Kevin Roper's new album "Set Yourself Free" opens with the title track, which is a bright, breezy jazz-flavored rock number that immediately put me in motion. The opening guitar glissando drops like a rock into a lush, white-water stream of Rhodes, piano, and electric guitar in a four-chord progression that rafts us right to the end of the tune. The snare and high hat tap out a rapid-fire sixteenth note groove underneath the mix that is consistent, yet which breathes authentically.

After a couple of verses and a chorus, we get Kevin's piano solo; he focuses on the harmonic elements in this keyboard break, rather than exploring the melody. A little later, we get Bryan Gould's guitar solo, a supple, fluid run through the melodic elements of the song, in a slightly distorted, chubby tone that sounds great against the background mix. Kevin's and Bryan's instrumental breaks capture the exuberance of taking off for parts unknown, of taking risks, of casting off caution and doing what needs doing. The lyrics reinforce that mood:

"Don't be afraid to walk out that door I think its clear that you want to be more I think its time you get up and go Where you end up, god only knows Don't go wasting your time… anymore!"

This first track sets the pace for the rest of this ten-song album: complex, well-mixed and perfectly produced jam band music, with ample opportunities for solo breaks that showcase Kevin's considerable talents on guitar and keyboard. The emphasis is on fully produced, aggressive instrumentation, lots of sound, and driving, up-tempo beats. Put the disk in the player, turn it up, and get lost in the volume!

Even on a simple ballad like "Different Picture of Me", the dramatic mix of keyboard, percussion, and electric guitar (Aaron Stone) comes in after the first verse to pick Kevin's vocal up like a small boat in a flood and carry it to its destination. Jessie Chazin's backing vocal provides a little ballast and keeps things on an even keel – soft and textured, tinged with wistfulness, and mixed perfectly with Kevin's lead.

"Changing Tide" is another ballad among these rockers; shorter than most of these tracks, its mood is one of reflection, thoughtfulness, wondering about the future. Acoustic guitar provides a solid foundation, and Kevin runs through some very nice piano work between his lyrics.

"Another Game" has a hillbilly flavor, its very up-tempo, includes some nice flat-picking acoustic work, and honky-tonk piano. There's a story about mind games played by a couple who don't seem to be communicating so well.

"Old Stone Wall" starts out in a very pretty way, and set me up for a nice folky acoustic guitar song, but then shift into a more heavily produced mix typical of the other tracks. I would have enjoyed hearing one or two of these songs retain their simplicity and provide counterpoint, or maybe a small break, from the lushness of the record.

"Her Own Beat" has a nice Hendrix feel to it, or maybe Aerosmith; spacey electric riffs from Aaron Stone, white noise from a splash cymbal, and a chorus that soars into the stratosphere and lights up the sonic pallet like lightning.

Kevin's strengths are instrumental composition and arrangement, producing, and musicianship. He is a very talented guitarist and keyboard player. His vocals are honest, on-pitch, spirited, and display a very impressive range. Lyrically, he can be simplistic and a little gratuitous; he writes story songs, but the stories aren't always very interesting.

"Don't Think About it" is a song on this album that did appeal to me lyrically. The song is about escaping from the thoughts that depress you; the things that need to change that seem overwhelming at times. It's about letting go and allowing life to happen as it will, and accepting that things will get better.

"Do you ever feel like you spend too much time...inside your head

Do you ever feel like you can't pull yourself out of your bed

Do you ever feel like you spend too much thinking

And all you do is try to keep yourself from sinking

Then don't think about it anymore"

With all of this sound on the record, the foundation becomes very important, and Cameron Gay (percussion) and Chris Chasse (bass) come through for the team; always consistent, there when you need them, but not overdone.

This is a great album for high-volume, groove-oriented background listening; perfect for a road trip. It would make me very productive while cleaning the house or washing the car (or writing a review!) and make the time go by quickly. Great for a party track!