Hard Road is the new release from Leah Zicari. The 12 songs show Zicari as a strong and confident performer. The musicians, Glenn Bernardis (bass) and Nick Corallo(drums) never overwhelm the arrangements and leave Zicari to be the focal point. Tony Levin of King Crimson fame shows up to lend his considerable talents to the disc. Singing in a style similar to say Shawn Colvin, Zicari’s writing deal with thoughts of love, lost love and other sometimes conflicting human emotions. Although some darker territory is covered, it usually sounds quite pleasant and upbeat.  Some of the highlights include This Is Gonna Hurt Me, So Much To Say, This Is What I Pray and the rip roaring hilarious song 30/99. 30/99 deals with the touchy subject of men’s and women’s restrooms and the problems that go with. The title refers to the time it takes each gender to visit said rooms. The full subject can’t be tackled here but has to be heard to be fully appreciated.