Though one can’t assume that when a previously unreleased recording is pulled from the archives that it must be good, usually this is done because it is so good that it needs to be heard. Paul Pena’s "New Train" is one of those gems of a find. Released at the end of September 2000, it was originally recorded in 1973. Getting his start around the Boston area, Pena is a musical guru. Though I’d personally never heard of Pena until I got this release, one listen to his voice and there is an undeniable attraction to his style. His voice exudes a cosmic strength that engulfs the listener. Playing a blues, R&B, and rock mix with a little soul, folk, and even some country, Pena’s guitar talents are obviously immense and diverse. It has been written that he has the talents in the same league as Hendrix. His voice is even more dynamic. Smooth, vibrant, rich. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe how diverse and precise his vocal talents are. Well known in the growing popular music scene of the late sixties and early 1970’s, Pena enlisted none other that the late-great Garcia for a couple of the songs here. The pedal-steel guitar is unmistakable. I don’t even need to tell you which songs he plays on. If you know Jerry, you’ll know. If not, read the CD insert. Pena also got the assistance of a Garcia sometimes sidekick, keyboardist Merle Saunders, and the R&B group, The Persuasions.

All the songs here are emotional and autobiographical. Pena writes and plays with emotion. His guitar screams, moans and weeps in synch with his lyrics. About searching, traveling, seeking, and feeling, the CD is universal, and certainly not outdated. For those who appreciate and love the classics like B.B. King, Clapton and Hendrix, you’ll be thanking the CD Producer, Ben Sidran, for unearthing this recording. In fact, Sidran, producer of many Steve Miller Band recordings, had Miller record one of Pena’s songs from this CD. The song, [big ‘ol] "Jet Airliner," became an instant Steve Miller Band hit and a classic song about journey taking that we still recognize today. The title song "New Train" also speaks of journey taking, reminiscing of times past and places to go. Pena had been making some changes in his life at the time, including moving from the New England area to San Francisco. The song "Wait On What You Want" is the best example on the CD of Pena’s wonderful guitar-pickin’.

Though suffering from a serious illness now, Pena is still playing music and touching listeners with his magic. He’s certainly made an impact on his peers. Ironically, one of his admirers, Bonnie Raitt, used to be his opening act back in the early years of her career. His talents were the focus of an Academy Award nominated documentary called "Ghengas Blues," and July 11, 1999 was declared Paul Pena Day in San Francisco. A man of immense talent and impact, Pena deserves some wider-acclaim. However, from what I’ve read about him, he comes across as the type of person who’s really just in it for the music and doesn’t need the personal recognition. Regardless, this release is worthy of elevating him to that higher level in the public eye.

*****