Bruce Hornsby - Halcyon Days

Bruce Hornsby fans have their reasons for feeling defensive these days: Despite the stylistic virtuosity and his former gig as a Dead sideman, as a piano-playing, adult-aimed popster he's in danger of being lumped in with Norah Jones and her drowsy disciples. Which may be why he brought out the heavy hitters for Halcyon Days, his ninth album and one of his best. First single "Gonna Be Some Changes Made" leads the charge on a return-to-roots odyssey that reflects both a grown-up acceptance of the way it is circa 2004 and a keep-it-real, no-caving-to-artifice spirit. Sting pitches in on vocals, his voice at times blending with Hornsby's to take on a regular-guy likeability absent in his recent work, and backing the two up on guitar is Eric Clapton, who picks up the at-ease vibe and veers it in a Hornsby-eque, no-showoffs direction. And that's just the leadoff track. Deeper in, Sir Elton John wades gently into "Dreamland," defying parents to find a cooler, more of-the-moment lullaby, and Clapton returns twice more for lead guitar duties, picking up a vocal credit on "Candy Mountain Run". Hornsby is cashing in on high-profile favors here, and they will likely serve him well in scoring new listeners. But the loyal would have been satisfied without them: Courtesy of Hornsby's characteristic wit on tracks like "What the Hell Happened" and an un-stingy share of two-handed solo piano noticeably absent on his prior album, their own halcyon days have returned. --Tammy La Gorce Amazon.com

 Not What I Had Hoped For
With the exception of maybe two cuts, this is boring. Bruce is a fine talent and very gifted, but the well has run dry. I just can't get into this repetitive piano driven stuff. Nothing insightful like "The Way It Is". March 19, 2008

 Halcion Days Review
Bruce Hornsby is a legend. I was slightly disappointed though in the disk. Buying it after hearing a clip on the radio, I found some of the songs went on and on longer than I would have liked. The old time favorites with a current twist came across well. Overall, I wont be listening to this one as often as other recent purchases. March 8, 2007

 Good Stuff
We all know of Bruce Hornsby, and this cd is great. I bought it for "Gonna be some changes made", which was the music for Lowes a year or two ago in their commercials, but the whole cd is great. Worth having. "Hooray for Tom" and "What the hell happened to me" are only two of the songs I wouldn't ever want to live without. Peace. March 27, 2006

 FANASTIC!!!!
What a fabulous CD! There is a very diverse mix of music on the CD and each song is great in its own way. "Circus on the Moon" stands out to me as the best on the CD with the original Hornsby sound. "Gotta be Some Changes Made" is equally as good with a more orchestral sound than his earlier CDs. Mirror on the Wall" also is classic Hornsby. His piano playing keeps getting better and so does his song writing! What an outstanding release! December 30, 2005

 Underrated and Misunderstood
As at least one other reviewer noted, many of those who bash Hornsby over this latest effort seem to feel that he should be pigeon-holed into the same old 80s/90s ballads era that originally brought him fame. Though his early releases were excellent, as an artist he has continued to strive for other sounds, ideas, melodies, and arrangements. If you've ever heard the man in concert, you know he is most of all, a jazz pianist at heart. Jazz doesn't sit still; jazz doesn't continue to manufacture the same notes in the same ways; jazz doesn't look for the safe and secure. So, why should Bruce Hornsby?

Though I know I'm in the minority of BH fans, I found BIG SWING FACE to be a wonderful effort. There is hardly any "old" Bruce to be found anywhere on that CD--yet, it's brilliant in its conception, fusion of musical styles, and sheer energy. I was at odds with Bruce over that CD at first, but the more I listened, the more I saw his playfulness (he shows that a great deal in concerts, as well), his execution, his need to push the envelope.

HALCYON DAYS also requires a newer mindset than being stuck back in days of his power ballads. Sure, HOT HOUSE, HARBOR LIGHTS, and SPIRIT TRAIL are exceptional CDs (the latter is my all-time favorite for its scope and viruosity), but that doesn't mean Hornsby should be forever putting out similar CDs. He could do so to remain popular, I suppose, but I doubt that would fit his artistic urges. So, we get BIG SWING FACE and HALCYON DAYS--and both are great listens.

To be sure, HD does provide more of the signature two-handed solo work--for which Hornsby is known and loved by his fans--than his last couple of CDs. To those who believe he should go back to his old ways, it should be pointed out that, ironically, he actually reaches way back to his bluegrass and old time mountain music roots, especially in "Candy Mountain Run" and "Heir Gordon." Yet, you can still sense his restlessness, his desire to test his artistic boundaries. If anything, I felt his decision (if it was his decision) to include Sting and Elton John in duets a step backward. Though "Dreamland" is a wonderful lullaby, I found it very commercial, while "Halcyon Days" (the single) itself is a meandering paean to the overwrought ballads for which Sting has become so well known. Drop both songs and the CD would be stronger.

That being said, I'm not sure how anyone can listen to this CD and not be impressed by Hornsby's talent. You want clever lyrics? Got it. You want piano solos? Got it. You want some jazz-infused rock? Got it. You want some quiet, reflective pieces? Got them. You want some humor? Yep, got that, too. Is this Bruce Hornsby's best effort to date? Not in my very humble, no-musical-talent-in-this-body opinion. Is it reflective of a prodigious talent who loves to experiment musically and who deserves more acclaim than he gets? Absolutely. October 30, 2005

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