Tracy Chapman Our Bright Future CD

Issued in late 2008, OUR BRIGHT FUTURE finds singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman unveiling another assured set of light, welcoming folk-pop. As its title implies, the album is a largely hopeful and optimistic affair, with Chapman's warm, wavering vocals perfectly showcased on thoughtful tracks such as "Sing for You" and "Thinking of You." Those reminded of 1980s and `90s Joni Mitchell records will find that notion to be more than mere coincidence--FUTURE is produced by Larry Klein, who worked on many of those Mitchell outings, and brings a similar airy-yet-substantial quality to Chapman's gentle songs.

Recording information: Henson Recording Studios, Hollywood, CA.

Photographer: James Minchin.

Personnel: Tracy Chapman (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, background vocals); Joe Gore (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, keyboards); Dean Parks (electric guitar, slide guitar, mandolin, clarinet); Carla Kihlstedt (violin); Michael Webster (piano, clavichord); Rob Burger (piano, organ, pump organ, Wurlitzer organ, vibraphone); Larry Goldings (piano, organ, pump organ, Wurlitzer organ); Larry Klein (organ, acoustic bass, electric bass); Joey Waronker (drums, percussion); Steve Gadd (drums); Rock Deadrick (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Dave Way.

Record Collector (magazine) (pp.78-79) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Chapman has never sounded better, managing to combine the confessional with the compellingly enigmatic..."