Eddie Jason Coven

CUSTODIAN of RECORDS

by Eddie Jason Coven -  ejc@blackcherrygroup.com

Leyva Turns more than 27.  He turns electronic gold

Chris Leyva has been a rock n roll troubadour for many years now, not only here in San Diego and his native Mexico, but across these United States and even to the U.K.  With almost 7 records under his belt with long time San Diego rock band “Blizzard” and one E.P. with 2008 SDMA Best New Artist Nominee “Revolution 89”, one can only imagine what Leyva’s next musical endeavors might be.

Chris Leyva

With his first solo record, “Singled Out”, produced by Lee Coulter, we saw a different side to the rocker known for adorning himself in leather and loud guitars.  Instead we got to see the singer/songwriter within with such tracks as “Drive”, where the music takes a more “pop” approach.  But on his second solo record, entitled “27”, Leyva once again takes a different direction musically, working with three producers to accomplish a new sound. This time, Leyva goes further into the pop genre by combining his pop sound with electronica.

Standout songs on this record include “Mexico”, which practically takes you into Chris’ childhood growing up in Mexico City with the stripped down chorus with vocals and Hammond B3 and light percussion.  “Sexy” sounds like a sultry, “get down to business” song but its got a much darker meaning to it.  “It’s actually about a girlfriend who died” Leyva admits.  Both of those tracks were produced by Walter Johnson in Dallas, TX.

“Forever” harkens back to 1982 when disco was long dead, but synthesizers ruled, and deep drum beats told us where to place our feet.  “Dirty Mouth” is another synth masterpiece, dying to be spun at the local dj joints.  Leyva has been quoted on writing this song about “…the first time he went to Rich’s with a gay friend of his” and about the argument they overheard from a couple.  “How could you love me with that dirty mouth”.  Both of these tracks were produced by Chris Reynolds, of the 1980’s billboard chart-toppers “Red Flag”.  In fact, the mastering of all the tracks on the record was done by Mr. Reynolds at his home studio here in San Diego.

But my personal favorite on this record is a song produced by Soleil Kelly of New York City, the last track on the record, called “Night For Lovers”.  A true pop smash hit, well written, tracked and produced, this is a song that needs to be in the movies.  When listening to this track, it makes me just sit back in my armchair and just breath it in.  Reminding me of an ex, and the time we shared, the song made me really feel something.  “Come dream me with aloud once again. There’s better things that will come our way. Tonight we’ll have each other, take me as your lover.  Before the moon hides his head away, come dance with me, come out, come play. The night belongs to lover, loving one another.  This synth-pop ballad makes getting your hands on the record worth it.  After I finished listening to this song, I fumbled for my phone, and scrolled through to find my ex’s number.

Chris Leyva’s “27” is nominated for two San Diego Music Awards this year, one of which is for “Best Local Recording”.  Chris can bee seen at House of Blues every month performing or promoting a show, as well as clubs throughout the North Park district.  http://www.myspace.com/leyva for photos, music and upcoming shows.