“When I was 16, my eldest cousin, a professional photographer with bright orange sneakers, bought me a plane ticket out to San Francisco for my birthday to visit him. When he picked me up from the airport, the band Fishbone was blaring from the speakers of his tiny beat up blue car. It was the sound of relaxation, of vacation fun, of parties, yet the lyrics were often strangely serious, ironic, and/or extremely culturally relevant. I can safely say it was one of the best car-music moments of my life, until I heard Wabi Sabi’s album, Alive and Orjazmic Up in the Tin Roof, and everything changed. The best part is,the changing never seemed to end throughout the two disc, 15-track album, not even throughout one single track. Alive and Orjazmic Up in the Tin Roof is dipped in jazz up to its earlobes, but tinged with reggae,Latin, soul, pop, and cultural/societal stories and warnings. The first track, “Beliefs,” is the song that initially reminded me most of my experience hearing Fishbone for the first time—not because Wabi Sabi sounds like that Californian band at all really, but because of the uplifting feeling of possibility and importance it brings. “Beliefs,” though it highlights the traditions of Santa Claus and religions revolving around Christ, and begins with the rock laced beats and instrumentals, those things turn out to be just openers. Really, the song is about humanity, and eventually comes around to that subject in the second verse about life’s trajectory, and a more personal, simple, swing rhythm. “The Fall” moves back into the more ordinary subject matter of relationships, and a more traditional pop rock/soul vibe. Reminiscent of The Bare Naked Ladies and Martin Sexton, this track utilizes vocal harmonies and unexpected minor chords, which are especially pleasing on the ‘you’ of ‘it’s true I do want more from you.’ “Lady Lush” transitions perfectly from pop to more traditional musical traditions with its reggae lilt and lyrics full of important messages—in this case about alcoholism. Next, “Move On", still on the first disc and “You Ain’t Even on My Mind", on the second disc, similarly use innovative guitar riffs and catchy rhythms, but are overpowered by intense blues influence both musically and lyrically: keyboards, trumpet, saxophone, and melodies/messages of down-home moan-groan perfection. Speaking further to the versatility of the album, “Rolling Along", structured like a merengue piece, “What’s Going On,” slightly jazzy, both toward the end of the first disc, and most of the tracks that make up the second disc spotlight the brass instruments and dip into be-bop jazz with “Song 4 Mother", and experimental head bopping snazzy pop with “Apples", and especially “Spida". From the end of the first disc into the beginning (and mostly throughout) the second, Alive and Orjazmic Up in the Tin Roof slips out of the traditional realms of Latin or jazz, and into the more rowdy combination that defines Ska music. What’s most extraordinary about the album, however, what ties it all together and opens the door to its golden core, is that it was recorded live at a restaurant called Tin Roof in Atlanta, Georgia. Like many exceptionally skilled jazz musicians, like those in Wabi Sabi, have discovered in the past, recording live and releasing it without studio revision is sometimes the only way to capture the real feeling of a band or artist’s music. In the case of Wabi Sabi, the live recording at Tin Roof gives the whole album a scrappy quality, like your favorite, bright colored hoody, worn through at the sleeves. This atmosphere also probably allowed for many more improvisational opportunities than a recording studio would have, making for an unusual, unpredictable time set up--perfect for an album that’s leaning toward a mainstream audience, but sweating all over mainstream itself in a fit of heart pumping groove. While I can’t remember the last time I bought, or even listened to a full two disc album all the way through, Wabi Sabi brought the tradition back to life. It does, in fact, change everything. Just wait until your ears get a taste—you may not have the same ears afterward, but you’ll like your new ones better. ” - Alice Neiley - Reviewyou.com
— Alive and Orjazmic Up In The Tin Roof
“Exellent upbeat pop/rock CD. Pick up a copy today!“Plays Well With Others” by the sensationally talented Wabi Sabi is a groovy, irresistible collection of pop/rock tunes! Opening with the jazz groove sounds of “The Power,” this CD immediately grabs listeners by the ears and hangs on until the very end! Musically, “Play Well With Others” outshines most – its unbelievable piano openings, rhythmic grooves, and electrifying electric guitar solos places this CD in the big league. Perhaps even more endearing is the strategic use and placement of brass instruments, namely the trumpet. “Time is Running Out” takes a delightful departure to a harder, faster-paced rock sound, displaying a wide-range of diversity. Lyrically, Wabi Sabi tackles the themes of life and love with literary precision, using occasional biblical analogies (“The Power” and “Apples”). Moreover, stunning vocals and crisp production puts this CD on the shelf next to the big names! If you like the sounds of Maroon 5, you will absolutely love this CD!” - Xavier P.- RadioIndy
— Plays Well With Others