JD Souther
(Slow Curve)
The last time we heard from JD Souther, it was the mid ‘80s and his then-current catalogue included four solo albums, an all-star collaboration with the Souther Hillman Furay Band, and a hit co-opted with James Taylor, "Her Town Too." But even with that impressive resume, it was Souther's stature as a songwriter, penning songs for the likes of the Eagles and Linda Rondstadt that brought him to the big time. Eventually, Souther opted to abandon his performing career to focus on honing hits for others.
Consequently, it's somewhat surprising to find Souther offering up another album 25 years after bowing out of the spotlight. However, even more startling are the changes it finds in his style and sound. While opening track "I'll Be Here at Closing Time" and the high lonesome ballad "Come On Up" retrace the familiar country rock template that he helped construct, by and large the new album offers little in common with that former MO.
Recruiting a backing band that boasts brass and breezy, swaying rhythms, Souther makes a bold foray into contemporary jazz, easy listening lounge music and exotic Latin rhythms. That may be something of a letdown to his former fans, especially those who prefer denim and patchouli to eveningwear and martinis. Indeed, while Souther's smoky vocals still boast a striking similarity to Don Henley's - not surprising considering they famously traipsed the same terrain - the comparisons end there. To paraphrase the title of one of those Eagles anthems he was famous for - he's not the new kid in town anymore, but this boy's definitely changed his tune.
Standout Tracks: "I'll Be Here at Closing Time," "In My Arms
Tonight," "Come On Up," LEE ZIMMERMAN
