Bob Lind’s new album is a sparkling collection of sophisticated and emotionally literate songs from a still-relevant troubadour.
Bob Lind recently celebrated his 81st birthday, and may well be the sole survivor of ‘ 60s folk-rock who is still creating relevant music. His new album, released a few weeks ago, is entitled It Oughta Be Easy and the title alone immediately indicates his ongoing attention to his craft.
The record is his fourth collaboration with Jamie Hoover, the guitarist-arranger-producer who brings considerable imagination to the production of Lind’s superbly written lyrics. The addition on this album of the talented George Wurzbach on piano introduces an additional element: jazz-inflected and highly melodic. Long flowing lyrics lines of emotional honesty combined with wry humour have long characterized the work of Bob Lind. His writing talents coalesce beautifully with Hoover and Wurzbach, resulting in a record of considerable variety.
It took this writer three concentrated listening sessions to appreciate the depth and consistency of the many standout tracks on display. The album opens with “Wearing You”, a brisk and jazzy celebration of a new romance. “Easy to be Happy” is the centrepiece of the record, with its ironic analysis of modern life.
Most surprising Lind’s choice to cover “Adia”, a terrific song from the Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan, taken from her debut album Surfacing, which was released back in the early ’90s. He seldom records covers, but this one is an astute choice. Above all, Sarah is highly regarded for her emotional literacy in songwriting, and the sentiments here complement Lind’s material exceedingly well.
Other great tunes on the album: “When Love Is New” – a celebration of carnal love. “Old Pictures” – highly reminiscent of Lind’s 1970s album Photographs of Feeling. “Paternal Counsel” – a meeting up with an unexpected visitor who claims to be his son.
Integral to the very strong lyric writing on this record is the musicality: Lind’s strong and youthful vocals despite his age, Jamie Hoover’s superb guitar playing, and the infectious arrangements of many of these songs. In short, the album is an admirable achievement and of true relevance in this troubled age.
