2023 – Lex Grey
By Phillip Smith; Jan. 21, 2023
Release Date : Jan 27, 2023
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com
How
Many Roads? , the eighth release from
New York ensemble Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers grabbed my attention quite
quickly on the first listen. Grey’s voice
is powerful and soulful as she performs the eleven masterfully-written originals
on this album. Known for their rock,
blues, and burlesque shows in Brooklyn and lower Manhatten, the group is comprised
of vocalist/guitarist Lex Grey, producer/guitarist/audio engineer Vic
‘Mix’ Deyglio, writer/musician Ed Wasilewski, sonic innovator Brian
Dewan, and drummer/percussionist Sonny Rock.
I love the brilliant Amy Winehouse vibe Grey injects into the opening song “In it Together”. Her voice is delicately soulful as Mix and Dewan drive the song on piano and synth. I can’t help but smile like a possum when she breaks out a briefcase full of blues in “Ain’t From Mississippi”. The extra grease Wasilewski pours into his guitar performance makes for a splendid listen. It’s exciting to hear Grey beautifully deliver “Begin Again”. This a song is so reminiscent of the psychedelic rock of Jefferson Airplane, and instantly transports me to that awakening time. Her haunting ballad “Biker Down” is a heartfelt and gorgeous dedication to a lost friend. Bringing the record to a stellar close is “Angel” a song of gratitude and loss. Grey’s vocal performance drips with raw emotion as she sings this song of aches and pains. In the vein of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt, this is a song that cuts deep to the bone.
This recording has turned me into a solid fan of Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers. How Many Roads? is album-oriented Americana at its finest.
For more information about Lex Grey and the Urban
Pioneers, visit his website at : http://www.lexgreymusic.com/
Check out other
PhillyCheeze reviews for Lex Grey at : https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=lex+grey
