By Russell Dixon

Once in a while there emerges a musical group that for some reason strikes a chord inside me. Everyone to his own, but fortunately, this popular new group, In One Ear, offers a little bit of everything. The group's new album, Are You Talkin', explores styles ranging from jazz to pop-Celtic-funk.

In One Ear's singer, Kate Proudfit, torches hot vocal parts on tunes such as Simple Funk, then melts you down with her smooth tones with songs like Muņeca that capture you and keep your ears hanging on every note.

I think In One Ear, comprising current and former USU students, is on its way to making a name for itself in Utah with a sound that is refreshing and different. Everything from classical to Celtic, this group knows how to please.

Each member of the group takes turns being highlighted musically on the album. John Decker, the group's bassist, puts unique spins on his bass grooves that really make the album fun to hum along with.

Austin Weyand, guitarist and songwriter for the group, has the talent of not only being an extraordinary guitarist, but he can write songs that range from the soft solo guitar of Postscript for Autumn to the scat-pop groove of Simple Funk.

Aaron Ashton plays violin and mandolin for the group. His energy and passion for his instruments are very apparent on the album. Ashton is also a songwriter and wrote the songs Why Aren't You Kissing Me and co-wrote the song Muņeca with Weyand.

Jeff Drury, drummer and backbone of the group, keeps everything together with his tight grooves and soft pushes and pulls. Drury is one of those drummers who just doesn't miss. I really like how he uses both drums and percussion on the album. It seems to change things up nicely.

Local groups typically create albums that base themselves around cover tunes. Not these guys. Eight of the 12 songs on the album are original songs composed by the band members themselves.

Are You Talkin' was officially released on July 8 at Logan's Summerfest and has been warmly received by those who have had the chance to purchase it.

Hopefully we'll see more of this group in the future. Check out the band's web site for pictures and facts.

MS
MS

September 1998
October 1998

January 1999
February 1999
March 1999
April 1999
September 1999
October 1999
November 1999
December 1999

January 2000
February 2000
March 2000
April 2000
May 2000
June 2000
July 2000