Papa Schmapa - Where Are You Now

 

Papa Schmapa follow up the highly rated Bela Mystic Music which you can read the review on here. Again the vocals are shared with Elysia Cristantello, although this time round songwriter Joe DelVecchio takes the majority of vocals. The difference in the two voices allows the material to become even more diverse.

I likened Christantello to Jacqui Abbott in my previous review and that comparison is just as pertinent here. Her almost Country voice aches in a Stevie Nicks way on You Told Me and becomes a little Emmylou on Keep This All In Mind.

The joint vocals on Come Bad Days blend beautifully and are aided by a wonderful Guitar Solo from Dave Profeta. With DelVecchio on lead vocal, the direction casts its net far wider. The Classic West Coast Rock of Warm is spot on and Fly Away is wonderful Lounge schmooze.

Where Are You Now builds and builds mixing a Rhythm And Blues riff with a great 70s Pop Rock feel. Love On The Line is a mix of Rock n Roll and Power Pop at a far greater pace than previous and still there is time for another Rock solo.

Love Reaction has an acoustic jangle that hooks you and It's All Over Tonight has big hints of Glam Rock. There is also an alternate version of You Told Me with a DelVecchio vocal that turns the song into more of a singer songwriter troubadour affair.

Both versions show of the respective strengths of both vocalist. Where Are You Now does sound very American, but it is many miles away from New York, at times more West Coast or Texan. It is a beautifully produced affair and a cracking listen.

You can listen to the album here. The album is available from the likes of Amazon here and available on the likes of Spotify, Apple Music and Google Play. 

CDs can be ordered at joedelvecchio9@yahoo.com

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