What’s On In London
Album Review
October 2005
Jackson Browne
Solo Acoustic Vol. 1 (Angel/EMI)
The hype that surrounds the release of a ‘live’ album usually promises the earth but the actual product rarely delivers. So it’s a relief to welcome Solo Acoustic Vol. 1 by American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne, a ‘live’ record that actually catches the moment and demands repeat playing. Cut during his 2004 world tour it’s Browne’s first live release since 1977’s Running on Empty and makes for a near-perfect trip through his impressive back catalogue. Superb readings of ‘These Days’, ‘For a Dancer’, ‘Lives In the Balance’ and ‘Bright Baby Blues’ are among the many highlights here as is the surprise inclusion of ‘Birds Of St. Marks’, a wistful piano-driven ballad written some 30 years ago but never released on record until now. Intimate and uplifting Solo Acoustic restores your faith in humanity. – Colin Hall
Received ‘Four out of Five Stars’