Whiskey and Waves
Medicine Hat
Review by Pam Baumgardner
August – 2015
It’s always an honor being asked to review music. I don’t take it lightly. So when I was approached by Robert Ramirez who has been ingrained in Ventura’s music scene for years I’ll admit, I was nervous. But after a few spins my fears subsided and I relaxed knowing this was going to be an easy task. The music runs from a fun funky Americana sort of vibe as with the opening track, “The Only Thing” and “107 Songs” to a more serious overtone as with “Kind of Girl.”
I dig the harmonies and interesting texture to tunes such as “Falling Graces” and “More Than I Wanted” both of which would fit like a glove in one of those quirky Quentin Tarantino movies. But most songs are rooted in Country, where I can envision people two-steppin’ to such tunes as “Whiskey and Waves,” “Another Sad Song,” as well of “Scared of You” which has additional electric guitar courtesy of Neal Casal.
The whole album flows well and is well-produced with the addition of some strings and steel pedal guitar work. All the songs were either written by Robert Ramirez or a collaboration between Ramirez and Michelle Votrian. I love the sound and quality of the instruments cleanly mastered; they’re so simple yet captivating; makes me want to pick up my acoustic and play along late on a hot summer night with a whiskey to hand.
Alternative Country. Southern Rock, Alt Rock.
Medicine Hat member:
Robert Ramirez – Vocals, Electric and Acoustic Guitars
Michelle Votrian – Vocals, Percussion, Keys
Ralph Votrian – Bass
Chuck Herrera – Drums
Guest musicians include:
Ashley Broder – Violin
Neal Casal – Electric Guitar (Whiskey and Waves, Scared of You)
Erik Kristiansen – Pedal Steel
Recorded, Engineered and Mixed by Earle Mankey at Earle Mankey Studio.