The Place and the Time

Steve Forbert is an unassuming songwriter who writes and sings quietly with confidence, bringing just the right amount of color to these humble tunes about life’s little ups and downs. “Blackbird Tune” celebrates the sound of birds accenting a day in England. “Sing It Again, My Friend” appreciates the simple joy released in the human voice caressing a melody. But Forbert isn’t all small touches. “Stolen Identity” looks at the troubles and fortunes of those living with compromised personal identities — from the bemused perspective that at least someone’s having fun being Steve Forbert, even if he’s stuck playing the same semi-famous cost-conscious circuit. “The Beast Of Ballyhoo (Rock Show)” observes the lack of intimacy found at the average rock show where you meet the live experience on big high-def screens. “Labor Day ‘08” wryly states, “My daughter says I'm crazy 'cause I can't make up my mind /I can, of course, it takes me just a longer length of time.” The band is solid and unobtrusive, adding guitars (from legendary session man Reggie Young) and fine rhythmic accents to Forbert’s lazy rasp. Another solid effort from an often-overlooked singer-songwriter.