Review: Jamie McLean Band ‘One Step Forward’

Review: Jamie McLean Band ‘One Step Forward’

By Hal Horowitz

Look no further than the cover painting of flowers overflowing from the speaker of an ancient gramophone to appreciate the music inside. While nothing is dated about singer/songwriter/guitarist Jamie McLean’s pop-rocking on ‘One Step Forward,’ released Oct. 25, the lush flora visited by a hummingbird implies a vibrant, positive, colorful outlook.

Musicians on the album include drummer Brian Griffin (The Black Crowes, Brandi Carlile), bassist Chris Anderson (Rachel Platten, Richard Marx), and the return of original JMB keyboardist, Jon Solo (Brett Dennen/Angus and Julia).

It’s the sound McLean exudes on these eight generally cheerful songs. The one-time blues rocker has shifted gears for recent albums. This one finds him in particularly good spirits. He’s passionate about connecting with his true love and is excited to write hummable, heartland, pop-infused music expressing that optimism. The spirit of Tom Petty, who followed a similar musical template, is seldom far from McLean’s approach.

That’s especially clear on the opening ringing rocker “Summer of Who Knows When,” pumping out a chorus that makes it logical for the titular season, even though it appears in autumn. McLean confirms the Petty connection in the promotional notes stating he had the Florida born and raised star in mind when writing the upbeat tune reminiscing about his carefree youth.

The positivity continues with the spirited “Calendar Girl” (not the Neil Sedaka oldie), another example where McLean emotes about falling in love. “I think she’s the one” he enthuses with a beam you can practically see lighting up his face. There’s more of that in “New York Penny Lane,” directed at his girlfriend, as Elton John-styled piano supports the affectionate lyrics. McLean adds a bluesy guitar solo, bringing grit to the mid-tempo refrain.

The reggae-ish “Feeling Good” (“I’m looking for good vibrations/I’m feeling good now how about you?” McLean warbles with obvious joy) is peppered by his boyish voice and a natural bounce. While “I Believe in Love” might seem like a trite concept, the song’s buoyant vibe, strumming guitar, frisky tambourine, and a chorus that should get every audience member singing along makes it another jubilant declaration on an album with no shortage of them.

The mood turns serious though on “Don’t Leave Us Now” which examines depression and a friend’s suicide stemming from it. McLean, who has also suffered from that condition, approaches it with empathy (“Another day another raging fire/Hanging on by a wire/To anyone listening…I know that you’re down and you’re thinking about it/But don’t leave us now”) on an appropriately pensive performance that shimmers with a dusky pop glow.

The closing title track is, at nearly eight minutes, the set’s longest. Flashes of Steely Dan’s urban jazz-fusion are imbued in this introspective ballad as McLean reflects on his life which has taken “One step forward and two steps back/Been a hero, been a heart attack” often enough to caution others about not being distracted by unavoidable disappointments. A subtle, nimble jazz/blues guitar solo reflects the lyrical apprehension as the groove chugs to its refined fade -out.

While some thoughtful moments drift throughout ‘One Step Forward,’ Jamie McLean is in effervescent spirits these days. His music expresses that with catchy pop-rocking meant to make the listener feel as optimistic as he does on this refreshing, often exuberant collection.

“Don’t Leave Us Now”