Singer, songwriter and musical historian Billy Vera sticks to his strengths on this STAXY album of mostly originals. Backing up Vera’s streetwise voice is Tom Canning/key, Josh Sklair/g, Bob Glaub/b, Tony Braunagel/dr and a horn section arranged by ternor saxist lon Price incliding Lee Thomberg/tp-fh, Nick Lane/b and Terry Landry/sax.
Vera is a rich reader of ballads such as the poppish “Lonely Girl” and “This Love Of Mine” featuring Caning while some 70s rock sounds are hit on “Loralai” and the band gets upbeat on “Fool Around You.” Some soulful horns stomp off on the fun “Peeping Through The Blinds” and a bluesy shuffle “Cool Out Baby” gives room for some nice solo work by Sklair and Canning.” Keeping with his love of albums and 45s, you get 10 succinct songs custom made for your portable player. Lots of music that never ages.