Local Album Review // Logan B & Dirty Leaf // The Middle Road

Self-released

4/5 stars

Consider the curse of the jam band – studio albums often fall short of live performances. Although Grateful Dead were often criticized for lackluster full-length releases, missing the spontaneous groove found on tour, one can easily absorb the excellent songwriting and musicianship found on those platters. No doubt Logan B & Dirty Leaf manifest their best selves while feeding off the energy of live audiences. However, these tracks highlight threads within their sound with a clarity and depth akin to Sly & the Family Stone tracks.

Logan Battin's vocals stagger between Levon Helm at their most focused and Frank Zappa at their most playful. Soulfulness from his keys hint at Leon Russell or Brent Mydland. The locked-in groove of the rhythm section boldly manifests Bernard Purdie, Sheila E., and Tito Puente. Prominent horns create their own Tower of Power with ska undertones, giving listeners the luxury of brass solos. Guitars attentively wind and wander, brightening with versatility while providing extra drive to already strong rhythms. Basslines ribbon throughout with solid but understated fluidity. Backing vocals push through like Meatloaf's Ellen Foley with harmonica punctuating with Paul Butterfield Blues enthusiasm. "Stumble," "One More Day," "Hard to Say," and "No Time to Wait" hit with great grooves to hold you over until catching their next live show.