SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JORY NASH – THE LIGHT STILL SHINES ON THE MAIN

JORY NASH
THE LIGHT STILL SHINES ON THE MAIN 
INDEPENDENT

Aside from it being an excellent album, the fact that Jory Nash’s The Light Still Shines On The Main even exists is something remarkable.

After a career that spanned 30 years, during which Nash released nine independent albums, the folk singer-songwriter stepped away from music in 2019. Many life-altering events occurred during his hiatus (which are discussed in our Spill Feature interview with Nash). The upshot is that, based on the generosity of fans who genuinely love his music, the artist was inspired to write and record the songs that became this album.

The Light Still Shines On The Main is an artful and musically varied project that absolutely hits the mark. Nash’s traditional bare, acoustic sound is there, with influence drawn from the likes of musical heroes and friends such as Paul Simon and the late Gordon Lightfoot. However, this album goes above and beyond. The melodies and progressions are so flowing. The lyrics are so thoughtful, and the production is perfect.

With a core band that includes Nash on guitar and vocals, guitarist Jason Fowler, bassist Maury LaFoy, keyboardist Robbie Grunwald, and drummer Mark Mariash, the artist’s songs are showcased well. The full band tracks are so tight and well-paced, and the quieter songs are handled with deft sensitivity. Beautifully recorded by Chris Stringer and Darren McGill, and produced by Stringer and Nash, this album is a gem.

SPILL FEATURE: THE LIGHT STILL SHINES ON THE MAIN – A CONVERSATION WITH JORY NASH

From the opening strains of the first track, “Oh, Little One,” the listener is hooked by the lightly descending guitars of the introduction. Piano and second guitar embellishments dress up the main motif, and the bass and drums move it along. With its thoughtful tagline, “we can just be kind” in the refrain, and with a beautiful harmony vocal by Lori Cullen, this track sets the tone for the suite of songs to follow.

The serenity of the first track is shifted by the upbeat rocker, “Everybody Knows By Now,” with its driving, refined blues-pop feel, and the tasty guitar chops of Jason Fowler. This song is Nash at his most poetic, with lyrical and musical turns that hold up against the best of North American roots songwriters (think John Hiatt, “Memphis in the Meantime”). All of the elements are there, and the band really cooks.

Another of the album’s tracks, which is actually quite a departure from the feel of the rest of the recording, is “Bombs Away.” Only two people perform on this track: Nash is on vocals, and Rob DeBoer, of the jazz-groove group Four 80 East, plays all instruments. This song has a distinctive The Zombies-style groove, with its atmospheric sounds and use of electric piano. Despite the difference in the sound and the approach, it absolutely fits in well with the rest of the project.

Nash states that these songs are the complete arc of a story (which is a direct quote). As such, The Light Still Shines On The Main really must be heard in its entirety to get the full scope of his artistic journey. We could go on about the songs, but we will leave it to the listener to experience them more fully. If you are a longtime Jory Nash fan, you will be glad to catch up with an old friend. If you are new to his music, get ready to dig in. There is so much to enjoy.

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