SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JERRY LEGER – LUCKY STREAK (LATENT LOUNGE – LIVE FROM THE HANGAR)

JERRY LEGER
LUCKY STREAK (LATENT LOUNGE – LIVE FROM THE HANGAR)
LATENT RECORDINGS

There is a through line that cuts across the world of roots and rock singer-songwriters. That line passes alongside the likes of Buddy Holly and Del Shannon. It moves through the decades to artists like Nick Lowe and Ron Sexsmith, before eventually arriving at Jerry Leger. With his latest release, Lucky Streak (Latent Lounge – Live From The Hangar), Leger proves that he deserves to be among such elevated company. This is true not only in terms of musical influence and instrumentation, but also in soul, style, and creativity.

Presenting stripped-down acoustic versions of many of his works from the past, Leger compels us to bear witness to the strength of the song. Recorded with longtime Latent Records collaborator, Michael Timmins, many of the songs on Lucky Streak deliver as much (or more) emotional power than their original renderings. This album is just so well miked and recorded. Especially on the guitar-based songs, the sound is incredible. Treble notes shimmer and the bottom end tones are rich. Always a capable guitarist, Leger takes performance to new heights with his subtle and nuanced playing. His singing is also on point here, perhaps due to the fact that he has lived with and performed many of these songs for a long time. Leger delivers his songs with the presence and conviction, befitting the veteran performer that he has become.

Of the many outstanding songs on this album, a few deserve special mention. The rambling mystery of “Jumped In The Humber” with its percussive guitar and up-front vocal plays like the best of the old-style story songs. With its honest poetry, the broken-hearted yearning of “Drive Away Tonight” cuts through to the heart, and the soul-searching of “Sort Me Out” is relatable on many levels.

Lucky Streak (Latent Lounge – Live From The Hangar) will no doubt broaden Jerry Leger’s audience, and hopefully it will serve to turn listeners on to his back catalogue. As a collection, though, it stands shoulder to shoulder with his best work. Lucky Streak is a must-listen album.

SPILL FEATURE: MAN AT WORK – A CONVERSATION WITH JERRY LEGER

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