Review: Lonesome Destiny

I picked up Lonesome Destiny after hearing Bob perform two of the songs live at his solo shows, and I was not disappointed. This is a diverse collection of songs in which every single one is unique. I first heard the lively "Liloette" and the romantic "Sarah's Song" live, and they sound just as good on the record.

"Just A Man" makes you pay attention. Its lyrics hit you hard and touch your soul. The song deals with the aftermath of a lover's tragic and brutal death, describing pain and suffering that sound as though they come from real-life experience. We read about such brutal experiences and see them on the news; this song brings a voice to them and reminds us we're all human. "Desire" is a song I would love to hear live; it features beautiful piano, background vocals, and trumpet.

"Enter The Desert" is an instrumental song that highlights Bob's musical talents and tells a story without words. "Muddy Waters" is probably the most diverse of all, and the vocals are an interesting departure for Bob. The EP is as good as his first two records, and that's saying a lot.

Review: Lonesome Destiny

Lonesome Destiny is a transitional EP that showcases Bob's talents as a singer/songwriter and instrumentalist. As the EP moves through the traditional heartfelt ballads of "Liloette," "Sarah's Song," "Just A Man," and "Desire" that have tantalized many live audiences, glides into the floating instrumental "Enter The Desert," and culminates in the funky spoken word style of "Muddy Waters," we share the vision of where this talented artist has been and where he is going.

Review: Lonesome Destiny

Upon my first listen to Bob Egan's latest effort, it was hard to grasp that the first four songs were actually left over from The Promise album. Thankfully, Mr. Egan has included these and two soundscapes on his Lonesome Destiny EP.

The opening track, "Liloette," is a fun number that should come with the following instructions. Drop the top down. Tap hands on steering wheel. Take the long way home, and hit Repeat 1 on your CD player. Fortunately the EP doesn't come with those instructions; otherwise, you would miss out on "Sarah's Song," which is by far the best track on the EP.

Richard Bell provides an achingly beautiful piano intro, but it's the distant drum and spacious sound of the track that for me raised the ghost of Roy Orbison. Rest assured, though, that this is Mr. Egan's song – a love's lament with the opening line "When the sound of night grows heavy and deep, you wrap your arms around yourself and weep." In this track Mr. Egan uses his steel guitar to solidify the real emotion of the song. My recommendation? Sell this one to Nashville, and retire on the royalties.

On the other hand, the song "Just A Man" was at first unnerving in the violence of the lyrics and emotionally vacant singing – until you realize that's the point. "I'm not God, I'm just a man" sings Mr. Egan in this tale of facing down the killer of your lover. The last of the leftovers, a song called "Desire" is adventuresome in its musicianship but falls short in lyrical content. The addition of horns and some interesting backing vocals would probably make for a great live number, though.

On the last two tracks Mr. Egan teams up with Jason Tait to create some no-boundaries soundscape type of songs. The bad news is that there are only two. The good news is that we can expect more on his next two albums. The first of the two immediately brought me back to a recent vacation outside Sierra Vista, Arizona. The sounds evoked sun-drenched walks amid the mesquite bushes of the high desert, time framed by majestic mountains with dust devils whirling in the distance. All this before I read the title: "Enter The Desert."

The ever hip last song "Muddy Waters," on the other hand, had me reaching for my sunglasses; it was that cool. I could easily imagine both songs on the soundtrack of a cult classic movie… leaving me with just one question: "Mr. Egan, has anyone called Quentin Tarantino yet?"

Review: Lonesome Destiny

After a few listens to Lonesome Destiny, I was quite captivated.

I'd put Cuddy-Keelor at the top of my rock/pop vocalist sing-off, but the EP again clearly shows that Blue Rodeo needs Bob Egan to sing. It would broaden, diversify, and enhance the band's sound. All three would work well on various Egan songs from Lonesome Destiny and The Promise. I'd presume there'd be no need to think of Stu and Cosmo invading Fogerty's turf, but rather of George expanding John and Paul's palette.

