True pop music can be repetitive and lack in poetic statements. Still, what makes a great radio song is a hook. Kansas City’s Jimmy Blecher, the driving force and vocalist for Project DNA, has the pipes for teenage girls to swoon. His stint on American Idol and his clean-cut image are cheer-worthy.
Still, it’s not enough to mask Project DNA’s self-titled debut’s shortfalls. On one hand, with backup players like Beaver Howard (onetime Sly and the Family Stone bassist) and regionally known musicians Funkasaurus Rex (drums), Blaze Barrett (lead guitar) and backing vocalist Kendall Williams, glimmers of brilliance cast their presence.
Project Do Not Ask
Blecher’s response to, what he describes on his bio as “what he was up to while this fascinating musical undertaking was in development,” is “Do Not Ask.” Why the mystery? This CD doesn’t come across as a grand cover-up.
Frankly, with “Callypso”, it’s upbeat, fun and includes a nice horn section. “Love Me Tonight” starts as a potential slow balled. Blecher is swoony. The guitar feels overdone until the song’s bridge. This song is radio friendly and dreamy. It’s potentially sing-along worthy.
“Dance With Me” feels more musical theatre. This song doesn’t know what it wants to be. At times it’s an oddball Jason Mraz-like offering. With lyrics like “spinnin’ isn’t sinnin’ if you give it a chance,” this song cha-cha-cha—ca-ca-corny. Still, Blecher’s voice is flirty and fun.
The middle offerings – “In a Minute” and “Dumb-Hearted” seem quick (no pun intended). Not enough to feel invested. The least likeable song of the 10-tracks is “Falling in Love With You.” The lyrics to this song are limited; the refrain is numbing.
Empty Promises – Best Track
As the album winds down, there seems to be a shift. But, again, it’s an inconsistent reflection of what Blecher is hoping to accomplish. “Empty Promises” is a moving piece, as the song journeys a man’s faith. Blecher’s Christian faith towers the emotion and background orchestration.
This song is wonderful. Where were more like it? It incorporates a thunder background like Garth Brooks' “The Thunder Rolls.” The violins are hauntingly beautiful. Blecher proves his range and raw emotion. It’s out of left field.
The final track, “Take Me Away” is also finally a funky, more blues rock song. This song sounds to be in the same vein as a Rob Thomas’ solo song. Solo guitar work on this bridge and throughout is tight.
Fans of Jason Mraz, Rob Thomas, anyone that likes Now That’s What I Call Music from the late 1990s, Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith might want to take a chance with Project DNA. Blecher has potential – it would be interesting to see if in his next venture he chooses a more Christian-rock sound. Perhaps he should.
Melissa Kucirek - Melissa L. Kucirek M.A. University of Nebraska - Omaha (2004) B.A. University of Nebraska - Omaha (2001) I'm a freelance writer ...
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