CD REVIEW: THE KENNY OLSON CARTEL by The Kenny Olson Cartel

THE KENNY OLSON CARTEL 
by The Kenny Olson Cartel
(Foxy Music/Firebird Rising)

Born and raised in Detroit, for guitarist Kenny Olson it was all about driving around in muscle cars rocking to The Stooges, Bob Seger and Black Sabbath. After making a name for himself in the Motor City, he founded Kid Rock's Twisted Brown Trucker Band, was a staple on the Experience Hendrix Tours, has many platinum records under his belt, and has worked with greats from Metallica to Sheryl Crow. With a resume like that I was eager to hear what Kenny Olson  would bring to the table with this debut release. Wow, was I blown away! There is not a bad song on the entire album, and the guitar work, song structures, and vocals are solid throughout. Every cut is meaty, funky and tasty, absolutely nothing but grade A through and through. Drawing from diverse and formidable roots, Kenny Olson delivers emotional and fiery guitar work on this debut release. Featuring contributions from Billy Cox, Jon Nicholson, Todd Harrell and Shannon Boone Hurcomb, as well as Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Peter Keys, Tantric veteran Hugo Ferriera, Sonia Dada's Paris Delane, Detroit/Nashville singer-songwriter Brandon Calhoon, Candlebox’s Adam Kury, Emanuel Cole and Detroiter John “Wolf” Abel — among others. What really makes this record so special is the diversity of each music song. It takes you on a journey through peaks and valleys, from fast rock to sweet R&B and everything in between. As is evident on tracks like the riff driven , "Loaded", and "Up All Night", to the bluesy textures of "Rebel With A Cause"  should have you bouncing off the walls. While tracks like, "Can't Feel" and the acoustic charm of, "Phoenix Will Rise" are so tasty they hurt. Kenny Olson saves the best for last with, "Psychedelic Lap Dance", a instrumental rattlesnake that packs one hellava punch.  Listening to The Kenny Olson Cartel is like a full contact sport. Your every sense is assaulted by the clear cool notes that will draw you in and take hold of your soul and the powerful guitar work that resonates throughout your mind bringing both excitement and peace.  There's nothing trendy, hipsterish, or pretentious here, just insanely talented musicians that love music. If you are a fan of quality rock with strong musicianship and haven't checked out The Kenny Olson Cartel you owe it to yourself to do so. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society