A Review Of 'BE HEAR's Demo CD By Dick Metcalf

Cara Clarke, Stefan Abuan, Steve Bartlett - BE HEAR (demo): As many who read our magazine regularly know, I seldom review demos... I'd been after Cara to get me something for review, though, for quite some time, & when she handed me this 5-song, I couldn't pass it up. That's in great part because of the quality of recording & performance on these tracks... the Abuan original, "Long As I Have Music" is a standout track, & Cara molds it nicely into something of lasting value! It doesn't hurt one bit that guitarist Abuan & bassist Steve Bartlett are right in her zone, either... this trio has crafted some soulful sounds that will just shine when they flesh this out into a full album. I've watched them mature into a trio to be dealt with over the last few months, and it's been pure pleasure for my aural appendages... their performances at one of our favorite spots in the area (Blue Bottle Cafe) are always pure joy to watch, with Stefan's hyper-aware licks on lead guitar, Steve's funk-filled bass both contributing to the soul-filled vocals & performance Cara always pulls off! All the way from that Abuan original to Sly Stone's "Thank You" will have you up & dancin', even if you've never danced before... this is music that's full of the joy of soul, & "Be Hear" makes it happen - all night long. I can tell y'all right now, if the CD is anywhere near as funky as this preview, it'll stay in your collection for years to come. I give it a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, & an "EQ" (energy quotient) rating of 4.8 (on a scale of 1-5). Get more information on Cara's FB page - & tell her I sent ya'! Rotcod Zzaj

Photo by Jeannie Isaac.

To go to Dick Metcalf's site ...click here.. http://zzaj.freehostia.com/z93rant.htm