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TUER is a Christian rock ensemble led by its namesake; composer, arranger and trombonist Travis William Tuer. Together they incorporate elements of 70’s funk, jazz, pop and rock for a genre-bending sound that is both modern and nostalgic. Based out of Spring, Texas, Tuer has long loved music; he first learned to play the piano and then the trombone at an early age. As an adult, he followed his musical muse to become an acclaimed high school band director and a music professor at a college in Houston, while also serving as the trombonist in the 30-piece orchestra for his church, The Woodlands United Methodist Church. With Journey Back – his first recorded work – Tuer revels in the spotlight as both a writer and performer.
In the studio, Tuer leads the way with his trombone as Ray Gonzalez lends his alto and baritone sax and Stephen Kloesel his trumpet skills and he is assisted by vocalist Amanda Waites, guitarist Frank Debretti, and pianist/keyboardist Annette Toenjes along with the solid rhythm section of bassist Conrad Guthrie and drummer Joe Beam.
The album opens with the statement-making “You Are” with its stuttering, funk-rock beat and jubilant horns. Each of the versatile songs on the album could also be used as praise and worship in a church setting. Lead vocalist Amanda Waites brings Tuer’s uplifting Christian-based lyrics to life with her soulful and powerful vocal delivery, especially on the funky and upbeat standout track, “Come Unto Me”, where she sounds like a 70’s disco diva alongside its cowbell-laced rhythm and Spanish flair. Slowing down the pace a bit, “Lift Me Up” is led by piano and somber lyrical themes that are contrasted nicely by a bright horn arrangement and a hopeful message on the catchy chorus. Along the same lines, the emotionally-charged “Lamentation” speaks of the devastating loss of a loved one but offers a ray of hope through faith and glimmering instrumentation. “Can You Hear Me?” follows with its pleading lyrics, flickering guitars and strutting, head-nodding rhythm that gives off a smooth 70’s vibe and closes out with a joyous Southern Gospel-inspired send-up. Similarly, “I Understand Now” is highlighted by a cool, jazzy saxophone solo and jumpy beat as Waites sings Tuer’s lyrics of freedom from sin with Jesus as savior.
One of the album highlights is Tuer’s instrumental take on the campy and well-known Sunday school classic “Jesus Loves Me”. It opens calmly with glassy keyboard chords before bursting to life with a peppy Ska-like rhythm and triumphant horns alongside several different interpolations of the familiar melody and turns for each musician to solo in the spotlight. Next, “When You Sleep” is a sweet and loving lullaby of sorts dedicated to Tuer’s son and nephews and nieces with ascending horn melodies, cascading guitars and a swaying rhythm meant to lull you to sleep with a sense of security as Waites sings, “Have no fear now, I’ll always be right here, when you sleep”. The nine-song album closes out on a high note with the punchy horns and indelibly catchy, sing-along melodies of “Take My Hand” which also incorporates subtle hints of progressive rock and jazz fusion to pay homage to Tuer’s broad range of musical influences.
Journey Back may be Travis William Tuer’s debut recording but it shows promise and reveals Tuer to be a poised and mature composer with a knack for creative and catchy brass melodies. Additionally, it is a nostalgia-inducing collection of songs that are reminiscent of 70’s funk and horn-heavy classic rock bands such as Tower Of Power and Chicago that also double as praise and worship songs with their positive, Christ-centered lyrics.
Reviewed by: Justin Kreitzer
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
