by Tom » Tue Dec 27, 2005 10:17 am
Several years back when Pure Prairie League resurfaced we were teased with a few shows and the promise of new music .As I've mentioned before, the band always took the position it would happen when the time was right. True to their words, PPL waited until they had the time to do things their way, the right way.
Founder Craig Fuller and longtime bassist and leader Mike Reilly began to fulfill their vision of PPL’s return around 1999-2000. Joining forces with them were some of the top musicians available: Curtis Wright, a singer-songwriter-guitarist who has written and performed with many of today’s top country acts, Rick Schell , co-founder of country music upstarts Pinmonkey , on drums and Fats Kaplin on pedal steel, fiddle, mandolin, washboard and accordion. PPL performed on a limited basis for a few years, then took a more aggressive approach in 2005, touring nationally before some wildly enthusiastic crowds. Rejecting several contract offers, PPL opted for full artistic control. And now we all benefit from that decision, one which was motivated with enormous pride.
Rich harmonies, outstanding lead vocals, superior , creative writing , superb pedal steel, invigorating , expert musicianship, were all terms used to describe Pure Prairie League throughout the years.
All In Good Time delivers all of these and in grand style. In many ways, it exceeds our expectations. And let's face it, our expectations were very high. And why not ? Their self titled debut LP, Bustin’ Out, Two Lane Highway, Live ! Takin’ The Stage and Firin’ Up are among the most critically acclaimed releases of the genre. PPL has put together a release that carries on in the proudest of traditions, one that has seen some of the most talented and successful musicians of our time pass through it. Add this lineup and CD to the legacy of music that has both energized and thrilled us for decades.
All In Good Time, laced with catchy hooks and crafty lyrics, is dazzling display of tunes which capture you immediately. The return of Fuller and the presence of Reilly virtually guaranteed that , but the unique and immense talent of every member of this group truly brings this to a level of excitement similar to the height of country rock’s heyday. Kaplin’s work shines throughout this CD and Schell provides a driving background and superb harmonies. Wright's lead guitar is a thing of beauty and it carries on in the proud PPL tradition of gifted guitarists. He serves notice he is among the elite when it comes to singer/songwriters. Unlike many groups who reunite but have nothing significant to say, PPL’s All In Good Time roars out at you.
It’s all there. The lighthearted, upbeat songs dealing with relationships and life ( Gettin’ Over You, Don’t Go Confessing Your Love, Walking In My Sleep, That Changes Everything Again), to the more serious, soulful tunes which prey on your emotions ( I Sure Do Miss You Now, One Of Those Things, Nothing Like The Lonely) to the reflective, whimsical take on Meant To Be. Fuller is a master at delivering a song in a style that forces you to pay attention, his voice still a thing of beauty. The acoustical and electric guitars are crisp and inventive. The sparse arrangements work perfectly as PPL wisely relies on their own output, no need for any additional production enhancements.
Wright's lead vocals on two songs, Here Tomorrow, Gone Today and If You Say What I’m Thinking are smooth and powerful. If You Say What I’m Thinking ,a live cut from a Chillicothe OH PPL reunion show , features legendary co-founders John David Call on steel and George Ed Powell on guitar. The roar of the hometown crowd adds to the excitement. An enthusiastic performance, the recording is flawless.
Cajun Girl, from Craig‘s Little Feat days, is a rousing, spirited rendition with some sensational accordion. Fuller fans who thrive on his more hardened, serious state of mind will no doubt find themselves ensconced in The Cost Of Doing Business , a powerful tune written with Wright. A brutally honest commentary on the music scene in Nashville, the song gives you a snapshot look at the struggles of a singer-songwriter’s dilemma and serves as both a reality check for aspiring musicians as well as a soulful reflection from those who have been there.
You say you're sick and tired
of what you have to do
to just keep pace these days
all the hoops you have to jump through,
they make you crazy and drag you down
as you work to keep your good name in this town
Well it's time you said your goodbye
to the innocence of youth
and open up your heart
to the cold hard truth
That's just the cost of doing business
forget that stuff about a rags to riches
it's never black or white
only shades of gray
You better believe nobody needs you
be ready to bite the hand that feeds you
as you choke in all the words
you swore you'd never say
That's just the cost of doing business these days
Considering the enormous success and reputations Fuller and Wright have, what would they have come up with if no one ever gave then a listen ! Of course Craig delivers the passionate vocals as no one else could, his heart once again on his sleeve. What a terrific piece of work on all counts.
Fuller's vocals are still a powerful instrument which he continues to play with an intense passion. Even in a studio, he knows how to work a crowd.The various inflections and tones he delivers throughout the CD put across his feelings like few can. His uncanny ability to make you feel what he does, no matter what the emotion, has become his trademark. And it's a remarkably effective presence here. Close your eyes, listen, and try to convince yourself it is not 1972. It's country rock at it's best, delivered by a band who was cited for bringing it into the national music mainsteam over 30 years ago.
All In Good Time serves us a very generous portion of the band’s brand of country, done to a turn, seasoned with all the ingredients needed to leave your mouth watering. And asking for another serving, too.
The strong ties Craig developed during his years in Nashville make their presence felt here yet PPL steers clear of falling into what has become the dreary repetitious sound coming out of Nashville. It’s PPL doing what it’s always done: they remain true to themselves, creating a sound that does not compromise their vision, yet manages to capture the ears of their adoring faithful fans, the “prairiedogsâ€
Last edited by
Tom on Thu May 24, 2012 7:28 am, edited 8 times in total.