Record Reviews

GRAHAM NASH ~ LIVE PROPER 161 (Barcode: 805520031615) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2019 Released: 2022 This is a live album by legendary British singer / songwriter Graham NashFind albums by this artist, which presents contemporary interpretations of his first two solo albums: “Songs For BeginnersFind albums with this title” (1971) and “Wild TalesFind albums with this title” (1973). All eleven songs from the first album and ten songs from the second album are present in their original order. The album was recorded in 2019 during the Nash US solo tour, on which he performed only these songs, also in their original order. Nash is accompanied by a formidable set of musicians, which includes guitarist Shane FontayneFind albums by this artist, keyboardist / vocalist Todd CaldwellFind albums by this artist, guitarist / vocalist Thad DeBrockFind albums by this artist, bassist Andy HessFind albums by this artist, drummer Toby CaldwellFind albums by this artist and backing singers Celisse HendersonFind albums by this artist and Grace StumbergFind albums by this artist. The songs lost absolutely nothing from their original beauty, impact, melodic excellence and intelligent lyrics over the years and are a great reminder of the fact that Nash is one of the greatest songwriters of all times. His vocal abilities are completely intact and his presentation is sublime, as always. Overall, this is a superb reminder of the fact that music used to be great years ago, and some of its creators are still around to make us remember. These are some of the most beautiful Classic Rock songs ever written, and although Nash left Britain and settled in the US, where his music mates were / are living, he could never take out the “Britishness” out of his songwriting and singing, which was always as charming as humanly possible. This is absolute musical magic!

Updated: 07/06/2022Posted: 07/06/2022

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GRAHAM NASH ~ NOW BMG 4050538888812 (Barcode: 4050538888812) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 This is the seventh solo studio album by iconic British singer / songwriter Graham NashFind albums by this artist, which follows seven years after his previous album “This Path TonightFind albums with this title”. The album was recorded with a group of excellent instrumentalists, which includes keyboardist Todd CaldwellFind albums by this artist, who also co-produced the album and wrote the string arrangements, guitarists Shane FontayneFind albums by this artist and Thad DeBrockFind albums by this artist, and drummer Adam MinkoffFind albums by this artist. A string quartet appears on three tracks and occasional guests appear on a few other tracks. The album presents thirteen tracks, most written or co-written by Nash. Nash lost absolutely nothing of his ability to write brilliant songs, based on beautiful melodies and touching directly the listener’s heart. The lyrics are direct and personal, without any unnecessary pretentious subtexts. There are just a few songwriters left, who are able to write such songs, and with David CrosbyFind albums by this artist sadly departed and Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist mostly silent, Nash is proudly carrying the message of our generation forward. In many respects this album is a ticket to a time-travel ride back to the good old days, when songs had a melody and a message, and singers did not use electronics to stay in tune. Despite his age (eighty-one years young) Nash can still carry a tune like his did decades ago and his sense of melody is as acute as it ever was. Overall, this is a brilliant Classic Rock album, perhaps totally out of synch with today’s pseudo-music, but still full of what was considered once as musical values. Listening to this album causes a tear to appear in the corner of an eye, but who can help it. Every time a gem like this is released the tragedy of contemporary Pop / Rock becomes more evident. Nash never failed us before, and hopefully we will hear from him again, as soon as possible. In the meantime, we can listen to his collected recorded legacy, which remains untouched by passing time. An absolute must!

Updated: 28/05/2023Posted: 28/05/2023

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