SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JERRY LEGER – LIVE FROM PARADISE

Jerry Leger
Live From Paradise
Latent Recordings

Toronto singer-songwriter Jerry Leger is one of those artists who does not sit still for too long. With his solid motivation and work ethic, it’s little wonder that he is releasing some choice sounds for us to listen to, yet again.

Live From Paradise is a 4-song EP recorded live with his band, The Situation, in May of 2022, at the Paradise Theatre in Toronto. In front of an enthusiastic crowd, performing songs old and new, Leger and company are in fine form.

As they launch into the instrumental intro and soulful R&B feel of “Big Smoke Blues”, we can tell that this band means business. The Situation’s stalwart rhythm section (bassist Dan Mock and drummer Kyle Sullivan) hits the groove just perfectly, and keyboardist Alan Zemaitis brings a dynamic excitement that takes the music to the next level. The addition of legendary musician Tim Bovaconti on guitar, and singer-songwriter Angie Hilts on vocals, is just brilliant, filling out this band’s sound beautifully.

Despite the relatively short set of songs offered on Live From Paradise, there is plenty of stylistic variety here. The song “With Only You”, with its melodic flow, and early 1970s Dylanesque feel, manages to be both sweet and rocking. Leger and The Situation also breathe new life and urgency into the gem “Corner Light”, (originally from the artist’s 2019 release Time Out For Tomorrow). Zemaitis’ organ and electric piano give the song depth, and the entire band elevates this piece, as the chorus builds to the instrumental refrain, featuring exciting interplay between the organ and Bovaconti’s guitar. Not meaning to give too much away here, but mention must be made of the stunning climactic build of the moody and mysterious “Factory Made”. The whole band is going full-tilt and the backing vocals of Mock, Sullivan, and Hilts add to the drama. Very cool.

As live recordings go, this one is great. The balance is amazing, and the instrument separation is very clean. This EP features superb mixing execution by Brian Wirth and outstanding mastering work by Peter J. Moore.

Live From Paradise sees Jerry Leger is at the top of his game as a vocalist and guitar player. He has an excellent group of bandmates around him, and there are some wonderful moments on this EP. The song choices are great, but it is rather a pity that it contains only four tracks. To paraphrase the old showbiz adage, Leger truly leaves them wanting more. If history has taught us anything, we can be fairly sure that we will hear more from Jerry Leger soon.

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