The self-titled Reprise debut of Toy Matinee erases the musical demarcation lines from ‘tweens through baby boomers. Without being a copy of anything, the songs create the turn-up-the-radio feel of such anthemic 70’s rockers as Steely Dan, Styx, Kansas and Yes. The band, headed up by Patrick Leonard and Kevin Gilbert, has cited influences which include such masters as Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd and early Genesis, but the sound is uniquely their own. Gilbert’s powerful vocals, combined with strong melodies backed by full harmonies, makes for sheer listening delight.
Bill Bottrell takes the production credits on Toy Matinee. Why another producer, you ask, when Leonard holds such impressive studio credentials of his own for his work with Bryan Ferry and Madonna? Leonard, whose resume also includes co-writing credits on four songs on Pink Floyd’s Momentary Lapse Of Reason LP, explains: “Bill kept the whole thing in perspective. He was a reality check.” Bottrell’s credits include ELO, Dave Edmunds, Tom Petty, Traveling Wilburys, Madonna and currently, Michael Jackson. (Bottrell has also drafted Kevin Gilbert into service on Jackson’s project as an engineer.) Spearheaded by Gilbert and Leonard, the group is rounded out by Brian McLeod (of Wire Train) on drums and percussion, Tim Pierce (who has worked with Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and Crowded House) on guitars and Guy Pratt (of Pink Floyd) on bass.
According to Leonard, “a toy matinee is a very old oriental concept. Everyone sets out in their life to do something real, something important, something life-changing. Somewhere along the way they get distracted and end up becoming part of the toy matinee.”
The band was formed under most unusual circumstances when Leonard sat as a panel judge for a Yamaha band search contest. Gilbert’s own band, Giraffe, won that contest and he and Leonard hit it off famously. Both shared the dream of making music with real substance, both lyrically and musically. Gilbert explains, “Leonard and I come from polar opposite ends of the industry. I was this kid from Sunnyvale, California, running this pirate 16-track studio. I made records for $10.00 an hour.” Giraffe (his own Rundgren-like band creation) was recorded in this fashion.
A pianist/vocalist since childhood, Kevin moves to explain the cover. “Both Pat and I are fond of artwork that doesn’t just sit on the wall. Our cover is like bagpipes - you either love it or hate it. It should provoke a response.” The mustache drawn on the lady is in homage to artist Salvador Dali.
The first single, “Last Plane Out,” was written as a Noah’s Ark metaphor. According to Gilbert, “There’s a big party going on around the world and everyone’s basic attitude is ‘to hell with tomorrow’.” While the big party may be fun, he just hopes there’s a seat reserved for him on the last plane out. “The songs on Toy Matinee are character sketches. Each one has a little story to it,” he adds.
Julian Lennon lends his vocal talents to “Turn It On Salvador,” a rather kicky tune inspired by the Dali film, “Un Chien Andalou.” Gilbert, a former film student at UCLA, first saw the film at age 10 as part of a Bowie TV special and remembered the effect it had. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg as far as Toy Matinee’s interesting lyrical content goes. The subjects move from child abuse to a woman who marries an Elvis impersonator (hence, the inside cover art).
The band is gearing up for a tour which will probably start in Japan. Singer Gilbert was televised on the Yamaha showcase everywhere except the U.S., so the Toy Matinee players are already highly regarded on an international level. Background singers will be added to the tour lineup. As Gilbert says, “Listen [to the record] at least three times. This is a change from what’s going on.” For those in quest of such a musical experience, spend a little time with Toy Matinee.