Rhythm Of The Roads
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
Although this may be the sophomore album from Mark Rogers, the veteran musician actually started his music career in Los Angeles way back in 1982. With an industry heading one direction, and the music Rogers was playing going the opposite way, he returned to Virginia and put music in the rearview mirror for many years.
Now older, wiser and with much life experience, Rogers births a distinct form of folk-rock, where players like Jimmy Masters, Powell Randolph, Larry Berwald, Alan Parker and many more are in attendance.
Rogers strategically places the breezy, warm acoustic guitar of “Fifty Dollar Fine” in the lead off position, where his soaring pipes glide alongside Randolph’s precise drumming, and “Waiting For Maria” follows with an elegant form of Americana that’s smartly rhythmic amid some cultured influences from much further south.
Approaching the middle, the galloping spirit of “Just So You Know” benefits much from Rogers’ soothing pipes and intricate guitar picking that takes nods to classic country, while “Rain Parade” emits a dreamy quality to the flowing folk sounds and thicker electric guitar that borders on alt-rock. “Strange Anticipation” then offers a mature climate that flirts with Bossa Nova, as Rogers shows us just how versatile he is.
The late album highlight, “Leaving”, creates a very memorable version of country rock where bouncy bass lines from Masters make a big impression, and “Flying” exits the listen with no shortage of vocal harmonies as Rogers packs rural melodies and some firm electric guitar into the charming finish.
It’s not hard to think of names like Springsteen, Petty or Cash when listening to Rhythm Of The Roads, which could never be a bad thing, and the Latin moments and even subtle jazz traces make for a very diverse outing for Rogers, who, even if he got a much later start than intended, sure is making up for it with sincere and timeless song craft.
Travels well with: Jon Patrick Walker- The Rented Tuxedo & Other Songs; Ben Bostick- Grown Up Love