Richie Havens' New CD Review
Woodstock’s First Performer Comes Full Circle on New Recording
Dec 26, 2008
In his first studio recording in over four years, Richie Havens maintains his signature vocal and guitar styles. His versions of some classic rock tunes are successful covers.
Havens has always used music as a platform for protest against injustice and advocacy for those in need. This issue-driven music can be found on the new disc. Taking the famous phrase “Say it isn’t So,” Havens penned a tune protesting society’s propensity to war.
“Say it isn’t so/That the people must bend/To this war without end.”
Won’t Get Fooled Again
Immediately following the anti-war sentiments is The Who’s classic “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” Havens shows that his voice still has the ability shake it up as he sings:
“Pick up my guitar and play/Just like yesterday/Then get on my knees and pray/We won’t get fooled again.”
The arrangement to this ubiquitous song is done with creativity. The staccato keyboard from the original version is replaced with Havens’ rhythmic strumming. Stephanie Winters on cello adds a beautiful touch.
The core band accompanying Havens includes Walter Parks on guitar, Keith Christopher on bass and Shawn Pelton on drums. Many of the tracks feature Winters on cello. The players provide a strong foundation to Havens’ powerful vocals and acoustic guitar.
Hurricane Katrina
Not only does Havens cover songs written by well-known performers, he chose a beautiful piece by the young musician, Clarence Greenwood, aka Citizen Cope. One can’t help but think of the devastation of Katrina when listening to “Hurricane Waters,” however, Citizen Cope wrote it well before the sad events. Havens is evoking the memory and giving the song new meaning three years following the storm.
Havens’ Songwriting
There are several original songs on the disc. One that stand out is the title track “Nobody Left to Crown.” It seems to be directed at the history-making and record breaking 2008 presidential campaign and election in the United States. Havens deftly sums up his feelings in these lyrics:
“What if they gave an election/And nobody came to vote/The system it needs a bit of correction right now/Just might seem like changing direction right now.”
“If I” is a simple ballad that is reminiscent of Yusuf Islam’s (formerly Cat Stevens) earlier recordings. This slow and methodical tune blends Havens’ acoustic playing with Parks’ electric guitar as the cello weaves in and out.
“(Can’t You Hear) Zeus’s Anger Roar” is a writing collaboration between Havens and Lucille Johnson. Sung in a gospel style, it has a lightness and toe-tapping quality to it. Brian Mitchell’s contribution on Hammond B3 organ contributes to its gospel feel.
The ballad “We All Know Now” has a simple beauty in its tune and lyrics. One example can be found in the verse:
“And we all feel that someday/We will finally win this fight/‘Cause today’s the day a mighty wind is blowing.”
A sweet interlude is Havens' guitar solo in the middle of the song.
Jackson Browne Interpreted
Havens’ acoustic guitar paired with the slide guitar of Derek Trucks makes a dramatic impact on the modern protest song, “Lives in the Balance.” Havens has chosen a song written over 20 years ago that has significance in this era, maybe even more so.
Peter, Paul and Mary
“The Great Mandala (The Wheel of Life)” is another cover worth mentioning. Havens’ gentle voice sings about life and its injustices in this Peter Yarrow tune. Winters’ cello gives the folk song a classical sound.
Nobody Left to Crown is impressive for its eclectic group of songs and distinct arrangements. Havens demonstrates that he is able to go from a hard-driving protest song to a quiet ballad with agility. For those listeners familiar with Havens’ music or new to the folk singer’s work, this recording should please them both.
