TOM RUSH > What I Know

Some voices sound especially heartwarming wrapped in the authentic colors of acoustic instruments, and Tom Rush’s is one. Famous for introducing us to the songs of great songwriters-such as Joni and Jackson-before we ever heard them, this time, after years of absence, Tom Rush introduces us mostly to his own songs.

Label: APPLESEED

[Rating: 3 STARS]

Some voices sound especially heartwarming wrapped in the authentic colors of acoustic instruments, and Tom Rush’s is one. Famous for introducing us to the songs of great songwriters-such as Joni and Jackson-before we ever heard them, this time, after years of absence, Tom Rush introduces us mostly to his own songs. And with ones like the wistful “River Song,” which flows with the natural grace of a real river, it was a wise choice. Rich acoustic instrumentation provided by producer Jim Rooney lovingly embraces each of these little narrative journeys in warm sonics and vividly gentle harmonies. Emmylou Harris brings her beautiful country soul to “Too Many Memories,” a beautifully sad song about the burdens of the past poignantly etched by Tom’s knowing baritone. There’s a stunning elegy to soldiers fallen and wounded called “All A Man Can Do” by Richard Dean, and a revelatory take on the Mentor Williams rock standard “Drift Away” rendered with much wistful calm and tenderness. This is an ideally gentle, genuine balm for turbulent times.