Ronnie Lane, Joost Maglev, Patrice Jegou, Tiny Legs Tim and the Green are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately …
RONNIE LANE – JUST FOR A MOMENT (ROCK): This long overdue box set focusing on the music of Ronnie Lane, who died in 1997 from complications related to MS, is a welcome treat. Covering the Small Faces bassist’s career from 1973 to 1997, Just For a Moment is a reminder of what a strong songwriter and arranger Lane was. It also points to his remaining influence on contemporary rock music. Just For a Moment includes four Ronnie Lane solo albums, and all the singles from the time period. There are also lyrics and a fold-out poster with the six discs. As an alternative, there’s also a one-disc (or 2LP) best-of set – but then you’ll be missing out on goodness such as “How Come (Alternative Take)” and “The Joint Is Jumping.” Ronnie Lane’s Just For a Moment is due on May 17.
TINY LEGS TIM – ELSEWHERE BOUND (BLUES/ROCK): Until I researched Tiny Legs Tim, I didn’t know there was a roots based Belgian blues-rock scene. Tim’s fifth album is one which is truly a solo effort. There are no other players, which makes a strong case for further investigation of his catalog as well as the genre. The title track is an effectively engaging yet rootsy affair. Tiny Legs Tim’s voice is a cross between David Lindley and Levon Helm, and the level of playing is as nuanced and appealing as those two rock icons. The way Tim switches musical hats is almost was amazing as his gift with a hook. “I Ain’t Ready” and “The Game” are proof that this album is a must hear. Elsewhere Bound is out now on Sing My Title music.
PATRICE JEGOU – IF IT AIN’T LOVE (JAZZ): Prairie Star Records just released vocalist Patrice Jegou’s If It Ain’t Love, which covers all the jazz bases – from the title track’s big-band feel, to funk (“Yes We Can,” the Allen Toussaint classic arranged by David Paich of Toto fame) to an acapella reading of “Lover Come Back to Me,” which features Mark Kibble and Alvin Chea. Jegou covers a lot of musical ground, and every mile of the trip is joyous thanks to superb arranging and lovely orchestral arrangements by John Clayton, Jorge Calandrelli and Nan Schwartz – and Jegou’s wide-ranging vocal talents.
THE GREEN – BLACK AND WHITE (REGGAE): The Green – whose last album, titled Marching Orders, reached No. 1 on the Billboard reggae charts – returns with a stripped-down album. Acoustic guitars, acoustic bass and minimal backing vocals support the intimacy of the lead vocals and the lyrics on Black and White. Guitarist and vocalist JP Kennedy, in particular, seems in his element on “Runaway Train.” “Foolish Love” also presses the point that the Green can wrap a story around fantastic melodies without studio trickery. Black and White is out now on Easy Star Records.
JOOST MAGLEV – ALTER EGO (PROG ROCK): The best touches of Steven Wilson, Styx and Yes are sprinkled throughout Alter Ego. “Angel” is a driving, Styx-type rocker which is uplifting and dramatic. Joost Maglev, a Netherlands-based prog rocker, is well versed in songcraft; every track here is effective at painting both shadow and light. The Transatlantic-sounding “Corpus Christi” pushes forward, with intricate bass and lead guitar. Maglev wraps lyrics around the melody, which are equally up to the challenge. Joost Maglev welcomes a few guests for the ride (including Ben Craven, one of my prog favorites) but, in the end, Alter Ego‘s success is on Maglev’s back – and, boy, does he succeed with this progressive rock gem.
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