contents

blues
 
TS Leach Releases Debut CD 'Road of Bones'

Former Navy officer TS Leach releases his debut CD, "Road of Bones ". Just like when he flew for the Navy around the world, and served in the Persian Gulf, TS Leach has been "under the radar" for years -- strumming his guitar at small gatherings and cafes. Today he breaks out rocking-and-rolling over a torturous "Road of Bones" in his head, releasing his debut CD "Road of Bones" from Talking House Records.

TS is often described as a living contradiction: a borderline anarchist who spent 13 years serving his country and government; a pacifist who owns and is quite proficient with firearms; an agnostic with a fairly broad and deep knowledge of and respect for world religions.

"Road of Bones" examines the darker aspects of personal and socio-political contradiction. TS's political commentaries are not necessarily an indictment of war, nor a celebration of war. They're part of his larger interest in human relationships -- a look at manifestations of human conflict, the things that lead to them, the propaganda on both sides, and the results.

The music is dark, it is haunting; but it also offers a tinge of hope for the future. TS's intelligent and thoughtful lyrics, set to fascinating melodic-harmonic construction and instrumental arrangements that have been compared to influences as diverse as Lou Reed, The Doors, Pink Floyd and Johnny Cash, creatively and beautifully defy the norm.

TS wrote "Road of Bones" during a period of personal circumstances no one should be expected to go through -- after a painful family break-up and big changes in career and lifestyle. A time that mixed mourning, anger and hatred for a senseless and vicious loss, unconditional love, confusion and depression, isolation and fear, with a tinge of hope and redemption through friends, family and creative expression.

"This is serious stuff, " said pc muñoz, the record's producer. "TS exorcises difficult experiences and feelings in these songs, and it's deadly palpable in his voice and melodies. But there's also a sense of strength there -- a refusal to surrender -- along with an undeniable sense of humor. A rage against the storm, with a sly grin."

"My music is for political independents -- people interested in differing world views, foreign environments, apolitical reviews of experience, " said TS. "And anyone who likes their music dark."

"TS is a fascinating guy, " said muñoz. "Rich in experience, well-travelled, world-wisened, highly knowledgeable -- but undeniably rooted in good old rock and roll. The record reflects that -- head bobbing grooves that get you moving, kicking guitars, brutally honest words that provoke reflection, with a touch of musical flavor from various cultures and traditions."

"Road of Bones" was produced by avant-garde rock/funkster pc muñoz, who recently collaborated with Jackson Browne, keyboardist Dr. Fink of Prince and the Revolution, Grammy-nominee Anthony Brown, and Dave Worm of Bobby McFerrin's Voicestra among others.

"Road of Bones" is the newest release by Talking House Records, whose diverse range of recent projects include Ed Wiley Jr.'s About the Soul, among the Most Added on Jazz radio stations last month and lauded by Downbeat Magazine, and Twenty Haiku, a poetry project that debuted at the San Jose Museum of Art and was recommended by the Wall Street Journal, San Jose Mercury News, News & Observer and many others.

TS Leach tours North Carolina and surrounding states this summer, then Northern California this Fall, in support of this EP.



write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page