Long Island native Frank Ciampi has played with fan favorite Mike Viola and written for The Click Five, and late last year came out with this solo gem “Big Top Woman.” Greatness has rubbed off on Ciampi as this is a wonderful piano based love letter to classic power pop fans. Like the Nines, Frank wears his influences like badges of honor. From the Ziggy Stardust meets Ringo Starr mix on the title track (“Big Top Woman”) to the Wondermints-styled “Waiting For Someone” the songs all have a wonderful sense of melody and hooks. The Beatlesque stamp is all over this entire album, with most songs evoking Sir Paul, like “The Miss Jenny” and “Oh Gloria.” Lets not forget the Beach Boys bliss-like singles “Anna” and “Anyway.” The production techniques are rooted in the 70’s, with touches that bring to mind Supertramp or Andrew Gold. A great example of this is “On The Road” with it’s awesome guitar solo and multi-tracked chorus, piano breaks, it’s an epic poem in every sense that lyrically ties together the other songs. Every track here is wonderful and even the closer “Along for The Ride” evokes the ghost of Big Star. The musicianship is flawless as well and I’m pissed I couldn’t add this to last years top ten. If you even like a little bit of the mentioned influences, this is a MUST buy disc.
Kool Kat Musik | My Space | Amie Street