Search - Tom Rozum :: Jubilee

A knockout!

09/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a knockout album, with a wide-ranging selection of songs showcasing Rozum's beautiful singing and mandolin playing, with a stellar cast of supporting musicians (David Grier, Laurie Lewis, Todd Phillips, Darol Anger, Rob Ickes, Herb Pedersen, the much-missed Charles Sawtelle, Bobby Hicks, and more). The rendition of Merle Haggard's song, "One Sweet Hello," for example, is transformed, according to the liner notes, by "the Latino component of the Bakersfield sound with maybe a little Hawaiian thrown in." It's not as weird as it sounds -- in fact, the result is an achingly beautiful song, with resonator guitar wiz Rob Ickes showing how well that instrument can complement the human voice. Rozum's love and deep knowledge of traditional music's roots come through strongly, but the result is definitely not derivative -- of the old tunes he includes on this album, every one has been beautifully, creatively crafted into a compelling new arrangement. And it's worth the price of admission just to have his hilarious liner notes and fake ads -- there's a very droll sense of humor at work here! This album could even save you a lot of money and grief. The great song, "Love is a Lonely Street," is, according to the liner notes, "recommended listening for those contemplating yielding to temptation." After a few spins on the turntable, that one song alone could save you untold attorney's fees, not to mention time with the marriage counselor.I've played this a zillion times since I bought it, and it's going to be a big component of my holiday gift-giving. If you're my close friend, you'll be getting this for Christmas. Everybody else, buy your own copy, ASAP!"