Music Reviews

Guy Clark, "Live From San Francisco October 1988" (Retro World)- This life enhancing package focusses attention on the work of the late great Texan troubadour Guy Clark, whose superlative debut album, "Old No.1," was hailed as one of the albums of the year when it first saw the light of day in 1975. This live set was captured for posterity in California a decade or so later, with contents which run the gamut from freshly minted ditties such as Joe Ely's "The Indian Cowboy" to some classic story songs from Guy's back catalogue led by "Texas 1947," "Let Him Roll" and "Desperadoes Waiting For A Train."

"Gene Clark with the Gosdin Brothers"(Retro World)- This unjustly obscure offering was the brainchild of Byrds' founder member Gene Clark, who recorded the deliciously eclectic contents shortly after his departure from the band in 1966. Gene was aided and abetted in his efforts by The Byrds' rhythm section and a bunch of top notch Los Angeles session men led by Glen Campbell ,Jim Gordon and Leon Russell , and the fruits of their labours were critically well received without achieving too much in the way of solid record sales. Clark had already established his songwriting credentials during his stint with The Byrds and this varied collection serves up an attractive blend of country, psychedelia and baroque pop,including gems such as "The Same One," "Think I'm Gonna Feel Better" and the lushly orchestrated "Echoes."

Otis Rush,"Live in Boston,April 1973" (Retro World)- This compelling vehicle for the talents of Chicago bluesman Otis Rush was recorded for an American radio station almost half a century ago, capturing the innovative fusion of blues and prime r&b which made a profound impact on future rock luminaries such as Michael Bloomfield, Peter Green and Jimmy Page during their formative years. Rush had made an immediate impact on the masses when his debut single,"I Can't Quit You Baby" soared into the higher reaches of the American r&b charts in 1956, and this slow burning creation makes a welcome reappearance here alongside another perennial crowd pleaser from those early days in the shape of "Double Trouble."

John Illsley,"Coming Up For Air"(Creek Records)- Dire Straits may have given up the ghost in 1995 but former member John Illsley is doing his level best to keep their trademark sound alive via expertly crafted albums such as this. The veteran bass player has kept a fairly low public profile since his old outfit's sad demise but the old creative urge obviously remains strong, and Illsley's ninth solo set is liberally peppered with atmospheric melodic rockers such as "So It Goes" and "Old Amsterdam" as guitarists Robbie McIntosh and Scott Mckeon occupy the distinctive Mark Knopfler role with rare eloquence and grace.