The Facts
Artist	Jordan Macarus Band
Album	Balancing Act
Musicians	Jordan Macarus - Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Vocals Mike Ayres - Drums, Congas, Vocals Steve Vanaria - Bass, Vocals Chris Mazur - Guitar, Vocals Joey Werner - Percussion, Drums on "Trial By Fire" Julie Macarus - Violin, Vocals Steve Stanford - Harmonica
Produced By	Jordan Macarus and PlanetJordan
Mixed and Mastered By	Craig Williams at Dr. Caw
Recorded At	CVL - Live tracks recorded 12/10/99 at Synergy II, West Chicago
Track Listing	1). Pointless War 2). Fire On The Runway 3). Pvt. Unknown 4). Trial By Fire 5). Balancing Act 6). Ahab's Vengeance 7). The Passage (Reprise) 8). Homicide Before Suicide 9). Wall Of Fire
Record Label	Monster Records
Available At	CDnow.com, CD Universe, Valley Media, and many more (see PlanetJordan for more details)
Reviewed By	Eric J. Olsen
The Opinion
This is one of those albums that has to grow on you. "Balancing Act" by the Jordan Macarus Band is a good album. But the first couple listens, it doesn't stand out. There is some amazing guitar work on it that is noticeable from the onset. But it doesn't grab you. Slowly, though, it begins to seep into your subconscious and you find yourself listening to it over again and starting to get into it. Jordan's song-writing is from the old school of the rock singer-songwriter. The songs themselves are well-done with some excellent musicianship displayed. The lackluster vocals are what cause the album to be a slow starter. Jordan's voice is not bad and he can sing, especially on the title track, but it's different and takes getting used to. After a while, you accept them and start to truly enjoy the album. Whatever may be lacking in the vocals Jordan provides is more than made up for with his thrilling guitar work. He's one of those few guitarists that make those strings truly come alive. Put a mic in Jordan's hand and you'll be entertained. Put a guitar in his hands and you'll be moved. Nowhere on the album is this more evident than on "Trial By Fire." An instrumental that conveys more meaning and emotion than any of the tracks with lyrics. Not that Jordan doesn't have anything to say unless he's playing his guitar. The album is filled with thought-provoking lyrics. The strongest of which are found on the title track, such as: "You can lead them to the picture, but you cannot make them see just what you see." But it's the music that truly shines on the album. With Jordan's guitar backed up by some impressive players, the tracks have a quiet intensity that can't be ignored.
Nutshell Review
A slow-building album, but once momentum is built up, it provides an enjoyable listen.
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