AARON CALHOUN

Smoke & Ash

Aaron Calhoun conjures up a bit of Chris Isaak’s mystique on his new release, a set of 10 dreamlike songs that showcase his somewhat oblique lyrics and moody voice. “Sunny Rays” settles into a subdued, bluesy groove, while “Safe in My Arms” is a melancholy crooner. Calhoun’s voice is plain but smooth, perfectly complementing the understated arrangements. His band deserves a nod as well; it’s not easy to play as cleanly and quietly as his rhythm section does and still keep things interesting. Eric Flores throws in a tasty guitar solo on “Ain’t It a Shame,” and keyboards meander in and out for a bit of tension. Get ready to hear this disc on KGSR; any AAA station worth its salt should be grabbing this CD like Homer Simpson would a doughnut.

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This article appears in February 2 • 2001.

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