| Let the sun shine in. Jeff Larson, the sound of California pop, returns with another winning collection. |
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Jeff Larson
Swimming in the Make Believe
New-Surf North (2006)
Jeff Larson is the sound of California pop, conjuring the wisp of a summer's eve, the light breeze of an affecting melody, the warmth of the sun sliding across a clear, cloudless day. Larson continues to be a marvel, raising the bar with each new release. With the heartfelt Swimming in the Make Believe, he has surpassed even himself, waxing a dozen gorgeous songs unmatched in their beauty.
Take the shimmering ebullience that embodies the lovely "Summer Fades." The melody is so pretty, it practically begs to be hugged. The tasteful arrangement, buoyed by some truly gorgeous background vocals from Jeffrey Foskett and Randell Kirsch, practically defines the feeling of a lazy summer's day, such is the warmth exuding from it. The chorus, one of Larson's best, is particularly strong and memorable.
The melody lines that pulse through the jaunty, hit-worthy "Southaways," are pure golden sunshine; Gerry Beckley's unmistakable, typically-expressive harmony vocals are the icing on the musical cake. Beckley is the writer of the sparkling ballad "I'll Be Gone," a wonderful showcase for Larson's silky-smooth vocals.
Elsewhere on Swimming in the Make Believe, Larson plays the opposite ends of the California pop spectrum, practically rocking out on the harmony-filled "Rain on Me/In the Rain," which sparkles with a touch of welcome Southern Rock guitar, and embodying a sad refrain in "Leaving California," a sparse-sounding ballad, as pretty as they come, that glistens with the sounds of the ghostly piano resonating throughout. An unlisted, alternate version of "Summer Fades," featuring some different backing vocals and a slightly different overall feel, closes out this beautiful album.
The players, from producer Hank Lindeman, who contributes various guitar parts, to Beckley's America partner Dewey Bunnell and Chicago's Robert Lamm help bring these songs to glorious life, but it is Larson who makes them shine in the warm California sun.
Alan Haber
June 10, 2006
Go to: Jeff Larson