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Rock 'N' Reel
TOM FULLER BAND
****
Abstract Man
(Red Cap)
This Chicago-based bunch's second album is a V-sign at the notion that the melodic and lyrical intention of a given modern rock song has to defer to clenched-teeth virtuosity. Moreover, the intrinsic content is buoyed by a production - courtesy of Rick Chudacoff, whose previous clients have ranged from The Temptations to Alison Krauss - which has yielded a healthy balance between confident, clean breadth of expression and forceful gusto.
Crucially, with an all-powerful hold over his accompanists akin to that of Ray Davies over The Kinks, singing composer Fuller seems thoroughly steeped in the 45 rpm pop of the 1960s and early 1970s. As well as veiled clues in, say, a Lennon vocal mannerism here or a riff of instant familiarity there, there is a lush revival of 'The Air That I Breathe' by The Hollies. 'Only In America' is already a minor domestic chart climber, and, despite saddling themselves with perhaps the most prosaic group name in pop, The Tom Fuller Band should be going places.
Alan Clayson,
Rock 'N' Reel
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Classic Rock Society Magazine
The Tom Fuller Band are a rock outfit from Chicago, US, yet seem much more British in their delivery. They can certainly play, as much of what is on offer is intricate and tricky but carried off with aplomb, yet they have that certain humour and tongue in cheek approach that bands from this side of the water seem to have mastered. Vocal harmonies are very much in evidence drawing comparisons with the Beatles, and I suppose, the Beach Boys, and they are not afraid to dabble in the realms of pop before returning to a more melodic rock approach.
The Tom Fuller Band could be all things to all men,such is their talent, and its probably their diverse approach that has led them to getting attached to a label normally more associated with Jazz. Abstract Man is a very good rock album, from a band simply oozing talent and not afraid of a challenge. They even cover the classic Air That I Breathe and get away with it in fine style. However their very versatility may cause a problem because a band that is comfortable with all styles just may be unable to settle on one and that can mean keeping fans is difficult.
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http://www.freemagazine.fi/content/view/686/152/
From Chicago comes a good breeze of Beatlesque pop/rock released by the legendary US label Mesa/Bluemoon Records.
This is the first rock album released by Mesa/Bluemoon, well known in the past for their jazz artists. And obviously, it could not be any average album, but a little masterpiece called Abstract Man. Opposite to its title, the album is very focused on a pop/rock classy style that can remind you of The Beatles or more contemporary bands from the British invasion like Oasis.
Easy going songs that catch you without effort, uptempo songs that mix ballads with good doses of rock. Radio Man is an excellent starting point for an album well measured, and with a definitive personality and some taste from the new continent in tunes like Lollipop Guild or Only in America.
Abstract Man is a little masterpiece that makes you travel to a unique Universe that exhales freedom, passion and sensibility. A must have for lovers or good rock with roots.
Rating 5/5.
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http://www.syracuse.com/entertainment/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-2/1211792104173190.xml&coll=1&thispage=1
Ooh, the crowd felt it comin' in; the blues win again. Blues Traveler, Southside Johnny serve up sizzling sets at Blues, Brews and BBQ.
Monday, May 26, 2008
By Mark Bialczak, staff writer
The Tom Fuller Band, out of Chicago, warmed up the early arrivers with a comfortable rock edge and full knowledge of the special feel for this weekend.
Fuller kept the crowd happy with material from his debut disc, including the catchy title cut Abstract Man.
Fuller further won over hearts by dedicating his song Only in America to those who serve us overseas. Perfect for Memorial Day weekend as he sang about this land where we're free to dream what we dream and see what we see.
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