Reid Genauer is best known for his standout storytelling, vocals, and lyrical work with Strangefolk and later Assembly of Dust. Genauer today released the first single, “Angels and Alibis,” (below) the title track from his third solo album. Considering his pedigree and even his previous solo efforts, listeners might expect more of that folk-rock sound with jam explorations on this new record. Those expectations would be wrong. This new single, like a lot of the record, is a departure for Reid in that he gave a large amount of creative license to his buddy Greg Loiacono (The Mother Hips and Green Leaf Rustlers) when he asked Greg to lend guitar and vocals as well as produce the project. This one has more space, it’s more open and less aggressive with a tighter focus on the story in the song which is where one of Reid’s great talents resides. The man can tell a story.
Reid’s first task for Greg was to assemble a group of “excellent players with big hearts.” Greg succeeded. He enlisted Brian Rashap (The Mother Hips) on bass, Danny Eisenberg (Jonathan Richman, The Mother Hips and Shelby Lynn) on keys, and Jim Bogios (Counting Crows and Sheryl Crow) on drums. Rounding out the crew, Scott Hirsch (Court and Spark, Hiss Golden Messenger) was enlisted to engineer and mix the record. The guys then loaded into, the now sadly shuttered, Tiny Telephone Studios in San Francisco to begin the process of making some musical magic.
As for the song itself, the sound is slow and thoughtful, leaving room for Eisenberg’s evocative organ work and Loiacono’s signature lead guitar. On first listen the single was immediately reminiscent of a song that might be attributed to Willie Nelson. It’s not a Country song as much as it is that the story and it’s teller are the star. The lyrics speak of a down and out every man seeking escape from crazy living and lazily dreaming about making a break for the coast that we can quickly tell is not going to happen. Without invoking their name, the song holds a similar “Wharf Rat-esque” sentiment. Empty promises to make things better in an attempt to fix a bad situation but waiting for ethereal forces of good to sweep down and take care of the problem.
Essentially, what we are hearing is the conglomeration of influences blended and stamped into Reid’s own sound and singular voice through both music and pen. Augmenting Reid’s lead vocals are the backing vocal arrangements that are choral in their application and, dare it be said, “angelic” in their sound. This is most certainly a result of Loiacono’s influence. Perhaps the most impressive part of the single is the unique way in which the darkness of the flailing life is simultaneously uplifted by the vain hope for a rescue that will not arrive. This is a master play in presenting the balance of the dark and the light.
It is always exciting when two veterans of a music scene come together to share ideas and combine focus into a single project. Greg and Reid took this opportunity and ran with it to create something exciting for fans and new listeners alike. While Loiacono’s influence will be immediately recognizable to his fans, many will hear Reid with fresh ears and vice versa for long-time Genauer fans. Both of these players strive for collaboration and connection through music. If “Angels and Alibis” is any measure, they have achieved that goal here.
The single marks the start of a larger rolling release powered by Patreon that will offer fans an array of Genauer’s artistic fortitudes including the new album produced music videos made by Reid, private virtual concerts and a litany of other personalized digital folk art. Genauer’s relentless artistic joy and courageous motivation to connect to the world is as infectious as his music.
