Jeff Lynne – Armchair Theatre

Releasedate: 19-04-2013; Label: Frontiers Records
By: Thorsten Hendriks

The name Jeff Lynne is synonymous to the success of “Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)” and “The Travelling Wilbury’s”. Jeff has written, (co-)produced, performed, composed music to assist his own career but also for others eg. Beatles, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison and many others.

This remastered reissue of the 1990 album continues in the same way as we are used from Jeff Lynne; typical multi-instrument songs which are accompanied by a variety of guest artists, such as George Harrison, Tom Petty and former ELO keyboard player Richard Tandy.

The songs give a mix of styles and genres but the 13 tracks fit together like a glove. Jeff Lynne will never be able to step out of the limelight of ELO and as such a lot of his influences in the band then are still audible now. His style of music is very different but then again very recognisable if you are familiar with his work – not only his personal career but also his songwriting and composing skills as well as his reputation as a (co-)producer.

The album starts with an upbeat almost rock like track called ‘Every Little Thing’, a very pleasurable intro into the album. Track 2 ‘Don’t Let Go’ is the first of 3 covers on this album, it was originally performed by rhythm and blues artist Jesse Jones (many of you are more familiar with his pseudonym Charles ‘Chuck’ Calhoun). The next two songs ‘lift me up’ and Nobody Home’ are very reminiscent of Jeff’s collaborations with George Harrison and The Travelling Wilbury’s. Track 5 ‘September Song’ is a 1938 cover, originally composed by Kurt Weil. The song is basically a story that tells the lifeline from birth to death. ‘Now You’re Gone’ again has that typical multi-track and harmony vocal signature which we are so used from Jeff Lynne, but this time with Indian influences. This leads into ‘Don’t Say Goodbye’ which is a very slow ballad, more or less of an interlude between the first and second half of the album. ‘What Would It Take’ goes back to the upbeat tempo, with keyboard and beats which takes you back to the disco era. Who doesn’t recognise track 9 ‘Stormy weather’? It is that famous 1933 blues/jazz song which has since been performed by artists such Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday; now it is Jeff Lynne’s turn. A remarkable good rendition of this wonderful song using the old style blues/jazz rhythm but with added slide guitar and choir. The next song, track 10 ‘Blown Away’ continues this slow mood with another ballad. Song 11 ‘Save me now’ is no different; slow ballad with Jeff Lynne showing his abilities singing and playing all instruments. This leads us to the 2 bonus tracks on this album: ‘Borderline’ and ‘Forecast’, they did not feature on the original release in 1990. ‘Borderline’ is a very nice to the ear song with soft tones and ‘Forecast’ leans towards country and western, but still a very pleasant song. Jeff Lynne sings his heart on these 2 songs as well as playing all instruments (Lead and harmony vocals, piano, electric and acoustic guitar, keyboard, bass and drums), which shows how multi-talented this Birmingham born man is.

If you need some background music to enjoy during a romantic meal or more, Jeff Lynne is your man!

Line up:
Jeff Lynne: vocals and many instruments
Guests:
George Harrison – Acoustic guitar, background vocals
Richard Tandy – Acoustic Guitar
Phil Hatton – Background vocals
Jim Horn – Saxophones
Mette Mathiesen – Drums and percussion
Michael Kamen – Strings
Hema Desai – Operatic vocals and others.

Tracklist: 01. Every Little Thing 02. Don’t Let Go 03. Lift Me Up 04. Nobody Home 05. September Song 06. Now You’re Gone 07. Don’t Say Goodbye 08. What Would It Take 09. Stormy Weather 10. Blown Away 11. Save Me Now 2013 remaster bonus tracks 12. Borderline 13. Forecast

Links:
Jeff Lynne Facebook