Bands Music

June 11, 2004
Artist: Hadden Sayers
Title: 12 Bars and the Naked Truth
Rating: Very Good

When Hadden Sayers rolls back into Omaha on June 23rd to play Murphy's Lounge (96th & L Streets) he'll be promoting one of the year's strongest independently distributed adult rock albums; 12 Bars and the Naked Truth.

Like so many significant "adult rock" artists (READ: fans are 35+), Sayers hails from the great state of Texas. On this, his fifth album, Sayers brings a ultra mature sound, distinctive from many of the Texas artists and very clearly not under the auspices of the late Stevie Ray Vaughan. After his last album's (Supersonic) edgy rock sound, Sayers has moved to a complete focus on the song and done it well. At a time when two good songs on an album has become a standard, Sayers has the skills to string together a full length album of well above average songs (a rarity in today's `thanks to technology we can make albums much, much longer than really necessary' recording industry.)

Do it for the passion. For me, today, what so many mature rock bands lack is commitment to passion: a willingness to lean into the storm and risk a bit of who they are, their control, in exchange for a well crafted song, a well performed song.

`12 Bars & the Naked Truth' finds Sayers singing on day-to-day live issues that many of his listeners will be able to relate to; that living in the moment is important to happiness (These are the Good Old Days) and dealing with folks you may rather not have had to deal with (Mister Know-It-All) "Why would you compromise when you're so wise?" "You better pray for rain, you don't know rain like I do."

Sayers sexy baritone vocals set off well against his tasteful guitar licks and rhythm section that plods along solidly. What's it sound like? Straight ahead Tom Petty coming from Texas rather than Florida.

In a possibly unconscious nod to great songwriters, like Ray Davies (Kinks) before him, Sayers sings of a Sunday afternoon but in this case the focus is on love gone awry. On the song `Complicated' Sayers lays out the average male mental gymnastics of dealing with the so-called more delicate sex. "I'm easy, so easy, you can read my mind with just one look into my eyes. I'm not brilliant or amazing; wear my heart on my sleeve but that's the kind of thing you're looking for... but you're so complicated it's blows my mind. You're so sophisticated I wonder why? I'm forgiveful, and forgetful..."

A consummate self marketer, Sayers delivers a complete entertainment package to his fans; exceptional songwriting, very strong live performances, high quality packaging & imaging, an informative website that is replete with options to interact with the pop star including downloads and merchandise.

So don't take my word for it, check out '12 Bars' on a listening station or go to www.HaddenSayers.com and listen for yourself. Sayers SHOULD be a part of your album collection's future. You'll love the passion.

My daughter turned me on to these gals when I was looking for music to go with my Mongolian Hot Pot party. They are sort of an Asian Mannheim Steamroller sound. I would love to see them live.

Something I can listen to while I am cleaning my place or washing dishes as it is as energizing as techno music.

Before 12 Girls Band landed the USA, it was very hot in Japan. It was, in fact, a Japanese music industry who brought them to the market. Whole Japan went crazy for the band a few years ago. It was fair to call it a 12 Girls Band fever. I saw it happening while I was visiting Japan.

Those Chinese traditional instruments can be soft and touchy to your heart as much as soothing. Purely insturumental with no voice at all. I like this as background music while I am doing something, like cleaning, cooking, reading, or painting, etc. Not the type of music I LISTEN to. It is rather music I play as I do something.

This CD was far beyond exspectations. I loved every minute of it. The girls were great and very talented musicians.

I don't usually post reviews but since there's only one other review posted here I thought I'd better give this one my five stars ASAP. I've only heared disc one, only because I have a stack of new CDS and DVDs that I've got on my to do list. However I really like what I've heared. This CD does show a somewhat different side of the 12 Girls Band but it's not that different. This CD has a couple of rockers on it but it also has some nice, romantic, ambient tunes and those are the type of songs I actually prefer from 12 Girls. But, hey, it's all good. If you like Eastern Energy I'd say go ahead and check this one out too. I'm very surprised the other reviewer didn't like it, but I'm not knocking the review. We're all entitled to our opinion and I respect that. I'm looking forward to hearing disc two and I may post a review of it unless more reviews start trickling in here. Peace.

The Twevle Girls Band is exqusite and beautiful! Their talent and versatility of music well take you on a magical journey. Girls don't stop playing, keep playing those extraordinary and historical instruments your music is wonderful. I can't wait too have the opportunity to see you girls live. This CD is must buy if you like the Twelve Girls Band.Or music with soul, devotion and body. The world is waiting to see and hear your music. The music is crisp, clean and refreshing. They Rock!

As a television engineer of 32 years I may be more critical than the average listener, and my wife is a professional Traditional Chinese Musician (guqin, guzhenge, erhu, xiao, etc.). The audio CD shows that the girls are skilled and well trained performers. The first problem is that some pieces do not adapt well to traditional Chinese instruments, particularly disappointing was 'New Classicism.' The second problem is the engineering, on several pieces some of the instruments get lost in the mix, something that is unacceptable in modern recording. I would give the audio CD 7.5 points out of a possible 10. The accompanying DVD is another matter. The mastering (audio) is extremely poor. The poor audio, for all practical purposes, ruins the DVD, I would give it 3.5 points out of possible 10. It is unfortunate that the technical problems are so pronounced, they considerably dimish the value of the girls performance. I would like to see them produce some recordings at a USA studio where, I'm sure, the quality would be much better.

If this is the ONLY cd you buy this year, do not hesitate....these musicians are great with a terrific selection of music.
Twelve Girls Band is a rising star, to be sure !

This is a 5 star album, rock classical tones with a twist.
Each girl plays a different instrument, awesome sound.

Shanghai Excellent c.d. If you love msic, you must listento these wonderful girls. Ans you should check out their DVD. What a pleasure!!

Awesome Live DVD! Been a fan for over 5 years and they have never let me down! This DVD is high quality and shows their full potential! When these girls play music, you get lost into it. I could go on and on but will leave it at that! 5 STARS!

I came across the 12 Girls Band by accident as one item of the in-flight entertainment on an Airbus 380 flight. I was fascinated by the Chinese instruments and style with adapted to suit western ears. The traditional Chinese music played in this manner is wonderful and the Chinese playing of Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, & Handel is astonishing. All this is combined with spectacular views of Shanghai. Listen with an open mind. I hope we get more of this kind of music from China. I bought several copies of the disc, to give away.

The 12 Girls Band is such a great find. There a so few examples of traditional Chinese instrument (erhu, pipa, dizi, etc.) performances. These artists seem to be trying to revitalize interest in these instruments through playing more modern pieces. This unfortunately lead to the inclusion of a rock band at this concert, complete with electric and bass guitars as well as a drum set. It seems like some sort of bizarre combination of a Western rock band and Chinese instruments. Also, at the same time, the photographer/cameraman zigs and zooms around enough to make you nauseated (not to mention has a disturbing obsession with filming one of the dizi players). Anyway, I don't want to place any criticism toward the 12 Girls Band. Their music is incredible! I would recommend my subsequent purchase of the CD/DVD combination of Romantic Energy (only has 3 videos, but is so much better for an example of entertaining music more purely on traditional Chinese instruments.)
Nathan H.

If you like Asian music played on unique instruments by 12 lovely young ladies, then this DVD is a must have. Contemporary tunes as well as selected Oriental selections make this a one of a kind DVD. Get it you won't be sorry.