Lenny Kaye’s Long-awaited Solo debut: A Journey Through Time and Sound
The declaration of Lenny Kaye’s first solo album, Goin’ Local (Yep Roc), at the remarkable age of 79, is nothing short of astonishing.
Actually, its downright surprising.
Born in New York City and now residing in eastern Pennsylvania, Kaye is widely recognized as the guitarist and key collaborator in the Patti Smith Group, a role he held from 1974 to 1979 and resumed in 1996, contributing to three of her albums during that period.
His influence extends beyond performance; he curated the iconic 1972 compilation Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First psychedelic Era,1965-1968,produced albums for artists like Soul Asylum and Suzanne Vega,and even collaborated with R.E.M. on their 2011 release, Collapse Into now.
A graduate of Rutgers University, Kaye has also made his mark as a writer, contributing to various music publications and authoring two books: You Call It Madness: The Sensuous Song of the Croon (2004) and Lightning Striking: Ten Transformative Moments in Rock and roll… (2022), along with co-writing Waylon Jennings’ autobiography in 2012.
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Kaye continues to perform select shows with Smith, including a slot at Riot Fest on September 20 in Chicago, and he leads a project he describes as a “goth/psyche/jam band” called Adrift. Additionally, he hosts The Lenny Kaye Program on SiriusXM’s Underground Garage channel.
Despite his extensive career, a solo album had never materialized. Kaye did form a band, the lenny Kaye Connection, in the late ’70s and contributed a track to the 2010 tribute album Daddy Rockin’ Strong: A Tribute to Nolan Strong and the Diablos. His new album, Goin’ Local, features 12 tracks crafted over several decades, with six of them recorded in the early 2010s alongside Patti Smith bandmate Tony Shanahan.
The title track and “A Friend Like You” showcase Kaye’s rock roots, but the overall vibe of the album leans towards a softer, more introspective sound, with tracks like “Let’s Make a Memory,” “Be That As It May,” “The Things You Leave Behind,” and “Solstice,” the latter co-written with Smith, reflecting a more sentimental side.
During a recent Zoom conversation, Kaye expressed a sense of bemusement about finally releasing this project, with guitars and a keyboard visible in the background of his home studio.
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Reflecting on a Lifetime of Music
When asked how he managed to reach this point without releasing a solo album, Kaye chuckled, “honestly, I frequently enough put myself last on the priority list. I’ve been busy with various projects, and sometimes personal albums just don’t make the cut. The timing simply wasn’t right until now.”
He found a local studio, Mix-o-Lydian, where he could easily collaborate with producer Don Sternecker, allowing him to record without the pressures of commercial expectations. “I could just call him up and say,’Let’s record this afternoon,’ and that freedom helped me finish songs that had been waiting far too long,” Kaye explained.
“When I finally had enough material, I thought, ‘This is who I am right now. It’s time to share it.’”
Crafting a Unique Sound
When asked about the volume of material he had to draw from,Kaye noted,”I don’t write many songs – maybe one or two a year.I prefer to write when I feel a strong emotional connection or need to express something critically important.”
He reflected on previous attempts to create an album, mentioning work in the ’90s with his band, which was ultimately sidelined by Patti Smith’s resurgence. “I had some sessions with Tony and Mark around 2010 and 2012, where six of the songs on Goin’ Local originated. I never completed them, but thay laid the groundwork for what would come later.”
“This album isn’t as rock-oriented as some might expect from me. It represents a new side of my artistry – vulnerable and sincere. I’m not trying to fit into any genre; I have my goth/psych/jam band Adrift for that. This album is simply me, as open-hearted as I can be.”
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Exploring Personal Connections Through Music
“Yes I Will,” a standout track on the album,features lyrics from Kaye’s uncle,Larry Kusik,known for writing classics like ”A Time for Us” and “Speak Softly,Love.” Kaye reminisced about his uncle, saying, “He was a significant influence on my early music career. I recorded my first song with him, and he always encouraged my artistic pursuits.”
In the final days of his uncle’s life, Kaye visited him regularly, sharing memories and eventually asking for lyrics. “He gifted me with that beautiful song, which I set to music and sang to him in the hospital. He thanked me, and the next morning he passed away. It was a poignant moment,allowing me to express my gratitude for his inspiration.”
The Duality of Kaye: Guitarist and Songwriter
Kaye views his roles as a songwriter and guitarist as interconnected. “I’m not a virtuoso; I don’t read music.I’ve learned to express myself through improvisation and instinct. My experiences over the past 60 years have shaped my musical identity.”
He emphasized the importance of intuition in his playing style, stating, “I focus on the music itself rather than analyzing my persona. I aim for my solos to resonate emotionally, much like my singing.”
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Current Gear and Future aspirations
Today, kaye’s primary instrument is a 60th Anniversary ’68 Fender stratocaster, gifted to him by his band on his 60th birthday. “It’s unique because it has only one pickup, the middle one. I never switch it; I just play it full volume,” he explained.
He also owns a 1964 Stratocaster and a ’68 Les Paul Custom, which he acquired from amplifier technician Cesar diaz. “He insisted I needed a Gibson, so he sold me this one, and it’s become a favorite for special occasions.”
In terms of amplifiers, Kaye has streamlined his setup, favoring a Magnatone 213 and a ’65 Fender Princeton for recording. “I keep my pedalboard simple, focusing on the essentials. Live performances are about capturing the energy, so I stick to the basics.”
Reflecting on his past guitar thefts,Kaye remarked,”I’ve lost many instruments over the years,but I view them as tools. The only irreplaceable element in my sound is me.”
Looking Ahead
When asked if he plans to release another album soon, Kaye responded with optimism. “I have songs that didn’t fit this record and a few new ones in the works. I’m excited to keep creating without the pressure of expectations. I’m a slow worker, but I’m committed to my craft.”
“I’m enjoying this phase of my career. I’ve worked hard to get here, and now it feels like a bonus. it’s rare to sustain a career in music, and I’m grateful for the chance to continue sharing my passion.”
“With this album,I feel like a solo artist in the truest sense,embracing the folk singer I always aspired to be – long before the Beatles changed everything for me.”
