Former Megadeth guitarist and current Kings Of Thrash member Jeff Young has shared a fresh update on rEvolutions, an album project he says he has been quietly building for more than a decade.
Young says the plan from day one was open-ended, focused on letting the material develop at its own pace: “The process began with a specific intent but no conditions or time limit. The goal was to create a fresh sound, incorporating influences and skills garnered over the years… (rock, metal, world, classical, blues, etc).”
Rather than rushing a traditional lineup into place, he says he approached it like a long-term collaboration, bringing in players as the songs demanded: “I wasn’t seeking to ‘form a band’ but wanted to collaborate with the very best group of players I could find. On that note, I’d say, Lady Luck has been on my side. I keep telling my close friends and colleagues, ‘Put me on the back burner, just have a listen to all these creative souls, who lent their unique talents, helping me sculpt these songs into something… magical.’”
According to Young, the project is now deep into the final stretch, with recording and mixing close to done. He also points to the approach (patience, the right people, and old-school methods) as a big reason the record took the shape it did.
“We are close to finishing the recording and mixing portions of this ‘life’s work’ project. By beginning with the intent not to rush but to ‘allow’ the songs to write themselves. Waiting for the appropriate players to arrive and recording as much as possible, staying true to vintage analog recording methods — this album pretty much wrote itself. As a result, the songs reflect not only my journey as a musician, songwriter, and producer… the listener gets to meet the musicians and influences that have fortunately crossed my path along the way.”
He also notes how the changing landscape of recording technology became part of the story baked into the tracks: “Sonically speaking, the actual process of ‘recording’ music has changed so drastically from a decade ago. Each song on the record is like its own ‘time capsule’ or movie. Along the trip, the listener can hear exactly where I was in a given year, also where the audio technology medium was in that moment.”
On the release side, Young says labels have shown interest, but he’s weighing the best home for it: “I’ve talked with a couple of record labels so far that wanted to help us release this album, but I want to be sure it’s really the ‘right fit’ and we make the most of our creative efforts!”
Because sessions happened across different locations, he frames the album as a true cross-genre, cross-border project: “Songs were recorded in different studios, in different cities and countries, it truly is a ‘world music’ album — with elements of all the genres that have influenced my rEvolution.”
And with the finish line in sight, he makes it clear he wants people to experience it as a full journey: “So, it won’t be much longer! We are so close to the finish line and so excited to get this music out to the world. We can’t wait to introduce you to these songs and take you all on a vocal and instrumental trip back in time and into the future…”
rEvolutions will be released under the Jeff Young Group banner and will feature the following track listing:
- “Lightning Rising” featuring Mohini Dey – Bass / Jeff Tortora – Drums
- “Gypsy Soul” featuring Dyna Shirasaki – Vocals / Ric Fierabracci – Bass / Shane Gaalaas – Drums
- “Slow Burn” featuring Andrea Whitt – Pedal Steel / James LoMenzo – Bass / Jeff Bowders – Drums
- “Monsoon” featuring Tina Guo – Cellos / Ric Fierabracci – Bass / Brian Tichy – Drums
- “Prodigal Son” featuring Mark Morales – Vocals / Gabriel Connor – Bass / Fred Aching – Drums
- “In The Flesh” featuring Ric Fierabracci – Bass / Jeff Tortora – Drums
- “Always Remember Me” (for Jeff Buckley) featuring Sage Sansone – Vocals / Jake Wolf – Bass / Matt Chamberlain – Drums
- “Lost In Tejas” featuring Mark Morales – Vocals
- “Summerland” (King’s X live acoustic cover, bonus track) featuring Sass Jordan on vocals and Brian Tichy on guitar and vocals
