Leah And The Moonlighters – Leah And The Moonlighters, 50:48 ****:
(Leah Zeger – vocals, violin; Aaron Goldfarb – acoustic and electric guitars; Marcus Wilcher – tenor saxophone; Glenn Patrick Harris – double bass; Simon Wiskowski – alto and soprano saxophones; Graeme Francis – drums, percussion; Carter Arrington – electric guitar; Jimmy Leeah – slide guitar; Peter John Stoltzman – keyboards)
It is easier to listen to Leah And The Moonlighters than to classify them. Their music stretches over a wide variety of genres, including jazz, folk, pop, country and rock. At the core of the group is Leah Zeger (vocals and violin) and Aaron Goldfarb (acoustic and electric guitars), who handle most of the songwriting. Zeger is in the first violin section of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, and has appeared with Pearl Jam and the Hudsons. The band met through the University of Texas jazz program. The percussionist, Dr. Graeme Francis, performs with different classical and jazz faculty combos. As an ensemble, they bring an extraordinary caliber of musicianship to their group dynamics. With influences as diverse as Steely Dan, Bruce Hornsby, Paul Simon and Lyle Lovett, this mixture of jazz/folk/rock is appealing and very melodic.
Their self-titled debut, consisting of fourteen original compositions, is an auspicious one. Anchored by Zeger’s dulcet vocals, the songs are framed in assorted musical contexts. Folk roots are prevalent on the opening track, “If It’s Not You”, as acoustic guitar mixes gracefully with the hypnotic vocals. Zeger has a substantial range that includes a subtle country yodeling. The addition of saxophone (Marcus Wilcher) gives texture to the sound. “Southside Boys” pursues a classical take on folk as tasteful violin runs offer supple contrast to the country waltz tempo. An instrumental, “The Patriot” features a textured acoustic guitar and plaintive violin in tandem, exploring a more traditional theme.
The band demonstrates some bold interpretations. “Late Light” alternates between swaggering ska rhythms and fusion breaks. “Take Him Back” has numerous jazz accents and a soulful overdubbed chorus. Zeger’s voice has a sultry, ethereal quality that can fit into any format. Homage to Joni Mitchell on “Parker And Shorter” is evocative in the breezy lead singing and structured vocal choruses. Wilcher’s horn arrangements are concise and fit the nuances of the piece. “It’s Your Move” creates a mellow, Brazilian motif with an atmospheric electric piano solo. The instrumentation and inventive songwriting grasps both subtlety and attitude. There is a notable incandescence in the hooks and grooves of “The Day Before”. Horn accompaniments are fluid and cohesive, while the rhythm section is flawless. Understated resonance permeates “Like A Ghost” and “Ice”, as the melody lines flow with delicacy. The band members’ chemistry is focused, always sustaining the aesthetic flow.
Leah And The Moonlighters has drawn upon a plethora of musical inspiration, and synthesized them into an expressive, accessible setting.
TrackList: If It’s Not You; Take Him Back; Movin’ On (And Driftin’ Away); Parker And Shorter; ! Am Waiting; The Day Before; It’s Your Move; Southside Boys; Like A Ghost; Late Light; The Patriot; Ice; Reveries; Dreams
–Robbie Gerson
