Keith Monacchio - The Dust-Up

Keith Monacchio

The Dust-Up
self-released; 2016

3.9 out of 5

​By Jamie Funk

It was in 2008 that Keith Monacchio decided to go solo. I haven't heard the bands he was in but I have to say I’m pretty glad he went solo because his album The Dust-Up sounds fantastic. I’m not sure of Monacchio’s age but he has a voice where it at least sounds like he has seen a lot in his life. A mix of soulful, nostalgic and proud. There is an innate American quality to his voice. 

Although this is a solo album, Monacchio brought in a bunch of pros to assist with the songs which includes Jay Walker (bass), Tom Kale (drums) and Jerry Steele (pedal steel). It’s worth mentioning Sean Glonek produced this album.

There isn't a dud on the album but there are some highlights. It’s hard to deny the first song ”Angels On The Horizon” is one that is easy on the ears. From the warm organ to the catchy chorus this is a song that doesn’t take much effort to enjoy. 

My personal favorite song was “A Little More Time.” The song moves along slowly with swelling horns and a very soulful vocal performance.  A good mix of blues and Motown. Monacchio also sounds good when it's just him on guitar and harmonica. Proof of this can be heard on “Million To One Shot” or “The Wheat Field.” He closes with  another great number entitled  “I Won’t Give Up” which might bring a tear to your eye. 

​At the end of the day Monacchio is the real deal. His music is raw but not in a production sense. It’s raw in a human way that feels emotionally resonant. I feel like a lot of music that is heavily produced loses that; luckily for Monachio he reminds us of why that element is so important.

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