Chief Network and Jai Kincaid
(Tomahawk)
myspace.com/tomahawkrecordsllc
Tomahawk Records dates back to 2002, and since then, leader Chief
Network has been a strong presence on the local scene, performing at
both churches and nightclubs. Poet at heart, producer by trade, Network
makes references to LeBron James as an example of the kind of success
he’s after. But this album is not all braggadocio. “Sinful World”
acknowledges that unemployment has hit Cleveland hard during the
recession — as Network and Citisin Kane proclaim, “I need about
four or five stimulus checks.” “We gotta rise high like LeBron when he
at the rim,” maintains Network, making one of several connections
between basketball and life. Chief Network’s underlying message is that
times are tough, but Cleveland can look to local guys for inspiration.
— Amy Booker
Chief Network and Jai Kincaid perform at 9 p.m. Friday, July 24,
at Rockstar (2045 E. 21st St., 216.776.9999, peabodys.com). Tickets: $10 advance, $13 day
of show.
Below Jupiter
Step Into Home (Act II)
(self-released)
A follow-up to Step Into Home (Act I), Step Into Home (Act
II) tells the story of a 21st-century philosopher who spends his
life railing against the world’s political and social injustices and
trying to discover what life is about. It’s helpful to listen to
(Act I) first to get the full story. But even on its own,
(Act II) has much to offer. “Laws of Ohio,” one of the album’s
best tunes, shows off the trio’s musicianship. “Strange Dream,” about
what the afterlife might mean, combines gentle piano with Josh Emmet’s
even softer, almost whisper-like singing. The combination works
perfectly and shows how well this album stands on its own. —
Julia Kazar
B
This article appears in Jul 22-28, 2009.
