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Patti Smith Guitarist Lenny Kaye Drops Surprise Solo Album at 79
22 Apr
Summary
- Lenny Kaye, Patti Smith's guitarist, debuts solo album at age 79.
- Album features diverse sounds, including personal story-songs and a Smith co-write.
- Kaye, known for Nuggets and writing, explores new musical territory.
Lenny Kaye, renowned guitarist for Patti Smith and producer, has officially released his solo debut album, "Goin' Local," at the age of 79. This marks a significant personal milestone, surprising even longtime collaborator Patti Smith with its departure from his established sound. The album, due July 29, blends downtown rock elements with gentle, melodic story-songs.
Kaye, also known for compiling the "Nuggets" garage-rock anthology and writing numerous books, explains that prioritizing his solo work was delayed by his many other projects. He views this debut as a new chapter, distinct from his band-oriented past.
"Goin' Local" features a co-written song with Patti Smith titled "Solstice." Kaye was influenced by singer-songwriters like Townes Van Zandt and his experience producing Suzanne Vega, which highlighted the beauty of acoustic guitar.
The album includes tracks with origins dating back 15-20 years, with some sessions beginning with bassist Tony Shanahan in the 2010s. Kaye recently returned to a studio near his Pennsylvania home to complete these songs and add new material.
One poignant track, "The Things You Leave Behind," reflects on the accumulation of personal artifacts and the ephemeral nature of life. The album concludes with "Yes I Will," featuring lyrics by Kaye's late uncle, Larry Kusic, who also collaborated with a young Kaye on his first recording in 1966.
Kaye is scheduled for solo acoustic shows in the spring, where he plans to present his songs with just his guitar and humor.
