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A SoundPress.net CD Review
Nils Lofgren is best-known as a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. He's also been a renowned sideman for Neil Young and has served in the cast of Ringo' Starr's All-Star collective. All throughout his 40 plus years in the music business he has consistently released albums as a solo act proper or as leader of the legendary Grin. His latest album and the first in five years is called Old School and finds Nils at the top of his game. Having been around for as long as he has, Nils has gathered his fair share of life experiences and he passes it on to his listeners like a seasoned professor. The record itself was forged through much personal pain and loss. Old School is dedicated to fallen band members Danny Federici and Clarence Clemons and recalls the passing of his musical hero Ray Charles. Lofgren also penned much of the material while recovering from the harrowing experience of a double-hip replacement. The subject matter is heavy at times but study the album long enough and you'll find yourself inspired and enlightened. To complete the curriculum Lofgren has called on several friends to serve as guest instructors on the album. Lou Gramm of Foreigner fame joins Nils on the shocking opener and title track. Nils has been famously apolitical in his career, content to let the music do the talking. But, the recent changes in America and the downturn in the economy has put an end to his complacency. The character in the song offers one of the most biting commentaries on the ineptness of the U.S. Government and provides a clear call that something has to change and soon. Lofgren's angry guitar licks within match the tone with the fervor of revolution. On "Amy Joan Blues" Lofgren performs with legendary vocalist Paul Rodgers while Nils lays down some of his most exciting bottle-neck slide to date. "Ain't Too Many Of Us Left" exemplifies the theme of departure with Rock Hall of Fame inductee Sam Moore helping out. One lesson that Nils has repeatedly preached over the years is the concept of believing in oneself and following your dreams. He's never done it better than on "Dream Big" - a strong rocker with some interesting nuance and words for the wise. The song opens with big drums and plucky acoustics before unfolding with broader instrumentation that could serve as a blueprint for going after your goals. Old School provides a broad spectrum of subject matters and musicality. This is Lofgren's liberal arts agenda and it is taught with a high degree of quality and professionalism. From bluesy forays to haunting acoustics - it's all here in a 40-minute presentation that solidifies with repeated plays. Professor Nils has gone Old School - if you've been unfamiliar with his work until now - this release is a perfect primer to begin your education in Lofgren studies. • Info: -- USA AZ/2011: www.nilslofgren.com (Richard J. Lynch/SoundPress.net) |
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