Customer Reviews

Halcyon Days

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Hornsby's latest, "Halcyon Days" (translated: peaceful or tranquil days, golden years)showcases his many talents and strengths. Unfortunately, he will probably get as much attention for this as a circus on the moon.

He has to be one of the most overlooked and underappreciated musicians of our time, certainly the equal to Elton John, Eric Clapton and Sting (all appear on "Halcyon Days) but strangely without the popularity of those three.

The sticker on the front of the cd features "Gonna Be Some Changes Made" and the only true change is Hornsby has moved from his former record label (RCA) to a new one (Columbia), and with excellent results. The lead off track is pure Hornsby perfection, and instant classic even thought the subject matter is a bit quirky--but that's what Hornsby does best. He weaves tales of human imperfection and longing into a seamless melody and virtuoso style. Elsewhere you find him dueting with Elton John on the misty and gospel "Dreamland", the high energy and self-effacing humor of "Circus On The Moon", then three Randy Newman-esque tunes: "What The Hell Happened" again, replete with self-effacing humor about being the ugly-looking one in the family, "Hooray For Tom" with it's hopelessly spelling-impaired protagonist waiting for his day in the sun and "Heir Gordon" with a moronic, wealthy, bumbling fool of a protagonist that other wish to be like. Hornsby closes the set with a look at an uncertain, but hopeful future on "Mirror On The Wall", and pleasant, gentle intrumental "Song F" followed by an unusual tale about getting lost while looking for the perfect Christmas tree and the hope someone will come along in "Lost In The Snow".

This is a near perfect cd from Hornsby, but then he always puts out quality material, and perhaps that's due to his musical training. Why this simple fact doesn't set him apart from other flash in the pan, but talentless top 40 artists of today, remains a mystery. So, for fans, this is both pleasing and frustrating as Hornbys remains underground and underexposed--a private pleasure, and certainly one of the best cds of 2004.

This is the strongest release by Mr. Hornsby in many a year, and that's really saying quite a lot. Yes, it's loaded with one-name superstar backing talent: Clapton, Elton and Sting. Nonetheless, the formidable keyboard playing, composition, lyrical brilliance and vocals of Mr. Hornsby are center-stage throughout.

"Gonna Be Some Changes Made" is a return to Mr. Hornsby's original and purely unique characteristic sound. What a welcome return for his fans.

Other songs strongly remind me of Randy Newman, one of my alltime favorites, and not an artist whose influence is easily adopted. The superb satirical wit demonstrated on "Heir Gordon" fits so precisely with the piano playing, I just know Mr. Newman is gonna be happy to hear this.

Mr. Hornsby does not play to be clever. Every note and passage communicates. On his best songs, which will include many on this CD, Mr. Hornsby's playing doesn't weigh you down. It's uplifting, almost deceptively whimsical at points. Therein lies the true beauty. The songs are catchy and instantly unforgettable while the scope of the lyrics and depth of the playing will keep you enthralled for a long time to come.

Thanks again, Bruce. You definitely changed more than just record labels this time. You can continue to count me in!

I'm a long time fan, but have recently met folks who hadn't been in touch with Bruce since the Range days, and they have been as blown away by this disc as I have. Maybe it was the Sting/Clapton appearances that piqued interest, but I talked to one person who loved HD so much that she's starting to acquire the back catalog. Though Harbor Lights is still probably my favorite, this album has been in my car since the day I received it and I'm still hearing new things and feeling the need to "cardance".

As at least one other reviewer noted, many of those who bash Hornsby over this latest effort seem to feel that he should be pigeon-holed into the same old 80s/90s ballads era that originally brought him fame. Though his early releases were excellent, as an artist he has continued to strive for other sounds, ideas, melodies, and arrangements. If you've ever heard the man in concert, you know he is most of all, a jazz pianist at heart. Jazz doesn't sit still; jazz doesn't continue to manufacture the same notes in the same ways; jazz doesn't look for the safe and secure. So, why should Bruce Hornsby?

Though I know I'm in the minority of BH fans, I found BIG SWING FACE to be a wonderful effort. There is hardly any "old" Bruce to be found anywhere on that CD--yet, it's brilliant in its conception, fusion of musical styles, and sheer energy. I was at odds with Bruce over that CD at first, but the more I listened, the more I saw his playfulness (he shows that a great deal in concerts, as well), his execution, his need to push the envelope.

HALCYON DAYS also requires a newer mindset than being stuck back in days of his power ballads. Sure, HOT HOUSE, HARBOR LIGHTS, and SPIRIT TRAIL are exceptional CDs (the latter is my all-time favorite for its scope and viruosity), but that doesn't mean Hornsby should be forever putting out similar CDs. He could do so to remain popular, I suppose, but I doubt that would fit his artistic urges. So, we get BIG SWING FACE and HALCYON DAYS--and both are great listens.

