CHASING MAGIC (Jace Pawlak) – Chasing Magic (2011)
Jace Pawlak‘s band CHASING MAGIC and his self-titled release was already presented in this blog (exclusive) when appeared in 2011, and now as requested, here’s a revamp of this lovely ’80s sounding Melodic Rock / AOR album.
Chasing Magic hails from the Midwest of the good ‘ol USA, founded by extremely talented musician / songwriter Jason “Jace” Pawlak. He already released a solo album before “Chasing Magic” but also has penned and contributed tunes for some of his fellow Melodic Rock contemporaries such as Goodbye Thrill, Tango Down, FarCry, and more.
All these are acts from the Kivel Records roster, and the label thought it was time to give Pawlak a chance for his own album.
“Chasing Magic” was the result, a delicious 11-track CD of pure Melodic Rock / AOR in the true ’80s fashion.
Anyone that has been in a music band will express how being in, it’s sometimes like a family, well, Chasing Magic is just that. Jace comes from a musical family, and on this recording he is joined by father Dennis Pawlak (guitars, bass, vocals) and brother Trevor Pawlak (guitars, vocals) making this a power trio, but Jace handles must the instruments all over the recording.
The first thing that impressed me from the beginning on “Chasing Magic” is the truly good production / mix considering the album was recorded, mixed & produced by Jace Pawlak himself.
And after listening the whole thing, you can assert this guy is a terrific songwriter for this genre, and a complete musician as well.
“Chasing Magic” is full of classy Melodic Rock with anthemic choruses, melodic guitar work and catchy hooks.
Opener “World Is Wide” sounds as the best Night Ranger ’80s era, “Room To Run” is a short and effective Loverboy-like melodious rocker and “The Corners Of My Mind” has an awesome mid-tempo AOR melody similar to FarCry’s last album.
“Same” explores a more hard rocking territory, “Angelina” has a commercial and modern riff, while “The Edge Of Goodbye” is a terrific melodic power ballad very, very well arranged and composed.
“Bad Reputation” has again Night Ranger influences featuring a great guitar work, “This Time” is a wimpy cool track that reminds me Ted Poley, and “Too Many Roads” ends the disc in a form of a really good AOR ballad with all that FM Radio magic.
On “Chasing Magic” you will hear classic Melodic Rock tunes very well composed and arranged with fantastic vocal harmonies, rocking guitars and hooks galore.
As said, one of highest points on this CD is the skilled hand of Jace writing songs in the best ’80s tradition. Short, effective and catchy songs indeed.
Production and mix are highlights as well, crisp and clear. Remarkable is the solid drum sound, usually weak in this kind of self-managed recordings.
Sweet music folks. Easily Recommended.
01 – World Is Wide
02 – Room To Run
03 – The Corners Of My Mind
04 – Same
05 – Angelina
06 – The Edge Of Goodbye
07 – Bad Reputation
08 – This Time
09 – Fine Line
10 – Have It All
11 – Too Many Roads
Jason Jace Pawlak – Vocals, Drums, Keyboards, Guitar
Dennis Pawlak – Guitar, Bass, Backing Vocals
Trevor Pawlak- Guitar, Backing Vocals
BUY IT !
www.amazon.com/Chasing-Magic/dp/B005GHC4BU
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