Adam Scone (Scone Cash Players, The Sugarman 3) on organ. Jimmy James (True Loves, Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio) on guitar. And Tim Carman (GA-20) on drums. That is right, Loveland, Ohio’s Parlor Greens are back, having never really been away. It has been less than two years since their debut LP In Green We Dream came out, and singles like Eat Your Greens, Drop Top, and Emeralds came along in the meantime, as well as an inimitable Jolene cover. Those tunes are all present on their sophomore album, Emeralds, a tight, heavy, and emotionally resonant set that almost feels like a ‘best of’ compilation.
In essence, this is a grooving mix of soul, funk, and jazz, but the gritty character also gives the eleven songs an unmistakable rock vibe. All instrumental, until the voice of Jimmy’s mother can be heard in the subdued closing track Queen Of My Heart, a beautiful tribute since she is no longer with us. Road-tested chemistry meets something deeper here.
Emeralds—produced by Parlor Greens and Leroi Conroy—is out now digitally, on cassette, CD and vinyl LP, through Colemine Records.