Jerry Falzone: Buy

Just Before the Storm Storm: A violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds and usually rain, thunder and lightning. Just Before the Storm: that moment of calm, just before the change. Jerry Falzone is no stranger to change. For years he lived a nomadic life, traveling from city to city, state to state in search of that illusive dream called rock and roll. There are times to keep moving and then there are times to stop, breathe and take stock of what you’ve done and who you’ve become. It is that time that Jerry has come to, that time of reflection just before the next storm. Just Before the Storm, Jerry’s second album weaves tales of love and loss, death and redemption and a renewed faith that “no matter the roads we may travel”, good friends and loved one will always meet again. Drawing on the foundations that he forged and the losses he has taken, this work shows a growing maturity and depth in style and in content. Ten songs, heart felt and raw explore personal relationships that are somehow universal. As in most journeys, this one was not taken alone. Guitarist Ray Bellizia helped create a sonic landscape that is deceptively simple, elegant and filled with emotion. Ray’s arrangements found the heart of each song. His playing brought life to those arrangements. He provided the back drop to every story told. His contribution can never be overstated. Unlike his first record, Off The North Coast, Jerry decided to approach this work with a solid band, led by Ray with Eric Davidson manning the bass and Greg Andrews beating the drums with some further help by bassists Jim Kelsey and Bruce Diamond and drummers Dan Roelle and Chris McGlen. Beth Sigrist and Ray provided back up vocals and there is even a duet with Rock-a-Billy Hall of Fame member Jerry Engler as well as an appearance by the venerable Joe Dady. Engineer Sam Gruttadauria helped define a sound that is at once unique and familiar and provided keyboards along with Ray. It always does come down to the song, it always comes down to the story and Just Before the Storm delivers on all counts. Whether it’s the story of a confederate soldier watching over the wife who can’t get past his death in Sweet Virginia or the simple advice he gives his daughter in Here For You. Whether it’s the realization of a relationship going wrong in the title track or the need he and his wife have for each other on Depending On You, these songs strike a common chord to those who listen. Just Before the Storm is just the next step in the journey, walk on.