Gary Jules & the Group Rules
(DownUpDown Music)
Gary Jules' road to repute has taken several twists and turns over the past decade or so, hitting a number of highs - a well-received version of Tears for Fears' "Mad World," wide recognition via television, film and TV, a predominant role with the famed Hotel Café in L.A. and abundant critical kudos - as well as an equal amount of frustration caused mainly by record company inaction and/or instability. Fortunately, Jules has opted to soldier on, releasing four superb albums that have defined him as one of today's most potent singer/songwriters.
These days, Jules resides in Asheville North Carolina and talks of plans to initiate his own label with a collective of friends and fellow travelers. It's fortunate then that the album he's using to launch meets his usual high standard. Lush and evocative, Bird begins on a high note with the aptly titled "Beautiful" and maintains a mostly softer setting throughout. So too, the majority of its nine tracks keep ta constant in their wistful, contemplative disposition, although "Been a Long Time," a sinewy duet with musical partner Jim Bianco, sparks some Zeppelin-esque rumble while the tangled "The Road Beside the Highway" adds a hint of rootsy resolve. Nevertheless, it's the meditative gaze of "Ghosts in Cotton" (think Paul Simon's "Graceland") and the effusive outpour of "My Familiar" that inevitably send this Bird soaring.
Standout Tracks: "Beautiful," "Ghosts in the Cotton," "My Familiar" LEE ZIMMERMAN
