Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains) is featured in a new inerview with The Spokesman-Review discussing his new solo album, Brighten. Following is an excerpt from the chat.

The Spokesman-Review: You’re more than a capable vocalist, but were you one of those reluctant vocalists, a la James Hetfield of Metallica, and did (the late Alice in Chains frontman) Layne Staley help you become the singer you are?

Cantrell: "I was happy to play guitar and sing backup in Alice in Chains. When you have a guy like Layne Staley in the band, you don’t want to compete with him. But I give Layne credit for giving me the confidence to sing. I was amazed by him. I was the main writer with the band. Layne said, 'No offense against these lyrics, but they’re very personal. I think you should sing them.' I was like, 'You’re better than me.' He said, 'You’ll be fine.' We gave each other confidence. Layne was a unique powerhouse who had a great deal of empathy."

The Spokesman-Review: Your singing throughout Brighten is emotive, and the songs get right to the heart of the matter.

Cantrell: "I was raised by a couple of country and blues fans, and country and blues gets right to the point. There’s no extra anything needed. You have to tell a story in two or three minutes, and that’s it. I’ve been known to meander a bit during songs, but the only long one on this album is 'Black Hearts and Evil Done'."

Read the complete interview here.

Brighten is available everywhere now and is offered in an exclusive bone with gold splatter colour 180-gram vinyl via Jerry’s webstore. Limited signed CDs will also be available in the webstore.

Tracklisting:

"Atone"
"Brighten"
"Prism Of Doubt"
"Black Hearts And Evil Done"
"Siren Song"
"Had To Know"
"Nobody Breaks You"
"Dismembered"
"Goodbye"

"Brighten" video:

"Atone" video:

"Siren Song":

The Cast of Players on Brighten:

Jerry Cantrell – Guitar, bass, vocals, keys
Greg Puciato – Background vocals
Duff McKagan – Bass
Gil Sharone – Drums
Abe Laboriel Jr. – Drums
Tyler Bates – Strings, percussion, guitar
Vincent Jones – Piano, keys, & strings
Jordan Lewis - Piano
Michael Rozon – Pedal steel
Lola Bates – Background vocals
Matias Ambrogi-Torres – Strings

(Photo - Jonathan Weiner)