Ted Garber Music Reviews

Local Artists That Should be on your Radar, Calendar and iPod

On Tap Magazine

It’s hard to blend blues, jazz and roots rock together to create anything that really and truly works, but somehow Ted Garber has mixed these diverse sounds together to form his latest album, “American Rail,” a 10-track masterpiece. Catchy and mellow, smooth yet upbeat, Garber creates a one-of-a-kind album with his harmonica riffs and blues-y sound. “Strike It Up,” a distinctively upbeat ballad, further proves what a chameleon Garber is with backing horns and lyrics that make you want to bust a move. Funk, blues, roots rock, jazz and rock n’roll all make appearances in this latest album from the DC native, along with a refreshingly talented backing section full of horns, organs, a piano, drums and bass. “Giving Tree,” is where you really hear and feel the blues meets New Orleans sound. If you mixed Jason Mraz-style vocals and blues, you get this four-minute track, both musically and lyrically impressive. “American Rail” is a complete mix of sounds and musical styles, but you know what? It works. The entire album flows together into one captivating project. —Ashley Estill

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