Listening to 17 Pine Avenue, the new album from country rock veterans New Riders Of The Purple Sage, is like a flashback into the past.
They released their self-titled debut in 1971 and have not looked back since. Ever since those humble beginnings when founding member John Dawson joined with a young Jerry Garcia who wanted nothing more than to showcase his pedal steel guitar by playing coffee houses in the Bay area, the band has gone on to release more than twenty-five albums. Sooner rather than later guitarist David Nelson entered the fold adding his signature southern rock/country sound and New Riders Of The Purple Sage was born. Buddy Cage replaced Garcia in 1972 and continued the band's signature pedal steel sound.
This album really put a smile on my face. Just thinking about those heady days of hippies and free spirited music kind of makes one feel good inside and that is just the feeling this album invokes.
The opening track "Prisoner Of Freedom" exudes that southern rock charm with Cage's ripping pedal steel boogie whereas "Fivio" is a real heartfelt number that would make any listener of 'real' country music happy as hell. The clean guitar notes are spellbinding. In the poignant "Just the Way It Goes" Professor Louis's Hammond playing subtly reminded me of Canada's Blue Rodeo. The songwriting and melodies remain strong throughout the album.
Of course Dawson and Garcia are no longer with us but the music lives on and 17 Pine Avenue is a testament to a band that has become an American institution. If you are new to the band and listen to groups like The Eagles and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and/or country music, do yourself a favour and give this band a try. God knows they deserve it.
Track Listing:
1. Prisoner Of Freedom
2. Message In A Bottle
3. Fivio
4. Just The Way It Goes
5. 17 Pine Avenue
6. Down For the Ride
7. No Time
8. Share that Thing
9. Suite At The Mansion
10. I Know There's Someone Else
11. Six Of One
12. Truth Is Dead
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Listening to 17 Pine Avenue, the new album from country rock veterans New Riders Of The Purple Sage, is like a flashback into the past.
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