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Jackie DeShannon - Laurel Canyon (1969)
Laurel Canyon wonderfully captures the natural, idyllic vibe of its
titular setting, the creative nexus of the late-'60s Los Angeles music
scene.
Swapping the polished pop approach of Jackie DeShannon's past
hits for an appealingly rough-edged country-soul sensibility, the record
celebrates a place and time that transcended the physical world to
signify a virtual Garden of Eden for the flower-power generation.
Featuring extensive contributions from pianist Mac "Dr. John" Rebennack
and guitarist Russ Titleman, Laurel Canyon boasts a swampy, lived-in
charm that perfectly complements DeShannon's sexily gritty vocals.
Her
soulful reading of the Band's "The Weight" anticipates Aretha Franklin's
like-minded cover, but most impressive are originals like "Holly Would"
and the title cut, which eloquently articulate the rustic beauty of
their creator's environs. (by Jason Ankeny)
Personnel: Harold R. Battiste (piano) Jackie DeShannon (vocals) Paul Humphrey (drums) Abe Mills (drums) Mac "Dr. John" Rebennack (piano) Craig Tarwater (guitar) Russ Titelman (guitar) Ray Trainer (bass) + Brendetta Davis (background vocals) Don MacAllister (background vocals) Barry White (background vocals)
Tracklist: 01. Laurel Canyon (DeShannon) 4.07 02. Sunshine Of Your Love (Bruce/Brown/Clapton) 3.35 03. Crystal Clear (Trainer) 3.26 04. She´s My Best Friend (MacAllister) 3.15 05. I Got My Reason (White) 2.52 06. Holly Would (DeShannon) 3.09 07. You´ve Really Got A Hold On Me (Robinson) 2.58 08. The Weight (Robertson) 3.05 09. Bitter Honey (Williams/Nichols) 2.33 10. Come And Stay With Me (DeShannon) 3.07 11. L.A. (DeShannon) 2.47 12. Too Close (Stone/Green/DeShannon) 4.20
Laurel Canyon wonderfully captures the natural, idyllic vibe of its
titular setting, the creative nexus of the late-'60s Los Angeles music
scene. 
