The Melancholy Season by Benmont Tench is issued by the recently reborn Dark Horse Records that was George Harrison's label and is now being run by his son Dhani who will be overseeing the re-issuing of the labels back catalogue, alongside new releases like this one from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers legend Benmont Tench who is an artist I rarely seem to go more than a couple of months without reviewing an album he plays on, yet this is the first time he's been the front man rather than a backing musician.
The album was produced by Johnathan Wilson at Jackson Browne's The Village Studio's as well as at Mr Wilson's place with help from Taylor Goldsmith, Sara Watkins, Jenny O. and Sebastian Steinberg
The album opens with the hushed restrained title song The Melancholy Season, full of quiet reflections, over gentle piano and organ backing, looking back at how he's ended up feeling so melancholy that arrives with age.
Pledge isn't allegiance to a political ideology, more a pledge to do good in the world, be on the right side of things, over barely their percussion and guitar flourishes. Be more like Jesus and stand up for the oppressed and downtrodden.
Rattle has a driving rock & roll feel, almost like a modern Rockpile sound, they cook along, doing a good bit of shaking as well as that Rattle when they walk, set against a real Jerry Lee style driving piano.
Not Enough is it ever enough, he wants much more of this life and the love and games he's been involved in, the wonders around him, while he ponders why love might not be enough.
If She Knew just how much Benmont loved her, perhaps she could slay her demons, instead of being consumed by them, this is slow late-night ruminations for one he couldn't save.
I Will Not Follow You Down that rocky road once more, this has a gospel blues feel for the pain Benmont feels, he wants to remain above the depths of tragedy you wallow in. When the guitar begins to wail in agony it all becomes clear, how much of a fight it is to stay out of hell.
The b-side opens with Under The Starlight a hushed lullaby sparingly played, hoping to help you avoid all the pain and sorrow. Wanting to get back a sadly departed lover.
Back to where he is still loved by that incredible woman, before she left and went Back to whence she came from, the keyboard tones are aided by Jenny O's backing vocals, all he is left with are the magical memories of how it was before she went over the edge.
Like Crystal this country twang for that stranger that turned his brown eyes green, he's in a rundown building, searching for answers from that dainty little thing, that brings more sorrow than he can handle.
Wobbles (Trio With Vocal Accompaniment) has the feel of the last memories of that special lady, she first Wobbles towards you, stirring emotions you can't ever get over. All he wants is one more kiss while stealing piano lines from the 1940's.
You, Again infecting Benmont with classical piano lines, love, lust and memories of your face and how it lit up Benmont's world.
The Drivin Man has the open road on his mind, but can't get you outta his head, while cruising on down that ole highway once more, you are always in his thoughts. He can't figure out why you bewitched him how you do.
The album closes with Dallas a song for getting as far away from Dallas Texas as he can, over sparing acoustic guitar, he just wants as far away as he can get. It's the town where everything went wrong.
Find out more at https://darkhorserecords.lnk.to/melancholyseason https://benmonttench.redstarmerch.com/ https://www.facebook.com/BenmontTench
