American delivered on a blue plate special
One of America’s modern singer-songwriters, Tom Rush takes you to the rural homelands on this album. With Al Perkins/dob, Matt Nakoa/p, Dave Pomeroy/b, Pat McInerney/dr and other guests, he comes across like a wandering minstrel on pieces like “Come See About Me” and the folksy “Cold River” while whistling through “Life Is Fine.” Some nice bluegrassy fiddle on “Heaven Knows” and twangy two stepping on “My Best Girl” make you feel like it’s a night at the local Moose Lodge, while Rush shows he’s a master of storytelling as on “Far Away.” Sitting by the campfire.
Meanwhile, Gene Turonis sings and plays guitar along with Charlie Giordano/p-acc, Adam Krass/fid, Marc Jonson/org and Tim Tindall/b through a collection of originals that range from gypsy bohemia to folksy picking and grinning. His raspy voice works well on the exotic title track while he gives an old world feel to “A Breeze Blows Through the Palm Tree.” Fun and rootsy pieces like “Let’s Make A Deal/Marriage Proposal,” “George Jones, George Jones” and the quirky “Things Have Gone To Pieces” reveal a twinkle in Turonis’ eye, while down home “Been A Fool All My Life” and “I’d Have To Be Crazy” are as traditional as a Sunday picnic.