Lanny Cordola
Of Riffs and Symphonies
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
Lanny's second solo album is like a little boy's typical day (except that this little boy can play the guitar like few other players--young or old). He begins his day by showing his visitor (which happens to be you--the listener) his "Kaleidoscope," which turns and tumbles, showing off all the wildest color combinations of the rainbow. Then he invites you to play with his toy airplanes, simulating the battle of "Armashreddin'"--complete with dive bomb sound effects. Then he takes you over to his trusty old turntable and says, "Play it Again Sham," and begins spinning a 45 from the past, something about a white boy playing funky music... Bored with that, he picks up his father's old banjo for an "Interlude." Then he picks up some finger cymbals and dances around his room, celebrating the fact that he has "The Real Thing" in Jesus and not some phony religion. Upon hearing this commotion, his father and mother proceed up the stairs blowin' horns and joining in the celebration of truth. All this being too much, the little boy falls back into a wicker chair and relaxes with a bit of flamenco guitar playing. After his guest shows obvious amazement with facial gestures, he begins to tell an electric tale from history, taking his listener back in time on a musical journey to the town of "Gettysburg." Realizing his power to mesmerize his visitor, he invites his mother (played by Jon Gibson in a dress) back in the room to lament over the blues of this life and express the hope that it "Won't Be Long Till Paradise." After this long stretch of restful play, little Lanny jumps up and initiates another game of war with his little plastic soldiers. After a few moments it's apparent that a little angst and attitude is expressed in his play, as he throws himself into the character of "The Obstinate Toy Soldier." His nanny, whom he refers to simply as "Nan," comes in to interrupt and has him sit back down in the chair, while she goes and serves him and his guest lemonade--walking across the room like a waitress in a Jazz nightclub. Once he's done downing the cool, laid-back drink, he opens his Bible for a peek into "The Revelation." When he starts his story, another guest from the house of lords drops in to tell of his bad feelings whenever he hears about the prophecies in Revelation and looks at the world around him. The room becomes charged with excitement once again, as the magnitude of this is expressed and openly wondered out loud. With a look that tells you your visit with him is about over, he picks up his electric blue guitar and picks out a plodding, emotional ditty that he says, "this one's For The Brothers," giving you that knowing grin that lets you know that you're included in his sentiments. Before you leave, he takes you back downstairs through the living room, where his parents, his nanny and the butler are all jigging around the room to some snappy Jazz tune. Inspired, Lanny runs back upstairs and retrieves his electric guitar, which soon dominates the sound in the room as everyone but his visitor (who is now holding a flaming bic lighter in Lanny's direction as a sign of respect and admiration) are holding their hands over their ears. When he finishes up, he tells you he had a wonderful time spending the day with you and you begin to realize that this was only one such day of many like it in the future. You're reminded that your most faithful friend, Jesus, once promised that, "Lo, I Be With You Always." Like a good day's journey, this trip had lots of variety and fun, making you want to relive it again and again.