Tall Men Group * 12 by 6 *Really wonderful. Sure, you put six great singer-songwriters together who also happen to all be fine musicians, you would expect something good. But this is beyond good – this is great. These guys sound so happy and inspired making music together that they created a masterpiece. The Tall Men Group is Marty Axelrod, Ed Tree, Severin Browne, Jeff Kossack, John Stowers and Jimmy Yessian. Call it superfolk: these are five individuals who have been writing and singing their own great songs for a long time, and making great records. And they have worked together – producing, singing and/or playing on each other’s albums. But this is one of those happy instances, not unlike Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, when separate, unmatched pieces fit together to make something bigger than any of the parts, something magical. That’s what we got here – the sound of these voices together is transcendent, so that any time the whole group sings a line in harmony there’s a kind of musical momentum created- something compelling and hypnotic.
Ed Tree’s a celebrated producer, and Jeff Kossack’s well-known as a studio wizard; those two seemed to have led the technical aspects, so that the sound here is delightful. Each instrumental note rings sweetly, and all the voices and lyrics are warm and clear. They take turns singing each other’s songs, starting with Tree’s beautifully haunting “Chaco,” which is a great place to begin. It’s all desert mystery and romance, and memories from this life and previous ones. It’s a heavy place to start, but from there we go in many directions. Severin’s “She’s A Funny Girl” boasts one of his signature complex and chromatic melodies , wed to a poignant and genuine lyric. “Marie,” by Ed Tree, resounds like a modern classic. Memphis-bound and bluesy, it’s a slinky and mysterious noir romance that’s about the present and the past at the same time, ideally etched by Axelrod on organ. Kossack’s “Lessons of My Father” is earthy and bluesy, replete with gritty acoustic slide guitars and soulful vocals, great story-telling that ties together the generations with funny wisdom, about fearlessness and “leading with example in reverse.” “Bar Band” by Severin also starts with the lessons from a father, how music can buoy a life, and launches this rockabilly rave-up about the place where dreams meet life. And “No Time Left At All,” by Jimmy Yessian, is a beautiful ballad of urgent affirmation, floating on great organ and Dylan-like harmonica. This is an impressive and inspirational album; each Tall Man brought his A-game to the proceedings, fine songs and spirited singing. This is an album about enduring spirit, about friendship and faith. Long live the Tall Men.
By: Paul Zollo / Blue Railroad Magazine
Ed Tree’s a celebrated producer, and Jeff Kossack’s well-known as a studio wizard; those two seemed to have led the technical aspects, so that the sound here is delightful. Each instrumental note rings sweetly, and all the voices and lyrics are warm and clear. They take turns singing each other’s songs, starting with Tree’s beautifully haunting “Chaco,” which is a great place to begin. It’s all desert mystery and romance, and memories from this life and previous ones. It’s a heavy place to start, but from there we go in many directions. Severin’s “She’s A Funny Girl” boasts one of his signature complex and chromatic melodies , wed to a poignant and genuine lyric. “Marie,” by Ed Tree, resounds like a modern classic. Memphis-bound and bluesy, it’s a slinky and mysterious noir romance that’s about the present and the past at the same time, ideally etched by Axelrod on organ. Kossack’s “Lessons of My Father” is earthy and bluesy, replete with gritty acoustic slide guitars and soulful vocals, great story-telling that ties together the generations with funny wisdom, about fearlessness and “leading with example in reverse.” “Bar Band” by Severin also starts with the lessons from a father, how music can buoy a life, and launches this rockabilly rave-up about the place where dreams meet life. And “No Time Left At All,” by Jimmy Yessian, is a beautiful ballad of urgent affirmation, floating on great organ and Dylan-like harmonica. This is an impressive and inspirational album; each Tall Man brought his A-game to the proceedings, fine songs and spirited singing. This is an album about enduring spirit, about friendship and faith. Long live the Tall Men.
By: Paul Zollo / Blue Railroad Magazine
One day in December of 2011, Jimmy Yessian invited 5 friends, fellow singer/songwriters, whom he admired, to his home for some great food and music. They had so much fun, they began a monthly gathering of food, music and songwriting challenges. They are all in the Los Angeles area. By 2012 Tall Men Group
were a force to be reconed with! They have been busy beavers ever since.
Each of these remarkable men are very well known in music circles in their own right. Together, they are mind boggling! Such talent! Tall Men Group have given
birth to an album called 12 By 6, that will live forever! No use by date on this one boys and girls! It is brilliant!! Each and every song on this album is a
journey in excellence. Each of these remarkably gifted and generous musicians have worked together to create one of our times great achievements. Tall Men Group - 12 By 6 has all the earmarks of an album our Great Grand Children will be listening to, like we do with our precious 60's & 70's albums. Yes, it is that good.
The level of perfection achieved in lyrics by each of these outstanding song spinners is something to behold. This album could be used in classes to songwriters
who are just learning the art. Each song on 12 By 6, were chosen with such care. And babies, it shows. The vocals on each track, ... perfection in motion. Each member of Tall Men Group taking the lead on 2 songs apiece. I would be hard pressed to say any were better than another track on this album. This is a
seriously exceptional album! Instrumentation is tight! Wait till you hear these guys, definitely leading edge musicians.
I think what impresses me most on an album is the clarity and purity of the musicians vocal. Tall Men Group have paid special attention to the level of recording,
mixing and mastering. Each lead vocal and harmonizing vocal are clear and flow beautifully on every song. The instrumentation presented on 12 By 6 , frames each
vocal with perfection, leaving a pure, rich result on each track. It certainly has been duly noted and appreciated. You gotta love the musician who can make gorgeous
songs but can also follow through in the recording process. It is easier said than done trust me. It takes a really impressive studio to get it right. Kudos guys!
