Macon Magazine

June/July 2024 | maconmagazine.com 101 A N DY J O H N S O N Roofdog Whether it's a stripped-down folk number like "More Than Me," a swampy Southern rock tune like "The Real Thing" or a tongue-in-check cosmic country two-step like "Stranger Danger," Andy Johnson's voice, playing and songwriting provide a direct connection to iconic Macon bands of yore. Yet his own eclectic style shines through as he crafts high-caliber songs that speak to the honest beauty and truths of a songwriter steeped in Southern music traditions. "Roofdog" is chock full of the kinds of tunes that will put a smile on your face and keep your toes tapping for days. — J.C. A N DY S I LV E R fading things and things that do not fade Andy Silver artfully colors outside the lines on "fading things and things that do not fade" – musically, lyrically, and emotionally. Sonically, it's Americana/indie folk but with cross-genre surprises serving well the album's 12 songs and grief-and-sorrow theme. The songs are result of Silver's wife's (noted poet Anya Silver) cancer diagnosis in 2004, her subsequent death in 2018, and other life tragedies that bring grief, rage, soft memories, and deep feelings to families and individuals everywhere, not just to Silver. The album's journey is personal with balm for listeners, but the words and music are just plain good, original, and inventive enough for long, satisfying repeats. Strong feelings and insightful lyrics flow from this singer- songwriter who doubles as Mercer University professor, but there's no drudgery. — M.P. B L A C C M E L Seen and Unseen Blacc Mel has had a busy year and has probably released more exceptional music in the last year than some artists might in a career. With "Seen and Unseen," we get to vibe with Blacc Mel's classically cool flow and wise, introspective lyrics, married perfectly with smooth, peaceful tracks. The songs on this album are brutally honest and sincere while maintaining a confident and victorious spirit. "Seen and Unseen" shows that the struggle is real, but Blacc Mel is not about to stop putting in the work. — J.C. B R E N T C O B B Southern Star Country has come back to Capricorn Sound Studios with Brent Cobb's recent work, "Southern Star." Somehow both simple and complex, Cobb expertly captures the nuances of the world he inhabits—the rural South. Over ten tracks ranging from folksy, country, western, jaunty blues, and funk, Cobb reflects on the peace that he finds from his family, friends, and faith in his home of Georgia. The "Southern Star" seems to serve as both a nostalgic place and romantic idea – a guide back from the fast-paced world. Showing his affection for Macon, Cobb chose nearly all local musicians for the album. Cobb's sentiment for the land of his people seems to hit a universal vein — it charted on Rolling Stone's Top 25 country albums of 2023. — M.M. C H O I R O F B A B B L E Porno di Plastilina Full of lyrics depicting humanity's dark acts in this increasingly egocentric age, and fueled by powerful musical choices, "Porno di Plastilina" seems designed to force the listener to confront their own place in this complicated world. The album exhibits meticulous precision in the placement of each sound, note, and word. Choir of Babble leaves nothing to chance as they pour themselves into the driving riffs, thundering drums, thoughtful lyrics, and subtly spacious breaks that stew with anticipation. From start to finish, this album is as much an artistic sonic journey as it is smart social commentary. — J.C. C H R I S T O P H E R A L A N S C H M I T Z Violin Concerto and Symphony No. 1 Rousing yet delicate, Schmitz's melodic compositions for orchestra were released this spring on Navona Records. Schmitz, a Mercer professor, was inspired by the unique talent of concert violinist Amy Schwartz Moretti, knowing she could lend a voice in strings to tension and division in our political landscape – the impetus that lends the stirring framework to the works' emotionality. In both "Violin Concert" and "Symphony No. 1," Schmitz's music allows Moretti to showcase her technical range through stunning violin solos. The album benefits from the epic feel of the London Symphony Orchestra and London Voices under conductor Stefan Sanderling. The record is a true hometown effort, bringing on Steve Moretti as producer and funded by the Josephine Phelps Fabian Fund at the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, with local students and film crew Big Hair Productions in attendance for the album recording in London. T H E C R E AT U R E P R E A C H E R S Necro A Go-Go Sometimes, an album comes along and introduces you to a whole new style of music. LEFT Sarah and Justin Schank's vinyl collection. Photo by Mike Young.

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