Fabulous Twilight
Danbury Fair, 2021
9/10
A pioneer of the Hoboken Sound and who also played in the legendary power-pop outfit The Individuals before appearing in Richard Lloyd’s Band, Jon Klages knows his way around a tune you won’t forget anytime soon, and this solo album embraces many of the genres that he’s played in his vast career, and some that might surprise you, too.
“Best That We Can” starts the listen with plenty of soul as Klages’ warm vocals and playful guitar glides alongside deft drumming from Pete Thomas in the jazz friendly climate, and “Rosalie” follows with a reflective spirit as Klages hits some pretty high notes in the bluesy meets R&B setting.
Elsewhere, “Long-Tailed Cat” recruits backing vocals from the Honey Whiskey Trio as frisky piano from Klages adds much to the country and jazz influenced display, while “Red-Dirt Country” is a bare, powerful execution of smooth keys, poetic singing and sparse drumming amid a unique Americana blend. “God Bless The Columbia House Record Club”, which just might be the best song title in recent history, then tells the story of getting 10 CDs for a penny in both calm and swift displays of retro, rural, twinkling song craft.
Approaching the end, “1133 Ave. Of The Americas (For Enoch Light)” offers a dreamy, airy moment where primarily wordless vocals steer the prettiness that pays tribute to Klages’ grandfather, and “Goin’ Home” exits the listen with a piano fueled and nearly gospel finish of sublime beauty.
Klages enlisted a hotshot band whose credits included playing with Elvis Costello and Leonard Cohen, and it helps make for a diverse, genuine and sometimes comical display of veteran talent that will satiate any fans of rich, sophisticated and stylish songwriting.
Travels well with: Daystar- The Complete Recordings; Susan Gibson- The Hard Stuff