Lance
Larson - Songs for the Soldier (LanceLarsonMusic.com)
Originally released as a single, "Song
For The Soldier" was written as a tribute
to Lance's father who fought in WWII, and to
all service members and veterans. This full
album has the vibe of the early Asbury Park/Jersey
shore sound, scene which is well represented
on this disc by Larson, Bobby Bandiera, Gary
Tallent, Days Awake, Buddy Cage, and Bon Jovi,
among other topnotch musicians. Lance Larson's
legacy dates back most memorably to Lord Gunner,
who - along with future E-Street alumni Ernest
"Boom" Carter and Vinnie "Mad
Dog" Lopez - helped forge the 70’s
Jersey music scene along with soul/blues rockers
like Sonny Kenn, Cats on a Smooth Surface (featuring
Glen Burtnick & Bobby Bandiera), and do
I have to speak his name? Bruce Springsteen.
Lance and long-time girlfriend Debbie have helped
to revitalize Asbury Park by putting their money
where their mouth is. They brought and refurbished
The Wonder Bar, which is between The Stone Pony
and Asbury Lanes on Ocean Ave, with a painted
rendition of the infamous "Tilly"
outside. (The original Tilly, which symbolizes
the old Asbury Park when there was a full amusement
pier there, is said to be in safe storage, hopefully
to make a reappearance in the near future).
"Songs For The Soldier" doesn't
take Larson and this revolving band of musicians
far from their original soulful, blues/rock
grooves. In fact, the musical blueprint remains,
but there aren't any signs of slick restraint
or gimmicks. The music here is a much more
complete form of communication. The centerpiece
of these ten songs is the original single,
"Song For A Soldier." Lance and
the band take the high road, celebrating the
courage of those who fought for this country,
and mourning the men and women who sacrificed
their lives. "Running Wild Child"
is about a young man’s coming of age
maturity, with regrets and lessons learned.
"Devils Right Hand," which is a
John Eddie-worthy rocker, features Lance's
raw vocals, underpinned by a tough rhythm
section. The song could be about the early
West, but there are also references to today's
gun control laws. The unity and strength that
this album possesses typifies the compassion
and love that all these artists have for each
other, and (and as I've said before), Pete
Seeger's philosophy of "Act locally,
think globally."
- Phil Rainone
CD Reviews 
