The Paris Rogues – Live and Learn
The Paris Rogues are the duo of Michael C. Parris (guitar/vocals) & producer Peter Rogan (guitars/bass/vocals/mandolin/harmonica/synth/bgv). There are 10 tunes to Live and Learn (Drops March 28/Melt Shop Records/42:56). Neither musician is from Paris, France, but the duo’s name is a clever re-sculpting of the musicians’ last names. The music they’ve created evolved between Pennsylvania (Peter) & North Carolina (Michael) – a blend of folk, Americana, vintage rock, some reggae & blues.
The opener has a catchy early ‘70s Southern-fried blues hook like the Allman Brothers-Marshall Tucker Band at their best. The vocals are wonderfully distinctive. Sounds like no one. Songs are written with fascinating cleverness that begins with the title track “Live & Learn,” which, while not entirely different from anything you’ve ever heard, is showcased in a new framework. It’s not Poco, not Manassas, or hard-headed like Black Oak Arkansas. Instead, this music comes with lots of rural seasoning, mature songwriting & care.
“Hard Livin’” may even at times remind older listeners of the country-inspired era of Moby Grape – they certainly have that same varied vocal attraction (the albums “Truly Fine Citizen” & “20 Granite Creek”). I’m not a big fan of The Paris Rogues’ retro electric piano sound, but on these songs, I admit the “sound” seems to work effectively & even though it’s an aged sound, it doesn’t come off too vintage. The application is used wisely. The vocals are the main delicacy throughout this album. Lots of finesse.
“Damn Apple” is a powerful ballad with that Moby Grape-Peter Lewis-type vocal (“Changes, Circles Spinning,” “Right Before My Eyes” “Gypsy Wedding” “Apocalypse”). This is a great song with words from Vicky Smith. Beautiful work. This opens an entirely different approach for a band that has this sound – it’s not Doobie Brothers (though it comes close), but I could understand a songwriter like John Prine composing something like this.
The band has mature songwriting in its grip. “Hold The Light” is another beauty with pensive singing, nice crisp clean drums, clarity on the piano & acoustic guitar that’s exceptional. I’m a sucker for this kind of composition. Well-written lyrics, interpreted by the vocalist with skill & intonation. The rockiest tune is “16th and Haak,” which allows the band to kick a little harder.
All the songs are conveyed with the attention they deserve. The arrangements are at the music’s heart — appealing. New music with a sense of age without being old.
Highlights – “Live & Learn,” “Hard Livin,’” “Damn Apple,” “Hold The Light,” “Another Day In Paradise,” “Ol’ Black” & “16th and Haak.”
Musicians – Josh Kanusky & David Torchia (drums/percussion), Steve Varner (bass), Phil Madeira (piano/organ/Wurlitzer/lap steel/accordion), Ron Stabinsky (piano/synth), Cliff Starkey (piano/organ/synth/Rhodes), Will Kimbrough (lead slide guitar)
Image courtesy of the band’s website. CD at https://parisrogues.com/home & https://peterrogan.com/home & https://michaelcparris.com/