What a great gift Tall Men Group - 12 By 6 would be! You can grab this album at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tallmengroup
And don't forget to add them at their facebook group page! https://www.facebook.com/TallMenGroup
If you would like more information on Tall Men Group zip on by http://tallmengroup.weebly.com/
Show the love! Leave them a message whilst there. They love messages.
That's How I see It
Yours in the Music
Shashona McCall
www.indieshowcase.net <http://www.indieshowcase.net>
www.awesomeradio.net <http://www.awesomeradio.net>
were a force to be reconed with! They have been busy beavers ever since.
Each of these remarkable men are very well known in music circles in their own right. Together, they are mind boggling! Such talent! Tall Men Group have given
birth to an album called 12 By 6, that will live forever! No use by date on this one boys and girls! It is brilliant!! Each and every song on this album is a
journey in excellence. Each of these remarkably gifted and generous musicians have worked together to create one of our times great achievements. Tall Men Group - 12 By 6 has all the earmarks of an album our Great Grand Children will be listening to, like we do with our precious 60's & 70's albums. Yes, it is that good.
The level of perfection achieved in lyrics by each of these outstanding song spinners is something to behold. This album could be used in classes to songwriters
who are just learning the art. Each song on 12 By 6, were chosen with such care. And babies, it shows. The vocals on each track, ... perfection in motion. Each member of Tall Men Group taking the lead on 2 songs apiece. I would be hard pressed to say any were better than another track on this album. This is a
seriously exceptional album! Instrumentation is tight! Wait till you hear these guys, definitely leading edge musicians.
I think what impresses me most on an album is the clarity and purity of the musicians vocal. Tall Men Group have paid special attention to the level of recording,
mixing and mastering. Each lead vocal and harmonizing vocal are clear and flow beautifully on every song. The instrumentation presented on 12 By 6 , frames each
vocal with perfection, leaving a pure, rich result on each track. It certainly has been duly noted and appreciated. You gotta love the musician who can make gorgeous
songs but can also follow through in the recording process. It is easier said than done trust me. It takes a really impressive studio to get it right. Kudos guys!
What a great gift Tall Men Group - 12 By 6 would be! You can grab this album at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tallmengroup
And don't forget to add them at their facebook group page! https://www.facebook.com/TallMenGroup
If you would like more information on Tall Men Group zip on by http://tallmengroup.weebly.com/
Show the love! Leave them a message whilst there. They love messages.
That's How I see It
Yours in the Music
Shashona McCall
www.indieshowcase.net <http://www.indieshowcase.net>
www.awesomeradio.net <http://www.awesomeradio.net>
Barbara Wieland: I'm just leaving this show which turned out to be one of the best music programs of my life. And those who know me, that takes in a lot of territory and some of the finest musicians on the planet. I feel so so fortunate for this experience of the Tall Men Group. Wow! I dont want to junk it up with mere words. CD soon I hope. Thank you Tall Men!
Lisa Kauppi I am so inspired!!! I had tears in my eyes this morning as I sat down to write a song for the first time in over 4 years! Thank you Jimmy Yessian for Inviting Nani Barnes and I to your Tall Men Group concert :-0) I was late getting into the office this morning, but the day is still young. I'm on cloud 10! Friends xoxo Go hear them and get inspired!
Garry White
Thank you tall men, you inspiried me greatly, Loved the music, and the stories. Can't wait to see you guys again.
Audrey Muller
So many people were happy last night and still on a hi today! A big, Thank you, to The Tall Men Group for their love of music. We were Lucky, they could share it with all of us last night.
Clue-Ka Duke
I sit this morning, a content and humble man. We were greatly blessed at Influence Music Hall last night to share the room with some of the best Singer/Songwriters of our time! Thank you to Jeff Kossack, Jimmy Yessian, Ed Tree, Marty Axelrod, and Severin Browne – Every song was a masterpiece, your delivery was breathtaking, and your interaction was inspirational! When you launch your “Multi-Million $” Tour…I’ll need a Bus for me, my wife, and Norton (our turtle), so that you can have a tech on hand who really gets you guys! ~
Mark S. Munson
I just cannot say enough about Tall Men Group! Six awesome songwriters have joined together to showcase their amazing repertoire of songs! What an inspiring evening! Don't miss them!
Lisa Kauppi I am so inspired!!! I had tears in my eyes this morning as I sat down to write a song for the first time in over 4 years! Thank you Jimmy Yessian for Inviting Nani Barnes and I to your Tall Men Group concert :-0) I was late getting into the office this morning, but the day is still young. I'm on cloud 10! Friends xoxo Go hear them and get inspired!
Garry White
Thank you tall men, you inspiried me greatly, Loved the music, and the stories. Can't wait to see you guys again.
Audrey Muller
So many people were happy last night and still on a hi today! A big, Thank you, to The Tall Men Group for their love of music. We were Lucky, they could share it with all of us last night.
Clue-Ka Duke
I sit this morning, a content and humble man. We were greatly blessed at Influence Music Hall last night to share the room with some of the best Singer/Songwriters of our time! Thank you to Jeff Kossack, Jimmy Yessian, Ed Tree, Marty Axelrod, and Severin Browne – Every song was a masterpiece, your delivery was breathtaking, and your interaction was inspirational! When you launch your “Multi-Million $” Tour…I’ll need a Bus for me, my wife, and Norton (our turtle), so that you can have a tech on hand who really gets you guys! ~
Mark S. Munson
I just cannot say enough about Tall Men Group! Six awesome songwriters have joined together to showcase their amazing repertoire of songs! What an inspiring evening! Don't miss them!
