When confronted with a CD from a group named The Jelly Jam, my
reactions were immediate.
Reaction number one: “What the hell is
this
?!?” spoken out loud.
Reaction number two: Ignoring the disc for several months.
Reaction number three: Kicking myself hard once I finally got to
this disc, realized who the band was, and how enjoyable the disc
really is.
Basically the same lineup as the prog-rock supergroup Platypus
(less keyboardist Derek Sherinian), the trio of guitarist/vocalist
Ty Tabor (King’s X), bassist John Myung (Dream Theater) and drummer
Rod Morgenstein (Dixie Dregs) plows through a set which is
intensely listener-friendly and well-written and executed. Coming
up for adjectives to describe The Jelly Jam might seem to be a
sticky situation, but there’s no denying the end result is
sweet.
Chances are this disc could easily be mistaken for a King’s X
release, if not for the noticeable absence of Doug Pinnick. Myung
seems perfectly happy to remain in the background for much of this
disc, acting more as the foundation which allows Tabor and
Morgenstein to branch off at will.
But never do any of the compositions feel like they’re spiraling
out of control. Nor do they take on a musical smugness or feel like
someone’s showing off. Instead, you’re left with some solid rock
music with a progressive bend to it.
Tracks such as “Nature’s Girl,” “Reliving” and “I Am The King”
all are solid proof that these three prog-rock veterans are indeed
masters of their craft. Tabor’s layered vocal harmonies have a
natural sound to them, much like his vocal work with King’s X. And
when the group gets down to some serious jamming, as they do on the
title track, they make sure to keep things very interesting
indeed.
Even though these three musicians have a recorded history, one
can’t help but admire how they’re able to leave their other band
personas at the door and just allow themselves to get caught up in
the unique sound of
The Jelly Jam. The more I listen to this disc, the more I
appreciate it – and the more I wish I had discovered it sooner in
the ever-growing “to be reviewed” pile.
Go ahead, indulge yourself. Have some of
The Jelly Jam. In fact, splurge and listen to it numerous
times. You’ll still feel good about yourself (and prog-rock) in the
morning.
