Greatest Hits (1970-2020) By Bruce Cockburn

Most American music fans, of a certain age, remember Bruce Cockburn for his gentle folk/pop hit of several decades ago; “Wondering Where The Lions Are.” In his native Canada, he is celebrated for his 34 album releases, 13 Juno Awards (Canadian Grammy’s), two Hall of Fame inductions, and as an Officer of The Order of Canada. He has now released a definitive career spanning, 30 track release titled Greatest Hits (1970-2020).

The 30 tracks are presented in chronological order, so they present not only a nice look at his career, but also of the development of his musical vision.

Cockburn’s music has always had a laid back and gentle feel. His lyrics, however, have constantly evolved as they have adjusted to the times around them.  Always cerebral, his words have told stories, as he has presented his views of love, the environment, political issues, indigenous people, and every now and then just simple folk music that makes you smile and wonder.

“Going To The Country” is nearly 50 years old, and it along with “All The Diamonds In The World,” “Mama Just Wants To Barrelhouse All Night Long,” and “Wondering Where The Lions Are” represent his early career, where as a young man, music was simple.

“If I Had A Rocket Launcher,” “Call It Democracy,” “People See Through You,” and “If A Tree Falls” present his developing social consciousness.

Life passes quickly and “Different When It Comes To You,” “Call Me Rose,” and “States I’m In” close the album as a mature human being and musician explores his world.

Greatest Hits (1970-2020) is a wonderful and heartfelt ride through the mind and music of a veteran artist. It is a journey worth hearing.
 

Long Hot Summers: The Story Of The Style Council

Music by The Style Council has been readily available for the last three decades. The latest entry, Long Hot Summers: The Story Of The Style Council, is a fine representation of the band’s career and is an excellent introduction to their career.

The Style Council begins and ends with Peter Weller. Weller is now 62 years old and remains one of the most respected musicians in English history. It is just about impossible for people in the United States to realize his popularity and musical impact in his home country.

Weller’s first band, The Jam, was one of the most popular and commercially successful of the English punk rock bands 1976-1982. He formed the Style Council in 1983 with keyboardist Mick Tolbot, formally of Dexy’s Midnight Runners.

The Style Council allowed Weller to move beyond the confines of punk music. He explored, jazz, pop, soul, and folk. His vocals took on new textures and the music was smoother. It was the lyrics that retained some of his punk roots. They were socially conscious and had an anger and bite to them. They were also tied to the band’s English roots, which may have prevented them from having a larger commercial appeal in the USA and in some ways ties the band to their era.

This release proves what a fine band the Style Council was through out their career. If you are looking for just the highlights, then this CD is it. Their American hit “My Ever Changing Mood,” “Why I Went Missing,” “Walls Come Tumbling Down,” “Life At The Top People’s Heath Farm,” “Ghosts Of Dachau,” and a bevy of others all exemplify the best of British post punk and mod music.

It is a straight forward release with few surprises. An extended “Dropping Bombs On The White House” and a string-laden “My Ever Changing Moods” are the only significant additions.

Long Hot Summers: The Story Of The Style Council introduces their music to a new generation or two. There may not be a lot of new revelations but the old ground is covered very well.

The Complete Atlantic Singles 1968-1971 By Dusty Springfield

Dusty Springfield, 1939-1969, was one of the lead pop songstresses of the last half of the 20th century. After a brilliant music career and tumultuous life, she died just prior to her induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

While she was known for pop hits such as “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me” “The Look Of Love,” and “Wishin’ And Hopin,” it was her three years with the Atlantic label the formed the definitive period of her career.  Tom Dowd, Jerry Wexler, and Arif Mardin, (engineer, producer, vice president), transitioned her from pop to a more soulful style.

Now her 12 singles, both A and B sides, released by the Atlantic label, have been issued under the title The Complete Atlantic Singles 1968-1971.

