Leon Majcen Makin’ a Livin’ (Not A Killin’)
Leon Majcen has a new album freshly minted of raw acoustic guitar playing and songwriting that’s nestled in the Prine genealogy and was produced by Pat Lyons (Colter Wall), Makin’ a Livin’ (Not A Killin’). Lovely thoughtful songs by a younger man with an older man’s name and an old soul, the album is balanced with some blues rock numbers among the sorrowful laments but keep your attention on the crooners and you’ll hear the depth and see the appeal.
“Don’t Leave the Light On” is the album opener on acoustic guitar and meaning-laden vocals and it’s a tender love song that easily applies to anyone you love and have to leave behind: “I could sit right here talkin’ to you about the birds and the tress and mornin’ die, you make me feel like I’m bulletproof like I’ve got it all. You deserve the world and more, sunny skies and open doors… I wish I could give you more, I must be leaving, the road is calling, don’t leave the light on.”
“If That’s What It Takes” highlights the struggle of poverty wages, addiction, losing someone and working hard. The easy arrangement opens up room for pedal steel, sad harmonica and delicious harmonies to sit by the fire and the songwriting is excellent.
“Down the Road” is a hearty song of hitting the road with rich fiddle and the authentically raw acoustic guitar: “we’re gonna climb into the van and hit the promised land so buy a ticket and catch us on the road.” “Tallahassee” follows with a fun shuffle: “there’s a girl in Mississippi, I really think she digs me, but I’m just here diggin’ my grave.” This one features vocals by Riley Downing and is layers of tail-shakin’ goodness.
Later in the album the title track “Makin’ a Livin’ (Not A Killin’)” is a rousing “I don’t know when I’ll be home / Ain’t that the way it goes when you’re making a livin’, not a killin’, on the road.”
Later still is “Feet on the Ground,” which returns to the somber confessional style that Majcen does so well: “I’m sitting on the corner of an empty, after losing at pool and they towed my car. I live my life the way the sun goes down, from bar to bar and from town to town, I hope hope and I pray to come back around when I’m back in town both feet on the ground.” “Thinking ‘Bout Love” hits the sweet spot again with Southern rock organ, pointed harmonica and an easy observational style.
Channeling John Prine with a quarter million followers on Spotify and quality songwriting, Leon Majcen should easily be on many more lists and stages soon. An mmensely enjoyable 12 song album. Find more details and information here on his website: https://leonmajcen.com/home
Makin’ a Livin’ (Not A Killin’) was produced by Pat Lyons (Colter Wall, Vincent Neil Emerson); engineered and mixed by Mitch Furr (Wynona Judd, Keith Urban) and mastered by Mike Monseur (The War & Treaty, Colter Wall.)
Musicians on the album are Leon Majcen on vocals, harmonica and guitar; Bryan Harris (The Vegabonds) on drums; Kenny Cosca on bass and harmony vocals; Pat Lyons on lead guitar and pedal steel; Julia DiGrazia and Billy Contreras on fiddles; Chris Hurst on keys; Jake Dillon Groves on harmonica; Luisa Marion on spoons and harmony vocals; and Riley Downing on vocals.
