MAGGI, PIERCE AND E.J.
For (EMP Records)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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For is Maggi, Pierce and E.J.'s fourth album, but the title's not a misspelling, it's just abbreviated. Spelt out in full, it would doubtless read "For Jeff," since the disc is an unabashed tribute to the late Jeff Buckley. That is to say, Buckley was an influence and inspiration for the trio, and they've crafted a set of songs that sometimes refer directly to his life and tragic death, and sometimes simply allude to the eclectic creativity that typified his too-short career.

Eclecticism has been the hallmark of Maggie, Pierce and E.J. since their formation several years ago. Pierce and E.J. had had a shot at major label fame and fortune with the hip hop crew The Goats, but they hooked up with Maggi and haven't looked back. Three previous albums (untitled, but referred to by the color of their covers, white, black and red) and nonstop roadwork have given them a faithful following, but they continue to work out of their Philadelphia base and market their own music. The music is very much their own. While Buckley is a palpable influence, so are Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, Lambert, Hendricks & Ross and virtually everything else that captures their notice. They're all multi-instrumentalists and ace harmony singers in their own rights, but they're not above recruiting help when they want to include harp, banjo, mandolin, harmonica or didgeridoo to get the sound just the way they want it. A folky ballad gives way to a hip bossa nova which yields ground to a tough rocker, and it's all just another set for Maggi, Pierce and E.J.

For is an outstanding effort, irresistibly adventurous music for the sonic explorer.

Track List:

Ferdinand * Burning The Sun * Space * J Bird * Open Spaces * Behind A Dream * All Things * Not Hurting * Butterfly * Bare * Unrecovered * 12/12 * What The Heck * This Year's Obsession * Free

(This album can be purchased at http://www.mpeband.com/.)

© 2001 - Shaun Dale