Led by “Son Of A Preacher Man,” one of the best songs of the time period, the bulk of the material should be required listening for any fan of the era or Springfield. Her smooth delivery effortlessly transitions to soul and her voice gives everything a unique sheen.

Songs such as “Just A Little Lovin,’” “Breakfast In Bed,” “Willie And Laura Mae Jones,” and lesser known tracks “Bad Case Of The Blues,” “That Old Sweet Roll,” and “I Don’t Want To Hear It Anymore” are all sublime.

It is some of the lesser known tunes that add luster to the release. “Lost” is a foray in Philadelphia pop/funk, while “Let Me Get In Your Way” finds her vocal following a simple bass line. “In The Land Of Make Believe” uses a sitar to set up her vocal.

The sound is excellent as is most everything recorded for the The Atlantic label, especially when the three above mentioned gentlemen were involved. The instrumental backing is supportive and never gets in the way, which lets her voice be the focal point. She had a wonderful way of annunciating each word clearly, which was unique.

The Complete Atlantic Singles: 1968-1971 catches Dusty Springfield at her best, which given her career, says a lot.

Latest Record Project By Van Morrison

Van Morrison has turned 75 years old, and his career is nearing the 60-year mark. He began as a gritty rocker with the group Them, producing such songs as “Here Comes The Night,” “Mystic Eyes,” and “Gloria.” His solo career began with the pop hit “Brown Eyed Girl” and he produced a number of classic albums including Astral Weeks, Moondance, Saint Dominics Preview, and Wavelength. During the 1980’s and 1990’s, a mystical element began to invade his music followed closely by rich poetry.

Latest Record Project is his 43rd studio release and fifth in the last four years. It is an album that reflects his age and as such may be a difficult release for a many of his fans.

Many of the 28 songs have a schizophrenic nature. The lyrics and music are at odds with each other. The music retains the melodic nature of his past work, while the lyrics put forward his beliefs and philosophy at age 75. Songs such as “Why Are You On Facebook,” “They Own The Media,” and “Western Man” run counter to the political beliefs of a large segment of the population in this country.

There are some worthwhile songs, but at 28 tracks, you really have to dig deep. “Only A Song” is a light-hearted relief after what has preceded it. “A Few Bars Early” is a blues track where Van Morrison really seems to be trying. “Duper’s Delight,” at close to six minutes, is probably the best track as Van Morrison relies on the imagery, he is famous for.

On the positive side, his voice has aged well, and the band is tight, but it is not enough to save the flow of the album. In many places he just comes across as an unlikeable old man, which in his case is sad.

Devil In The Hills By Mary Hott And Her Carpenter Ants

Every once in a while, an under the radar artist with a new album, sneaks up on me and so it is with Mary Hott with Her Carpenter Ants from Paw Paw, West Virginia. Devil In The Hills is her new release and it is an Appalachian mining history lesson.

The summer of 2021 marks the 100^th anniversary of the miner’s uprising in West Virginia, culminating in the battle of Blair Mountain where 10,000 miners battled state police officers and federal troops. Her lyrics recreate the stories of pain and frustration of the miner’s plight. Her clear voice and catchy country music, which run counter point to the lyrics, make the album a musical and historical adventure.

Seven songs from the original main suite form the center of the album and message.

“A Minor’s Perspective” is a short-spoken word intro that sets up what will follow. Whether it be the rawness of family prostitution in “Annabelle Lee,” the terror of “They Built A Railroad,” “the hopelessness and helplessness of “The Spot” or the oddly mystical “Room Of Lost Souls; Hott presents her stories with power and regret.

An odd and album ending fit is her interpretation of John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads.” She substitutes a few of the words and strips the accompaniment down to a piano. What emerges is a full-blown gospel rendition that ends the album on a wistful note.

Hott is a rare artist who has an intimate connection with her material. Her father died from a heart attack after working three overtime shifts in a chemical factory, which make her part of several generations of working-class families who toil for minimum wages in dangerous jobs.

