Tree Of Ages
Omnivore, 2021
9/10
The Omnivore label unearthed a couple of rare Laura Nyro recordings for us, and this one was actually a Japan released only disc, and collects 16 tracks recorded at Kintetsu Hall, plus 5 taken from On Air West. The songs span across her entire exceptional and, unfortunately, far too short career, and illustrate the many dimensions of Nyro’s thoughtful, piano fueled song craft.
“Dedicated To The One I Love” starts the listen with warm piano and Nyro’s inimitable and radiant vocals in the company of soulful backing vocals, and this poetic approach continues to the playful yet graceful climate of “A Woman Of The World”, as well as more upbeat and melodic “Walk The Dog & Light”.
The middle tracks offer us the vivid storytelling of the absorbng “And When I Die”, where Nyro hits some pretty high notes, while the jumpy keys of “The Descent of Luna Rosé” lends itself to a flowing, sublime delivery that makes this one of the best. “Trees Of The Ages/Emmie” then embraces much beauty and eloquence amid harmony vocals from Diane Wilson, Dian Sorrell and Diane Garisto.
Close to the end, “Wind” is an a cappella tune that is so well executed you may not even notice there are no instruments, and “Art Of Love” exits the listen vocally strong and soothing, much like everything Nyro did in her lifetime.
Nyro not only wrote hits for legends like Barbara Streisand and Three Dog Night, among many others, but has inspired names like Cyndi Lauper, Todd Rungren and many more. She released 10 studio albums of her own before being stricken with ovarian cancer and passing away at age 49.
An excellent package with updated artwork and new liner notes from John Kruth, all the tracks here were recorded in 1994, and sound incredible. It’s so well done, in fact, that there is just no denying that this live release is just as essential as any of her studio work.
Travels well with: Cat Stevens- Back To Earth; Don Mclean- Botanical Gardens