Just Before the Storm
Jerry Falzone
By Scott Gudell
After you’ve journeyed through the music business for awhile, you occasionally follow the road signs that point down an inviting country road instead of toward a harder rock quarry. Jerry Falzone, whose past work included a stint in the hard rock outfit Pearl, has taken a different path with Just Before the Storm.
Occasionally saluting alt country (and rock) greats such as Jackson Browne, the New Riders of the Purple Sage, the Byrds/Hot Burrito Brothers and others, the ten songs on this disc are smartly arranged, nicely performed and finely crafted.
Although this is technically a solo outing, Ray Bellizia’s contributions include writing, performing and producing, while guest vocalist Jerry Engler joins Falzone on one cut, bringing a haunting depth to the track. All the songs are easy going and loaded with inviting melodies and lyrics. Just about every one is a stand out, including the opening title song, “Sweet Virginia,” “We Will Meet Again” and “Come Back Now” (with Engler). All are balanced by just the right amount of catchy, radio-friendly hooks, and they are stamped with Falzone’s years of experience.
