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Logan Metz: The Last Remaining Payphone in L.A.
ByHis debut record, The Last Remaining Payphone in L .A., is driven by acoustic instruments and employs expert songwriting bolstered by skillful arrangements by collaborator Lincoln Mendell and Metz himself. Very much in the vein of jazz influenced songwriters like Billy Joel, these songs seem poised to become instant favorites for fans of a good story set to music. Don't overlook the playing on the record, though. Short but sweet, the instrumental solos and fills that punctuate the vocal phrases are subtle yet poignant.
The first track, "Interesting People," is confident, playful and dripping with attitude. Sounding like it could have come directly off of Doctor John's Gumbo, the track features the live band that gives the record so much of its character. Worth noting especially is the sax solo. It's not just the music that makes Metz's writing unique though; his lyrics are crafted with a thoughtful cleverness honestly unparalleled. More than likely refined during the few years he spent teaching English (as well as the certain interest in language that preceded that time), the lyrics are humorous while remaining compeling.
Other highlights include the ballad "I Must Be Found," with a feel that brings to mind soul artists like Ray Charles. Metz makes the style his own without losing out on any authenticity. Likewise the title track, "The Last Remaining Payphone in L.A." channels classic country led by strumming guitars and vocal harmonies. Really, pretty much every track on The Last Remaining Payphone in L .A. is a strong offering in a style that's shamefully underutilized. Don't miss out on Metz's debut, but with any luck we'll have lots more to look forward to.
Track Listing
Interesting People, Almost (All Mine), The Last Remaining Payphone in L.A., I Must Be Found, Jericho, An Evening at The Cove, I Got a Woman, Augustine, Surrender, The Rabbits, Lullaby (For Everybody But My Baby (And Me))
Personnel
Logan Metz: Vocals, Piano, Acoustic Guitar; Lincoln Mendell: Keyboards, Piano (2 & 4), Harmonies; Hiroo Nakano: Drums; Pete Orlanski: Bass; Stephen Lewis: Guitar; Kyle O’Donnell: Tenor Sax; Gabe Steiner: Trumpet; Fabio Santana: Trombone; April Guthrie: Cello; Lauren Baba: Viola; Adrianne Pope: Violin; Mona Tian: Violin
Album information
Title: The Last Remaining Payphone in L.A. | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Self Produced