Goin' Local [CD]

It's hard to believe that a legend like Lenny Kaye has never released a solo album before. However, after writing songs and slinging guitar with his musical partner Patti Smith for over half a century, building the canon of multiple musical eras through his Nuggets compilations, producing award-winning albums from Suzanne Vega, Kristen Hersh, Soul Asylum and more, it's safe to say he's been busy adding his own flourishes to others' records and spreading the gospel of garage rock and psychedelic history. At age 79, Lenny is finally ready to release his debut solo album Goin' Local. There are also a couple of notable guests on the record. Patti Smith is the featured vocalist on "Solstice." "Let's Make a Memory" features jazz pianist Matthew Shipp. "Pennsylvania Girls" features Tim Carbone of Railroad Earth on violin. David Mansfield provided a string arrangement on the final track, "Yes I Will." Lenny handles everything else on guitar and pedal steel, accompanied by a couple of local rhythm sections.