CD REVIEW: The Right Now finds a right soulful groove

By Diana Nollen

Chicago soul band The Right Now dips into the retro realm to create a sound that is very right now.

The eight-member group grooves to its own beat on “Carry Me Home.” This multifaceted gem sparkles with the bright, pure pop sound of lead singer Stefanie Berecz. Her voice soaring over blistering horns and tight harmonies kept channeling memories of Dusty Springfield's “Son of a Preacher Man.”

The collection begins with feedback that quickly switches to a funky groove on the sassy “Ain't Going Back,” bringing horns, Wurlitzer organ and backup singers into the mix.

The beat settles down for “Nobody,” continuing the love-lost theme with Berecz's sound rising above a firm foundation. The intro made me think of another hot Chicago band: Chicago. Berecz turns downright bossy on “You Will Know,” pouring plenty of attitude over the guitar groove.

Then she turns sweetly seductive, with an innocence of sound floating over sexy sax and breathy background vocals on “I Could Really Hold On,” echoed with a tinge of desperation on “Better Way to Live” and hopefulness on “The One You Love.” Even when she begins with a quiet lament, she builds to a gospel wail that peels the paint right off her soul.

“Doing Nothing” does plenty with snappy horns and saxes as the breakup lyrics march straight to the heart of the matter. The title tracks wraps it all up with a snugly lullaby to soothe hearts that are miles apart.

Eastern Iowans have several chances to see The Right Now in action, with two shows Friday (4/16/10) in Iowa City and one Sunday night (4/18/10) in Cedar Rapids.

If you've ever loved and lost, you'll get your groove back with this band's lively blend of power pop soul.

FAST TAKEInformation: www.myspace.com/therightnowmusic

Title: “Carry Me Home”

Artist: The Right Now

Label: Self-released

In Iowa City: 2 p.m. Friday, April 16, 2010,  at Java Blend, 211 1/2 E. Washington St.; CD release show, 8 Friday, April 16, 2010, at The Blue Moose Tap House, 211 Iowa Ave.

In Cedar Rapids: 6 p.m. Sunday, April 18, 2010, at Mahoney's Pub, 1602 E. Ave. NE