To be sure, HD does provide more of the signature two-handed solo work--for which Hornsby is known and loved by his fans--than his last couple of CDs. To those who believe he should go back to his old ways, it should be pointed out that, ironically, he actually reaches way back to his bluegrass and old time mountain music roots, especially in "Candy Mountain Run" and "Heir Gordon." Yet, you can still sense his restlessness, his desire to test his artistic boundaries. If anything, I felt his decision (if it was his decision) to include Sting and Elton John in duets a step backward. Though "Dreamland" is a wonderful lullaby, I found it very commercial, while "Halcyon Days" (the single) itself is a meandering paean to the overwrought ballads for which Sting has become so well known. Drop both songs and the CD would be stronger.

That being said, I'm not sure how anyone can listen to this CD and not be impressed by Hornsby's talent. You want clever lyrics? Got it. You want piano solos? Got it. You want some jazz-infused rock? Got it. You want some quiet, reflective pieces? Got them. You want some humor? Yep, got that, too. Is this Bruce Hornsby's best effort to date? Not in my very humble, no-musical-talent-in-this-body opinion. Is it reflective of a prodigious talent who loves to experiment musically and who deserves more acclaim than he gets? Absolutely.

Bruce Hornsby has come a long way since his days with the Range. As he says on the very first song on here, there's gonna be some changes made. And although those changes didn't exactly translate into his BEST album, there's still plenty of good stuff to be found on Halcyon Days.

Editorial reviewer Tammy La Gorce did a pretty good job summarizing this album (although I don't agree with what she had to say about Norah Jones). Bruce's fantastic piano work is still present throughout the album, especially evidenced by the instrumental track, "Song F". It's also present in my favorite song, "Dreamland", where Elton John joins him on vocals.

Metaphoric songs also work well, as shown by "Circus On the Moon" and the title track. The only song like that that didn't exactly work is "Hooray For Tom", because it's a metaphor about -- actually, I couldn't really figure out what. Oh well, Bruce is also still good at storytelling, which you can tell by listening to "Heir Gordon". But I can't say the same about "What the Hell Happened", which made me ask just that.

Before I came on this site, I didn't even know Bruce Hornsby had a new album, but I picked it up and I enjoy it, which is what other fans of good music should do. If you want some tunes to relax you, Halcyon Days should do just fine.

Anthony Rupert

I will leave the song by song details to others, but I will say that this is a brilliantly solid album from a songwriting and instrumental talent that is far greater than the sum of his radio "hits". The addition of Sting, Eric Clapton, and Elton John to the mix is a nice touch, but truthfully, this album is through and through about Bruce Hornsby, showing the versatile and consistent talent that he is. I was lucky to have seen him and his band live in Cleveland last week for the first time. Let me tell you, if you like Mr. Hornsby's recordings, and you haven't seen him in concert, I highly recommend that you do. It is an experience above and beyond what can be captured on CD plastic!

One thing that I wanted to add to the (mostly) thoughtful reviews here.

To love Bruce Hornsby is to grow along with him. He hooked me with Every Little Kiss, and it's been quite a ride since then. He brought me into musical territory I never considered before, but I trust him and I stay with it.

Halcyon Days is a mixture of Hot House and Harbor Lights with a dash of Big Swing Face, which is a very intriguing mix. "Circus On The Moon" is his best-ever composition. "Mirror On The Wall" is very Harbor Lights-esque ... but "What The Hell Happened" is very jazzy and more like Hot House.

For the life of me, I cannot understand how a song like "Circus" isn't a hit. I know it's 6:30+, but it's so perfect. Such a seamless piece.

All in all, "Days" is a good record for the casual Hornsby fan to check in and see what he's done since "The Way It Is." He's an incredibly skilled pianist and arranger. His lyrics are a little cumbersome at times here, but they flourish at times as well.

It's another strangely deceptive work of art. At first listen it doesn't really set itself apart or inspire. But all of Bruce's records have this way of working themselves into the fabric of your musical and emotional soul after a few listens. "Halcyon Days" is no exception. With each successive listen I am growing more fond of this CD. Lyrically thoughtful, wonderful and spontaneous. Musically polished and delightful. A must for the Hornsby fan.

This is a wonderful album from a great musician and songwriter. First off let me say YOU CAN'T COMPARE THIS TO WHAT HORNSBY DID IN THE EARLY 90's. I've read about 5 reviews here that mention Mandolin Rain, if you're looking for Mandolin Rain Part 2 you will not find it on this album. People change, and with that artist's styles change. You have to listen to this album for what it is. If you do, you'll find a album with many different song styles and you'll hear a great songwriter and musician. If you're interested in this album please don't buy it hoping to get the old Hornsby, buy it with the expectation to get something new but just as wonderful.

What a fabulous CD! There is a very diverse mix of music on the CD and each song is great in its own way. "Circus on the Moon" stands out to me as the best on the CD with the original Hornsby sound. "Gotta be Some Changes Made" is equally as good with a more orchestral sound than his earlier CDs. Mirror on the Wall" also is classic Hornsby. His piano playing keeps getting better and so does his song writing! What an outstanding release!