Sometimes rock and roll is about something deeper than self-gratification and endless adulation. Every now and again, the top priority of sex and drugs give way to a more meaningful and philanthropic endeavor. One of the most satisfying aspects of being a musician is the ability to reach a wide audience and promote a worthy cause. And, to top it off, you don't have to be a famous hot shot to bring awareness to the consciousness of your listeners.Case in point: the six geographically dispersed gynecologic oncology surgeons that formed No Evidence of Disease in 2008, did so in order to bring awareness and humanity to a disease that affects nearly 80,000 women in the United States alone: gynecologic cancer.
No Evidence of Disease teamed up with New York-based Motema Music record label and recorded their first self-titled CD, N.E.D No Evidence of Disease and went about their way promoting, distributing and marketing their message across the nation.
I tip my hat to the players who make up this outfit: from New York, Nimesh P. Nagarsheth M.D, drums and percussion, from Texas, William Rusty Robinson, M.D., bass and harmonica, from North Carolina, John F. Boggess, M.D., lead and background vox, electric and accustic guitar, and keyboard, from New York City, Joanie Mayer Hope, M.D., lead and background vox, from Oregon, Will Winter III. M.D., lead, rhythm and acoustic guitar, backup vox, and from North Caroline, John T. Stoper, M.D., electric/acoustic/slide guitar, and mandolin.
The six songs that comprise their album tell narratives that are sometimes sad, sometimes difficult, yet all full of strength. She Sings to Me is a heart-wrenching, yet poetic tribute to a companion who was lost to her illness. False Pretenses, my favorite track on the album, warns that time is of the essence and there is no place for coy conversations. Third Person relaity sings of the surgeon's plight, having to tell the victim of their diagnosis and the internal struggle that occurs in doing so. Waiting on Time tells the story of an elderly woman who is nearing the end of her illness and finds her long lost love waiting in the shadows of death standing comfortably in her doorway. It is a beautiful tear-jerker.
The perspectives switch between lovers, family members, the victim and even the doctors who treat the patients. A survivor's story is the theme threading the songs together and one that challenges the listener to get active, involved, and educated about a seemingly silent killer.
In music review cases such as this, it is difficult to ascribe a star value to the composition since the cause and awareness factor is far more important than the production. I chalk this up to doing my part in making people aware of the selfless efforts of a half a dozen tender-hearted and determined surgeons who happen to be gifted musicians to spread their message.
