It`s been a long time since the release of his solo debut, the 7-track live mini-album The Leaves Fall Upside Down. However, the onetime leader of The Pinetops has made the wait so very much worthwhile. Jeffrey Dean Foster`s songs for Million Star Hotel carry the rootsy charm of those on The Pinetops` Don Dixon produced gem, Above Ground And Vertical, yet are rock-charged to perfection. Sliding between moments of organic, raw beauty and volt-fueled passion, Foster runs a course through dark emotional checkpoints, each one seemingly wrought with disappointment, yet seeded with hope. "Don`t Listen To Me" is a sorrowful piano driven number that shows hints of Brian Wilson and Neil Young; with "Milk And Honey" even more so, recalling Harvest era Young. But Foster`s vulnerability and honesty carry these tunes, which are, in and of themselves, magnetic. Co-producing with Foster are Brian Landrum (Black Eyed Dog), who provides mostly drums and some keys throughout, and Mitch Easter, who adds pedal-steel and guitar on several tracks. Dixon returns on bass and guitar for a couple of tunes as well. Special note is given to Lynn Blakey (Let`s Active, Glory Fountain, Tres Chicas) for some stunning harmony vocals on a couple of tracks. The album`s title essentially describes being homeless and sleeping under the endless night sky, but this is a guy who you want to know assuredly has roof over his head and some solid recognition as songwriter. Million Star Hotel should certify that. -- Robinson, Miles Of Music (Angel Skull)
