About The Briggs Project

Listen:

Right Time https://marthalidd.com/mp3/02right_time.mp3

Keep On Running https://marthalidd.com/mp3/09%20Keep%20On%20Running.mp3

The Briggs Project was the culmination of ten years of writing and recording by Jeff Bove. Although the project was completed and mixed over a decade ago, Bove declined to release it (or even play it for anyone) until now. It pulls together threads and influences from all of Bove’s prior work. Unlike Bove’s other recordings, “Briggs” represents the first studio recording. Not surprisingly, it was recorded and engineered by Bove in his studio – – a horse stall once occupied by a horse named Jeff. After assembling a highly talented ensemble consisting of drummer Chris Bergman, and bassist Randy Coleman, Bove added versatile guitarist Tom Alderson and vocalist Mindy Reynolds.
The fivesome worked for three years learning and recording Bove’s songs. They collaborated to write an additional five tunes, characterized by the R&B influence of Bergman and Coleman (formerly bassist for Johnny Neel), accented by saxophonist Wayne Beardwood, and the unique Bove arrangements.

Bove then invited the well known and highly accomplished Lindsay Lee, formerly of the Malibu’s, Friends of the Family and Energee to complete the lead vocals and keyboards on the last phase of the project. To close the musical circle, vocalist Andy Eaton, the lead vocalist for Martha Lidd, Little Tommy Tittlemouse and Luther Lidd, joined Lee to complete the project, the culmination of forty years of work with Bove. Eaton’s vocals blend seamlessly with Lee in a series of exceptional vocal arrangements and performances. Fittingly, Eaton contributed major singing performances on all four of Bove’s CD’s.

The project begins with Reynolds and Bove singing “Gonna Be Alright”. Bove is featured on lead guitar. The ending chorus is notable for the line, “man the lines, throw the wheel to left, pull and turn just to survive”. “Right Time” follows with Lee and Eaton on vocals and Alderson on guitar. “Will Love Find A Way” was inspired by a disabled boy who, accepting his fate, enjoys an uplifting life of magic and love, thanks in part to the caring ways of the late Jerry Garcia and other members of the Grateful Dead.

“Let Time Take Its Turn” is a classic modern protest song featuring Mindy Reynolds on vocals – – “Our torches burn tonight, the assembly lost its sight, will the bill of rights vaporize, are the leaders telling lies.” This is followed by a rock/blues tune called “Take To Me Baby” with Lee on vocals and keyboard.

The next song was written twenty-two years ago entitled “Acid Rain”. It is a classic mid-sixties type vocal arrangement set to a reggae beat with lyrics warning about the melting polar caps, global warming and the effect of these environmental issues on people. The song foreshadowed the present global environmental crisis over two decades ago!

“Twisted Fortune” features Lee on vocals and electronic harpsichord. He is joined by Eaton with help from Sandy Lee. “Let the Music Play” was composed as a group and features Wayne Beardwood on Sax. “Keep On Running” features the incredible vocal work of Lee and Eaton, followed by “Goin Down”, highlighting Reynolds’ lead vocals and Beardwood’s saxophone. “We’ll All Be Together” is a complicated and diverse piece, with its opening e-bow part, numerous rhythm changes and intricate keyboard work, all surrounded by Lee’s strong lead vocals and Eaton’s harmonies. “Out of Control” is a classic rock tune sung by Reynolds and Bove, followed by “Walk To The Window”, another collaborative song featuring Reynolds and Tom Alderson on lead guitar. With “Confusion”, the ensemble shifted genres again to a country song. This is followed by Bove’s “Children’s Hymn”, featuring Lee on electronic pipe organ and lead vocals. The CD winds to a close with Bove’s “Changing Places”, “Miss Your Kiss” featuring Reynolds and Beardwood and Bove’s “You Scheme” “Certain Trust” and “Particle Beam”.

Bove has this to say about the project: “It was a truly incredible experience working with so many talented people and having the time and freedom to put together these songs. I am glad that Scott Birney and my daughter, Hannah, pushed me to release all this stuff or it would still be sitting in boxes in the vault. And I’m also pleased that these great musicians will finally get to hear their performances.”

Now the rest of you can hear what we did all these nights at the stable.