion Land

By Renda Writer

Balanced.  Professional. Beautiful.  These are just a few words that come to mind after listening to "Summer in Illusion Land," the 10-track opus and third release by the highly accomplished ensemble known as The Bob Pressner Band.

The styles on this CD are refreshingly reminiscent of the quality soft rock sounds that dominated the 1980's, before things like grunge, hip-hop, and emo took over the shelves of our record stores.  And that is not to say that the music here is dated.  In fact, it's just the opposite.  If all things go in cycles, then The Bob Pressner Band could be considered the leaders in bringing about a second cycle of this style of music.

Bob's band puts its best foot forward with the first track, "One Voice," where bright and picturesque lyrics accompany a beautiful soundscape sure to be loved by all.  This song is a perfect opener for the album, as it gives the listener a nice taste of the optimism that they will hear throughout the CD.  As it's chorus states, this song is clear proof that "one voice can change everything." 

From here, we move on to the second song, which is the album's title track. The vibe here is so relaxing that it's practically hypnotic – one of those songs best enjoyed with headphones on, eyes closed, and mind open.  Halfway through the album, we find ourselves listening to what is perhaps one of the most humorously entertaining tracks on the album - "High Maintenance Woman."  The comedic highlight here would have to be the ad-libs of shallow talk from some "actual" high maintenance women.

"The Journey" has a soft, organic feel and is perfect for playing when you're driving alone on that lonely highway with nothing to do but think.  On "Spectator Nation" Bob Pressner's lyrics confess that our society all too often takes a passive backseat in watching the world go by through TV screens and newspaper headlines.  Most people will come away from listening to this song with a desire to change that sad fact.   "Sing for the Sunrise," the longest song on the CD, has a striking instrumental breakdown nestled in between verses that comment on the state of affairs in our world today and beautiful backup vocals from some pretty soulful gospel contributors.  

In listening to this album, it's apparent that Pressner doesn't rush the writing process.  His lyrics are well thought out and good enough to warrant a rewind here and there.  If you're a listener who ranks the words to a song as top priority, then you will be more than pleased with this CD.  In fact, you'll probably get the idea to go pick up some of Pressner's other releases, like the 1997 8-song disc, "Hard Drivin' Rain."   This catalogue album not only has an amazing line-up of songs, but the photographs for the insert are sharp, creative, and compelling.

What's great about this CD is that it provides people not only with enjoyment, but also a sense that it would be good to share that enjoyment with others.   So when you buy this CD, be sure to also buy a second copy as a gift for someone.

Proceeds from the sale of "Summer in Illusion Land" are donated to Stand Among Friends, a charity that raises money for victims of spinal chord and brain injuries.

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*Published in the August/September issue of US Artists Magazine.