Steve Forbert

Most artists attempt to make a comeback after their star has faded. Some succeed, but most don't. Steve Forbert has found critical favor by returning to outtakes and extras from earlier sessions, releasing music that sits comfortably beside his best work. More Young, Guitar Days follows its 2001 companion piece by issuing alternative versions originating from studio and live work between 1975 to 1982. Oddly, guitar-driven songs like "Witch Blues," "The Oil Song," and "Listen to Me" sound a whole lot like alternative country in 2002. John Leventhal's guitar adds a real kick to "You Gotta Go," while legendary harmonica player Sonny Terry sits in on "No Use Running From the Blues." There are live versions of "Romeo's Tune," "Grand Central Station," "Oh, Camille," and "Down by the Sally Gardens" and a nice country take on "Get That Vagabond Feeling." Historically speaking, good guitar music like this must have created an odd impression in the midst of disco madness. More Young, Guitar Days shows that rock & roll didn't die in 1975, but continued to thrive in small enclaves that refused to recognize that the world had moved on. For fans, this trip to the vault delivers another fine cache of fine material from Forbert's glory days. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., All Music Guide