New Jersey Stage 2016: Issue 2 | Page 37

SHARE BUTTON Sights and Sounds of Note by Rich and Laura Lynch Sure, February is the shortest month on the calendar. But, there’s no shortage of quality in the product that has crossed the threshold of our offices in recent weeks. In fact, we’re leaping for joy as we shake our bones to the great music coming out of our speakers. Here’s a taste of what we’re hearing. David Bowie was a living legend at the time of the release of his 26th studio album Blackstar. Sadly, he passed two days after it hit the shelves marking this NewJerseyStage.com work now as a posthumous return to form for The Thin White Duke. Make no mistake, the songs on Blackstar are dark and disturbing as they reveal a classic rock icon in his death throes. But, many of the elemental qualities of his daring and groundbreaking career are in place making the seven tracks on the chart-topping release pure Bowie. David actually sounds in fine voice on songs that are mostly spooky and somber, lacking in melody and driven by a dirge- 2016 - ISSUE 2 Table of Contents 37