Project Grand Slam’s reputation as an absolutely commanding live band capable of blowing audiences away unexpectedly plays in their favor with their new single. “All of the Time” eschews their customary full-band attack for a much more intimate sound, as layered as ever, but possessing an added emphasis on melody. Not that melody is ever in short supply with the band’s music.
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“All of the Time”, however, has abundant melodic riches. Each melody, the instrumental and its vocal counterpart, seem simple on their own; this is especially so in the case of the arrangement. The confluence of these melodies, however, produces a robust whole with the vocal melody sweeping us along. The band’s lead singer Marilyn Castillo fills the song with gentleness and a sense of romance that never descends into hackneyed sentimentality.
There’s no question, however, that the predominant mood is warm and inviting. I am especially taken with how bassist and band leader Robert Miller hangs back in the mix. He’s one of the instrument’s best players with a wide-ranging skillset, yet never makes any grab for glory. His work alongside percussionist Guillermo Barron Rios and drummer Joel E. Mateo has been one of the cornerstones of Project Grand Slam’s success. “All of the Time” benefits from their polished and laser-focused contributions.
Project Grand Slam’s stylistic reach goes further than many acts, but the band lights for new territory with this single. Rather than the Latin or jazzy inclinations rife through much of their music, “All of the Time” is pure pop song bliss with only assorted accents giving it an exotic flavor. The highlight for me, and I am sure many others, is the aforementioned vocal melody.
It’s a spellbinding example of a modern vocalist who’s mastered her craft. The relaxed enunciation of each line has complete naturalness without ever sounding too loose and she communicates audible joy as well. You can tell that she’s listening to the music every step of the way. It doesn’t stiffen her performance, however, and instead seems to free her to inhabit a higher level of inspiration.
Project Grand Slam has consistently produced first-class material. “All of the Time” isn’t an exception and the band’s creative energies are burning as hot as ever. I expect this is a single for a forthcoming full-length effort, but it doesn’t matter. It’s a five-star effort as either a standalone or part of a collection. Miller and his cohorts never put out anything that doesn’t soar in no small parts thanks to top-notch production and “All of the Time” shares this characteristic.
The union of lyrics, vocals, music, and production helps turn this single into a new exciting chapter in Project Grand Slam’s story. No one can accuse them of standing pat since Miller founded the band and their impressive discography attests to their gifts and, as importantly, their curiosity. You can tell they are far from done. “All of the Time”, however, is a significant mile marker along the way and stands as one of the band’s best tracks.
Chadwick Easton