Now Playing: John Tabacco’s ‘Script 2020’

John Tabacco has made it through the storm of 2020 and even released a new album! It’s titled Script 2020. But first, for those not yet familiar with the entertainer in question, a bit o’ background.

John Tabacco

John Tabacco is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, producer, engineer, and graphic artist. According to his official website, he is also “co-founder of SA3 (a proprietary analog-to-digital conversion technology for sound and video) and has engineered /mixed and mastered music for the past 30 years.” Tabacco is also “the CEO of It Iz What It Iz Music Publishing which currently holds over 600 songs in its catalog.”

He earned a BA in Music from Stony Brook University in 1983. He also studied “orchestration with noted 20th-century composer John Lessard, harmony with the late electronic music maverick Bulent Arel, and composition with Stony Brook University professor Peter Winkler.” His influences include the likes of The Beatles, Frank Zappa. Steely Dan and other acts. His rockin’ resume currently includes almost 70 releases (now available on Bandcamp).

Signature sound

Tabacco’s signature sound is a melange of multiple music genres including (but not limited to) alternative, classical, electronic, jazz, pop, and classic and prog rock with a touch of humor. His website describes it as “a melding of pop-jazz-rock-avant-garde/aleatory, classical and comedy.”

Script 2020

On this 18-track disc, Tabacco leads the way on vocals, guitar, programming, “etc.” He is occasionally assisted by other artists. On this diverse disc, he covers several themes including A.I., politics, his mother's medical issues, his search for purpose, and, of course, the Coronavirus.

Tabacco had this to say about the album: “The script of life in the year 2020 says that I continue to compose and record music even under the constant fears of this coronavirus ‘plandemic’ and the failing health of a loved one. And so I have. Here is proof.”

Track by Track

The 55-minute album opens on “ Rona Prelude No. 47 (Outro).” This is a somehow sad, minute minimalist classical piano prelude that actually opens the album.

The second selection is “The More I See You.” This is an exceptional, upbeat cover of a 1945 song by Harry Warren and Mack Gordon. Whether he recorded the song as a self-reflective piece or as a message to someone else is unknown and of no true concern as he puts his own special spin on it.

The next number is “Venetian Blinds and Curtains / You Can Keep On Your Mask.” This one begins with a live, blues-tinged bit that musically morphs into a timely tune that cleverly covers the continuing mask mandate and beyond in a catchy pop-rock cut.

One of the best covers here is Tabacco’s tuneful take on The Beatles’ 1963 song “Misery.” Tobacco’s love of the fab four keeps the track true to the original but he still manages to add his own sense of fun to it.

The melodic “She Is A Painscape” follows. It has an R&B slant and is highlighted by Christ Fury on guitar and songstress Marci Geller on background vocals.

“Words Of Wisdom” is next. Not to be overlooked,this song demonstrates what Tabacco can do when left to hi own musical devices. His signature sound remains solid and yet always fluid and flexible.

“Old Brown Shoe” is the second Beatles cover here. Christ, you know this ain’t easy and crucify me if you wish, but as a kid, your rockin’ reviewer could never understand all the lyrics on the original “B” side single. Here Tabacco’s vocals are never lost in the mix and, as always, his own original touches work quite well.

Tabacco keeps things fresh here with “Daytal Mating Groove / Funky Narcissist.” It is an interesting aural cleanser that not only serves as an intermission of sorts but also reminds listeners of his skills as a composer.

“Lemmings Are Beautiful” features great instrument choices, and humorous, almost snarky lyrics. Fury encores on guitar to top it all off.

“Through With Buzz” is actually a cover of the somewhat lesser-known 1974 Steely Dan song. Again, Tabacco adds his own bit of creativity by inserting a bit of tuba to one of SD’s few string-arranged numbers.

“Elliot Ness (He's The Man)” is quite fun to anyone in on the gag. It;s a clever cut relying heavily on TV pop culture knowledge. He spoils the gag by clueing everyone in at the end of the song so go listen to it yourself. Your rascally writer will say no more about this enjoyable audio offering about an odd choice of subject.

“Monikka Brawn In Tandem” seems to be an essentially acapella track, Still, things flow so well on this album one might not notice upon initial listen. A Bing search confirms that Brawn is indeed a baton twirling transgender” who really, really likes her baton. What more do you need to know?

Obviously, ”Ones & Zeroes (Radio Edit)” is a cautionary cut that focuses on the disadvantages of relying too heavily on technology. It’s got elements of electronica and Tabacco’s personal sense of humor to boot. It was co-written with composer and guitarist Hans Annellsson and features drummer Morgan Ågren.

“The Panic Agenda” is one of the personal pieces here. It’s surprisingly catchy and was co written with Anthony Pomes. Again, any potential commentary or references to events and people of the past remain mainly not overly insistent.

Tabacco then musically ponders the infamous question “Who Am I?” This existential audio comes complete with Tabacoo’s trademark stylish quirk. As expected, he does not reach a conclusion. Or does he?

After all, he follows it up with the art rock-like “You Are A Bird.” Is this song slotted in here as a response to the previous piece? Who knows? The important thing is it works.

The 1950s style-impacted audio offering “Sorry” is one of the songs influenced by his serving as his mother’s caretaker. It is an incredibly honorable undertaking, but it is a heavy responsibility that would no doubt take a toll on anyone during the best of times, let alone a New York COVID lockdown. It reveals honesty. love and frustration.

The closing cut is “Rona Prelude No. 47 (intro)/” This another brief parenthetical classical piano piece. An outro is the intro, and an intro is the outro. Intentional or not, it is nevertheless most fitting for the infamous year 2020.

Overall…

Overall, this digital album of Tabacco’s latest work is both reflective of the times and his talents, It is many things from personal to entertaining and often both. Sure, with a surname like Tabacco he knew he had to avoid taking himself too seriously, and yet his intimate offerings are often at least as worth listening to as his comedic cuts.

Aside from the inclusion of five covers, a record for him since he usually focuses on his original work, this album stands out as both a product of the times and a fine example of a man trying to balance his ever-growing talents with having an actual life. His faithful fans will be happy to hear the surprising chord changes, memorable melodies, tuneful tips of his hat, references to previous platters, and unique sense of humor still remain intact. He has weathered the storm with his talents intact So check out John Tabacco’s Script 2020 and heed his musical "Words Of Wisdom.”.

(Images courtesy of John Tabacco)