Though singer-songwriter Danny O'Keefe has had his songs covered by artists from Elvis Presley to Jackson Browne, his talents have never achieved widespread recognition. Dating from 1977, this smartly assembled, country-flavored collection shows just what the public has been missing over the past few decades. In a series of sharply observed, sophisticated vignettes, O'Keefe lays bare subjects from teen runaways to the opaqueness of relationships in songs like "On Discovering a Missing Person" and "You Look Just Like a Girl Again."
Personnel: Danny O'Keefe (vocals, guitar); David Lindley (vocals, steel guitar, fiddle, background vocals); Peter Woodward, Scott Strong, John Court, Peter Woodford (guitar); Tom Scott (saxophone, wind); John Hobbs (piano, electric piano, keyboards); Vince Melamed (piano, organ, keyboards); Dave Parlato (piano, drums); Mike Melvoin (piano); Chuck "Fingers" Irwin (organ, keyboards); Charles Irwin (organ); Roger Kellaway (keyboards); Alvin Taylor, Gary Mallaber, Roger Bethelmy, Alvin "Red" Taylor, Steve Schaeffer (drums); Bobbye Hall (congas, percussion); King Errisson, Oliver Brown, Ollie E. Brown (congas); Laudir DeOliveira (percussion); Kenny Vance (background vocals).
Another milestone in the Danny O’Keefe catalogue In many ways Danny O’Keefe represents what is best about the singer/songwriter genre. Still does in fact after all these years. He knows how to tell a story, writes memorable lyrics, creates fantastic music and works out arrangements in many different and surprising music styles that enhance his songwriter abilities. “American Roulette” came out in 1977 originally and it seemed that the public didn’t notice it at all. This album has enduring qualities just like Mr. O’Keefe himself. The songs are first rate and his guitar playing sounds perfect. At times it almost feels like a concept album and the music and arrangements add a dreamy feeling to many of the tracks. The title track is songwriting of epic proportions and would serve well as part of a soundtrack in many movies, and when the album ends with the heartfelt “Just Jones,” you know that you were in for a treat.
With this CD release as well as “O’Keefe” (1972), “So Long Harry Truman” (1975) & “The Global Blues” (1979) his entire catalogue is finally available in the CD-format. Best of all, he still records and performs. 2008 has seen the release of his 10th album “In Time” – another classic contribution from Danny O’Keefe.
Submitted by sm.and (Hvidovre, Denmark) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
It's great I'm glad this is finally on cd. My vinal is worn out. When it came out back then I played it over and over again. I'd put it away and then kept getting it out and playing it. There's just something special about this album to me. It's the whole mood or the way it flows or something. To me it's great. Submitted by gary (Newburgh, IN) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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