Tom Rush

The last time Tom Rush issued a studio recording, Joni Mitchell had released Court & Spark and Richard Nixon was America's President. That's plenty of time to have learned something, which is immediately apparent with the first of 15 tracks on his new release. Rush knows what he does well and the rest of us are beyond fortunate that he continues to do it. In context, Rush's brand of country meets folk blues isn't substantially different from anyone else's from the era. In fact, he's better known for doing cover songs than those few jewels he too occasionally writes himself. What is different is his infectious, happy-go-lucky stance and his standout vocals, which inject an uplifting quality into every word, unlike many of his contemporaries. His reassuring tenor voice melds with thoughtful lyrics and his learned knack of interpreting life as we'd like it to be. As always, lush production follows his every move and the likes of Emmylou Harris, Nanci Griffith, Fats Kaplin, Harry Stinson, Bonnie Bramlett and Mike Henderson pitch in to make it happen. With an always inviting voice that approximates the twinkle in his eyes, Rush works his magic on five originals, notably "River Song," which on its own is well worth the wait. Never miss a chance to see Tom Rush live; he's got that rare one-of-a-kind quality that makes you realize you've seen somebody that really matters.