The new Cd by San Francisco based artist, James Metzger, aka 'Loomis,' "Backstage" feels just like that: an invitation to the after-show jam, where everyone has had a beer or two, or three, arms are looped around shoulders, couples are hooking up and various folks from the other bands are sitting in with one another. The recording represents this actuality only slightly as Metzger recorded it at home and in friend's studios; nonetheless,the love of the jam, the pure and honest emotion and the steel string permeate the no-nonsense production. Shades of Van Morrison and Chris Isaac can be heard throughout the tunes that offer up various perspectives on love, the responsibility of one's action, living la vida California Coast, and with an open heart. Metzger was also cleary influenced by affable jam bands and projects, be they Jack Johnson or Drive By Truckers. Many of the songs are served well by the addition of Dobro and backing vocals but others are best left to Metzger's  heart-on-sleeve deep vocals and pick and strum. It's his vocal which carry the songs best on "Backstage" and I'd like these to stay on top. I'd also like to have his vocal anchored by a more careful attention to lyric. A little rewriting is in order on several of the songs. "What Was I Thinking" was probably inspired by a deep break, but a more specific verse or two would serve to place the listener and keep us interested. The more ruminative "Left" succeeds where "What Was I Thinking?" doesn't by placing and getting us involved: "a standing room party/just for one/she gives her excuse/tries to make it fun." Still, the overall swampy, friendly feel evoke the warmth of a back road neighborhood joint — no accident that one song is called "Locals Only" — where the kisses are sloppy but sincere, the drinks generous and the forgiveness of music win out which leads one to want to attend a live show by Loomis, and yes, get backstage.
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