Irv Lyons Jr. “What Are We Fighting For”

Written by: John J. Tierney www.jjtierney.com

A sophisticated and masterful solo album that features some of CNY’s best talent.

I’ve always been a sucker for “good weather” music. You know what I mean, the kind of music that hits just the right spot as you sit on your deck, feet up, drink in hand as the sun goes down, and for me it’s a soulful voice, a groove that makes your elevated foot gently tap in that sundown sky, a lyric that rips your heart in two sung in chorus with the playing a master guitarist. Music that washes over you like that warm breeze you’ve been waiting for after the long CNY winter.

It would be easy for Irv Lyons to make a solo album that is a continuation of his decades long work with that beloved Sammy Award winning blues/rock band The Ripcords, but taking the easy route was not what Lyons was interested in, rather, he chose to showcase his talents with a bit of a jazzy, neo-soul vibe that gives What Are We Fighting For a sophisticated glow to it and in doing so, brings along, as he has done with all his solo work, some of the region’s top talent in support. In fact Lyons only lends his soulful, almost Henleyesque lead vocals to only four of the twelve tracks, opting instead to let that beautiful tone he gets out of his guitars do the talking for him while a veritable who’s who of vocalists handle the singing.

The opening track, “Private Invitation” features Kirsten Tegtmeyer offering a beautifully breezy and seductive vocal to a groovy little summer sundown song. Coupled with Lyons’ lyrical guitar to accent the lyrics. Also featured on this track is Dan Pugh on piano and the one man rhythm section of Billy Harrison.

Lyons’ soulful voice takes over on the title track, a song only someone in a long term loving relationship could write, a song about sitting back during one of those pointless arguments we all find ourselves in from time to time. It’s a reminder to see the big picture. “What are we fighting for?” Sometimes we don’t even remember.

The pop gem “Monotone” features heartbreakingly beautiful vocals by Olivia Rossi as well as great harmony vocals by Stephen Phillips, is about overcoming heartbreak and the end of relationship that went up in flames.

“Fly Away” is beautiful jazzy/soul song that will have you grooving in your seat as you listen to it. The song features Danielle Mitchell’s seemingly effortless soaring vocals. On an album full of great vocals, in a town of great vocalists, this track may feature some of the best yet. Funky guitar work here by Lyons and the late great Leon Miller. This track is radio ready.

Lyons’ vocals return on “Save the Planet” a heartfelt plea for us to come to our senses and do what we must to save the environment. The track goes to the next level with a great mid-song rap by Joe Driscoll and then even to a higher place with vocals from the late and legendary Joanne Shenandoah.

“Maybe” is another jazzy number sung by Kim Rossi in such a beautifully laid-back vocal style that should be an instant classic.

The album closes with two versions of “One More Last Time”, the first a lovely midtempo lament of love with vocals by Olivia Rossi that features a great solo by Lyons, and bass by Edgar Pagan. The second version is another treatment of the material with vocals by Rob McCall (All Poets & Heroes) which takes the song in an even more heartbreaking place accented by the piano of Dan Pugh. McCall’s voice has that quality of tone and phrasing that will just rip the very heart from your chest. Rob McCall could make you weep by simply singing the grocery list, that’s how good he is.

My problem is this. With every track I say to myself..”ooh, this one is my favorite”. Then I hear the next one and say the same thing. With all songs written by Lyons or co-written with Todd Hobin who also produced the album, What Are We Fighting For is world class music that deserves attention from places far and away from its CNY birthplace. THIS is how you write an album of love songs and present them in a sophisticated style that’s not locked into any restrictive shackles of genre. It’s the kind of album & the kind of music I find myself drawn to these days.

What Are We Fighting For is one that will be in my rotation for long time, and I suggest you put it in yours too.