Track listing: Old Ford, New York Times, Something In The Subway, Tess of Soho, Sunset, Fix My Head, End of the Line, New York Girl, After You've Gone, Just Like Home

Getting to visit with Andrew Morse and learn more about The Tasty Kings has been one hell of an experience! The band's lineup for their new album The Kindness of Numbers is an embarrassment of musical riches, an absolute pleasure to listen to. Morse, the primary songwriter and defacto band leader has struck gold through his ability to identify and bring amazing artists into the Tasty Kings fold, who then breathe extraordinary life into his songs.

Let's start with this impressive cast of characters. Darryl Jones (Rolling Stones, Miles Davis, Sting, Herbie Hancock) and Tony Garnier (Bob Dylan, Asleep at the Wheel, Tom Waits) hold down the bass guitar. On drums, percussion, and backing vocals you've got Charley Drayton (Rolling Stones, Black Crowes, Neil Young). Additional percussion provided by Danny Thompson, better known for his bass playing for Pentangle, Nick Drake, Richard Thompson, Kate Bush, and more. 

Some tried and true session and studio artists also highlight the liner notes--Stephen Barber covers piano and Fender Rhodes, while Kevin Trainor contributes guitar and backing vocals. Rounding out the line-up are violist Milo Deering (Ray LaMontagne, Eric Clapton, Alison Krauss), and backing vocalists Juliana Sheffield (Ray LaMontagne; and I remember from her time in the 90s with 8-1/2 Souvenirs & David Garza), Georgia Bramhall (Jools Holland, Tom Jones, Van Morrison), and Sally Allen.

Putting a cherry on top of the album are lead vocals handled by none other than the Sexton brothers. Will sings on 6 ("New York Times," "Something in the Subway," "End of the Line," "New York Girl," "After You're Gone," "Just Like Home") of the record's 10 tracks, while Charlie lends his voice to the remaining 4 ("Old Ford," "Tess of Soho," "Sunset," "Fix My Head"). Morse is quick to point out Charlie Sexton's reputation on guitar--having touring with the likes of Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello--overshadows his natural comfort behind a vocal mic. Featuring both brothers of them on lead vocal adds an unexpected yet warmly welcomed addition to the ensemble.

Lyrically and in his present day real life, Morse straddles both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, frequently bouncing back and forth between New York City and London. From the Lou Reed NYC vibe of "Something In The Subway" to the Transatlantic connection of the cities in the album's closer, "Just Like Home," Morse evokes vivid imagery fueled by years of traveling the globe, writing, and skillfully photographing much of his experience.

The Kindness of Numbers contemplates. It rocks! And it tells some intriguing stories from the perspective of someone who's seen more than many of us will in our lifetimes. At the intersection of compelling stories and the recorded performances of a stellar line-up, The Kindness of Numbers is an album to cue up on your playlists. It settles in sonically across all manner of rock sub-genres. Start your Tasty Kings journey at thetastykings.bandcamp.com!