‘It’s Yesterday Once More’ is the second amazing Buzz Thompson CD, following admirably in the footsteps of his highly acclaimed R&B-influenced debut CD, ‘Find Out For Yourself’. Robin Hawkins made the original recordings of ‘Yesterday’ on his brand new portable 24 bit recording studio; that he dropped by to show Buzz and Jeanne Thompson, in the cold, snowy hinterlands of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Robin is the guitarist/producer son of Rompin’ Ronnie Hawkins, and is guitarist in Ronnie’s band The Hawks, along with guitarist Buzz. They’ve known each other for decades, and share a musical sixth sense with each other, as well as a great friendship. Buzz and Jeanne co-produced this CD, and mixed it at Barry Haggarty’s studio. It was mastered at Silver Birch in Toronto; who’ve recorded Aretha Franklin, the Pointer Sisters, etc.
The title tune "It’s Yesterday Once More" opens this fine CD with Buzz ‘Mr Soul’ Thompson’s soul-drenched R&B-style vocals and guitar licks, which seem to cry out to the stars above. (Buzz also sang all the background vocal harmonies on this track, too). Doug Hewie’s talent on the drums, along with J.P. Hovercraft’s melodic bass lines and Brent Bailey’s heartfelt keyboards help make "Yesterday …" a real winner. (Buzz and Jeanne co-wrote all the superb original tunes on this ingeniously crafted CD).
"Boogie Shoes" picks up the tempo and mood considerably, with some John Lee Hooker-style boogie – complete with some fine delta-style slide guitar provided by Buzz. Hewie’s drumming rocks on this one! Buzz’s vocals belt out "She’s just a cool blues mama, lost in boogie shoes" -- echoed back instrumentally, by the precision Honeybees rhythm section.
Jeanne sings lead vocals on "The Other Side of Zero". Her story-telling lyrics and country-style vocals, make this a very enjoyable, fun tune to listen to and sing along with. Hewie’s rousing drums blend well with J.P.’s energetic bass lines.
"The Bringers Of The Dawn" is a soulful gospel-influenced tune featuring Buzz on lead vocals, with Jeanne’s strong background vocal input. There’s a ‘Neil Young’ influence felt in some of the vocal harmonies on "Bringers …". The next tune, "See And Feel" opens with Buzz’s rousing harp playing, which is heard throughout this great tune. Buzz’s lead vocals and captivating slide guitar help ‘drive’ this ‘car song’ along nicely. The lyrics tell us "There’s people wanna tell me how to see and feel" – which speaks volumes in a few musical passages. The pace slows down a bit with "Universal Stranger" -- a country-gospel influenced lament. Jeanne’s soulful vocals figure prominently here, along with Barry Haggarty’s spirited guitar leads.
The mood picks up real fast with the upbeat "Waitin’s, Killin’ Time". Waylon Jennings’ ‘spirit’ seems to flow through the energetic musical passages on "Waitin’…" – Buzz’s rousing vocals and guitar leads are accentuated to the ‘nth’ degree by Hewie’s energy on the skins and J.P.’s always in-the-pocket bass lines.
"You Have To Be to Become" is a minor key blues tune that’s intriguing on many levels. On one level it’s melodious and relaxing. On another it’s a ‘thinking man’s song’ – delving into philosophy and speculation – making a statement that’s both insightful and well thought out. There’s a deep spiritual feel to "You Have To …". Jeanne was inspired to write it for Buzz, at Ronnie Hawkins’ birthday party, January 10, 2003.
"Dragonfly Heaven" seems to possess a fairy tale-like surreal quality, due to the imagery in the lyrics, and the ethereal quality of the vocal harmonies and instrumentals. Buzz’s guitar leads seem to flitter like a ‘dragonfly’; which adds to the musical magic on "Dragonfly …".
"Out There" lifts the mood considerably, with its rousing upbeat party-boogie vocals and instrumentals. Its combination of rhythms and rhymes, are guaranteed to get the soul pumpin’ and the dance floor packed. Buzz supplies some very cool slide guitar, which really adds to this song’s emotional appeal. Hewie’s outstanding talent on the skins, keeps the musical adrenalin flowing well.
"Love’s Gate" features Buzz’s gospel-influenced lead vocals. The beautiful vocal harmonies on this tune are mostly Buzz’s too, with some from Jeanne. They seem to have a very ‘Sam Cooke’ feel to them. The overall effect is much like that of a church choir. Bailey’s organ riffs add just the right touch to complete the vivid musical atmosphere on this Buzz-Jeanne original. "Don’t Withdraw Your Love" is a rousing country-style ditty, with all the ‘lonesome cowboy’ influences necessary to get any ‘cowpoke’ to strut their line-dancing stuff.
The final track on this delightful CD is entitled "Life On The Fly". It features hip hop-style vocals from Jeanne, complemented by humorous ‘cowpoke’ vocal responses from Buzz. Robin Hawkins’ scorching guitar licks are heard throughout this fun tune. J.P.’s rousing bass riffs, along with Hewie’s energetic percussion, adds to the upbeat mood of "Life On …". It was written during the recording sessions, while Jeanne was having fun with the vocals. She was unaware that Robin was recording her, which adds to the feeling of spontaneity on this tune. After Jeanne’s vocals on "Life On …" were recorded, the others added the instrumentals, completing this thoroughly intriguing and entirely spontaneous song – which also completes this beautifully created CD.
In closing, I feel it’s important (and historical) to mention that the lyrics for this CD’s title tune, "It’s Yesterday Once More" were written by Buzz’s wife Jeanne the day after the fateful 9/11 disaster in NYC, Sept. 11, 2001. These lyrics abound in idealistic and hopeful lyrical phrases such as: "Time for stopping all the war."; "Time for livin’ in the light."; "Time for peace; the end’s in sight." These simple but deep phrases, are words of hope, wisdom and beauty we can all do with a little more of.
I urge anyone who wants a highly entertaining CD, to add ‘It’s Yesterday Once More’ to their music collection. You won’t be disappointed. Now, as Buzz says in the closing line of ‘Yesterday Once More’: "I reckon I’ll just mosey on outta here."
Website: www.BuzzThompson.ca
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