So yesterday I heard that one of my favorite artists over the last 40 or so years will hit the big 70 this December, Jefferson Airplane guitarist and member of Hot Tuna, Jorma Kaukonen. So when an album by another favorite from that era was laying on the floor this morning, I listened this evening to the music of David Crosby, his son James Raymond and Jeff Pevar and their band CPR. I have two of their albums their self-titled first album and Live at the Wilton. I listened to the first album CPR This is one of those albums that should get more listens than it does! The album is full of good tunes written by Crosby and the band and great harmonies! Crosby’s tunes like “Triad” and “Guinevere” were always favorites. I could go track by track but I’ll let the liner notes speak for themselves
The deceptively easy beat the marks the opening of “Morrison” gives way to the righteous indignation in its chorus. There’s a haunting imagery in :somehow She Knew: that is mirrored by the poignant lyrics of “Time is the Final Currency” and a rhythmic lilt to “Little Blind Fish” The song “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” simply rocks. (Probably my favorite on tonight’s listen) All through the album Crosby’s vocals blend effortlessly with Raymond;s and Pevar’s harmonies, creating an effect that’s a soulful reunion of the familiar and the unexpected. CPR creates echoes with every listening, because the heart has a memory of its own.
CPR was released in 1998 and the band remained together until 2004. Raymond still works with Crosby with Crosby, Stills and Nash. In researching this piece I see that Crosby is performing solo for the first time in 20 years on December 13th at Avalon Hollywood. If you’re a fan of CSN and have never heard CPR check them out and if you haven’t listened to them for a while, like me give them a listen!! Now where is that Live at the Wilton CD!
Here’s CPR with a great version of “Eight Miles High” which appears on “Live at the Wilton”