Two years ago, Eddie Vedder stood in a lounge-y Hollywood event space, packed with industry types and high-end speakers to premiere Pearl Jam’s 11th studio album, “Gigaton.” With a twinkle in his eye, Vedder hinted, as modestly as possible, he felt the band captured “a little sort of magic” in what is arguably the Seattle giants’ best album in the latter half of their career.
Whatever spark, magic or pixie dust Vedder brought to the “Gigaton” table may have helped ignite his new solo album, “Earthling.” While it’s a completely different record than “Gigaton,” Vedder’s first solo album in 11 years, released last week, is equally inspired, its twists and turns more cohesive with fewer songwriting heads coming together.
Touring in support of the album, Vedder assembled an all-star band, The Earthlings, featuring Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, ex-Chili-turned-PJ touring member Josh Klinghoffer and producer/guitarist Andrew Watt, who all feature heavily on “Earthling.” Joining the core four on the road are Jane’s Addiction bassist Chris Chaney and Vedder’s singer-songwriter bud Glen Hansard, who’s also opening the shows.
