REVIEW: Tom Rush “Gardens Old, Flowers New”

Tom Rush – Gardens Old, Flowers New

I can’t bring myself to say vintage artist, a blast from the past, an old-timer, or nostalgic. Not with this CD. Right from the first gust of wind in “Sailing,” through to the excellent “Nothin’ But a Man,” Tom Rush (vocals/acoustic guitar) may be mature, but he cooks up some marvelous stuff here.

The musicianship on every cut is stellar & Rush is always in fine voice. There’s a coolness to his authoritative tone, something seldom heard in younger artists. Maybe it takes time & experience & having lived the songs as Rush has.

Yes, it’s folky, but it’s not immersed in heavy-handed political sauce. The songs are often poignant, formidable, reflective & in a time-honored way. The melodic soil that Gardens Old, Flowers New (Drops March 1/Appleseed Recordings/46:00) is planted in comes from a rich & fluid place.

It has memorable tunes with no visible retreads from another era. Instead of a young rebel, we have a “father’s” voice — soul searching & where the message brokers once dealt the revolutionary cards with political mudslinging & bellyaching — they should have just told a good story with a lesson in it. A good story like Tom Rush did. Music isn’t going save the world, but it will shed light, a bright light…if it knows where to shine. Mr. Rush knew where to point his light. With “Won’t Be Back At All,” Rush touches upon a John Prine-type narration that touches down achingly beautiful.

The 14 blossoms on this new set were produced by Matt Nakoa (keys/guitars/slide trombone/harmonics/add’l percussion) in CT. Songs composed with expertise & quite distinguished. Never indulgent, just tasteful & wait for it – groovy. Yeah, groovy. I haven’t said that word in decades but, it’s applicable with a wink.

This is Tom’s first new LP in 5 years & it also celebrates the label Appleseed’s 25th year. The project incorporates songs about watching a child learn about the world & falling in love with tunes that are cheerful, sad & dealing with loneliness.

Tom’s a folk icon from the 60s. His classic song “No Regrets,” is high on my list of desert island discs, his version & Scott Walker’s cover. Tom is an artist with musical instincts that have never rusted – not judging by this collection. Immensely enjoyable.

Highlights – “Sailing,” “Glory Road,” “Nothin’ But a Man,” “If You Will Love Me,” “Lullaby in E,” “One More Time Around the Sun,” “Siena’s Song,” “The Harbor” & “To See My Baby Smile.”

Musicians – Mike Reilly (drums/percussion/harmonies), Craig Aikin (electric & upright bass), Abbie Gardner (dobro/harmonies), Joe Nerney (sax/mouth harp/pennywhistle/harmonies), Monica Rizzio (fiddle/harmonies), Seth Glier (accordion/harmonium/harmonies), Dave Eggar (cello) & Mikhail Pivovarov (baritone guitar/hurdy-gurdy/add’l percussion).

Color image courtesy of Tom’s Facebook. CD @ Amazon & https://www.tomrush.com/store/Gardens-Old-Flowers-New-p607365602