The first two songs are treasures, a great kick-off for the EP. Maybe call "Liloette" an up-tempo folk song with admirable lyrics and a warm Lightfootian vocal. It’s an understatement for such an endearing song.

"Sarah's Song" hits like classic Orbison, a very listener-friendly song that evokes Roy and maybe a rockin' – believe it or not – Peter Yarrow. Egan's steel guitar hooks you in and in and in… and then delivers a tasty, instrumental E Street ending.

"Just A Man," is another great vocal by Bob and Brenley MacEachern.

I haven't been able to warm up to the first half of "Desire," but I'm taken by the keyboards and trumpets.

There are many fine moments in the Ancient Future-like "Enter The Desert." New age with chops: quite relaxing, and even spooky.

Monster electric guitar riffs charge through "Muddy Waters," a powerful, playful piece. I'd rather ditch the spoken vocal.

I'm left wanting more... and wonder when that will be.

Review: Lonesome Destiny

The diverse talent of Bob Egan is apparent on his third recording, entitled Lonesome Destiny. From the outset, the listener is instantly transformed by the evocative lyrics and fine musicianship. In fact, it's hard to decide sometimes what to focus on; listening too intently to the lyrics steals precious moments away from enjoying the perfection of the music! The songs are diverse, with musical styles ranging from folk, roots rock, Spanish, and instrumental to downright bluesy rock. The beauty of the EP is that no song sounds like another. The EP defines Bob Egan's talent as a backup musician who has launched a successful solo career.

The first track, "Liloette," speaks of destiny and is suspect of being an inspiration for the title of the EP. Recorded at Greg Keelor's (Blue Rodeo) studio, with Travis Good (The Sadies) joining Bob on guitar, the song weaves a story of lovers on a different path.

Standing on a distant shore, I saw a destiny: it was mine. She expected me to build a castle made of sand -- as if I ever could.

The sun would rise --- but never set --- on Liloette.

Track 2, “Sarah's Song,” immediately reminds the listener of a Roy Orbison song with a bit of Wallflowers thrown into the mix. The trio of Bob Egan on guitar and steel, Travis Good on guitar, and Bazil Donovan (Blue Rodeo) on bass is a little bit of heaven on this one. The lyrics are clearly an ode to Sarah:

How can I forget the things you do? When your whole world falls apart, mine does too.

Track 3 is a surprise. "Just A Man" tells the story of a man giving testimony in a courtroom where he is being charged for the murder of a woman -- and the song gives graphic details of the grizzly murder. The lover of the woman is reliving the murder, and one gets the impression that, if given the choice, he would rather have been the victim. He wishes to end the pain that he is feeling deep in his heart. He laments, "I'm not God -- I'm just a man" and prays that justice will be served. The song reminds one of a Woody Guthrie or Stan Rogers kind of folk tale and is well done and thoughtful.

Restless ... restless with desire ... drawn into your fire ... passion surrounds you like a mist ... promising the bliss ... I wonder - do you touch the ground? Mortals are lost in what they found.

Well, you get the gist. Track 4, "Desire," should be the definition of the word itself in Webster's! The vocals are backed up by Bryden Baird (Bushwhack Horns) on trumpet, giving the song the hot Spanish flavour it deserves. The musical saw played by Jason Tait warbles in the background and gives the piece an interesting, mysterious sound. It's a cool song that would go well over a candlelight dinner. Who needs Viagra when you have Bob?!

"Enter The Desert" is ethereal and absolutely lovely. It is a testament to Bob's talent on guitar. The song evokes images of being in an imagined, isolated place and searching for peace. A great song to play while meditating or just pondering life's mysteries.

The last track on the EP seems to come from a memory of a road trip, leaving Chicago behind, across the Midwestern Delta flood plains where "there's mysteries you will breathe, but never understand… that's right." Bob and his lap steel become at one on this bluesy, ripping, feel-good tribute to the man himself, with a bit of a play on words.