Devil In The Hills is a challenging and at times difficult album, but ultimately an album worth hearing and exploring.

Party For Joey (Spampinato) By Various Artists

Joey Stampinato was a founding member of NRBQ. For the past several years, he has endured a variety of health problems. Now a number of his musical friends have gathered together to release a tribute album titled Party For Joey: A Sweet Relief Tribute To Joey Spampinato with the profits going into a fund to pay for his medical costs.

The famous and the less than famous, has re-recorded 14 NRBQ songs penned by Spampinato. Los Lobos, Chris Spedding, Bonnie Raitt, Steve Forbert, Keith Richards, old band mate Al Anderson, and a cast of tens all interpret his contributions to NRBQ, 1967-2004.

This is a Joey Spampinato album even though other artists play the music. He was an excellent songwriter and the songs presented here demonstrate his versatility and talent.

His songs always straddled the line between rock and blues and Bonnie Raitt & NRBQ get the 1978 tune “Green Lights” exactly right, plus hearing a female sing the lead adds a different perspective.

The oldest song is Al Anderson’s re-creation of “You Can’t Hide,” which is from NRBQ’s 1969 debut album. It is a straight-forward, basic rendition that reminds one of just how good early NRBQ was at the time. Los Lobos follows by amping up the energy in 1987’s “Every Boy, Every Girl.” Chris Spedding is always a welcome guitarist and he shines with the Nils on “That’s Alright.” On the other hand, I can do without Penn and Teller’s “Plenty Of Somethin,” but it was for charity.

Party For Joey: A Sweet Relief Tribute To Joey Spampinato is a very good and well-intentioned album that not only helps Spampinato but also reminds us at how talented he was as a part of a classic band.

Mood Swings By Andy Peake

Andy Peake is one of those rare breeds of artists, who in addition to being an accomplished vocalist and songwriter, is also the drummer in his band.

His early work consisted of touring and studio work with such artists as Nicolette Larson, Don Williams, Sweethearts Of The Rodeo, and Tanya Tucker. During 2001, he assembled his own backing group and has not looked backed since. Now surrounded by his veteran band, he has released his latest album titled Mood Swings.

His new release is firmly rooted in the blues and Americana music and consists of seven originals and four covers, including two classics.

The albums opening track, “Make Peace With The Blues,” and the piano based “If Blues Was Green” introduces his style and the subtle textures that allow his music to flow freely.

“Hip Replacement” is a peppy and humorous take on the topic of medical advice, while the title track is a modern-day example of swing blues that include serious lyrics that run counter to the tempos of the music. .

You cannot have an album fronted by a drummer without having the lead musician step to the forefront on a couple of the tracks. “Do It With Gas” and “Untangle The Line,” both highlight his percussion musicianship.

There is an imaginative re-imagining od Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B Good,” where he moves the tune from its rock and roll roots in a blues direction. Bob Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released” is also transformed away from is simple folk roots. Guest vocalist Joan Cowan help move the song is a spiritual direction.

Mood Swings is a very competent and pleasurable album of music that presents Andy Peake’s musical visions well. It is well worth a few listens.

Under Your Spell By Tito Jackson

Under Your Spell

Tito Jackson

SoNo Record Group

Review by David Bowling

And then there was Tito.

The Jackson Five; Michael, Marlon, Jermaine, Jackie, and Tito, were one of the most successful and famous groups in music history and was the starting point for Michael Jackson. In many ways Tito was the forgotten Jackson, both then and now. He has now returned, at the age of 67, with a new solo album titled Under Your Spell.

Under Your Spell arrived in my mailbox with little fanfare. I wasn’t sure what to expect but Tito has crafted a well-produced and very listenable album of blues, soul, with jazz under currents running throughout.

