Search - John Sebastian :: Welcome Back

+ 1/2 stars...Sebastian's Swan Song for Warner/Reprise

Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 02/24/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This was John Sebastian's 1976 swan song for Warner Reprise. In fact, Sebastian had been half-heartedly negotiating to be let out of his contract because the label obviously wasn't really interested in promoting him. After all, his only charting single for the label was "She's a Lady" in 1969, and it peaked at a meager No. 84. Then he was asked to write and record a theme song for a new TV sitcom that was going to be called "Kotter." He quickly wrote and recorded "Welcome Back." It went to No. 1 and became the biggest hit of Sebastian's solo career. Of course, the label wanted to take advantage of Sebastian's sudden high profile and pushed him into the studio with producer Steve Barri (who had also produced the hit "Happy Days" by Pratt & McClain).



Because of the studio's eagerness to get the album on the market, it was recorded quickly and Sebastian has lamented his opportunity to "give that album the kind of diversity that the other albums had." All ten tracks are Sebastian originals, and there are some terrific songs here. "Hideaway" is a lively number propelled by a Farfisa organ that was released as a follow-up single, but only made it to No. 95 (the last time Sebastian would hit the Hot 100). "She's Funny" is a typically wonderful ballad featuring Sebastian's soulful harmonica playing. He also revisits a couple of Spoonful tunes, "Didn't Wanna Have To Do It" and "Warm Baby." But the gem is the countryish "Song a Day in Nashville" with Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Steely Dan, Doobie Brothers) on pedal steel. [It's also worth pointing out that that noted sessionmen David Hungate (bass) and Jeff Porcaro (drums) were used on much of the album who two years later would be founding members of Toto.]



It's not Sebastian's best album, but there are enough strong tracks to make this a worthy addition to your collection. [Running Time - 33:03] RECOMMENDED"

"Welcome Back" should've been called "See ya Later"

Tad Nastic | place USA | 03/08/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First of all: I've come to appreciate Sebastian through his work with the Spoonful. That being said: this has always been one of the my favorite Sebastian solo LPs. This album was also Sebastian's first after returning to his native New Yawk - at least in attitude. Sebastian's earlier solo albums suffer, if anything, from too much of the tye-dyed California mentality, imo.



On this release, he lets loose his eclectic nature: In a span of 30 minutes he does pop (Hideaway, Welcome Back), country (A Song a Day In Nashville), calypso (One Step Forward Two Steps Back), blues (She's Funny, Didn't Want To Have To Do It) -- all in his trademark style.



After 1975's "Welcome Back," though, Sebastian wouldn't make another album until 1992 (Tar Beach -- his most recent solo). Overall: Sebastian only made 5 solo albums since leaving the Spoonful, a few live albums, and 2 magnificent CDs with his current bandmates: the J-Band (the last one being in 1999. Anymore coming?). Not exactly prolific, but if you like the Spoonful, and would appreciate another spoonful of Sebastian's gift for songcraft, this is a good LP to "welcome back" such a listener with."