A FORGOTTEN VAGABOND…Linda Hoover: I Mean to Shine

Somewhere in the 1970s vocalist Linda Hoover’s career got sidelined. This album, previously unreleased, gives hint to what a career she could have had (explained in the liner notes). Recorded in 1970 and backed essentially by Steely Dan (Walter Becker/g-b, Donald Fagen/key, Denny Dias/g, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter/g, John Discepolo/dr, Eric Weissberg/g), a jazzer in Jerome Richardson/sax and members of Dick Cavett’s Orchestra. Her voice is reminiscent of early Linda Ronstadt, as on the folksy pop of “I Mean To Shine” and “Turn My Friend Away”, while there’s a bit of C&W akin to Neil Young on “City Mug” and “Jones”. Her lyrics can be personal and deep as on “Roaring of the Lamb” and California dreamin’ on “The Dove” . If  you’re a fan of the ladies of the canyon, check this one out.

www.omnivorerecordings.com

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