Born in Mexico, playing and performing since childhood, going from formal training to DIY, back to “school” at Berkley, and reinventing himself constantly over the last few decades, Beto Hale is out with his latest “Rebirth.” He’s played everything from classical and traditional regional music to punk and everything in between. Rebirth is a journey into different territory.
A blend of languages and styles, “Rebirth” is trip through mental scenery of islands and carousels, colors’ textures, and rhythms. Hale’s lyrics capture the imagination with familiar topics written in a simple and truthful manner and performed with a clear and passionate vocal style that reminds me of the cutting-edge brit-alternative records I loved back before “alternative” existed.
Treated with similar arrangements and instruments as the aforementioned, George Harrison and Jeff Lynn came to mind while I listened to the first couple of tunes. Vocally and in the production, great sounds from decades of musical favorites blend throughout the record.
I’m particularly fond of “Sube al Carrusel” but all the songs really got my attention and everyone has little nuances that make it stand out.
Beto beckons “Come As You Are” I’m glad I heeded the call and gave him a listen. This is really good stuff here, kiddos!
I mentioned George and Jeff, a minute ago, and it was in “Falling Down,” (a song I can really identify with) I found myself thinking of Peter Gabriel to boot. It seems I’m not alone, as I discovered when reading his presskit…
“George Harrison would be proud of you. He was a master producer in his own right and obviously enjoyed varying standard chords and progressions just that little bit. You have captured that spirit so well here! Not derivative, but taking heed of what has been to create something new.” – Steve Froudist – Awesome Wells Studio
And from Beto on the recordings: “In many ways, the title has to do with me starting fresh. I went back to the original stuff I loved, like the music of The Beatles,” the L.A.-based artist explains. “Music school can get you away from what you originally loved. But, because of my training, when I went back to that music, I could appreciate it on many more levels.” As a wonderful link between his career as an accomplished instrumentalist and his creative roots in the Beatles’ music, two Beatles associates played on Rebirth. Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, Tom Waits, Stevie Nicks), who played on John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Double Fantasy, plays bass. On select tracks, multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Marc Mann (Danny Elfman, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Regina Spektor) plays guitar. Mann previously played on George Harrison’s final album Brainwashed, and played all of Harrison’s guitar parts alongside Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Jeff Lynne, and Ringo Starr during the 2002 tribute “Concert For George.”
I found the above quote especially important and felt it really proved to me that the music of the great musicians is a force to reckon with as it always lends a timbre that is recognizable. I know you’ve heard the guys that helped on this record, if you need more proof, get a copy of “Concert For George” and have your mind blown. Mann’s parts are beautiful and the stellar mix was done by Jeff Lynn who handled guitars and shared lead vocals with Eric Clapton and guests. So, yes, I was glad for the confirmation of what I was “hearing”, and now that I know I want to hear Jeff remix and master this record, that would make it an award shoe-in!
