Whatever Gets You Up: Solly Jang Takes Us on a Ride Along the Pacific Coast Highway

 By Adrian Blake — Senior Music Critic, The West Coast Review

Some songs catch your attention. Others make you want to press play again the moment they end. And then there are those rare tracks that take you somewhere else entirely. “Whatever Gets You Up,” the latest release from Solly Jang, belongs to that last category.

With its unmistakable West Coast sound, warm melodic textures, sophisticated harmonies, and effortless groove, this track feels like the perfect soundtrack to a late-afternoon drive along California’s legendary Pacific Coast Highway. Picture the sun slowly sinking into the Pacific, the ocean stretching endlessly beside you, and golden light spilling across the road. There’s no rush, nowhere else you need to be. Just the music, the coastline, and that wonderful feeling that, for a moment, everything is exactly where it should be.

That’s the magic of this song.

Behind Solly Jang’s musical identity is Max Centorame, whose compositional vision and production and arrangement direction continue to take this virtual artist into increasingly fascinating territory. With every release, Solly Jang seems to reveal another shade of his personality, and “Whatever Gets You Up” is further proof that this project still has plenty of surprises in store.

Fans of the sophisticated West Coast and AOR tradition will immediately recognize the spirit of an era when melody, musicianship, and arrangements mattered just as much as the groove. There are echoes of the refined guitar work associated with Jay Graydon and the laid-back melodic sophistication of Bill LaBounty — references that bring to mind a golden age of California pop, yet feel entirely at home in this contemporary production.

What makes the track even more intriguing is its use, at certain points, of harmonic choices that go beyond conventional pop songwriting. These unexpected turns add depth and character without sacrificing the natural flow of the melody. Nothing feels forced or needlessly complicated; instead, the harmonic details emerge organically, rewarding those who listen closely. There is a particular pleasure in discovering how a seemingly effortless melody can conceal a more sophisticated musical structure beneath the surface.

It is precisely these moments that elevate “Whatever Gets You Up” beyond a pleasant, well-crafted pop song and bring it remarkably close to something truly memorable. Sophisticated harmony, unexpected chord progressions, and a keen melodic sensibility come together to create a listening experience that reveals more with every play. This is where genuine compositional craft meets accessibility — a combination that has always distinguished the finest West Coast music.

And what makes the track so compelling is that it never feels like a mere exercise in nostalgia. Instead, it captures the essence of that sound and gives it a personality of its own. The melodies draw you in, the groove keeps you there, and the arrangement reveals new details with every listen. It’s the kind of music that reminds you why beautifully crafted pop songs never go out of style.

I’ll admit it: this is already one of my personal favorites from Solly Jang. There’s something genuinely addictive about the way everything comes together. You finish listening and find yourself wanting to hear it again — not because you missed something, but because you simply don’t want to leave that musical world behind. Few things are more satisfying than discovering a song that feels just as good on the fifth listen as it did on the first.

A special mention must go to Bin J. Choi, whose contribution adds another important dimension to the project. An excellent trumpeter, he is also a remarkably refined arranger, bringing musical sensitivity, elegance, and a deep understanding of how instruments can serve a song rather than simply decorate it. That kind of musical intelligence makes a real difference, especially in a genre where every detail counts.

There is something rather special about this collaboration: the creative direction of Max Centorame, the distinctive identity of Solly Jang, and the musicianship and arranging sensibility of Bin J. Choi come together to create a track that feels warm, authentic, and genuinely rewarding.

There is, however, one more detail that deserves a closer look.

The Mystery Behind the Guitar Solo

The guitar solo is credited to a certain Mark Zender, a name that seems remarkably difficult to trace through online searches. This naturally raises an intriguing question: are we dealing with a real musician who simply prefers to keep a low profile, or could Mark Zender be an alias concealing another identity?

One can't help wondering whether the guitarist behind those lines might actually be Max Centorame himself, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist whose musical abilities extend well beyond composition and production.

To be clear, this is nothing more than speculation. There is no evidence to establish that Mark Zender is a pseudonym, and the available credits offer no definitive answer. Still, the question is tempting enough to deserve a little investigation.

Perhaps we will never discover the truth. Or perhaps, sooner or later, I'll have the opportunity to interview Max and ask him directly: “So, Max, who exactly is Mark Zender?”

Until then, the mystery remains open. And if the solo is anything to go by, whoever is behind it certainly knows how to make a guitar sing.

A Virtual Artist, a Very Human Experience

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Solly Jang is precisely this: even as a virtual artist, he can deliver a musical experience that feels remarkably human. Through Max Centorame’s compositional and production vision, and with the support of talented musicians and arrangers, the project continues to demonstrate that what ultimately matters is the emotion a song conveys, the craftsmanship behind it, and the connection it creates with the listener.

In an era when music is released at an extraordinary pace, there is something refreshing about a track that invites you to slow down, listen carefully, and appreciate the details. “Whatever Gets You Up” doesn't need to shout for attention. Its appeal lies in its melodies, its groove, its harmonic sophistication, and its ability to transport the listener somewhere else.

Don't Miss This One

If you love West Coast music, sophisticated pop, memorable melodies, and arrangements with real character, do yourself a favor: don't miss “Whatever Gets You Up.”

Give it a listen, turn up the volume, and let it take you for a ride along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Some songs are simply meant to be heard. Others are meant to be experienced.

“Whatever Gets You Up” is one of those tracks you'll want to keep coming back to. A little California sunshine, a great groove, sophisticated harmonies, and a genuine pleasure for the ears — all wrapped into one irresistible musical ride.

 

Highly recommended.

Adrian Blake
Senior Music Critic
The West Coast Review

The West Coast Review and Adrian Blake are fictional creations for this editorial presentation.