Customer Reviews

Live at the Bluebird

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4 star:		(1)
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I moved to Nashville from Chicago about a year ago, prior to which time I had never heard of the Bluebird Cafe (until someone reminded me that it was the subject of a horrible movie with River Phoenix and Sandra Bullock, but I digress). One cold December night I wandered in and found myself drinking bourbon at the bar, six feet away from Mr. Henry, Bill Lloyd and Marshall Chapman, as they went around singing their stuff. I was blown away, and a Bluebird fanatic was born.

More specifically, a Don Henry Bluebird fanatic. His songs are Randy Newman-like in their cleverness, and poignant while still remaining fun. (Forget country -- this is pure singer songwriter.) You cannot listen to Don without smiling. It's impossible. You will admire him in the same way that you admire Dr. Seuss -- wacky, clever, but with a heartfelt meaning that is easily discerned. Also, no two songs sound alike.

This disc is true to its expressed intentions -- to recreate a night with Don at the Bluebird, with its in-the-round format, intimacy and spontaneity. Don is the kind of writer who shines in this setting. Speaking as someone who found his first studio effort (Wild in the Backyard) to be slightly overproduced, I am thrilled that others will get to hear him at his less is more best.

If you want to experience one of the best that Nashville has to offer without leaving the comfort of your home, buy this disc, pour a drink and get set to smile.

If you know Don's work, then be assured that this CD is a collection of his typically wildly wonderful performances! If you haven't heard Don's music, this is an excellent introduction to his extraordinary music. His lyrics and his guitar and voice combine to sing and tell some of the most moving stories that can be described. And FUN!!!!! Thank you for preserving these on CD so we can play them over and over...waiting patiently for your next studio release~~Flowers and Rockets~~

...okay, so it's not a STUDIO album, but it is an awesome collection of songs (13 new, 3 from his 1991 debut record) performed in the intimate, friendly confines of The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. Kudos to American Originals for a) releasing it and b) blending tracks so seamlessly. If you close your eyes, it's just like being there: Don, Bill Lloyd, and Kim Richey sit in a tight circle and jam and sing on each other's tunes. Yes, Bill and Kim are on this disc as well, and so are plenty of other great players. Most of these songs are new to those of us who have been waiting ten years for his second disc. (Apparently a new studio album is to arrive soon...hope so!) All the songs are originals, except a cover of "Sun, Son" by Anna McGarrigle. "BFD" appeared on Kathy Mattea's last record, and "Back on the Farm Again" was a hit for the Thompson Brothers. Don has a way of writing engaging, eminently hummable tunes and he's also a great lyricist. He can write funny, he can write poignant, he can even do both at once. "Mr. Putty" is a prime example. He makes you laugh while he breaks your heart (without malice, of course). This guy's songs are a cut above the usual singer-songwriter stuff. Check him out. And if anyone in the business is listening (Rhino), isn't it about time somebody reissued "Wild in the Backyard"!? Get this disc.

This disc is all recordings from live performances at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. Don Henry's charm and humor shine through in these tracks. Don has a wonderful, expressive voice and a wicked sense of humor. And though it is an "unplugged" type of album, it does not dimminish the value of this CD. Don's songs are jewels.

I recently got to hear Don play at a small local club in Nashville and immediately became a fan. His music has lyrics that go from knee-slapping funny to touchingly serious. Don's heart of gold reallys shows through his music.

The in-the-round format transports you to the Bluebird listening to Don and his friends sing a few tunes. You will NOT be disappointed with this CD!

I loved this CD, and Don's previous disk "Wild in the Backyard", but I'll admit to being a little biased, since I went to high school with him. I'll have to say though, I may have bought the first disk because we used to play guitar together in Mr. Spain's class, but I bought the second because I liked the music so much. Now when is the next studio album going to be released?!?

This is a great CD. In a 'live' unplugged setting, if the songs are good enough, they stand on their own without studio ornamentation... and that's just the case here. Don's a very clever songwriter. He'll make you laugh, cry, and occasionally laugh while you're crying. He's sensitive and funny. Not at all trite, yet all the songs are simple and accessible. There's not a lot of duplication of tracks between this CD, Don's first studio CD 'Wild in the Backyard', and his new studio CD 'Flowers and Rockets', so there's a good number of tracks here that aren't available anywhere else. You won't be sorry! It's better than 'Wild...'