Jackie Greene - Till the Light Comes

Bay area singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jackie Greene has always taken something of a DIY approach to the recording process, but for his new June 29 Till the Light Comes (429 Records) he decided to go even one step further. After a pair of albums co-produced with the formidable Steve Berlin, Greene opted to take the primary production reins as well (with assistance from friend and musician Tim Bluhm) on the ten new songs of riff-meets-twang Americana and pop driven roots rock -- from dusty open heartland stretches to urban blues back alleys -- that make up his sixth studio project. Bluhm calls Greene "probably the most dedicated musician I've ever met. He lives and breathes music and probably dreams about it when he sleeps...which isn't often."

One thing that hasn't changed is Greene's acclaimed songwriting prowess, once again a genre-defying blend of influences and styles that span British invasion harmonied pop ("Grindstone"), Eagle-ish country rock ("Stranger In Sand", "1961") and brightly enameled, hand-clapping Fleetwood Mac-meets-Ryan Adams summer rock anthems ("Medicine"). Greene's kinetic approach is not only crisp and bracing, it's also simply a lot of fun and Till the Light Comes has a smart kick in its step. Recommended.

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 Jackie Greene - "Shaky Ground" (from the album Till the Light Comes)

 Jackie Greene - "Medicine" (from the album Till the Light Comes) (Video after the jump...)

Celebrated singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jackie Greene is back and preparing for the release of his sixth solo album, Till The Light Comes, a collection of ten new songs.   Produced by Greene and Tim Bluhm (of the Mother Hips) at  San Francisco-based recording studio, Mission Bells, the recording is the follow up to his highly acclaimed 2008 release Giving Up The Ghost.  Jackie Greene’s music inhabits the loosely well-worn “Americana” genre yet he’s managed to hone his striking talents over the years carving a sharply unique niche.  Greene’s sound, a mix of rock, folk, country and blues traditions, has garnered much critical praise and the admiration of musical peers —his distinctive songwriting and assured musicianship earning a groundswell of recognition that grows steadily with each new endeavor.   Jackie Greene will embark on an extensive U.S. tour with his band this spring and summer.  In addition, he’ll be performing the National Anthem prior to the Giants vs. Dodgers game on June 28 at AT&T Park in San Francisco.   Till The Light Comes will be released by 429 Records, which is distributed by Universal/Fontana in the U.S. and Universal Music in Australia on June 29th.

Greene’s virtuosity is at the fore on Till The Light Comes as he plays a wide array of instruments including guitars, organ, percussion, piano, Wurlitzer, mellotron, glockenspiel and electric sitar.  He’s also surrounded himself with a trusted cadre of players—a lineup that varies on each track  which includes Tim Bluhm (vocals/guitar), David Simon-Baker (vocals), John Hofer (drums/percussion), Paul Hoaglin (bass), Greg Loiacono (guitar), Dave Brogan (drums/percussion), Patty Espeseth (cello), Kenny Blacklock (violin), Chris Velan (vocals), Jeremy Plog (bass) and Bruce Spencer (drums). 

Greene’s restless creativity has led him to explore many outlets beyond his solo career as he’s shared the stage with the likes of Phil Lesh (performing with Phil Lesh & Friends as well as Further), Bob Weir’s Rat Dog ensemble, Gov’t Mule, Levon Helm (Greene was just invited to perform in Helm’s band at the upcoming Mountain Jam for Helm’s 70th birthday!), and toured acoustically with Tim Bluhm under the Skinny Singers moniker. 

Till The Light Comes track listing:

1. Shaky Ground
2. Stranger in Sand
3. Medicine
4. Grindstone
5. A Moment of Temporary Color
6. Spooky Tina
7. 1961
8. Take Me Back in Time
9. The Holy Land
10. Till the Light Comes