Nate LaPointe Band

The news is out and Shakedown News is loving it.  LA’s hottest rising star of Americana Roots Rock, the Nate LaPointe Band has put the signed, sealed and delivered stamp of approval of their second album, Speaking of It.  The album isn’t due out to the general public until April 25th but we’ve  got a sneak preview copy in our grubby little mitts and all I can say is “YEAH!”

When Nate LaPointe informed Shakedown News that the new album was done and the much anticipated “sophomore” release was in the box, the questions started pouring out.  What’s new?  New songs, new band additions and an old school recording style.

When the NLB went into the studio, over a year ago, LaPointe’s plan was to record an album LIVE to 2″ analog tape.  Then record that tape to vinyl records.  WHAT?  Who owns a record player anymore?  As LaPointe puts it, “I wanted to record an album the way they used to do it so it would sound like it’s supposed to sound.  We did a limited run of the vinyl for nostalgic reasons.”

Nate LaPointe and CC Sherman of NLB Photo by Morris Caraway

Little known fact.  LaPointe’s family used to own Top Notch Records, a record store in Laramie, WY.  Vinyl is in the man’s blood.

So, Speaking of It will be out April 25.  Highlights of the new album are many.  First off, the addition of CeCe Sherman on vocals brings that drop of estrogen that the former quartet of males needed.  Her soulful voice brings out emotions that you may not even know you had.  As Shakedown News’ Environmental Editor, Shawna Newbern, puts it, “CeCe’s voice makes me cry every time I hear it.  She’s amazing.”

Next up is the addition of the soulful sounds of the Bobby Womack horn section.  LaPointe, who frequently joins Womack and his band on stage as Womack’s guitar guy, called upon the Womack horns to add some depth and flavor to his rootsy sound.  “I wanted to create some interesting dynamics and depth.  I think the horns did just that,” said LaPointe.

LaPointe called upon the sound engineering talents of John Baffa at TV Tray Studios.  Baffa’s resume includes being Lou Reed’s tour sound engineer.  LaPointe took the producing reins himself.

Right out of the box,  NLB hits you with the southern rockin’ “Here I Come Again.”  The horns in “Dragonfly” will quickly move track three to one of your favorites.  Sherman’s vocals on her tune “Cold Hearted Man” will make you a CeCe fan.  LaPointe’s covers of Kenny Rogers “Just Dropped In” and Paul Simon’s “Hearts and Bones” are two great tunes that fit well into the album and are performed brilliantly by NLB.  Personal favorite that I can’t get out of my head is “Gun Store” with it’s melodic harmonies and dynamic tempo changes.  Not to mention the amazing guitar solo!

LaPointe’s gift is his guitar licks and boy do you get your fair share on Speaking Of It. The guitar leads on many of the tracks delight your auditory canal with his amazing finger work.  LaPointe picks his notes wisely as he navigates through long guitar leads that leave the listener satisfied.

As always the bass licks from Ivan Johnson, the keys and harmonica of his father Dave Johnson and the sweet rhythms from Chris Payne on drums complete the NLB package.  I’d give this new album a +1 rating over the first release from NLB.  This album pushes their abilities and shows LaPointe’s songwriting ability has taken a turn to the deeper realm allowing the listener to turn an introspective glance at the lyrics.  A real improvement over the, relatively, superficial first release four years ago.

Shakedown News Rates Speaking of It 4.75 out of 5!  I give nothing a 5, but this one is close…don’t skip a single track!