James Pearson is a twenty-first century renaissance man. He abandoned corporate America to create. He paints for his bread and butter,  as well as teaches art and music at a local small town Kentucky gallery.  And he's part of the musical duo, The Fly Over States.

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of their recent self-titled cd.  It is a feast for the senses.  From the first notes of the opening track, "Help Yourself," I knew I was in for a treat.  The band, comprised of Pearson and bandmate Greg Younger play all of the instruments (with a little backing and production help by good friends Tim Roberts and Donnie Bott ), wrote all of the songs, and self-produced this album in 2001. The band dubs themselves "guitar pop" and self-compare to the likes of XTC, Crowded House, and Elvis Costello.  On several listenings, one finds shades of Squeeze as well, and yet, their sound is uniquely their own and defies easy pigeonholing.

"Summer" is a mellow track, smooooooth cool jazz with a hip beat that gets stuck in your psyche. "Fake" has the polish of a tried and true college radio trendsetter. "Roll the World" is a future classic with its upbeat funk and Neil Finn-esque musical stylings. "Unauthorized Transmission" will haunt you. "Flowers for Rosalita" and "Mercury" are two standout tracks, steeped in melody like a tea you want to linger over after a very satisfying dinner. 

The end result is something one might not expect from a Kentucky "garage band."  The music is polished, often witty, always poignant. I hope to hear more from these two gents--The Fly Over States is a keeper, and beyond radio worthy. It's certainly music you won't soon forget.

Listen to the The Fly Over States online.