Blues Traveler frontman is reborn with 'Zygote'
Geoff Rahie
A man can't dance without the chance," said John Popper in his debut solo album "Zygote." This might be somewhat ironic since Popper is the cornerstone of the band Blues Traveler (whose situation is unknown since bassist Bobby Sheehan passed away a month ago) and has had more than enough chances to "dance."
In fact, Popper has been criticized for "overdoing it." Blues Traveler albums sometimes drag with similar harmonica solos and too many overdubbed vocals. And although some of those problems hamper this release, the album as a whole is well done.
Popper kicks the album out with the funky "Miserable Bastard," a clear departure from the sound of Blues Traveler. The track is laced with Hammond organ and anchored by the drumming of Cater Beauford — yes, the guy from Dave Matthews Band. Although the song is very catchy, it loses steam in the jam section. Popper's harmonica solo is a little grating and loses interest quickly. Good thing the rest of the album does not go this route.
"His Own Ideas," although very jam-oriented, does not get old especially with Popper's acoustic guitar licks busting in and out of the mesh. This track, like many others on the album, flourishes because of the controlled and simple manner of how it is presented.
The piano on "Home" provides a nice halfway point of the disc and the western-type showdown of "Evil in My Chair" stands out favorably.
Some of the best tunes are the heart-felt songs that catch the ear. The beatuful and calm "Once You Wake Up" is reminiscent of a '50s ballad. The soft music goes well with the lyrics that remind the listener that no one can go back to the past: "You can backtrack all you want/You can mourn for what's gone/But you're up either way/You better deal with your day."
The folk guitar of "How About Now" is simple, but just enough to catapult the song to greatness.
Popper, aided by his stellar back-up band, relies more on acoustic and electric guitars, and his guitar work is the nicest surprise on the album. His riffs are clean and catchy, and his solos and fills are all impressive.
It seems as though Popper left a few of his harmonicas back at his bachelor pad. After the annoying harp lines on "Miserable Bastard," the harmonica doesn't play a big role until "Love For Free." However, on this song, the harmonica sounds terrific, blending well with the song structure.
Just when it appears he learned his lesson, though, Popper destroys a song called "Lunatic." Although the song isn't that strong in the first place, he makes the pain grow deeper with the bad notes coming out of the harmonica in the background of his singing.
"Zygote" is a good effort. As demonstrated by his role as the frontman of Blues Traveler, Popper is very talented, many of the songs are catchy and the music is genuine. Sure, some of the songs can become pretentious — much like one would get sick from eating treats all day — but they are all done well thoughtout. "Zygote" is mature and will be welcomed by critics and fans alike.
All Scene Stories for Tuesday, September 21, 1999
