Album Review of
The Complete Jeff Buckley and Gary Lucas Songbook

Written by Joe Ross
December 18, 2019 - 2:02am EST
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Although Jeff Buckley’s music career was cut short when he drowned at age 30 in 1997, his music remained popular and there have been several posthumous releases of the guitarist/singer/songwriter’s material. His lead vocals even earned him recognition and a place in 2004 as Rolling Stone’s #39 on their list of greatest singers of all time.  During their short 1991-92 collaboration in the band Gods and Monsters, Buckley and guitarist Gary Lucas composed twelve songs. Lucas would compose solo guitar instrumentals, and then Buckley would add the vocal’s melody and lyrics. “Mojo Pin” and “Grace” were on Buckley’s eponymous debut album. This latest album features five songs like “She is Free” and “Cruel” that also appeared on the 2002 album “Songs to No One.” Fans will take special delight in hearing five previously unreleased songs co-penned by Buckley and Lucas whose guitar work is tastefully rendered.

From Italy, Davide Combusti (aka The Niro) is an indie-rock singer/songwriter who was called upon to sing the lead and backing vocals. He does a fine job of imparting an emotional intensity that is remarkably powerful. We hear breathtaking and moving personal statements like “Bluebird Blues” that are sung with heart. “Story Without Words” is a haunting musical vision as The Niro sings Buckley’s premonition “there is so much that you don’t know, life is in your hands. There’s so much you can’t see, while you’ve made your plans. Love was warm at home, and I was born with a soul that was made to roam.” Arrangements are rich in roots sensibility, and passionate songs like “In the Cantina” and “Distortion” are as deep as the mysteries that the songs explore. I only wish that all the lyrics would’ve been included in the CD jacket.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)