The first thing you gotta know about “New Train” is that it was released 27 years after it was recorded. If you are trying to do the math in your head, that’s 1973. The second thing you may want to know about this album is, that regardless of when you come to it, it delivers the goods and then some.
A little bit of this, a little bit of that. The opening number, Gonna Move, sets the mood of the entire LP. It is a catchy, rhythm and blues number that features guest vocals by The Persuasions. Indian Boy has a softer Richie Havens feel to it. Grateful Dead legend, Jerry Garcia, along with Merl Saunders guest on Venutian Lady (think the Dead’s Bertha) and the title track. And speaking of the title track, New Train feels like Van Morrison. Wait on What You Want has that Clapton blues rock sound. Track six, Cosmic Mirror, is an homage to Jimi Hendrix; you almost think you are listening Jimi. The Johnny Nash penned Let’s Move and Groove Together is sultry, sexy soul with a touch of the Sunday morning choir. Pena’s guitar solo is heavenly. Amen.
The most recognized song on the disc is the original version of Jet Airliner. Made famous by the Steve Miller Band, it is a Paul Pena composition that they covered in 1977. Pena’s version drips like a barbeque sauce after it has simmered in a pot on the stove for most of the day. Ribs, please.
Even with all of the variety of influences on this album, this is Paul Pena’s creative mark. His stellar guitar work and his truly amazing vocal presence almost seem effortless but make a deep impression that you are not even really aware of it. Your body knows. And that, my friends, is what makes “New Train” a five star out of five stars album.
365, Album of the Day 2014 