Tony Kaye, Madeleine Peyroux, David Garfield and others are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately:
HENRY BATEMAN – A GHOST INSIDE (POP/ROCK): It seems like it’s been forever since U.K.-based guitarist and songwriter Henry Bateman teased us with the song “Seinfeld Street.” Now we can enjoy Bateman’s entire album, A Ghost Inside, which is out on Bandcamp and all the usual digital platforms. Henry Bateman’s guitar acumen is evident on the opener, “I’m Worth More Than This.” However, his rock-composition acumen and strong vocals shine through on “In My Blood” and the closer, “You Make Me Happy.” Bateman handles production, composition and arranging of A Ghost Inside, resulting in a compelling and cohesive album from start to finish.
DAVID GARFIELD – STRETCHIN’ OUTSIDE THE BOX (JAZZ): Here we go again on yet another fantastic David Garfield-led musical journey. This sixth edition of the Outside the Box series is an expansive 24-track collection of singles released from the series, as well as tributes to giants like Joe Sample and Herbie Hancock. “Waiting for Your Love,” (yes, the Toto song) is transformed by Garfield. Utilizing Greg Phillinganes, Ray Parker Jr., David Paich and the late Michael Finnigan, the song is transformed into a funkified stomper. “Rainbow Seeker,” dedicated to Joe Sample and Chuck Loeb, features Loeb, Marcus Miller, Steve Jordan, Dean Parks, Tony Pulizzi and Lenny Castro. It’s another example of Garfield’s genius as an arranger and player. Stretchin’ Outside the Box combines styles more than an album in the series, but there isn’t a dog in the bunch. The only downside is its the last in this David Garfield series.
MADELEINE PEYROUX – CARELESS LOVE: DELUXE EDITION (JAZZ): While not my favorite Madeleine Peyroux album – that honor goes to 2008’s Bare Bones – Madeleine Peyroux’s deluxe edition of 2004’s Careless Love is very welcome. Available for the first time on vinyl, including a translucent black-and-gold marble version, the album sounds as gorgeous as ever. This is due in part to producer Larry Klein’s perfectly unobtrusive oversight. Of course, Peyroux’s vocals are flawless, as well as timeless. The deluxe version includes a previously unreleased live set, recorded at Festival de Jazz de Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain. The 14 live recordings are worth the price of admission, as Madeleine Peyroux and her crack band cast a new spell over the songs. Spontaneous and gratifying readings of “Dance Me to the End of Love” and “J’ Al Deux Amor” are enchanting. If you have not had the honor of seeing Peyroux on stage, this version of Careless Love is a must have edition to your collection, and a nice way to hold you over until you see her.
TONY KAYE – END OF INNOCENCE (PROG ROCK): Hard to believe that there hasn’t been a Tony Kaye solo album. The keyboardist made significant early contributions with Yes, then returned to collaborate on Yes’ highly successful 90125 and Big Generator albums. While his keyboards took more of a background role on the succeeding Union and Talk projects, Kaye’s presence on stage during his second tenure with the world’s greatest progressive rock band and during the Yes 50 tour was very welcome. End of Innocence, Kaye’s requiem for the tragic events of 9/11, isn’t the hard-rocking progressive-rock band album some we’re hoping for. It is, however, compelling. Tony Kaye handles the heavy musical lifting with his arsenal of keyboards, getting support from touring Yes member Jay Schellen on drums. Additionally, vocalist Dani Torchia sings on “Sweetest Dreams.” “Hope and Triumph,” and “Ground Zero” are also high points to this intriguing, mostly instrumental work by a true musical legend.
HECTOR ANCHONDO – LET LOOSE THOSE CHAINS (BLUES): Hector Anchondo’s new album is billed as his acoustic blues 2021 tour de force, but that description doesn’t convey the pure power of the album. These 12 all-original songs not only highlight Anchondo’s prowess on guitar, but also his skill at songwriting and arranging. He recorded the tracks quickly in Illinois and Florida, and was able to make common blues themes of love, loss, social inequality sound fresh with powerful vocals and an expressive picking style. The title track sets a tone for the album; other standout tracks like “Current River – In Memory of Libby” and “Momma’s Hard Man” make sure that interest never wanes. Hector Anchondo’s combination of powerful original songs and equally powerful guitar work are forces not to be denied.
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