JESSE WINCHESTER
Gentleman Of Leisure (Sugar Hill)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Contrary to the title of his new Sugar Hill album, Jesse Winchester hasn't spent the eleven years since his last release sitting around Montreal doing absolutely nothing. He's been writing all along, and his songs have been showing up on other people's albums the whole time. He's just stayed out of the studio and off the road for a long time. Maybe too long. On the other hand, if it took that long to make an album this good, maybe not too long at all.

Though he's lived in Canada since 1967, Winchester's music reflects his upbringing in Louisiana and Memphis. Gentlemen of Leisure is a pretty comprehensive survey of southern musical styles, from Memphis R&B to swamp rock, gospel harmonies to country ballads. His voice is in fine form, his lyrics are as evocative as ever and he seems to be the master of every style and groove that comes to his mind. If you want to judge him by the company he keeps, among his musical partners on this outing are Steve Cropper, the Fairfield Four and Vince Gill.

There just doesn't seem to be a missing element or unsatisfying track anywhere on this album. I hate to think it will take another eleven years to hear from Jesse Winchester, but if it does, I'm sure it will be worth the wait.

Track List:

Club Manhattan * Sweet Little Shoe * That's What Makes You Strong * No Pride At All * Gentlemen Of Leisure * Wander My Way Home * Evil Angel * Just Cause I'm In Love With You * Just Like New * You Tickle Me * Freewheeler * Sweet Loving Daddy * I Wave Bye Bye * Wander My Way Home (reprise)

© 1999 - Shaun Dale