He has several guest artists on board and when you are a Jackson, musicians such as George Benson, Joe Bonamassa, Eddie Lavert, Bobby Rush, Stevie Wonder, and brother Marlon are at your beck and call.

“Love On Another” sets the tempo for the album. It is a positive song that runs counter to the world events of today. Tito, with Bobby Rush, Marlon, and Stevie Wonder on harmonica, layer in the melodies on an upbeat and smooth performance that sets a toe-tapping groove.

Songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff plumb their Philadelphia roots for “All In The Family Blues.” It is a brass laden and funky piece and Eddie Lavert’s adds his soulful vocals to the mix.

“Under Your Spell” with guitarist Joe Bonamassa, “Big Leg Woman,” and “You’re Gonna Push Me Too Far” are all modern blues pieces.

“Rock Me Baby” is a cover and tribute to B.B. King. Tito demonstrates his guitar chops and shares vocals with King’s daughter Claudette. It is a modernized version of the 1964 classic.

Tito Jackson, as a singer, guitarist, songwriter, and producer, has resurrected his career with a fine album of blues, proving there is at least one Jackson still producing good music.

Fighting Words By Ellen Foley

Fighting Words

Ellen Foley

CD Baby 2021

Review by David Bowling

Ellen Foley has performed on Broadway, taught voice in New York City, starred for two years on the sitcom Night Court, appeared in a half-dozen films, and supported such artists as Ian Hunter, The Clash, Blue Oyster Cult, and Joe Jackson. Her first claim to fame was as the female vocalist on Meatloaf’s “Paradise By The Dashboard Lights.”

She has now returned with her fifth solo studio album titled Fighting Words. Many of the lyrics are personal, but the music moves in a number of directions, pop, soul, and rock. Foley has always brought a charisma and energy to her music and her new release retains those traits.

The lyrics move in several directions. “Leave Him Janie” and “This Won’t Last Forever” have political overtones and fit the protest philosophy spelled out by the title. “I’m Just Happy To Be Here,” with guest vocalist Karla DeVito, is her take on the covid world. She returns to her late 1970’s and early 1980’s rock roots with “Are You Good Enough” and the previously mentioned “Leave Him Janie.” They demonstrate why she recorded with The Clash and Ian Hunter.

The album contains two covers. She gives a soulful take on Wilson Pickett’s “I Found A Love.” A highlight of the album is her dramatic rendition of Meatloaf’s “Heaven Can Wait.” She manages to match the bombastic nature of the original.

Foley’s albums have always been strong and well thought out. Fighting Words is a bit more eclectic than her previous solo albums as it strays from the hard driving rock and roll sound that dominated her previous releases.

Foley has not released many solo albums as her other interest tend to dominate her sound. Now over 40 years into her care to her.er, she has issued an entertaining album comprised of songs that have meaning to her.

Rating: ****

The Ghost Light By Bob Bradshaw

Bob Bradshaw is one of the more interesting artists working today. While his songs have a subtle melodic quality and his voice is a very good instrument; is is his talent as a song writer that shines through his music and ultimately provides its foundation.

His lyrics have a precise nature. They are focused and have simple characters and well-developed visions. The stories are not of the spectacular type but are more of a philosophical nature that draw you in and help you to add your own thoughts and dreams to them.

“Dreams is representative of his work. Simple instrumentation combine with his straight ahead vocals. The song meanders along as the lyrics gradually create the story. “In The Dark,” “Light Of The Moon,” and “Gone” continue in this vein of creating low-key, yet entertaining music.

Bradshaw began his life and early career as a journalist in Ireland but it has been his time in the united states that has defined his music. His approach reaches out in a number of directions but can best be described as Americana with a number of the tunes have country and folk elements.

Whether it be the Latin influences of “Sideways,” the nostalgic “She’s Gone For Good,” or the light-hearted “Songs On The Radio;” The Ghost Light is a nice look into the mind and heart of Bob Bradshaw. A good way to spend some quiet time.