After several years spent performing as a guitarist for Kris Delmhorst and Todd Thibaud, Jabe Beyer returns with Where are We Going & When Do We Get There, his fourth solo release. I’ve got my own question for New England guitarist Jabe Beyer: why did we have to wait so long for his latest release? Where are We Going & When Do We Get There is a beautiful collection of songs that highlights the splendor of Beyer’s songwriting. Each track captures a sense of melancholy yet maintain a sense of dignity. Over it all, Beyer’s voice has a mournful quality to it that only heightens the experience.
The album plays as a cohesive song cycle, a noble feat in a Top 40 and iTunes world. Although Beyer mines his tradition strengths in country and acoustic-based rock, he also stretches himself to reach a broader and more mature sound. “Beggar’s Delight,” in particular, channels classic Velvet Underground with a potent “Walk on the Wild Side” style sax solo from former Morphine saxophonist Dana Cooley.
Rounding out this stellar release are tracks like “Paradise” and “You Can’t See the Stars”, both rich with gentle harmonies and evocative melodies, and the romping “I Dig This Town” which proves that Beyer can put down a beat.
My answer to Jabe’s question is that it doesn’t matter where he goes, with music this enjoyable we’ll all happily enjoy the ride.
Full album stream here.
