Actuality in Process is the first solo album from Jon Macey, one of the pioneers of the '70s Boston music scene, on the curve during, between, and right after the Modern Lovers and Orchestra Luna. It is, perhaps, the most advanced disc of his career up to its release in 2002, and though Actuality in Process still isn't the grand slam the journeyman musician is capable of, the 15 tracks certainly are a good representation of his personal songs and artistic expression. In the nine years between the release of Too Much Perspective by Macey's Parade comes an evolution of sorts. Actuality in Process is an interesting extension as well as a combination of many of the musical partnerships experienced by the singer/songwriter/producer. John Jules, the drummer from Macey's '70s outfit, Fox Pass, provides the percussion, while guitarists Michael Roy from the '70s ensemble, and Tom Hostage of the '90s group Macey's Parade, form the nucleus of the players here. Sal Baglio of the Stompers adds his guitar to "Wasted on You," while Tom Dickie from Macey's '80s band, Tom Dickie & the Desires, co-writes and is "present" on "Hidden Behind the Words," a dreamy Velvet Underground "third album" type soft electro-rocker. You get the picture that this is the Byrds-meet-the Velvet Underground, before reading the lengthy essays on www.jonmacey.com pertaining to this disc Those scribblings expose a side of Macey not quite visible inside the tunes -- he's an extremely smart writer. The slick ten-page booklet emphasizes the importance of this project to the artist, and "This Is Where You've Been," a collaboration between Baglio and Macey, re-emphasizes it. Arguably the album's best track, it has elements of the Beach Boys if they made records in the new millennium with the same seriousness of "Do It Again." Though there's no "Song for T" or "Comical," from the Too Much Perspective phase (phenomenal pop songs with staying power), there are pleasant moments like "Affair of the Mind," co-written with longtime friend and co-engineer Ron Doty. It is Macey in his most Lou Reed-meets-Dylan style, and being such a devoted disciple of both icons, it is done with exquisite sincerity. "Junk Mail" and "Cool Dreamer" are also strong compositions that deserve a place on the inevitable "best-of" collection from this artist. Concluding with the solo folk ending of "The Road of Destiny," Jon Macey stretches across his career and creates a serious overview. What's missing is the tongue-in-cheek humor of his friend, Willie "Loco" Alexander. Add that element and Macey can give John Mellencamp and Billy Joel a good run for their money. ~ Joe Viglionewww.jonmacey.com pertaining to this disc Those scribblings expose a side of Macey not quite visible inside the tunes -- he's an extremely smart writer. The slick ten-page booklet emphasizes the importance of this project to the artist, and "This Is Where You've Been," a collaboration between Baglio and Macey, re-emphasizes it. Arguably the album's best track, it has elements of the Beach Boys if they made records in the new millennium with the same seriousness of "Do It Again." Though there's no "Song for T" or "Comical," from the Too Much Perspective phase (phenomenal pop songs with staying power), there are pleasant moments like "Affair of the Mind," co-written with longtime friend and co-engineer Ron Doty. It is Macey in his most Lou Reed-meets-Dylan style, and being such a devoted disciple of both icons, it is done with exquisite sincerity. "Junk Mail" and "Cool Dreamer" are also strong compositions that deserve a place on the inevitable "best-of" collection from this artist. Concluding with the solo folk ending of "The Road of Destiny," Jon Macey stretches across his career and creates a serious overview. What's missing is the tongue-in-cheek humor of his friend, Willie "Loco" Alexander. Add that element and Macey can give John Mellencamp and Billy Joel a good run for their money. ~ Joe Viglione, All Music Guide
Tracks
Track Title
Composers
Performers
Time
She's the Groove
Jon Macey, John Jules
Jon Macey
(3:22)
The True Lost Soul
Tom Hostage, Jon Macey
Jon Macey
(3:55)
Junk Mail
Jon Macey, Jon Jules
Jon Macey
(4:01)
Cool Dreamer
Tom Hostage, Jon Macey
Jon Macey
(6:41)
Into the Silence
Jon Macey
Jon Macey
(3:44)
The One in My Dreams
Jon Macey
Jon Macey
(3:58)
Wasted on You
Michael Roy, Jon Macey
Jon Macey
(3:52)
Kaileigh
Michael Roy, Jon Macey
Jon Macey
(3:43)
Affair of the Mind
Jon Macey
Jon Macey
(3:34)
Turn You Round
Jon Macey
Jon Macey
(4:03)
Kittereen
Jon Macey
Jon Macey
(4:52)
Beyond the Mind, Pt. 1
Jon Macey
Jon Macey
(4:13)
Hidden Behind the Words
Jon Macey, Tom Dickie
Jon Macey
(4:03)
This Is Where You've Been
Jon Macey, Sal Baglio
Jon Macey
(4:13)
The Road of Destiny
Jon Macey
Jon Macey
(4:11)
Credits
Jon Macey (Guitar (Electric)), Jon Macey (Vocals), Jon Macey (Performer), Sal Baglio (Guitar (Rhythm)), Tom Hostage (Vocals), Sal Baglio (Vocals), Jon Macey (Percussion), John Jules (Performer), John Jules (Assistant Engineer), Jon Macey (Producer), Sal Baglio (Guitar), John Jules (Percussion), Jon Macey (Harmonica), Sal Baglio (Performer), Michael Roy (E-Bow), Jon Macey (Guitar (Acoustic)), Jon Macey (Organ), Tom Hostage (Guitar), Brad Hallen (Bass), Tom Hostage (Performer), Tom Dickie (Performer), Michael Roy (Guitar), Michael Roy (Guitar (Rhythm)), Michael Roy (Vocals), John Jules (Drums), Brad Hallen (Performer), Dr. Toby Mountain (Mastering), Jon Macey (Mixing), Jon Macey (Guitar), Jon Macey (Bass), Michael Roy (Performer), Jon Macey (Engineer), Jon Macey (Keyboards), Michael Roy (Guitar (12 String)), Tom Hostage (Guitar (12 String)), Michael Roy (Assistant Engineer), Michael Roy (Lap Steel Guitar)
