MUSIC REVIEWS

JAMES TAYLOR'S OCTOBER ROAD

James Taylor's new CD, October Road, released in the summer of 2002, is being hailed by critics as one of his best efforts to date. The CD contains 12 cuts, all of which feature the recognizable voice and style of this popular artist. The theme of the CD seems to be journeys, the welcome relief of finding that which was sought, and the joy of returning home. The CD takes its name from the Taylor's driveway near the mountains in Massachusetts.

The opening song “September Day,” is a melodic song about memories and peaceful feelings as a person rests in the grass in early fall. The comfortable feelings, soft guitar, and easy beat of the song are typical of James Taylor and this CD. The title cut “October Road” is a moving, up-tempo song about returning to old friends and places, a theme repeated in the song “Raised Up Family.” Taylor puts a personal remembrance to his deceased brother and father in the last two songs, “Baby Buffalo” and a very moving rendition of “HaveYourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Other songs of interest include “Carry Me On My Way,” “Belfast to Boston,” and “Whenever You Are Ready.” “Raised Up Family” and “Whenever You Are Ready” features horns, and Taylor uses violins, violas, and cellos throughout the CD.

There is a tremendous resemblance between this CD and Taylor's 1991 CD, New Moon Shine. While October Road does not really open any new doors (but Taylor never did), it is an amazing continuation of Taylor's lyrical and musical development, an ability that has made Sweet Baby James Taylor the musical spokesperson for the “Baby Boomer” generation. According to a NPR interview with Taylor, he seems to be able to find these songs and record them before others do.

October Road was produced by Russ Titelman. Musicians on the CD include Jimmy Johnson on bass, Steve Gadd on drums, Larry Goldings on piano, and Michael Landau and Ry Cooder on guitars. As noted before, the CD utilizes violins, violas, and cellos and many other instruments and musicians. The critics are right about this one. This is a great CD.

Another summer release was Mountain's Mystic Fire. From the first few measures of this 10 cut CD, there is no doubt that this is Mountain. The unmistakable sound of Leslie West on guitar and Corky Laing on drums slap the listener in the face with driving sounds reminiscent of old Mountain tunes such as “Blood of the Sun” “Mississippi Queen” “Never in My Life,” and “Don't Look Around.” “Immortal,” the first cut, is a hard hitting rock tune featuring a spoken voice overdub reminiscent of Frank Zappa on some of his early solo work. Other hard hitting cuts include “Mountain Express,” “Mutant X,” and “Marble Peach/Rotten Peach.”

However, this CD is too hard hitting and in your face. Attempts to soften the CD really fail to do so. Slower tunes like the title cut “Mystic Fire,” “The Sea,” and the cover of the Elvis' classic “Fever” never really give the CD any subtlety. Even the remake of Nantucket Sleighride, one of this editor's favorite Mountain tunes, fails to measure up to any expectations of a remake. While new bassist Ritchie Scarlett does a commendable job on the Mystic Fire material, Mountain has never really replaced Felix Pappalardi, the noted bassist, writer, and producer who was shot to death by his wife in April 1983. It was Pappalardi's influence that helped produce the classic Mountain albums that we all know and love. Songs like “Theme from an Imaginary Western,” “Silver Paper,” and the original “Nantucket Sleighride” helped add subtlety to those tremendous Mountain albums of the late 60s and early 70s. This subtlety is missing in Mountain's later material, including Mystic Fire.

I would give Mystic Fire a C. If you like Leslie West and the post Felix Pappalardi Mountain you may want to give this CD a listen. If not invest in an old Mountain CD; many are still available at online music stores.

In a more somber note, the Clarion Issue staff wishes to express our deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and fans of Derek Bell of the Chieftains, who died on October 17th at the age of 66. Bell played the oboe, piano, harp, and several horns for the Irish folk group. Bell joined the Chieftains in 1972. While Bell was with the group, the Chieftains won six Grammy awards including best traditional folk albums for Long Journey Home and Santiago. Rock aficionados remember Bell's contribution to Van Morrison's 1995 rendition of “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You.” Bell received the distinguished “Member of the British Empire” award in 2000 from Queen Elizabeth II for his life time contributions to Irish folk music. His music will be missed by all.