Sumptuous collection from long-time musical friends.
With many decades of musical endeavour behind them playing with the likes of The Doobie Brothers (Cowan) and James Taylor, Lyle Lovett and Vince Gill (Zonn), ‘John Cowan and Andrea Zonn Are the HercuLeons’ is the culmination of an enduring friendship, giving the two the chance to take centre stage.
Although this is their debut, their background means they are able to call on some stellar guest stars, such as Michael McDonald, Darrell Scott, John Hall, John McFee, Bill Payne and Reese Wynans. With Wendy Waldman co-producing, this is a thoroughly polished and immaculate sounding record, with some extremely finely constructed songs.
Opener ‘Resurrection Road’ sets the scene, with a moody, mandolin intro that has the robust, Americana feel of ‘Copperhead Road’. Cowan takes the lead vocal of a tale of a love gone wrong.
The two share lead vocals throughout the album, lending a nice variety to the songs, and also demonstrating both as being skilled harmony singers as they accompany each other. There is a sonic diversity on show as well, unsurprising with the musical skills of the band behind them. It often seems to capture some of the classic songwriters of the 70’s and 80’s – there’s a touch of Boz Scaggs here, or Bob Seger there.
There are also a couple of moves into funkier territory, too – the distinctly Doobie sounding ‘Straight Up’, and the hard rocking ‘Long Way From Home’ provide some dance hall vibes.
Where they really excel is when things get more emotionally engaging – the delicate and moving melody of ‘Take Me To The Alley’, the soulful ballad ‘When I Stop Loving You’, and especially the the elegiac and somewhat epic closer, ‘Barbed Wire Boys’.
There is precious little introverted, diary entry-style lyricism in this collection, but instead, a focus on very, very high-quality music. It is a record made by people who clearly know their business, but don’t let that skill and mastery get in the way of the journey the listener takes through the wonderful storytelling. Recommended for all fans of quality songwriting and musicianship.
