LUCKY DIAZ AND THE FAMILY JAM BAND “A POTLUCK”
Like a well stocked jukebox being funneled (somehow) through a Lite Brite, Lucky Diaz’ music is colorful and childlike. But not at all square. Although maybe slightly cubist.
The nine songs and spoken word bookends of “A Potluck” pair a mid-western sweetness with an 1950’s Hollywood sophistication to transport families into a stylish musical world where poodle skirts still rule the dancefloor. And where there still are dancefloors.
Lucky Diaz and his very-soon-to-be-wife Alisha Gaddis (congrats, you crazy lovebirds!) expressed to me a bit of nervous anxiety over the tone of this new CD because of the stylistic shift from their debut long player “Oh Lucky Day!”, an album which progressed from track to track along a more linear, dreamy path. The dreamy is still here on “A Potluck”, but also shown a seat at the table are tasty roadhouse rockabilly (“Who Stole The Cookies”), thirst-quenching punkish rock (“Lemonade Stand”), a jungle party (“Monkey Jones”), and boisterous swing with smokin’ hot horns (“Lil’ Red Rooster”).
The happy couple had nothing at all to fear. “A Potluck” is strengthened greatly by this variation, as the band retains the sunny thread running through their bright fabric while keeping listeners on their toes with noticeable but not disruptive tempo and style adjustments.
“A Potluck” is a delicious feast for kids 2-10, and their rock-n-roll inclined elders.
P.S. I can’t tell you how much I love that this album is called “A Potluck” and not just Potluck. I have no idea why, but it’s 325% better.
*OWTK received a copy of “A Potluck” for review consideration. The opinions above are honest and unbiased, as always.
