Break out those old tie-dyed shirts and dust off those patchy pants, because ekoostik hookah’s seventh studio release leaves the listener longing to see the band on stage.
“Ohio Grown” fuses rock, bluegrass, funk, folk and jazz to create the most diverse and imaginative ekoostik hookah album to date.
The improvisational jam band — consisting of vocalist-rhythm guitar player Ed McGee, vocalist-keyboard player Dave Katz, lead guitarist Steve Sweney, bassist Cliff Starbuck, drummer Eric Lanese and percussionist Johnny Polansky — is known for its relentless touring and strong following.
“Hookahville,” the band’s bi-annual festival, attracts thousands of free-dancing, free-loving hippies, young and old, resulting in a large cloud of smoke that lingers in the Ohio sky for days. The Ohio-grown band has finally proven they are just as good in the studio as they are on stage.
“Dragonfly” is an up-tempo, dancable track featuring twangy violins and beautiful harmonies that opens the record with a bang. Lines like, “I remember the first time I recognized I could do anything that came to my mind / and those double wings came near and so quickly by / free will is a passing thing, a dragonfly” make the track one of the best on the album.
The album smoothly transitions into “Raging River,” another standout track that clocks in at just over nine minutes. The percussion on this song will have the listener nodding to the transfixing beat. The guitar solo is both classic and mesmerizing.
Things slow down on “Ohio Grown,” a beautiful track that opens with an acoustic guitar and a gloomy undertone with longing lyrics like, “I miss the rolling hillsides on the land I call my own.” The track has become a staple in ekoostik hookah’s live shows and the studio version will not disappoint the listener.
“Another You,” “Godspeed” and “Music” are three more of the album’s most notable tracks. “Another You” starts out with some simple, gripping guitar chords that burst into an explosive bluesy song about love gone bad. This track is one of the best on the album.
“Godspeed” is one of the most charming songs on “Ohio Grown,” beginning with a beautiful melody that evolves into a jam of energetic keys and soaring guitars. The lyrics are lovely as well, with lines like, “Off you go and Godspeed / that’s the most that I will say / These lessons are dandelion wishes on a windy day.”
“Music” is a feel-good track with a catchy beat. The song is enveloped by funky horns and smoking guitars. The lyrics matches the music perfectly, and the listener can’t help but want to break out them dancin’ shoes.
The last track, “Deal With It,” is a nod to bluegrass that brings a satisfying end to a solid album. It ends with a strange yet fitting choral arrangement that can only be described as ear candy.
“Ohio Grown” is a mix of countless influences that will be appealing to the “Hookah-head” as well as the run-of-the-mill listener. The beautiful intermingling of eclectic sounds and concrete musicianship creates an album that this band can call its best.
