ELDER CREEK

Five years on from his debut solo album, 'Jessica', American guitarist Jeff Green has returned with his second, which this time is credited as a project. When one sees who has been involved this time, it is probably a fairer way of crediting it. While Jeff provides most of the guitars, mandolin, guitar synth and much of the vocals, he is also joined by He is joined by Pete Riley on drums (Guthrie Govan, Wetton & Downes Icon, Keith Emerson), Mike Stobbie on keys (Pallas and a renowned prog producer), Sean Filkins (Big Big Train, Lorien) provides lead vocals on the title number, Alan Reed provides lead vocals on 'A Long Time From Now' (Pallas, various Clive Nolan projects, solo), Garreth Hicklin provides lead and backing vocals (Illegal Eagles), Phil Hilborne guitar (Nicko McBrain's touring Clinic, has played with Brian May, Glen Hughes, Keith Emerson, Steve Vai), with Andy Staples (bass) and Imogen Hendricks (backing vocals) completing the line-up. Out of all of these, the one name that may seem unusual to progheads is that of Garreth, until one realizes that Jeff is also a member of Illegal Eagles.

'Elder Creek' explores the concept of memory, its loss and the part it plays in our lives, the lives of loved ones and society in general. Using both anecdotal and mythological subject matter, the album raises the question; if memories define who we are, then who indeed are we without them. Many lyrics were based on poems written by Jeff's father. Jeff may have lived in Ireland for more than a dozen years, but it his American roots that come through, especially when he is playing acoustic guitar, as that combined with the harmonies leads the project more into the area of Crosby Stills and Nash as opposed to IQ or Pallas. But, the prog influences are also there throughout and the result is a crossover album that is beautiful, with soaring vocals and great keyboards that accentuate the guitars. This is all about songcraft as opposed to showing just how clever all those involved are when it comes to playing their instruments. They have nothing at all to prove, and this feels incredibly relaxed as it draws the listener in to it's heart and soul.

There is a depth and real presence with this album, with some wonderful arrangements and the clever use of repeating melodies on different instruments to provide additional dynamics while staying within the same theme. Immediate, impressive, one can only hope that it doesn't take five years for the next one, as anyone who enjoys great songs with great singers, especially if they enjoy their classic Americana, will find a great deal here to enjoy. www.progrock.co.uk

US born, UK based composer and musician Jeff GREEN first appeared as a recording artist back in 2009, with his self released album "Jessica", a conceptual creation revolving around his late daughter of the same name. An emotional and possibly cathartic creation. Five years later he returns, now with more of a band based effort, and possibly due to that opting to use the moniker Jeff Green Project for his second album "Elder Creek", which was released through UK label Festival music at the start of 2014.

While I've never been one to focus all that much on the lyrics, those with an interest in such matters might note that Green once again have chosen to create a concept album, although I wouldn't be all that surprised if he stated that the concept chose him. One of the blessings and curses of having a creative mind is, after all, that ideas will take over and demand to be given an outlet. The concept this time around revolves around memories, and especially the loss of them from what I understand. Which is a nice change from all the fantasy, horror and science fiction based concepts more traditionally explored by musicians.

In terms of music, this is an album that is somewhat hard to pinpoint though. This is a guy that has a deep affection for music from the 1970's, and there are multiple references to music from that decade throughout. A recurring feature are vintage oriented, jubilant keyboard escapades. What at least sounds like old keyboards and the good, old organ takes turns with the guitar to produce both soaring, elegant and majestic solo passages, and as far as the guitar solo parts go those who enjoy the style of guitarists like Andrew Latimer and David Gilmour should find Green's blues-tinged guitar solo runs to be a sheer joy. That he's also capable of some more modern style shred-like antics is also showcased on a select few occasions though.

While Camel and Pink Floyd can and probably should be referenced, there are alos other dimensions to this production. A subtle element that sticks throughout is what I'd describe as an American vibe. The lead vocals, accent and some of the vocal harmonies is a part of that picture, and some details here and there that possibly points in the direction of The Eagles isn't as farfetched as it may sound due to Green's involvement in tribute band The Illegal Eagles, and there are also some detours made into pastoral, Irish tinged folk-inspired territories as well as to funk-flavored archetypical 1970's AOR, but also occasional detours into landscapes closer to 1980's neo progressive rock.

