Search - Bruce Hornsby :: Halcyon Days

Robert S. from AMHERST, MA
Reviewed on 3/1/2011...

A return to more accessible songs for Bruce. Less "jazzy" or experimental than Spirit Trail. This CD has guest appearances from Sting, Elton John, and Eric Clapton among others. A few songs definitely sport a Randy Newman inspiration - including the humorous ragtime feel of "What The Hell Happened?" Many of the tunes here, including "Gonna Be Some Changes Made"; "Candy Mountain Run"; and "Circus On The Moon" have become concert staples for Bruce and The Noisemakers.

Getting About As Much Attention As A Circus On The Moon.

Jason Stein | San Diego, CA United States | 09/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hornsby's latest, "Halcyon Days" (translated: peaceful or tranquil days, golden years)showcases his many talents and strengths. Unfortunately, he will probably get as much attention for this as a circus on the moon.



He has to be one of the most overlooked and underappreciated musicians of our time, certainly the equal to Elton John, Eric Clapton and Sting (all appear on "Halcyon Days) but strangely without the popularity of those three.



The sticker on the front of the cd features "Gonna Be Some Changes Made" and the only true change is Hornsby has moved from his former record label (RCA) to a new one (Columbia), and with excellent results. The lead off track is pure Hornsby perfection, and instant classic even thought the subject matter is a bit quirky--but that's what Hornsby does best. He weaves tales of human imperfection and longing into a seamless melody and virtuoso style. Elsewhere you find him dueting with Elton John on the misty and gospel "Dreamland", the high energy and self-effacing humor of "Circus On The Moon", then three Randy Newman-esque tunes: "What The Hell Happened" again, replete with self-effacing humor about being the ugly-looking one in the family, "Hooray For Tom" with it's hopelessly spelling-impaired protagonist waiting for his day in the sun and "Heir Gordon" with a moronic, wealthy, bumbling fool of a protagonist that other wish to be like. Hornsby closes the set with a look at an uncertain, but hopeful future on "Mirror On The Wall", and pleasant, gentle intrumental "Song F" followed by an unusual tale about getting lost while looking for the perfect Christmas tree and the hope someone will come along in "Lost In The Snow".



This is a near perfect cd from Hornsby, but then he always puts out quality material, and perhaps that's due to his musical training. Why this simple fact doesn't set him apart from other flash in the pan, but talentless top 40 artists of today, remains a mystery. So, for fans, this is both pleasing and frustrating as Hornbys remains underground and underexposed--a private pleasure, and certainly one of the best cds of 2004."

Underrated and Misunderstood

Sleepydog | Galax, VA United States | 10/30/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As at least one other reviewer noted, many of those who bash Hornsby over this latest effort seem to feel that he should be pigeon-holed into the same old 80s/90s ballads era that originally brought him fame. Though his early releases were excellent, as an artist he has continued to strive for other sounds, ideas, melodies, and arrangements. If you've ever heard the man in concert, you know he is most of all, a jazz pianist at heart. Jazz doesn't sit still; jazz doesn't continue to manufacture the same notes in the same ways; jazz doesn't look for the safe and secure. So, why should Bruce Hornsby?



Though I know I'm in the minority of BH fans, I found BIG SWING FACE to be a wonderful effort. There is hardly any "old" Bruce to be found anywhere on that CD--yet, it's brilliant in its conception, fusion of musical styles, and sheer energy. I was at odds with Bruce over that CD at first, but the more I listened, the more I saw his playfulness (he shows that a great deal in concerts, as well), his execution, his need to push the envelope.



HALCYON DAYS also requires a newer mindset than being stuck back in days of his power ballads. Sure, HOT HOUSE, HARBOR LIGHTS, and SPIRIT TRAIL are exceptional CDs (the latter is my all-time favorite for its scope and viruosity), but that doesn't mean Hornsby should be forever putting out similar CDs. He could do so to remain popular, I suppose, but I doubt that would fit his artistic urges. So, we get BIG SWING FACE and HALCYON DAYS--and both are great listens.



To be sure, HD does provide more of the signature two-handed solo work--for which Hornsby is known and loved by his fans--than his last couple of CDs. To those who believe he should go back to his old ways, it should be pointed out that, ironically, he actually reaches way back to his bluegrass and old time mountain music roots, especially in "Candy Mountain Run" and "Heir Gordon." Yet, you can still sense his restlessness, his desire to test his artistic boundaries. If anything, I felt his decision (if it was his decision) to include Sting and Elton John in duets a step backward. Though "Dreamland" is a wonderful lullaby, I found it very commercial, while "Halcyon Days" (the single) itself is a meandering paean to the overwrought ballads for which Sting has become so well known. Drop both songs and the CD would be stronger.



That being said, I'm not sure how anyone can listen to this CD and not be impressed by Hornsby's talent. You want clever lyrics? Got it. You want piano solos? Got it. You want some jazz-infused rock? Got it. You want some quiet, reflective pieces? Got them. You want some humor? Yep, got that, too. Is this Bruce Hornsby's best effort to date? Not in my very humble, no-musical-talent-in-this-body opinion. Is it reflective of a prodigious talent who loves to experiment musically and who deserves more acclaim than he gets? Absolutely."