Circular Times
Sunset Blvd, 2023
9/10
Even if Danny O’Keefe’s name isn’t familiar, you’ve certainly heard his work, as his songs have been covered by Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Waylon Jennings, plus many more.
Here, we’re treated to 2 discs of his timeless songwriting, half of which are studio, the over half being live.
The dreamy, rich “Angel Spread Your Wings” opens the listen with no lack of rhythm alongside some grit, too, and it isn’t long until “You Don’t Have To Be Right” arrives with a mood of soulful singing and strategic keys.
Deeper into the first half of the listen, “Siamese Friends” offers a graceful moment of soft, agile songwriting, while the more rock focused “Litany” puts much emphasis on the lively drumming.
The back half of the listen welcomes the playful, country spirit of “Steel Guitar”, as well as the folk-rock nods of the meticulous “Well, Well, Well”. The set ends with “Goodtime Charlie’s Got The Blues”, where some warm blues does enter the light atmosphere and cozy acoustic guitar.
The live portion was recorded in 2016 in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the sound is excellent. The studio tracks involve co-writes with Michael McDonald, Viktor Krauss, Tim O’Brien and Bob Dylan. There’s little secret as to why so many legends have recorded Keefe’s work; the guy can write a tune you won’t soon forget, and there’s 30+ to peruse here.
Travels well with: Steve Goodman- The Best Of Steve Goodman; Firefall- Friends & Family