Not content with wowing us with the feverous guitar solos, diverse song writing, and unique vocal abilities of his Americana jam rock outfit My Morning Jacket, Jim James has filled in his spare time by writing, producing and engineering his debut solo album.
All too often, musicians’ solo efforts wind up sounding like an assemblage of B side offcuts from their band.
However, James knew what he was doing when he crafted Regions Of Light And Sound Of God. Case in point: “State Of The Art (A.E.I.O.U)”, a commanding album opener that perfectly balances My Morning Jacket’s 70s rock vibe with a funk and soul infusion as the subtle yet crucial point of difference.
There’s also delicate balladry with 50s-like love declaration in “A New Life”, and the two minute instrumental of gently quivering guitar and effervescent strings that is “Exploding”.
There’s a touch of jazz on the grooving “Know Til Now” which kicks off with light, pattering drumming licks and some thick basslines.
That funk-caked bass returns on “Of The Mother Again” and it’s easy to get lost in the song’s upbeat rhythm and TV On The Radio –flavoured vocals.
It’s no secret that James is quite a religious fellow and it’s clear that on many of these tracks he’s singing his heart out to the big guy upstairs.
This may discourage some listeners but though the lyrics are full of praise they generally stop short of sermonising.
One part rock, one part country, one part funk, one part disco R&B, Regions Of Light And Sound Of God is a collection of cleverly curated songs that, blasphemy aside, is a hell of a lovely record to listen to.
