Chilly Winds ()

Chilly Winds is one of my favorite John Stewart CDs. It has some old Kingston Trio songs that have been reworked to perfection and some songs that were originally released in the early 80's on an EP entitled "Revenge of The Budgie." Since I never owned the EP, I was grateful to find this alternative. Lindsey is featured on many of the songs as well as fellow former Trio member Nick Reynolds and actor Gary Busey. John Stewart has an incredible way with his words which seem like landscapes and paintings. His vocals are so deep and rich that it touches you. Lindsey's involvement adds to the music a dreamy quality. John, Nick and Lindsey are a great combination! They should work together again! Some of this discs shining moments for me are the opening track "Hit And Run" which is very pop ladden and catchy. "Dreamers On The Rise" is a beautiful song and redone here (originally on The Last Campaign), "Buddy Won't You Roll On Down The Line" features some synth sounds and a cheering section-like vocal from Lindsey. The album closes with "Same Old Heart" (also available in another form on "Wires From The Bunker") ~ this version sounds like an old western tune with Nick's pitch high strains echoing over Mr. Stewart. John impresses me with his new arrangements and different takes on his songs. I look forward to future projects from him.