Evergreen Boy
With his taffy voice, lissome melodies, lyrical wisdom, and lively wordplay, Steve Forbert has never sounded more candid and confident than on his ninth studio album. As if soaking up all the Memphis vibes of the legendary Ardent studios where it was recorded,Evergreen Boyis also the most sonically satisfying record of his career. Jim Dickinson (who produced Big Star's classicSister Loversand played on landmark albums byAretha Franklinand theRolling Stones) reconciles Forbert's rock and folk sensibilities while introducing a knock-out dose of deep soul with sanctified organ lines and understated horn charts. Lyrically, Forbert continues to combine melancholy restlessness with a sure faith in human character. "I went down through a dark ordeal," Forbert broods, only to feel "a breeze from the springtime heather / And as it breathed on me / I could feel how my heart could heal." LikeJohn PrineandGreg Brown, Forbert remains a great comic voice, not because he's clever, but through finding a fresher joy by never shrinking from heartache and doubt.--Roy Kasten