SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JERRY LEGER – THE TIME FLEW BY

Jerry Leger
The Time Flew By
Latent Recordings

“There’s no rest for the wicked,” or so the saying goes. If that is true, singer-songwriter Jerry Leger is a ‘wicked’ man, indeed! Currently touring Europe and the UK, the Toronto-based roots rocker has dropped a new 4-song EP, The Time Flew By. This is Leger’s third release of 2023, following the earlier EPs, Live From Paradise and Latent Uncovers.

While it is technically accurate that they are outtakes, the songs on The Time Flew By should in no way be regarded as lesser work from Leger. These are completed, polished tracks, which were not chosen for release, from each of the four albums that the artist made on the Latent Recordings label.

The proceedings start strong with “Mean Payola”, a thematic throwback to the world of early rock ‘n’ roll. This steady, energetic rocker absolutely kicks, right from the start. Leger is in fine voice, and the jangly attack of his guitar locks in perfectly with the band, evoking the intensity of John Lennon’s work with the Plastic Ono Band. Listen for Tim Bovaconti’s tasty organ solo in the break!

Track two shifts gears to Leger’s sad country croon on “We’re A Mess”. The melody and lyrics here manage to bring the work of Bob Dylan and Nick Lowe to mind, as well as bringing a smile to the lips. The band is incredibly tight on this track. Listeners would be hard-pressed find a stronger rhythm section than bassist Dan Mock, and drummer Kyle Sullivan. They have supported Leger for many years, and give nuanced, intuitive performances on this release. Fans of Leger’s back catalogue will also hear the stunning guitar work of James McKie, whose fluid and creative phrasing has been absent from Leger’s sound in recent years.

Mention should also be made of the collection’s ‘title’ track, “And the Time Flew By”. This mid-tempo folk tune is driven nicely by Sullivan’s drums and brushes, and by Mock’s solid-bottom bass guitar. The groove opens up beautifully in the solo, which features McKie’s sweet fiddle and soaring lap steel playing.

Kudos to Jerry Leger on this release, and for his prolific output, in general. The Time Flew By is a brilliant addition to Leger’s body of work.

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