The Threefinger Opera

Jeff Elbel and Ping

 

Jeff Elbel aptly describes the sound captured on his latest – and by far most accomplished – full-length Ping LP as “progressive roots pop.” That works. Though the dominant instrument is Elbel’s acoustic guitar, it is generously framed with full drums and percussion, organ, horns, stacks of backing vocals, ripping electric leads, and plenty of other pieces of ear candy.  The Threefinger Opera, a fourteen-song collection that conceptually tells the story of a true-life spinal injury that left Elbel without the full use of his left hand (and considerable pain beyond that,) is impossibly sunny, witty, diverse, and rich. Disability never sounded so good.

Elbel pulls together an amazing collection of friends to add to the already impressive core Ping lineup. Members of the Fixx, Calexico, PLS PLS, Claudettes, Resurrection Band, the 77s, the Choir, and several solo artists make appearances. The “who’s who” nature of the liner notes reveals the goodwill Elbel has earned over decades as a tireless advocate and servant of others. It certainly tarnishes none of their resumes, however, to appear on an album as rich as this. (Full disclosure: your reviewer –  a member of the band The Wayside, one of several bands Elbel has played with over the years – also makes a cameo as a backing vocalist and harmonica player on “Second Opinion.” Does that render this “review” somewhat less than objective? Possibly. But not nearly as much as having been a friend of Elbel’s for over 25 years has. If listeners had no opportunity to hear this work before deciding whether to purchase it, a more objective review would be in order. However, as every reader can simply click over and stream the songs before deciding whether this review is impossibly biased, we’re just gonna go with it.)

 

Elements of Supertramp, Electric Light Orchestra, Rockpile, Queen, Cake, J. Geils Band, and Beatles can all be found – but there is something completely unique about Jeff Elbel and Ping. The songs are meticulously written – both musically and lyrically. The arrangements are complex and intricate without ever becoming cumbersome or byzantine. Elbel’s frequent use of female backing vocals and three-part harmonies brings an added level of accessibility and charm. At the center of all the superbly recorded instrumentation and clever songcraft, however, is Elbel: a rocket-scientist by day, a world-class music journalist by night, and a musician and producer with whatever minutes he has left. His voice is singular, to be sure. It is all personality, authenticity, and sincerity. His goal is to deliver these beautifully crafted songs, not to be “cool.” In that way, he wins. Elbel has never sounded better than he does here.

 

The Threefinger Opera, ostensibly a musical tale of disability and pain, is truly the sound of community, friendship, and grace. In our weaknesses, different strengths emerge. Elbel knows good music and he knows how to tell a good story. He has cultivated a stellar community of friends with whom he can sing and play and he has taken time to make this project all it can be. As a result, we are treated to a unique and satisfying sonic, and spiritual, experience.

 

-JJT

 

Listen to Jeff Elbel on the True Tunes Podcast HERE

 

Find Jeff Elbel and Ping’s Three Finger Opera HERE