Jerry Ezold – Trials & Tribulations
Jerry Ezold writes songs from the core of his soul out there in Western Massachusetts in the majestic mountains and pines. His new album Trials & Tribulations, coming out this week, is easygoing folk style rock with a tranquil vocal style and introspective ruminations over 6 tracks. It’s hard to believe this is Jerry’s first solo album, but that’s because Jerry’s been writing songs and making music for a long time leading up to it and it is pro.
“Smokin’ Trees” sets out on what you might call a “jaunty” electric pace, with the instruments falling into place and just a touch of a jam band groove in its style.
“Smiths Ferry Drive” is a song about the excesses of youth, and a more mature realization that some folks never left the scene of those follies even as the sustained overindulgences became and obstacle to the path to happiness. Sometimes you can look back fondly, as you move on. With an easy, heartland rock feel, this belongs next to Petty in your playlist.
“Can’t Get Out Of My Own Way” is a song about “questions with no answers … let it all go and say ‘oh well, thank you for the ride.’ hanging on to for way too long to some things you can’t let go.” Nice harmonies and pedal steel set the stage for that feeling that you just need to stop working it over and over in your mind. Let it go.
“Wreckage” is a thoughtful song with thoughtful pedal steel. “When the bottle becomes his only guiding light, lost relationships and shattered dreams, now he’s drowning in regret or so it seems… the wreckage, leaving scars on hearts and souls.” But, there’s hope.
“I Used To Be A King” (a Graham Nash cover) that starts out with some flourishes on the organ and pedal steel. Jerry credits this song with honest vocals, and takes care with its sobering message of how it feels after you’ve fallen from grace, and lost most everything. The guitar licks create a foundation as you build some walls: “no one’s gonna break my heart again.”
Trials & Tribulations lives up to its name as it guides you to confront some of the less than perfect aspects of our lives as human beings spinning on this planet. Jerry Ezold’s songwriting carries you through self doubt amidst the disarmed, vulnerable need to pick yourself back up again. The album was recorded at Dirt Floor Recording & Production Studio in Haddam, Connecticut. It was produced by Eric M. Lichter; engineered by Guido Falivene and Elijah Novicky; mixed by Eric M. Lichter, Guido Falivene & Elijah Novicky; and mastered by Steve Wytas.
Musicians on the album are Jerry Ezold on vocals and acoustic guitar; Eric M. Lichter on guitars, bass, Hammond organ, piano, pedal steel, percussion and harmonies; and Elijah Novicky on guitar on “Smokin’ Trees” & “Gettin’ Well Too Quick.” All songs written by Jerry Ezold except “I Used to Be A King,” which was written by Graham Nash.
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Song Premiere: Jerry Ezold “Smith’s Ferry Drive”
Find the music here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jerryezold/smiths-ferry-drive
