On October 2 the newest album by R&B dance pop star Ari Gold hits the stores. "Transport systems" is the third studio album by Ari - a New York City native who began working in show business at the age of five. Singing at brother Steven's bar mitzvah young Ari soon found himself in front of a microphone doing voice overs for animated shows or in front of the camera for commercials. Over a nine year period Ari had appeared in over 400 television ads during the eighties. While never really a model Ari did dabble in modeling when requested by photographers or by eighties pop star Boy George who personally asked Ari to model his personal clothing line. But this "timeless pop stars" true talents lie in his singing and songwriting abilities. When writing Ari follows the mantra pounded into all writers to write what you know; as a result much of what Ari writes is autobiographical on some level.A prime example of the music being about himself is the first single from the album - which is currently streaming on Ari's My Space page - "Where the Music Takes You". The song like all songs on the album is about transportation and systems of transportation in some way (movement); but the title is also a literal translation of how Ari has formed his career. Being an independent artist and not having the resources of a major label Ari said that he has gone where ever the music took him. In a recent conversation when asked why he loves music Ari said that music is magic, it can't be pin pointed, and is the only connection between worlds. In response to music being the greatest drug in the world Ari added that it isn't bad for you either.
Ari Gold has let his musical career go where the music took him, but on his new album he takes us on a journey through a world of movement whether it be a literal or figurative one. Ari sings of addiction, love and relationships and movement of those things. But in "Where the Music Takes you" he also reminds us that sometimes you don't really have to go anywhere when he says, "oh the places you'll go when you find you've been there all along."
"Transport Systems" is an album of 14 tracks of mostly fast paced dance tunes for which Ari is most known; but Ari's talents as a songwriter shine through on the last track "Love Wasn't Built in a Day". Not only do we hear a stripped down version of Ari's exquisite voice, but the saxophone of multi Grammy winning artist Dave Koz. Ari said that getting Dave Koz to play on the album was icing on the cake. Not listed on the album is an instrumental hidden bonus track simply titled "Out".
Frequently Ari uses electronic manipulations on his tracks, but in Ari's case it isn't to cover up any inadequacies but is an enhancement or embellishment of his talents. The smooth tenor voice fits in perfectly whether he is singing a fast paced dance tune or a beautiful love song.
On the song "Where the Music Takes You" we hear the line almost every parent has heard at one time or another, "Are we there yet?" For Ari Gold the labour of love known as the album "Transport Systems" the answer would be yes!
