The Masterpiece (Bruce Hornsby - Harbor Lights)

Bruce Hornsby had initial mass success with his debut album "The Way It Is" with single "Mandolin Rain", "Every Little Kiss" and the title track.  His second album "Scenes from the Southside" was a strong follow up with "Valley Road" and Jacob's Ladder" (also recorded by Huey Lewis & the News) receiving airtime.  By the time his third CD, A Night on the Town, was released musical tastes had changed but quality of work had not diminshed.  During that time Bruce was also writing/recording with the likes of Bonnie Raitt and Don Henley (The End of the Innocence).  In 1992, he stepped in as a part-time keyboard player for the Grateful Dead after the death of Brent Mydland and I believe the improvisational style and allowing the songs to breathe musically had an effect for his fourth CD, Harbor Lights, which Bruce considered to be his turning point in many areas.  From the opening notes of the first and title track "Harbor Lights" you come to realize that Bruce Hornsby is not only an excellent pianist and superb song craftsman.  The music immediately setting the tone that is not a "pop album" but a "jazz album with pop sensibilities".  The syncopation of the rhythm section of Jimmy Haslip (Bass) and John Molo (Drums & the only hold over from "the Range" band) sets an easy going pace that is highlighted by Bruce piano and the extraordinary guitar playing of Pat Methany.  The "Talk of the Town" starts off with a funky drum loop and a bass line that bluesy and sounds like its either being played on an upright or fretless bass.  The song is about relationships and the difficulty maintaining them.  The true highlight is the soprano sax of Branford Marsalis.  On "Long Tall Cool One" the unmistakable voice of Phil Collins accents the background vocals.  The songs is all about getting involved in situation and getting in over your head.  Again, the tenor & soprano sax of Branford Marsalis accents the song and lengthy sax solo on top of Bruce's piano accent their virtuosity.  The fourth song, "China Doll", Bruce's piano takes a more prominant role and the jazz guitar of Pat Methany are a outstanding. In the middle of the song, there is no mistaking that you are listening to a jazz album and this is Bruce's true calling.  "Fields of Gray" shows Bruce's pop abilities and this songs could have easily been any of his first albums which is not a bad statement.  The orchestration of the violins, viola and cello coupled with a fretless bass give an atmosphere of song craft rarily heard today.  On "Rainbow's Cadillac" the opening notes tell you that Bruce is finished with the pop song and states "let's go back to jazz".  Again, the smooth and easy style that Bruce employs shows off his excellent.  The background vocals of Bonnie Raitt are a perfect addition.  The 7th song, "Passing Through" continues the tone and mood with synthesizers playing more prominant role.  The guitar accents and solos of Jerry Garcia shows his talent and his greatness.  These recordings also represent some of his last recordings before his death in 1995.  The CD is rounded out with "The Tide Will Rise", "What a Time" and "Pastures of Plenty", all have an uptempo that keeps your foot (or fingers) consistently tapping.  Again, the extraordinary drumming of John Molo is on display through "What a Time".  On "Pastures of Plenty", Jerry Garcia is again featured and Bruce's piano takes a move to the forefront and then coupled with Jerry's guitar.  The song lyrics offers optimism "Where are you going to my friend/Said I'm going out to find/The pastures of plenty/I believe they're out there somewhere" only to dashed by mild indifference "Hanging around just to see what could happen/Hanging on by oh, the thinnest thread/Sometimes Isee the faintest glimpse/Sometime I feel I'd Be better off in bed".  The instrumental exercise to end the songs acts a perfect bookend to "Harbor Lights" opening.  The Emperor termed this album "The Masterpiece" and everyway it is.  There is not any weakness in any one track and the flow from song to song is such that the 52 minutes that the CD runs feels like only a couple of minutes.  It also shows an artist that is comfortable in his own shoes, the path his musical career is going to go towards and the talent to get there.  The CD is highly recommended and would be an instant favorite to any collection.  It is available through CD Universe: Bruce Hornsby: Harbor Lights.