Jerry Leger’s records stand side by side to John Lennon’s in my living room. It’s only fitting because Lennon’s the first association I got from Coat On The Rack, the opener of the Canadian songwriter’s latest release Nonsense And Heartache.
That double LP is a real gem, honestly. It was produced by Cowboy Junkies’ Michael Timmins and features eighteen songs. There are a lot of things that stand out apart from Leger’s voice and vocal delivery, sometimes it’s the melodies or the clever lyrics, other times it’s the overall sound.
A special mention should go to the members of Leger’s band The Situation, who are so much more than a backing band. Jerry Leger sounds like an incredible band, rather than a solo artist with some great musicians doing their part. And it really does add an extra special layer to Nonsense And Heartache.
Carrying the torch
Although a rather new discovery for me – thanks Ron Sexsmith! – Leger’s released over ten records in the last decade or so, if you include a live album and records with side projects The Del Fi’s and The Bop Fi’s. That same Sexsmith who tipped me off about Leger ahead of his first European tour, played on some of Leger’s earlier records. Leger appreciates him as a friend and as an artists, he tells me: ‘It was really nice of Ron to help us get the word out. He’s been a big supporter and friend basically since my first record. I love his commitment to the art of songwriting and carryin