Rick Danko
Times Like These
Breeze Hill
While Rick Danko is best know for his work in Dylan’s early back up group “The Band”, he’s had an impressive career even if there were no chart-topping hits. “Times Like These” was assembled shortly after his death in 1999, and collects some beautifully melodic and wistful material as a fitting wrap-up to his career. The songs come form a variety of sessions and all have subtle differences in feeling while never varying in quality. Levon Helm backs on mandolin in the zydeco-tinged “Ripples”, Jim Weider (Dobro and Mandolin) assists on “All Our Past Times” and “Chain Gang” with his relaxed Little Feat groove, and Joe Walsh sneaks in on guitar, piano, and backing vocals in the more anthemic “Change is Good.” Danko himself always sings with a charming earnestness, and his presence is sorely missed. If you’re not familiar with his backwoods symphonic arrangements, there’s no better starting point than this slick compilation.
Breeze Hill Records: http://www.breezehillrecords.com
