Solomon is a Boston-based band whose output ranges from new country through jazz and pop to folk. Not Life Threatening seems to try to cover all of those genres, and for the most part it succeeds. The main disadvantage of such a wide range of styles is that very few listeners are enthralled by all of them.

Having said that, I would urge anyone who likes even one of the genres to give the CD a fair listen.

Lenny Solomon has written all of the tracks and it certainly showcases a writer of ability. His lyrics range from the light-hearted to the highly critical. His humorous take on airline travel in "Your Flight has been Cancelled" will strike chords with everyone who has had that glorious experience of asking the check in desk attendant about it. "Your flight has just been cancelled, please don't be annoyed, all I do is work here and your time is null and void."

"The Listener" is a track where the singer sounds like an early Bob Dylan. The theme is about the problems we all face in life and it is very well written. "Leaving Town Today" is another track that will feel very real to some listeners as it recounts the forgotten things that resurface when we need to move on. The title track is about the tragedy of the lack of good medical care for people when they grow old. It is told in the tale of the latter days of an Aunt Matilda and is an indictment of the society that casts aside those who made that society possible. The church, the medical profession, the world says they hope they will be as well as her when they reach old age -- empty words.

Solomon is a group to watch and Lenny has a very succinct way of saying the "home truths" that he wishes to express.

[ by Nicky Rossiter ]
Rambles: 10 August 2002