Search - Don Henry :: Live at the Bluebird

A night at the Bluebird

lawolfson2 | Nashville, TN United States | 12/12/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I moved to Nashville from Chicago about a year ago, prior to which time I had never heard of the Bluebird Cafe (until someone reminded me that it was the subject of a horrible movie with River Phoenix and Sandra Bullock, but I digress). One cold December night I wandered in and found myself drinking bourbon at the bar, six feet away from Mr. Henry, Bill Lloyd and Marshall Chapman, as they went around singing their stuff. I was blown away, and a Bluebird fanatic was born. More specifically, a Don Henry Bluebird fanatic. His songs are Randy Newman-like in their cleverness, and poignant while still remaining fun. (Forget country -- this is pure singer songwriter.) You cannot listen to Don without smiling. It's impossible. You will admire him in the same way that you admire Dr. Seuss -- wacky, clever, but with a heartfelt meaning that is easily discerned. Also, no two songs sound alike.This disc is true to its expressed intentions -- to recreate a night with Don at the Bluebird, with its in-the-round format, intimacy and spontaneity. Don is the kind of writer who shines in this setting. Speaking as someone who found his first studio effort (Wild in the Backyard) to be slightly overproduced, I am thrilled that others will get to hear him at his less is more best. If you want to experience one of the best that Nashville has to offer without leaving the comfort of your home, buy this disc, pour a drink and get set to smile."

A keeper!!!

TracyLouise | 07/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you know Don's work, then be assured that this CD is a collection of his typically wildly wonderful performances! If you haven't heard Don's music, this is an excellent introduction to his extraordinary music. His lyrics and his guitar and voice combine to sing and tell some of the most moving stories that can be described. And FUN!!!!! Thank you for preserving these on CD so we can play them over and over...waiting patiently for your next studio release~~Flowers and Rockets~~"

Finally! A NEW Don Henry record...

P. B. Fey | Phoenixville, PA USA | 06/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...okay, so it's not a STUDIO album, but it is an awesome collection of songs (13 new, 3 from his 1991 debut record) performed in the intimate, friendly confines of The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. Kudos to American Originals for a) releasing it and b) blending tracks so seamlessly. If you close your eyes, it's just like being there: Don, Bill Lloyd, and Kim Richey sit in a tight circle and jam and sing on each other's tunes. Yes, Bill and Kim are on this disc as well, and so are plenty of other great players. Most of these songs are new to those of us who have been waiting ten years for his second disc. (Apparently a new studio album is to arrive soon...hope so!) All the songs are originals, except a cover of "Sun, Son" by Anna McGarrigle. "BFD" appeared on Kathy Mattea's last record, and "Back on the Farm Again" was a hit for the Thompson Brothers. Don has a way of writing engaging, eminently hummable tunes and he's also a great lyricist. He can write funny, he can write poignant, he can even do both at once. "Mr. Putty" is a prime example. He makes you laugh while he breaks your heart (without malice, of course). This guy's songs are a cut above the usual singer-songwriter stuff. Check him out. And if anyone in the business is listening (Rhino), isn't it about time somebody reissued "Wild in the Backyard"!? Get this disc."