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Tom RushTom Rush
Album: Tom Rush + Take A Little Walk With Me
Label: BGO
Tracks: 24
Website: http://tomrush.com/

These two albums have recently been Digitally Remastered and reissued having originally been realised in 1965 and 1966 respectively.

Tom, now at the age of 74, would be generally regarded as a mature artist although these albums were released when he was just 24 and 25. It was a time when he was building his reputation and was quite possibly unsure of the direction that his career should take. Was he to be a blues or a folk singer?

It is hardly surprising that some of the tracks do sound rather dated even if Tom's voice was as rich then as it still is today. And yes, he is still performing on a regular basis.

Anyone who was around in the 60's and interested in music will know most of the tracks on the two albums and many will retain fond memories of those distant days. The old adage " If you remember the 60's then you were not there" was, I have always thought, a load of old tosh. I was there and I remember them. The music here has a real vibrancy which still sets my feet a 'tapping. Bit of colloquialism there!

Tom is arguably best known for his "No Regrets" composition and I am sure he has none as he enters his twilight years. This song alone has ensured him a permanent place in music folklore. Should he have had a more prolific career? Yes, probably. Did he make the most of his undoubted talent? Probably not but in this compilation he has left a terrific legacy and reminder of days gone by. Shame that the publishers could not have stretched credibility a bit and included this wonderful song! Ah well as Tom would say.

A video of his performance of Steven Walters' "The Remember Song," my favourite Tom Rush song, was posted on YouTube and to date it has received just under 7 million views. Writing on his website, Rush said, "I've been waiting 45 years to be an overnight sensation, and it's finally happened! I love this song as it is something that I can totally relate to. Unfortunately, like "No Regrets", it does not appear on either of these two albums as it would really not work for a 24 year old artist to talk about forgetting where he has left his car keys and cordless telephone.

This compilation is for many a real walk down memory lane. For younger fans of music it is an opportunity to listen to a real artist at work and to perhaps understand a little bit of what made the 60's a special time for music. Tom was a major influence on that scene, especially over the Pond.

Rory Stanbridge