The spell was cast when I was young An old tube radio glowin' in the dark And a station from Arkansas... When the preacher's son laughed out loud When I told him I bowed down To the altar of the Muddy Waters.

That's right.

Bob Egan has proved beyond a doubt that a solo career is imminent with this thoughtful tapestry of music. Bob doesn't hold back, whether the emotion is turbulent or joyful. Have a listen and enjoy.

That's right….

Review: Lonesome Destiny

People have personal habits about anything and everything in their lives, including music. Some people will rush to buy their favourite artist's latest as soon as it's out. I have to hear a song from a specific artist many times on the radio, at clubs, or on someone else's CD before I decide to take a chance and buy the whole CD. Many times I've been disappointed with the remaining songs. Of course, there are always a few (very few) exceptions, and Bob Egan is one of them.

I had to get his new EP no matter what, without even having heard any of the songs. I just believed he would produce another fine CD. I still haven't figured out how to classify his style of music. In "Sarah's Song," the melody and guitar playing remind me of a 1960's genre of music such as "To Sir, With Love," while "Muddy Waters" has Eddy Mercury's "Queen" style (think "We are the Champions"). "Enter The Desert" is a mysterious and seductive instrumental piece. As for "Desire," I just love the eerie, ghostly effect created with the saw. I'd say that Lonesome Destiny is an easy listening CD, meaning that it creates a neutral, relaxing atmosphere around you no matter what mood you are in. You don't skip songs. You listen to them back to back… then push replay.

If I had to rate the EP on a scale of 5 stars, I would give it a 4 1/2. The missing 1/2 star is due to the lack of songs with a tempo/rhythm to dance to, since dancing is something I love to do when listening to my favorite artists/bands. On his next CD I would love to see a couple of songs with a good beat to dance to, either to blow off some steam or to set the mood.

P.S. I have to agree with a few friends of mine who listened to the EP through the summer and voiced their disappointment over the absence of song lyrics on the jacket.

Bob Egan's Lonesome Destiny

"Liloette" – Cam Giroux’s energetic drumbeat is reminiscent of Kenny Rogers’ "Don’t Take Your Love to Town." There’s a catch in Bob’s voice as he sings tenderly about an ill-fated relationship of which he has fond memories. The gentle strains of Bob’s pedal steel waft through the verses, accompanying his journey of self-discovery. The rootsy sound of this early material is cheerful and engaging.

"Sarah’s Song" – Richard Bell’s dynamic piano introduces the aching separation of two lovers. Throughout this ballad of intense longing, Bob’s pedal steel mourns with loneliness. In my mind’s eye, I picture a man and a woman, staring off into distant sunsets while thinking only of each other. "Sarah’s Song" was originally recorded for Bob’s second CD, The Promise, and I for one was keenly disappointed by its exclusion. However, its presence on Lonesome Destiny atones for the longer than anticipated wait.

"Just A Man" – In this song, Bob explores another aspect of two of his favourite themes, Death and Love. In understated yet eerily powerful lyrics, he manages to identify with both his murdered lover and her killer, all the while recognizing that true justice will be meted out by a Higher Power. Bob takes heartbreak to new depths in this gripping tale. Accompanied by the funereal beat of Joel Anderson’s drumming, Brenley MacEachern’s haunting voice harmonizes beautifully with Bob’s calm despair.

"Desire" – Bob has recently begun expanding his talents to include Latin rhythms and styles. Bryden Baird’s trumpet sets the tone for this song of smoldering passion. Desire is a burning addiction that pulls her willing partners into an ever-tightening embrace. Jason Tait’s musical saw adds to the dizzy intoxication, drawing us in like a moth to a flame.

"Enter The Desert" – Deep, mysterious, Pagan rhythms summon the spirit. Bob’s guitar and wordless evocations combine with Jason Tait’s percussion to create a soundscape of wonder in this mystical instrumental delight. This is music for meditation or dancing under the moon.

