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Bisexual compilation a treat for all

Jason A. Michael

It might very well be the first of its kind. And if not, it's certainly the first I've ever come across. Bi The People is a compilation of bisexual artists and their friends that benefits, appropriately enough, The Bisexual Foundation in San Diego.
As the producer of this compilation, Skott Freedman, on whose Violent Yodel record label the project is released on, scores a definite A. He has assembled a stellar lineup of talent that mixes perennial queer favorites like Melissa Ferrick and Pansy Division with blossoming newcomers such as Anne Heaton and first season American Idol finalist Jim Verraros. But as a contributor to the project, Freedman doesn't quite make the grade. Initially, I mistakenly thought that the track of his that appears here, "The Price You Paid," came from his last release, Some Company, because it sounds so much like everything else from that album. "The Price" suffers from a lack of sound production values and any supporting accompaniment, and compared to the other finely produced tunes found here comes out sounding like an unfinished basement demo. Freedman is, undoubtedly, a fine lyricist and pianist, but he desperately needs to find himself a collaborator. On his own compositions, Freedman's playing in mundane and monotonous, and he would be wise to take a tip from Leslie Nuchow, whose stunning selection on this set, "But Still," perfectly demonstrates how a song can successfully feature light accompaniment and still sound so emotionally full.
Freedman's effort aside, this album is full of winners. From the twangy opening notes of Jill Sobule's "I Saw A Cop" to the closing refrain of Laya Fisher's "Dick and Jane," which could have been the title of this set, this album is a treat. Don't let the name fool you. Bi The People is music for everyone!

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