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TIMOTHY B. SCHMIT
“Feel The Fire”
Lucan Records
After a handful of less than stellar solo recordings, this former Poco and current Eagles bassist returns with a small label release that, particularly in terms of his voice, returns to his greatness with those two bands.
Schmit’s previous solo work, while adequate, suffered from a prodigious overuse of Los Angeles studio techniques and a too “pop-ish” sounding arrangement. On “Fire,” he returns to simple playing and arranging, all of which showcase his incredible voice. It’s hard to believe that he’s in his early 50s, because his voice sounds as strong as it did on his first Poco release in 1970.
The choice of songs on “Fire” also helps out. Schmit does a great job covering Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love,” as well as the Stylistics soul chestnut “ You Are Everything.” Another wonder is the multi-tracked, a cappella “Top of the Stairs.”
There may be one or two lesser tracks on this release, but it’s clear that a strong voiced Schmit is back on track.
- Mark T. Gould
