Customer Reviews

Demon in Disguise

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2 star:		(1)
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I went out on a big cyber Easter egg hunt for a song that I remembered of David's songbook that contained this haunting line: "A man should never gamble...more than he can stand to lose." This sung in a voice that knows the true meaning of the price that's paid for such a foolish risk. That song, is 'Diamond Lil', just in case anyone else is trying to put 2 and 2 together, and it's the fourth cut on this disc. I was right it's still haunting and honest, and gorgeous.

This album is from the tail end of an era when there were so many albums that were just plain good from beginning to end and this is no exception. Some might see the song listed here: "Mr. Bojangles" and think of the Hollywood schmaltz and crassness that Sammy Davis Jr. turned it into. Not so. David gives praise to it's creator Jerry Jeff Walker, along with a funny story about it's true origins, and then proceeds to rip your heart out with his beautiful rendition of it. I have Jerry Jeff's version and David's....I prefer this one.

His songwriting and musicianship were at its peak, his band of amigos were all stellar musicians from other bands, they cover Irish fiddle tunes and reels, folk, bluegrass, rock/carney/main street moan fusion (inside joke - you'll get it when you buy the disc) and even a waltz from Tennessee. So there's literally something for everyone. Sorry, this was pre-RAP.

I had the great fortune of seeing Mr. Bromberg around the time this album was made, and as far being an accessible, down to earth, friendly, just plain nice guy on stage, as well as a consummate musician at such an early age, I don't think I saw anyone else that could have topped him (in all those areas) at that moment in time. I think that 6 of the 9 tracks on Demon in Disguise are live and they sound just like studio recordings except that all of a sudden you hear people applauding at the end! Except for the obviously live songs (Bojangles), that kind of spooked me a bit! I guess we have Wounded Bird Records to thank for the great mastering job.

Anyway, you'll be doing your ears and musical soul a great kindness to partake in this bit of musical history. It's more than great, if you let it wash over you it's magic!

Oh, and don't let the glasses fool ya.

This is Bromberg at his best. With help from various members of the Grateful Dead, David Bromberg showcases his genre-crossing talents from folk,Celtic,rock and blues styles. This is the disc to buy if you are just discovering this multi-talented artist. It has been long overdue on CD.

Back in the day, in high school and college, if you were a Dead Head you also loved Bromberg. I was, and I did. And while now I still think the Dead made some great music and I like hearing it again, I confess that I forgot how great Bromberg was (and probably still is). In the 80s I worked at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston and I saw EVERYBODY. And along with Prince, the Boss, the Eurythmics, Stevie Wonder, and probably 4 or 5 more, David Bromberg-who is physically the least likely of pop/rock/blues sexy stars-remains one the the best live shows I've ever seen. He rocks so good. Someone else said in a review that it's time for his music to have a sort of revival; for people to rediscover him. It is. If you like rock, newgrass, blues, you'll dig him.

I couldn't agree with Al more about Diamond Lil. It is my favorite DB song of all time. I saw him at(and actually designed the poster for)a concert at the University of Scranton in 1972. He was third billed to Peter Yarrow and headliner Don McLean, but Bromberg stole the show. It was a magical night that will not be forgotten. I love all Bromberg's work and the changes and growth in his music over time, but this album holds a very special place in my heart. Diamond Lil will break yours.

I've always loved DB. Highly textured bluegrass breakneck breakdowns to big band to blues, and the heartbreaking Bojangles. This was his second. Keep an eye out for the first one, which starts with Last Blues for Shelby Jean.

I bought this because David Bromberg's rendition of Mr. Bo Jangles is the best one ever done by anyone. In my opinion, of course, but take it from me this is a dead-on right opinion...

Having grown up in the suburbs of NYC, I remember going to the Schaffer Music Festival at Wollman Skating Rink in Central Park. We were standing around waiting to go in and here comes David, walking through the crowd with a couple of guitar cases in his hands. Everyone was saying hello and he was just so, "I am one of you". I have seen him more than a dozen times and have been highly influenced, as a musician, by him. He opened my eyes to so much music back then and I can never thank him enough. This album, in particular, is spectacular. I still cover Diamond Lil and Hardworkin' John. Just blasts from the past that will always hold a special place in my heart. Thanks, David.

David is up to quite a number of albums now, but this one remains at or near the top. But, if you have never heard him, look some samples up online before purchasing, his style isn't for everyone. He used to tour with Arlo Guthrie, and generally those who liked Guthrie, liked Bromberg. Some of his work leans toward the humourous. He is a great guitarists, and tends to employ great backup musicians, as well. One thing about David is that he tends to age well with you. If you like him a little at first, you will most likely enjoy him more, later.

This guy is a good guitarist and he writes nice songs but when he opens his mouth its like Kermit the Frog singing;not recommended!