Americana music, blog

Monday, October 19, 2020

Overlooked Gems: John Stewart's The Phoenix Concerts

 

 

 The Phoenix Concerts


I don’t remember when I noticed John Stewart, but I know I waited far too long. About ten years ago, I bought California Bloodlines and experienced an incredible sense of discovery. Some have credited Bloodlines with being the first Americana record. I’ll leave that subject to others; I just want to let people know that if you love brilliant songwriters, and you haven’t done so yet, then check out John Stewart. While Bloodlines is an acknowledged classic, The Phoenix Concerts is an outstanding example of his early solo career and contains selections from Bloodlines.

John Stewart was already a veteran of the folk scene when he replaced Dave Guard, in The Kingston Trio in 1961. He brought with him proficiency on guitar, banjo, and the group recorded several of his original songs,. As the Beatles arrived and changed the musical landscape, the popularity of folk groups such as The Kingston Trio declined, and Stewart worked as solo artist. It was during this time that he wrote “Daydream Believer,” which became a smash hit for The Monkees. Commercial success eluded him, and he recorded for several major labels. 

It was on RCA he recorded The Phoenix Concerts. Live albums are hit and miss affairs. They rarely contain the best versions of an artist’s songs, but this is an exception. The applause is unobtrusive and the between songs patter is kept to a minimum. If this was the only recording John Stewart released, his reputation would have been etched in the pantheon of talented singers/songwriters. The sheer number of memorable songs is stunning. You’ll find no filler in this double album. The band is flawless, and the arrangements never get in the way or overwhelm the songs. 

And there are so many memorable songs. There are too many to go into detail here, but have a listen to “Runaway Fool of Love.” It rocks with an infectious opening guitar lick and rolls into a sing-a-long chorus. How wasn’t this a chart success? Others are the touching “Last Campaign Trilogy,” "The Oldest Living Son" and the stunning “Kansas.” Stewart passed away in 2008, but left a rich catalogue of great songs they deserve a wider audience.

https://youtu.be/ObiX_v-R4HE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4z7f_jx1jM 

 

 

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