Unlike his previous album, this one sees Eric playing more traditional jazz music as opposed to the funk fueled workouts Prince normally brings to his sound. The tunes are subdued and focus more on him carrying the melody. These tracks are not driven by the rhythm section as Prince penned jazz tends to be. There's a softer touch at work with an unmistakeable Latin fusion happening as well. It's obvious right from the start with 'Isla Mujeres'. At one point it breaks into a Salsa. 'Two Sisters' has a frantic sound to it. With the underlying rhythm moving at different speeds, you get a complex sound that can evoke a strong memory. I think of two women trying to get along. Women's relationships are always complicated. Moreso when they are family. 'Things Left Unsaid' is a piece of music that is both sad and slightly hopeful. The title creates a very specific feeling and the song doesn't fail to meet expectation. It's almost like Eric put as much emotion into this performance as he possibly could. I often wonder if this was the last track recorded for the album or if Leeds thought this would be the last record he'd release.
'Aguadilla' comes on like a freight train after 'Things Left Unsaid'. Considering the opening salvo, the tune actually has a mild tempo. This is the only Prince collaboration on the entire disc and in typical Prince fashion, there's a strong momentum through the rhythm section. The tune also focuses on other instruments more liberally than any of the other tracks. Once again, that Latin sound is present. It's followed by a cover of the Tears For Fears track, 'Woman In Chains'. This number is a fairly faithful rendition of the song and is a lovely tribute to a great song. The expressive playing almost covers up the missing vocal track.
'Times Gift' features Leeds alternating between the flute and his saxophone. The tempo increases here to an almost frantic pace. It's a bit too hectic for my taste and I'm not sure I see the meaning in the tune. Other than we're rushing through life and time is relentless. Either way, I don't quite get the message. 'Yaounde' is a haunting number sounding like it's being played in a South American jungle. There's a lot of woodwind instruments and strange percussion playing on this one. It's actually quite moving, but completely unexpected. 'Soldiers Things' brings to mind a small French cafe right after World War II. You imagine a soldier heading home, stopping for a meal. A brief glance at a beautiful woman. They continue to exchange meaningful looks, and you get the feeling this could be the greatest adventure in both of their lives. This could be true love. But it never goes beyond that. He finishes his meal, stands up, tips his hat in her direction and walks away never to see her again. 'Commuting' is another song with a frantic tempo but in this case, it's tempered by a relaxed melody and soft playing by Eric. Once again, the song title is incredibly accurate and you can picture someone driving home from a long day of work in the city. Heading home for the night in their suburban home.
It seems to me this CD was almost an afterthought. To this point, Prince had been incredibly involved in Eric's solo work. And he stayed involved in most Paisley projects as well. The lack of input and participation by Prince makes me think this was thrown together from music Eric was working on outside of Paisley Park and Prince used it to fill an open slot. But who can say for sure. I think this might have actually been the last release by that label. Shortly after buying it, Paisley Park was no more. :-(. Still, not a bad way to go out. The record is adventurous and generally fits the blend of the forward thinking label. My final words: JAZZ-ER-IFIC!
ERIC LEEDS - THINGS LEFT UNSAID
01. Isla Mujeres
02. Two Sisters
03. Things Left Unsaid
04. Aguadilla
05. Woman In Chains
06. Times Gift
07. Yaounde
08. Soldiers Things
09. Commuting
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