Search - Nils Lofgren :: I Came to Dance

With an enthusiastic affirmation of his mission in song blatantly evident by the title of the album and an opening track to match, the guitar-slinging Nils Lofgren took the reins of this project by assuming the role of co-producer and, as usual, principal songwriter. Offering nine songs delivered in typical Lofgren fashion, I Came To Dance touched on a variety of subjects. But there's one twist. As he so often did on previous albums, Lofgren chose a meaningful tune to cover--and for this one it's a unique interpretation of the Jagger/Richards collaboration "Happy" (on which Richards sang lead) from the classic and recently reissued Rolling Stones' album Exile on Main St. Lofgren had the gift for writing--from personal observation--about the fluctuating human emotion behind the disposition of a social misfit ("To Be A Dreamer") or a gifted loner ("Happy Ending Kids"). Love for others was the common thread weaving its way through the fabric of his tailored songs as heard in the lament "Rock Me At Home" or the double entendre of "Goin' South." Self-improvement, another variation on the love theme, permeates the philosophical "Home Is Where The Hurt Is." And the rage of the metaphorically compelling "Jealous Gun" demonstrates how accurately his lyrics, vocal performance and musicianship hit the intended target. Primarily supporting Lofgren on this outing were drummer and co-producer Andy Newmark; brother Tom Lofgren on rhythm guitar; Wornell Jones on bass; and the Reverend Patrick Henderson on piano. The gospel feel for several of the songs was provided by a variety of gifted background vocalists which included and featured the late Luther Vandross and Patti Austin, to mention just a few. Now engage the brain and alert the feet...'cause involuntary body movement just can't be stopped!