The other side of Bruce Cockburn
THE CD: “Speechless”
PERFORMER: Bruce Cockburn
I’ve read enough bad puns regarding the title of the latest Bruce Cockburn record to last me a long, long while. So I won’t jump on that bandwagon. Needless to say, it’s difficult to picture the 60-year-old Cockburn as a guy with nothing to say on a new record.
But “Speechless,” an all-instrumental compilation effort that snatches gems from previous Cockburn albums and throws in a few new pieces, lets the music, sans words, speak for itself. Craftsmanship is the watchword here. Cockburn, a one-time student at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, has always been interested in writing instrumental music.
The disc begins with the tune “Foxglove” from the 1973 album “Night Vision.” It’s a bouncy American-ish miniature (or should I say ‘Canadian-ish’) that would make Leo Kottke proud. Other early solo guitar efforts include “Water into Wine” (from 1974’s “In the Falling Dark”) and “Salt, Sun, and Time” from the album of the same name released in 1976.
The track “Mistress of Storms,” a duet with Gary Burton, is a real attention getter. Nimble acoustic guitar pairs here with Burton’s dark, low-register vibes. It’s jazz — well kind of. It’s folkish — but not really. Think beyond genre: this is just a great acoustic track, a conversation between friends.
The sinuous organ-laced “When it’s Gone, it’s Gone” features Edgar Meyer on bass. Mark O’Connor chimes in on mandolin and Booker T. Jones (Booker T and the MGs) is the organist that gives this track a dark edge which complements Cockburn’s echoey, spooky guitar line.
A new track, “The End of All Rivers,” features pensive guitar harmonics coupled with some loops and effects. Cockburn also uses a Tibetan prayer bowl and Navajo flute to add to the most atmospheric piece on the record.
This is a fan’s album. People who love Bruce Cockburn will be impressed with his great musical chops and be pleased that he has finally released an all-instrumental collection. Others may overlook this disc — which would be a mistake. Bruce Cockburn is a pretty good musician — with or without his signature firebrand lyrics.
— By Laura Allen
