EDWARD ROGERS – Kaye
aaamusic | On 05, Nov 2014
New York City singer-songwriter Edward Rogers was inspired by the late Kevin Ayers (Soft Machine), a music legend known for his intense and influential progressive albums.
Kaye, Edward’s fifth solo album, features eleven original songs and a version of ‘After The Show’ by Kevin Ayers. It was produced and engineered by Don Piper.
Various well known musicians have contributed to the album: James Mastro (Ian Hunter), Sal Maida (Roxy Music), Dennis Diken (The Smithereens), Joe McGinty (Psychedelic Furs), Gary Olson (Ladybug Transistor), Pete Kennedy (The Kennedys) and Don Fleming. There are backing vocals by Tish & Snooky (Manic Panic).
The album begins with the moody and heavy ‘My Street’, accompanied by emotional lyrics, and ‘After The Snow’ which is charming and playful. ‘Street Fashion’, reminiscent of Bryan Ferry and David Bowie, has an adventurous style whilst the contrasting song ‘Kaye’ is melodic and gentle. ‘What Happened To The News Today’ is experimental with a 12-string Rickenbacker sound and ‘Peter Pan’s Dream’ becomes eerily psychedelic.
Kaye is an album with interesting tales to be told, about both innocence and worldliness, and this is done through a variety of musical styles. Fans are often impressed by the feeling of beauty and yearning in his love songs and it’s tempting to make comparisons with other artists. Edward’s music has some of the eloquence of Ray Davies and a touch of the wildness of Lou Reed.
