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Rating: There was a time when I often acquired the well-known "The Best Of" albums because it was easier to find records by less well-known artists or bands. Many times, these "collections" are not truly indicative of the artistic and compositional qualities of the musicians. However, this is not the case here, as this album showcases Bromberg's musical abilities perfectly (b. 1945, USA). David is an excellent and eclectic guitarist, particularly serious and incisive.
Initially, he learned to play guitar and violin and diligently performed many classics of Black Blues, achieving excellent instrumental proficiency even as a flat-picking guitarist. The significant turning point occurred in 1967 with the meeting and subsequent friendship with J Walker (not the one from the TV series), which allowed him to participate in various albums. He then started a prolific activity as a session musician, performing on over one hundred records by other artists throughout his career. He also appeared on three albums by B Dylan and formed the Bromberg Band, consisting of six musicians. In the early '70s, he began performing under his own name and released several albums, all quite interesting. In the following years, David moved to Fantasy but did not achieve great commercial results. Additionally, disputes with the record label led him to decide to leave the scene in 1980, though he continued to perform occasionally. Curiously, in 2007, he released an album titled "Try Me One More Time".
This album (digitally mastered - analog recording) consists of ten tracks totaling forty-eight minutes and gathers many of his best and most inspired compositions. All the pieces are played with excellent instrumental skill. Bromberg's style is original, and even if the structure of the "songs" appears simple, it actually conceals a particular blend of many musical genres. The voice is particularly warm and bright, almost "confidential". The offering of songs is quite varied, and although they are all sung, there is also room for many thrilling instrumental passages. All the musicians play with conviction, and throughout the album, there are hardly any drops in inspiration. David's guitar is always refined, at times almost "meticulous" in its guitar weavings and endowed with a distinctive taste. The tracks at times are rather ironic and carefree like "Send Me To The 'Lectric Chair'", "Mr. Bojangles" (live), perhaps the best track of this album, composed by his friend Walker, "The New Lee Highway Blues" with excellent violin inserts, "Kansas City" (live), while in some situations they are slightly more melancholic like "The Joke's On Me". "Sharon" closing the album is also wonderful, capable of conveying various sensations to the listener. The almost mocking cover by Seymour Chwast is artistically and technically valid.
Album rating 4.4 out of 5 (__________if you wish, you can replace the intentionally left space with the symbol that pleases you the most).
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