A cast chockfull of pros and an earnest appreciation of local life give artist Jamie Hayes a significant head start in constructing a competent record. Fans of the psychedelic paintings in his French Quarter gallery will recognize the whimsy and color that runs through all 14 tracks. Anyone with an ear will enjoy picking out the talents who make up the ensemble.

While his songwriting chops have their limits, Hayes puts forth a host of plainspoken love songs and a few would-be Jazz Fest anthems. With Jon Cleary on piano, “Come Back to New Orleans” is an ideal soundtrack for the next tourism bureau spot. Better Than Ezra’s Tom Drummond produces a seamless pop tone,
no mean feat with so many instruments in the mix.

There’s a bit of Cat Stevens to some of these tracks, maybe a touch of Boz Scaggs, definitely some McCartney. Hayes knows what it means to boogie and his ballads are sincere. He sounds satisfied with life, sweetly in love, and happy to be strumming an acoustic guitar. Surrounded by fellows like Carlo Nuccio, John Gros, Craig Klein and Tommy Malone, who can blame him?