Album Review: Grey DeLisle & Les Greene - Grey & Greene

Cool music is spilling out of Grey DeLisle at a rate of knots, though this time the billing is shared. When seeking a vocal collaborator to bring a new bunch of songs to life, Les Greene popped up with the ideal voice and a complementary contrasting duet was born. The simple title hints at some sort of hue duality. GREY & GREENE takes the cue and a shade collision of guttural soul and angelic Americana parades nine originals and a fun cover. 

Not a breath is wasted in a brief template. Gripping guitar, natural vocal exchange and astute tempo placement steer a half hour spin down memory lane. Two names in the credits jump out to confirm the direction. Rockabilly icon James Intveld is the producer and ace country guitarist Deke Dickerson adds some licks. With input from these two, a sound akin to 1956 is wonderfully brought 70 years up to date. 

Les Greene is well known in the wider entertainment field of film and TV as well as a recording artist in his own right. This sidestep into a collaborative world will enhance a stature. From the first strains of ‘Home Wrecker’ he rules the roost where prominent. This opening track is an updated version of a Grey DeLisle 2002 hit and a reminder of the lengthy break she took between recordings to pursue a hugely successful Hollywood voiceover career. Since piling all her energies back into music over the last few years, a transcending talent has re-emerged. 

The spiritual style of DeLisle’s voice adds gospel- like qualities to ‘Mister’ and the beauty exposed in ‘Mariposa’ is second to none, alongside a sense of freedom expressed. Greene’s nailed on vocal adaptation adds energy to the rousing stomper ‘The Back of Your Hand’ and the cheeky ‘Shake That Thing’. They come across as sensuous with a slice of dream pop  in ‘I’m Gonna Let You Call Me Baby’ and emotively stirring  in ‘That’s All’.

De Lisle comes to the fore in the blockbuster ballad ‘The Pieces’ while she is upbeat and sassy in the foot shuffler ‘Go Go Go’. At the heart of it all is barrow loads of smart writing, both solo and co-written alongside buoyant musicianship driving an iconic sound along. 

For a bout of concluding fun, the shackles are shaken off for a vivacious version of ‘You’re the One That I Want’. Who needs Travolta and Newton John when DeLisle and Greene are in town.

GREY & GREENE is regally retro successfully blending soul, country and rock ‘n’ roll. Grey DeLisle and Les Greene convey having the time of their lives and the fruits are pure knockout entertainment. A shared bond of great music to sweep away life's travails.