Jim Peterik & World Stage’s “Root And Shoots Vol 1” is one of the more interesting records around. Yes, it’s one that deftly blends the strident nature of AOR with thoughtful, vulnerable lyrics but it’s so much more. And, like some cryptic crossword, the clue is in the title.
Peterik is royalty in AOR circles. You know “Eye Of The Tiger” unless you’ve been living under a rock. But did you know he wrote it? He’s still active today, most notably in the superb Pride Of Lions, and for this project, the stars have come out. At least in part, and that’s the beauty.
See, you’ve got the “roots”- a shed load of stars from yesteryear (most notably I guess, Kevin Cronin and REO Speedwagon) and the “shoots”, some new talent you haven’t heard of. All given the luxury of Jim’s considerable songwriting skill.
The album kicks off with the track that Cronin is on, “Dangerous Combination”. It’s the perfect example of what this is trying to achieve, a track where Springsteen’s influence is apparent, but with a unique twist as if he went AOR. The juxtaposition of robust music against delicate words creates a captivating dynamic.
His son, Colin, is central to “Before Anyone Knows”, which stands out as an unconventional love song, at its core suggesting a reluctance to take things easy. The album’s strength lies in its ability to infuse Americanised AOR with a distinctive touch, as seen in tracks like “Last Dream Home” (which sees Don Barnes of .38 Special singing) that add a different flavour to the familiar mix.
Diversity is a key feature here, evident in the contrasting styles of “Forever’s The Place” and “Mend Fences.” While the former leans towards a Journey vibe, the latter’s bluesy guitar and wonderful chorus make it a standout. The use of different vocal styles is particularly notable in “As I Am,” which almost feels like a show tune, enriching the album’s texture, and exercising Ashton Brooke Gill’s wonderful vocals.
Some tracks bloom brighter than others, and the inclusion of the organ in “Friends Forever” adds a layer of depth. “Suddenly” presents a light, airy ballad, showcasing the album’s versatility. “Found Me” and “Fire And Water” (a duet in the classic mould from Lisa McClowry and Mike Mikulskis) contribute classy ballads to the mix, affirming that this album is a treasure trove of musical variety.
Jim Peterik & World Stage masterfully weave together distinctive voices and styles, and although he’s no stranger to this type of thing, having done, amongst others, albums featuring just female vocalists and the last World Stage seeing the likes of Johnny Van Zant and Tom Kiefer singing for them, but “Roots And Shoots Vol 1” is one of the more captivating ones.
Rating 8/10
REVIEW: JIM PETERIK AND THE WORLD STAGE – ROOTS AND SHOOTS VOL 1 (2024)
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