"Muddy Waters" – Clanking chains and heavy boots stomp into my brain as Bob bursts into new territory. He may think he hasn’t yet met the Devil, but from the way he plays, it’s clear his soul has been claimed by a compelling force: Music. The raw roughness of Bob’s guitar and vocals on this piece sears the essence of my being. I want more!

Bob Egan Rocks Stratford

Bob Egan played his own material and delighted the crowd in Stratford as part of the Intimate Autumn concert series. This amazing show also launched a new season of house parties, in which Bob brings his talents to our living rooms. It was an evening of great music, featuring a mix of songs from his first two CDs and from his new EP, Lonesome Destiny.

For a first-time mom of a brand-new baby, a night out is a rare treat, and I was eagerly looking forward to the evening. My friend and I made the one-hour drive to Stratford in time to hang out with some buddies from the bluerodeo.com discussion board before the show. The venue was the Masonic Lodge, a small hall that provided an intimate setting.

Bob's backup for the evening consisted of Reid Jamieson on guitar, John Borra on bass, and Mike Belitsky (of the Sadies) on drums. This was Mike's first time performing in Bob's band, and he did a terrific job. Bob played a variety of guitars, including one dating back to 1929 that looked as though it had experienced many past lives. During several numbers, he displayed his talents by switching instruments mid-song, an old showbiz trick he claimed to have learned from his mom.

As with all of Bob's shows, the stories and banter are as entertaining as the songs. He broke the ice by describing his recent mishap with a floor sander while renovating his house. The men in the audience must have been cringing as Bob joked that he might be singing a little higher than usual because of the incident!

Bob opened solo with Mystery of Love, followed by Sarah's Song from his new EP. Then the rest of the band joined him for the remainder of the evening, launching into Liloette, Comin' Down Hard, and Take Me Back Again. For My Maker And Me, Bob started with electric guitar and harmonica, later switching to the lap steel. Mr. Moonlight, When I'm Gone, a new song called My Home Town, and I Could Be Wrong ensued. Next came Cold Wind, a song he said he wrote near Stratford four years ago on his first tour with Blue Rodeo.

Bob and his band mates then paid tribute to the legendary Johnny Cash. Bob described how opening for Johnny Cash nine years ago made him decide to enter the music business and accept Wilco's offer to join their band. John Borra treated us to a terrific rendition of the Johnny Cash classic Ring of Fire. He then sang one of his own compositions, Angola, which he had once considered sending to Johnny Cash. Written in New Orleans, the song is about a boy who wants to go to prison someday because his father, brother, and uncles are there. Afterward, Reid Jamieson, alone on stage with his guitar, performed one of his songs, Last Day of the Year.

Throughout the show, Bob mused about moving out of Toronto, maybe to Stratford. He inquired about the local Latin music scene and treated us to a little Latin dancing! Then he pulled out a Cuban tres guitar and sang an absolutely beautiful song he wrote for it, My Perfect Stranger. The set ended with Forgiveness and Country Girl, and the band left the stage. Not surprisingly, the crowd quickly rose to its feet, clapping for Bob's return. Bob obliged with an encore consisting of Satellite (my personal favourite) and Everytime. During Satellite, Bob started with the electric guitar and then switched to the lap steel and harmonica " that old showbiz trick again.

With the cold weather approaching, Bob talked about winter in Canada, the season when we call our exes looking for someone to snuggle with - all the better if they have a big screen TV for watching hockey! He also spoke of going home for the holidays. Bob's stepfather may be a little jealous of Bob's '79-year-old mom in her new red sports car, getting the eye around town! Apparently Bob managed to talk them out of separating last holiday season. He also mentioned his little sister, a major in the US army, who had just had a baby and will be leaving shortly for Iraq. Bob will try using his powers of persuasion to convince her to stay near her family.

Reid and John had their CDs for sale after the show, along with Bob's CDs. The guys mingled with the crowd, and we enjoyed the chance to chat with them, especially Bob, who is always personable, friendly, and fun to talk to. If he does indeed decide to move to Stratford, that city would be lucky to have him. Let's just hope that for his sake, he leaves the floor sander back in Toronto!