Search - Steve Forbert :: Evergreen Boy

Constant Music Companion

02/19/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Evergreen Boy is the latest release by Steve Forbert, and again he demonstrates his singular ability to make music that reaches into your mind, heart and soul, and makes you glad that CD's are easily transportable. I take this disc with me to work, play it in the car, and still look forward to listening to it on the computer at night.Almost every song on the CD is special. My biggest problem is determing which song is my favorite. One time it's "Now You Come Back" - the next, it will be "Strange" or "Listen To The Mockingbird." Sometimes we invest too much time and effort into determing why and how a song or an album (sorry, disc) is great. I've always believed that great music is felt as much as heard; that somehow it reaches and touches a part of you that can be neither defined nor expressed. Forbert may be the finest example of providing this connection without the benefit of mass airplay.A friend used to tell me he wouldn't buy a new CD unless he had heard (and liked) 3 songs from the artist on the radio. The major flaw in his theory is that he will never enjoy the talent of Forbert, who hasn't been played on the radio in over two decades. Unfortunately for far too many people who only buy what they hear on the radio, they will never get to enjoy Forbert. Luckily for my friend, I'll send him a copy of Evergreen Boy for his next birthday."

His Best Work In Years

Manig | Minnesota USA | 03/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being mildly disappointed with the last few Forbert releases I was somewhat apprehensive about his latest outing. There were moments of brilliance in the last few years-- "It Is What It Is" and "Trouble With Angels"among others... but the rest of his recordings were sometimes overproduced and not always strong from start to finish. Having said that "Evergreen Boy" is Forberts best work in years...maybe ever. Although the production is simple, the stories and feeling incorporated in them are not. From the opening track the recording demands your attention and keeps it on your journey through the 13 songs. "Strange," a song about best friends seperated by their own stubborness is my personal favorite. The CD flows wonderfully and is one of those rare recordings that doesn't get tiring. As mentioned below Forbert is now an artist years removed from radio..and its a shame. His style and lyrics include an honesty and feeling rarely found these days."

EXCELLENT

craig_paul | Pittsburgh, PA | 02/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Steve Forbert has produced consistently great music for over 20 years, and certainly doesn't disappoint with his latest release.His previous two recordings, MISSION OF THE CROSSROAD PALMS and ROCKING HORSE HEAD were outstanding, but EVERGREEN BOY may be, from beginning to end, his finest work since his critically hailed debut, ALIVE ON ARRIVAL, all those years ago.There are many highlights here. The ballad "Rose Marie," the beautifully haunting "Winter Song," the simple yet poignant "Listen To the Mockingbird," and the album's catchiest tune "Now You Come Back" will all stay in your head after you've pushed the "stop" button on the stereo. Forbert is the proverbial "Everyman" telling stories of every day life - sometimes comically, sometimes cynically, but always on the mark. Some Forbert enthusiasts may agree that his music was over-produced in the years immediately following his debut. Not so here. The production is perfectly understated, with minimal horns and sporadic, yet slick, guitar licks boosting the songs just a notch, but never over the top.In simple terms, Forbert is just very, very good at what he does, and these twelve tracks prove that point, as do the other hundred or so songs this troubador has released over the past 22 years. Sadly, most of his music has gone virtually unnoticed.If you haven't noticed Steve Forbert yet, it's time you do. Check out EVERGREEN BOY and it's guaranteed you'll be searching for other recordings by this immensely talented songwriter."