Ed Alstrom – Flee Though None Pursue
Label: Haywire
Release date: January 2025
Can’t Miss Tracks: Be nice!, H-O-P-E-L-E-S-S, I drunk, You drive
Ed Alstrom calls himself an “itinerant musician and musical disaster relief specialist.” With such an intriguing title, it’s no surprise that his musical career is just as unique. From performing with legends like Chuck Berry, Leonard Bernstein, and Steely Dan, to being the New York Yankees’ weekend organist, Alstrom’s musical journey has spanned genres and stages. His latest album, Flee Though None Pursue, is a powerful testament to his talents and storytelling prowess.
A One-Man Band
On Flee Though None Pursue, Alstrom shows off his multi-instrumental skills. From lead and background vocals to an impressive array of instruments including the Hammond organ, piano, Fender Rhodes, synthesizers, guitars, and even a theremin, Alstrom’s sound is expansive and captivating. The album features 18 original tracks with contributions from a talented group of musicians, reflecting his eclectic style.
Masterful Storytelling
Alstrom’s songwriting is both thoughtful and clever, often venturing into lyrical territories that are both otherworldly and relatable. The title track, “Flee Though None Pursue,” explores internal struggle with lines like:
“So I remain marooned with this insanely troubled mind / And try to map a future while I run from what’s behind.”
It’s a poetic reflection on the human condition that resonates deeply.
Musical Diversity
The album is a journey through various genres, all infused with Alstrom’s signature style. Highlights include:
- “Be Nice” – A light-hearted opener that asks, “I wonder what it might be like / If folks would just be nice.”
- “The Blues Ain’t All Right” – A somber and introspective response to Little Milton’s “The Blues Is Alright,” featuring powerful organ and lyrics like:
“Nobody’s blues are unimportant, nobody’s misery is trite, / Nobody’s served right by sufferin’ – and the blues ain’t never all right.” - “Sick” – With a rhythm reminiscent of Ray Charles’ “Lonely Avenue”, Alstrom reflects on life’s struggles with raw honesty:
“Sick of livin’ and dyin’ all at the same time.”
Themes of Life and Love
Beyond the blues, Flee Though None Pursue touches on a wide range of themes:
- “Always Near” is a tender love song with lyrics by Kay Murcer, featuring jazzy undertones and a heartfelt sentiment:
“Hold my memory, make some new ones, take me on where you go.” - “The Record People” takes a humorous swipe at the music business with a playful honky-tonk piano, while “Success” explores the futility of chasing perfection:
“Success just can’t be achieved / Maybe we were never meant to live together.”
A Musical Ride
With Flee Though None Pursue, Ed Alstrom has crafted a musical journey that blends clever wordplay with exceptional musicianship. Whether it’s the lively rhythm of “Great Notch,” the catchy groove of “H-O-P-E-L-E-S-S,” or the rocking anthem “I Drunk You Drive,” every track offers a new story, a new sound, and a new perspective.
The album’s closer, “Don’t Cry at My Funeral,” provides a hopeful, uplifting conclusion:
“Don’t cry for me, I’m happy, I’m free / And I won’t be cryin’ for you.”
A Legacy of Musical Versatility
Ed Alstrom’s musical career is as diverse as it is impressive. From playing in Broadway pits and winning awards to performing at prestigious venues and collaborating with icons, his experience runs the gamut. Whether performing as an organist at the New York Yankees’ stadium or representing the North Jersey Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Alstrom continues to make his mark in the music world.
An Invitation to the Ride
Flee Though None Pursue is more than just an album; it’s a lyrical and instrumental adventure. Alstrom invites listeners along for a joyous ride through his captivating stories and musical mastery. With each track, he proves that whether it’s the blues, rock, or jazz, his musical genius knows no bounds.
Ready to join the journey? Alstrom’s latest release awaits.
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