Eric Johnson, David Sancious and Jeff Beam are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car – or, in the wake of COVID-19, on the home stereo.
ERIC JOHNSON – EJ VOL. II (POP/ROCK): I first became aware of Eric Johnson with his appearance on Christopher Cross’ self-titled 1979 debut. I became a fun after buying Johnson’s first solo album, 1986’s Tones. EJ Vol. II, his new release, doesn’t tread water or rest on past laurels. Eric Johnson’s songwriting continues to expand in scope and sophistication. “Waterwheel,” the lead-off song, is a perfect example of his melodic gifts and songwriting craftsmanship. There are also useful measures of Johnson’s piano and acoustic-guitar playing. EJ Vol. II gives the right doses of Johnson’s range. His trademark electric sound is here, too: Check out “Different Folks.” Still, this may be a more reflective Eric Johnson album than causal fans would expect. That being said, it’s another well-crafted release from him.
DAVID SANCIOUS – EYES WIDE OPEN (POP/ROCK): Yes, it’s that David Sancious. He’s an icon among sidemen, having played with Sting, Peter Gabriel and in Bruce Springsteen’s original E Street Band. Eyes Wide Open furthers his legacy as a forward-leaning solo artist. The album, Sancious’ 10th solo work, blends, rock, R&B and socially conscious spoken-word pieces to create a vivid eight-song collage. “In the Middle of the Night” is a perfect, piano-driven commentary on today. “If” includes Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, and Living Colour’s Will Calhoun also makes an appearance. However, the real star of the album is David Sancious’ writing and production, as he ties the themes and musical elements into one of the year’s most compelling works.
THE DEVONNS – THE DEVONNS (R&B): The Devonns, a Chicago-based R&B group, release their finely crafted self-titled debut the first week in April. The album is well worth the wait, as indicated by “Tell Me,” the initial tease single. The songs have an old-school soul feel. Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Mathew Ajjarapu has infused uplifting lyrics with tight and grooving soul textures. The result is something that seems familiar and traditional, yet original at the same time. “Come Back,” the album’s opening song, is a showcase of the Devonns’ ability to play what seems like a simple groove at a higher level of sophistication which sets the entire feel of the album in motion. This is good stuff.
GITKIN – DE LA CANCION (ROCK / WORLD MUSIC): Pimps of Joytown’s Brian J. has just released De La Cancion, a sonically compelling EP mashup of psychedelic rock and Afro-Cuban beats. The results offer an intriguing look at Brain J’s fantastic production skills. Hopefully, this is also a tease to a full-fledged Gitkin album. “Cancion De Aplauso” combines elements of cumbia, rock, and Middle-Eastern music. The result is a danceable, infectious instrumental groove. “De La,” featuring singer Carol C, also included Middle-Eastern elements, while providing a Dominican flavor with its Spanish lyrics. A hearty distorted guitar solo is included for good measure. Both the songs are also available in remixed versions on the EP. My biggest quibble with Gitkin’s De La Cancion is that it is just too short.
JEFF BEAM – JEFF BEAM (ROCK): Jeff Beam’s self-titled album is due out on April 17. If you’re a fan of crafty psychedelic rock, check it out. Beam’s songs are enchanting and cryptic. The album’s lead-off song, “Stephen King,” will immediately draw you in with its trance-like feel and otherworldly vocals. Jeff Beam handles almost all the instrumentation on the album, and he knows how to keep it simple yet bore into the listener’s psyche. “Turn on Your Mind (Before It Turns on You)” has a Syd Barrett feel to it, while “Disarray” hints at Radiohead. Beam knows how to challenge a listener, and that’s a good thing.
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