Edgar Breau Unleashes a Gritty Rock Anthem with “Cornpone the King of Jive”

Edgar Breau, the legendary Hamilton-based artist and founder of the cult 1970s psych/proto-punk band Simply Saucer, returns with Cornpone the King of Jive. This brand-new single blends the swagger of southern rock with Breau’s sharp literary influences, creating a high-energy, darkly humorous reflection on populist leaders, folk heroes, and the morally ambiguous figures who capture public fascination.

Written and recorded in Montreal at Dany Laj’s Lala Pop Shoppe Studio, Cornpone the King of Jive evolved from a fingerstyle acoustic song into a stomping rock anthem. Breau’s signature storytelling takes center stage, supported by a dynamic musical arrangement that crackles with energy. The track features Breau on vocals and guitar, alongside Dany Laj, bassist Jeanette Dowling, and drummer Alex Pauze. The chemistry between the musicians fuels the song’s intensity, with dueling guitar work between Breau and Laj adding layers of tension and drive.

The title itself plays with contradictions. “Cornpone” evokes a sense of simple, rustic charm, while “King of Jive” suggests a slick, fast-talking figure who thrives on performance and persuasion. This contrast reflects the song’s deeper themes—Breau critiques the magnetic yet deceptive nature of certain leaders, the way they balance folk appeal with manipulation. By weaving humor and biting commentary into the lyrics, he exposes the allure and danger of these figures who straddle the line between outlaw and con artist.

"The song started out as a simple fingerstyle acoustic tune, but in the studio, it became a monster stomping rocker. Dany’s lead guitar playing really brought it to life, and I’m proud of how the arrangement turned out." – Edgar Breau

This return to a grittier, more electric sound reconnects Breau with the raw energy that has long defined his music. While Cornpone the King of Jive embraces the driving rhythms of southern rock and stomp-heavy garage rock, it remains deeply rooted in the folk tradition of sharp storytelling and social critique. The track captures the essence of Breau’s artistic evolution, proving his ability to fuse classic influences with modern relevance.

Beyond the sonic intensity, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a charismatic but morally dubious character, a figure who embodies both rebellion and deception. Breau’s fascination with these kinds of archetypes has long been evident in his songwriting. His work often explores figures who exist on the fringes—outlaws, dreamers, hustlers, and the people drawn to them. Cornpone the King of Jive continues this tradition, adding a modern twist to the age-old tale of larger-than-life personalities who captivate the public, for better or worse.

The recording process itself contributed to the song’s bold, unfiltered energy. By opting for a live-off-the-floor approach, Breau and his band were able to capture the immediacy and urgency of a raw rock performance. This method allows for an organic, unpredictable quality, making each instrument feel alive within the mix. The interplay between Breau and Laj’s guitars brings an extra edge, reinforcing the tension that underpins the song’s themes. The rhythm section, powered by Dowling’s driving bass and Pauze’s tight drumming, holds everything together while giving the song a relentless momentum.

Fans of Breau’s past work, from his acclaimed solo albums to his groundbreaking years with Simply Saucer, will find Cornpone the King of Jive a compelling addition to his catalog. The song serves as both a standalone statement and a preview of what’s to come, hinting at a continued exploration of themes that have shaped his career.

Edgar Breau’s music has always lived at the crossroads of tradition and rebellion, blending poetic lyricism with genre-defying instrumentation. His work resists easy categorization, drawing from folk, punk, rock, and experimental influences to create something uniquely his own. With Cornpone the King of Jive, he once again proves his ability to take timeless influences and craft something fresh, urgent, and thought-provoking. This latest release is a reminder that great storytelling never loses its edge—it only finds new ways to cut through the noise.

The song’s combination of humor, critique, and driving rock energy ensures that it will resonate with longtime fans and new listeners alike. With more music on the horizon, Breau remains a vital and uncompromising force in the world of independent rock, proving that his voice is as sharp and relevant as ever.

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