A Jumbo Musical Choice

At an institution where academic, social, and musical interests change from dorm to dorm, room to room, and even person to person, the latest release from the Jumbo Audio Project offers something for everyone.

In its third year of production, the Jumbo Audio Project's CD has lived up to its reputation for bringing Tufts' music scene to the forefront by releasing an album that features tracks created solely by Tufts students.

Junior Jack Schilling is the leader of this year's Jumbo Audio Project. "I'm really happy with [the CD]...it provides the artists with tangible results," Schilling said. The results Schilling speaks of are evident on the songs chosen for this year's CD, some of the best in recent memory.

This year's album consists of twenty tracks from twenty different artists. Each group has a unique, well-conceived, and solid sound which is well executed from both an artistic and production standpoint.

Right off the bat, the CD's music reels you in with lil' Sinskee's track "Jumbo Thug." With a dose of Lil' Jon and a barrage of campus-wide shout-outs, lil' Sinkee's effort provides a summary of Tufts you will not hear from any tour guide. From "sippin' on hypno in West [Hall]" to "reppin' Larry Bacow," everyone has something to get excited about on this opening track. Lil' Sinkees' flow tops a fun "club banger" track that offers a satirical verse dedicated to the only type of music that didn't find its way onto the CD: a cappella.

But if hip-hop isn't your thing, have no fear: instead vibe out to the smooth vocals of artists such as John Burlock and Katie McD. If you are in need of some personal time to sort your thoughts out, John Burlock's "Comfort Me" will serve as a great musical backdrop. The twenty-year-old singer/songwriter provides smooth vocals with provocative guitar-play to bring peace to a troubled situation.

Tuning in on the same love-charged wavelength is Katie McD's track, "Gift From God." McD brings a style to the CD that any fan of Michelle Branch or Jewel would adore. Her ranging vocals mesh beautifully with a well-chosen melody.

For a more in your face feel, look no further than tracks from theMark and Idealty. With a win at this year's Tufts Battle of the Bands already under their belts, theMark offers "Coffee Stains & Cigarette Blisters" for your listening pleasure. The band's upbeat, energetic style is captivating thanks to well flowing vocals, strong guitar, and drum play.

On the musical "flip side," Idealty brings the listener face to face with the current trends of the rap game, with his Hip Hop track "Pledge Alligiance." Idealty flows over a fantastic, head-bopping beat, while bringing up his concerns with the volatile state of affairs in the genre. Throughout his well constructed track, Brooklyn-born Idealty leaves no time for second-guessing judging from his emotionally charged, quick-flowing lyrics.

Aside from more traditional genres, the CD showcases a unique assortment of skills and sounds hard to find anywhere else. A multilingual flow is provided by Power Trio Jackson on the track "One With the Funk." The track features a strong lyrical presence over a solid, entertaining beat.

Another diversion from the English language is Pablo Olmo's "La Musica Revienta." Infused with Pablo's Latin American roots, the track adds irreplaceable diversity to the sound selection on the CD.

To tie up the musical diversity, The Alan Cohen Experience and DJ White Label offer their best efforts of sound manipulation. Alan Cohen's cut "Osiko" is light on lyrics but high on an array of "original sounds" that compose a truly unique beat. DJ White Label puts his mixing and DJing skills on display with "Here We Go." Both tracks offer a fun alternative on an album full of a wide array of powerful and effective lyrics.

The Jumbo Audio Project will be holding free concerts in Hotung Caf?© Tuesday, April 20 and Wednesday, April 21, beginning at 8:30 p.m. both nights.