When that has been said, this isn't at all a fragmented affair. The individual songs and the album as a whole has a strong feeling of cohesion throughout, there's nothing that sounds out of place and none of the compositions can be described as being of a markedly different style than the others. So while this is an album that covers a fair bit of stylistic ground, it does so in a well thought out manner, and one that won't demand it's listeners to have an extensive and broad taste in music.

Personally I found this disc to be an enjoyable one. As there's a strong 70's sound going on, a fairly liberal use of keyboards but also an undercurrent of what I'd describe as Americana sounding elements, I'd guess that those who enjoy the works of bands Camel and The Eagles on a fairly equal level might be pretty close to the ideal audience for this album.

If you want to interest people in progressive rock music, you will definitely stand a good chance with the Jeff Green Project's "Elder Creek", reviewed here. You may find a splendid mixture on this album of Genesis and Yes inspired prog rock and American country and Westcoast rock in the vein of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Poco, The Outlaws and The Eagles.

It's certainly no mixed bag but a consistently perfect blend. Credit where credit is due and that's of course to the creator of the whole, namesake of the project: singer/guitarist Jeff Green.

Born and raised in California, this musician has a passionate life and the music he makes is a reflection of that in all its aspects. In 1986, for example, he left for the United Kingdom with a suitcase full of musical experience, where he played in various cover bands for a long time. The most important of these for the purposes of this review is undoubtedly Illegal Eagles, an Eagles tribute band. In 2009 his first solo album, called "Jessica", is independently released. The album's concept deals with his stillborn daughter. Five years later, Green once again releases a concept album on which he tries to deal with personal drama. "Elder Creek", discussed here, has memories as an overarching theme, especially as a result of the battle his grandma fought against Alzheimer's. It's amazing how both albums didn't go down in self-pity and excessive sadness.

Green expresses his feelings with integrity during seven songs. In addition to his sparkling guitar playing and his brooding Franck Carducci-like vocals, it is mainly the interpretations of keyboardist Mike Stobbie (ex-Pallas) and the driven rhythm section consisting of bassist Andy Staples and drummer Pete Riley that are decisive for the group sound. Stobbie joins in with both wonderful, neo-prog-tinted playing on the synthesizers and standard prog sounds such as piano, organ, mellotron and strings. He brings enormous depth to the already lush music.

It's captivating, from the spooky intro of Theseus Falls, after which a catchy guitar riff takes the lead only to end up in the actual song via some bombastic chords. The build-up is excellent and while the song becomes more and more passionate, high-pitched vocals and fiery guitar playing alternate nicely. It closes with an organic piece in the vein of Yes. In the subsequent title track Elder Creek, lead vocals are dealt with by Sean Filkins (ex-Big Big Train) who manages to touch upon all the expressions of the song with his high, nasal voice.

With songs like the subdued mid-tempo Our First Meeting, the instrumental Point Blunt Light and the often changing mood of Gordian Knot, the album has amiddle part that is very pleasing to the ear. There really isn't a single misplaced note and before you know it the finale has arrived. This feels like it consists of two songs: the atmospheric Loops And Threads (A Lullaby In Reverse) with a beautiful pas de deux by Green and Stobbie and the twenty-minute epic A Long Time From Now. As for the latter: initially there were three separate songs that were eventually put together by Green. The structure is sublime, with an intro, two vocal sections, a vocal break, another vocal section and an overwhelming finale. A lot happens during the song. Alan Reed sings a part and yes, when he starts singing the music gets something of a magical touch. There is also a starring role for Phil Hilborne who adds a devastatingly delightful guitar solo. It's all so well thought out, without coming across as contrived.

"Elder Creek" is a strong album with which you can make a good impression as a prog rock advocate. Undeniably good. Case closed.

Originally posted on www.progenrock.com