“Jerry Leger is one of the best songwriters I’ve heard in quite some time.”- Ron Sexsmith

“Passionate Toronto poet.”- Now Magazine

Jerry Leger is a singing storyteller true to his craft. Never worried about how he’ll fare against today’s trends. He’d rather focus on carrying the torch from those who influenced him such as Dylan, Costello, Waits, Parsons to name a few. With his group “The Situation”, he has been able to develop a unique sound which is starting to catch the ear of critics, peers and music lovers.

The last half of 2006 found Leger working on “Farewell Ghost Town”, the follow up to his critically acclaimed 2005 self titled debut. It brought back “The Situation”, Corey Stinston on bass guitar and Kyle Sullivan on drums, the amazing driving beat behind Jerry’s words and music. The new 12 song venture was produced by Don Kerr (Ron Sexsmith, The Rheostatics, Hidden Cameras, Peter Elkas) and respected musician Tim Bovaconti(who produced the first album). “Farewell Ghost Town” promises to be a musical journey we ought to take.

When referring to some songs, Jerry considers the album to be his “Hank Williams” record. Songs dealing with lost love, anger and the realism of everyday life that Williams (another huge influence on Leger) was so great at writing. If the western ballad can create poetry that touches our spirits then Leger’s take on the world will raise us up to focus on the simple pleasures of life, love and the heartache that creates beautiful stories and fresh starts.

Following in the footsteps of many mesmerizing projects that have blossomed in Canada over the past few years, “Farewell Ghost Town” is an exciting work of art for the New Year. The basic tracks were recorded over the course of a week in the summer of 2006 at The Gas Station Sound Studios on Toronto Island. It’s cottage-like environment allowed Jerry, Kyle and Corey to record at a comfortable pace. It also provided spare time for soccer games, a haunted lighthouse and unauthorized strolls in a closed amusement park.
Overdubs were then laid down at Kerr’s home studio, The Rooster during the fall where Leger and the boys received help from peers and friends. Within the album you will hear Ron Sexsmith on piano, Terence Gowan (Danny Michel, Andy Kim) on organ and piano, Timothy Cameron on banjo, Fergus Hambleton (of The Sattalites) on sax and the producers themselves adding appropriate touches.

2007 looks to be the year to keep track of Jerry Leger & The Situation. As well as releasing a new beautiful record, a new member has also been added to the group, James Mckie. Mckie brings with him a violin, mandolin, guitar and just about anything he can get his hands on. This just adds to the already unique sound Leger, Stinson and Sullivan have honed during the past two years. Those of you who have missed out on his band, this is the time to experience and say, “I saw them when…in the most intimate venue”. This is the year for Jerry Leger & The Situation.

- Jennifer Lorraine www.thefamousloner.com