New York singer-songwriter Jessie Kilguss returns with a touching and nostalgic single, “Howard Johnson’s”, taken from her upcoming sixth album “They Have A Howard Johnson’s There”. The song is inspired by a line from the film “Dog Day Afternoon”, but it also carries a very personal meaning for Kilguss, as it serves as a tribute to her late father, Howard Kilguss. Musically, “Howard Johnson’s” is soft, melodic and dreamy. Kilguss’ warm voice is at the center, surrounded by tasteful instrumentation from an impressive team of musicians. John Kengla adds gentle guitar, bass, and keys, while Rob Heath’s drums give the song a steady heartbeat. Backing vocals from Dave Derby and Charlie Nieland (who also produced, mixed and mastered the track) enrich the atmosphere without ever taking the focus away from Kilguss herself. The track feels like a conversation between memory and emotion, mixing humor and sadness in a way that feels human and sincere. Cinematic, melancholic, old-fashioned, Kilguss’ approach draws our attention and creates an immersive experience. The accompanying video by Deborah Magocsi strengthens the nostalgic mood with its era-inspired look, underlining the timeless quality of the music. With “Howard Johnson’s”, Jessie Kilguss proves once again that she is not just a gifted singer, but also a storyteller who knows how to turn life, loss and art into meaningful music. This is a song that stays with you long after it ends.
♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
