Rob Meany & Terramara: Four Blocks to Hennepin – Album Review

From the opening moments, it's clear that Terramara operates on a different plane than most contemporary rock acts. This is a brilliantly layered album, one that rewards repeated listening with intricate arrangements, sophisticated chord progressions, and an attention to detail that recalls the golden age of smart pop. The musicianship throughout is exceptional, delivered with the kind of confident precision that can only come from players who truly understand their craft.

At the helm is singer-songwriter and keyboardist Rob Meany, a Duluth, Minnesota native whose musical education reads like a masterclass in versatility. Raised on a diverse diet of Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, and The Beatles while studying classical piano, Meany later expanded his palette through college training in French horn, choir, and jazz ensemble work. This eclectic foundation permeates every corner of Four Blocks to Hennepin, resulting in a sound that's both intellectually engaging and immediately accessible.

The album exists in that rare sweet spot where jazz sophistication meets rock energy and pop sensibility. Comparisons to Steely Dan are inevitable and entirely justified, both share an obsession with harmonic complexity and studio perfection, but Terramara also channels the theatrical flair of Chicago, the melodic craftsmanship of Supertramp and 10CC, the art-rock adventurousness of Coldplay, Be Bop Deluxe and City Boy, and the piano-driven quirkiness of Ben Folds.

Yet despite these reference points, Meany has forged something distinctly his own: jazz-funk grooves anchored by piano, wrapped in arrangements that breathe and evolve.

What truly distinguishes Four Blocks to Hennepin is its staying power. These aren't disposable tracks designed for passive consumption. The hooks are catchy enough to grab you on first listen, but the arrangements are rich enough to reveal new details on the tenth. Each song feels meticulously constructed yet never overthought, balancing technical ambition with genuine emotional resonance. This is music for the playlist, for the long drive, for the late-night listen when you want something substantial.

After years of performing as a sideman in various groups, Meany formed Terramara as a vehicle for his distinctive vision, and over fifteen years, the quartet has built a loyal international following among smart-pop and jazz-rock aficionados. Four Blocks to Hennepin makes it abundantly clear why. In a landscape cluttered with forgettable releases, this album stands as a testament to what happens when serious musicianship, thoughtful songwriting, and genuine artistry converge.

For listeners craving music with depth, intelligence, and craft, music that respects your attention rather than merely competing for it, Rob Meany & Terramara deliver in spades. This is an album that doesn't just deserve a place in your collection; it demands one.

Highly Recommended.

Rob Meany and Terramara Web Site

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