Rock/Review Rosetta West - Gravity Sessions
Rosetta West is a blues rock band from Illinois. Their music frequently includes elements of psychedelia and world folk music, and their lyrical themes often venture into mysticism and spirituality. Founder and songwriter Joseph Demagore handles vocals, guitars, and keyboards. Jason X plays bass and keyboards, and he has been a co-producer and sound engineer since the Labyrinth album. Joe and Jay both play percussion, along with drummer Nathan Q. Scratch, who refuses to be photographed.
A visceral, unadorned tribute to the unadulterated intensity and mysticism that characterize this blues rock band from Illinois is Rosetta West's “Gravity Sessions.” Produced by Doug McBride and recorded primarily live at Chicago's renowned Gravity Studios, the album eschews studio glitz in favor of realism, revealing the band's spiritual passion and musical synergy with remarkable clarity.
Rosetta West, who are well-known for fusing world folk, psychedelic, and blues rock elements, revisits and reimagines some of their favorite songs in “Gravity Sessions.” As a result, a set that is both familiar and just discovered is created; songs have a new life here, freed from the strict studio limitations and given a sense of urgency that comes only from live performance.
In the best sense of the word, the performances are tight but relaxed. While lyrical themes of mysticism, meditation, and transformation place the album in a metaphysical, almost ceremonial realm, gritty guitar riffs encircle transcendent melodies. Highlights show a band that isn't scared to embrace musical innovation and emotional vulnerability, all while maintaining an unquestionable groove.
A few overdubs are included, but they enhance rather than cover the live core, acting more like delicate brushstrokes than touch-ups. The warmth and spontaneity of the recordings are preserved by McBride's production style, providing listeners with the unique gift of a band in its most unadulterated state.
“Gravity Sessions” is a spiritual experience with Rosetta West's soul rather than merely a live recording. For both new and seasoned fans, it's an essential recording of a band completely in tune with their music.