High Winds White Sky - Bruce Cockburn > Reviews > Finger picking brilliance

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Intelligent lyrics, relaxing sound, superb guitar playing .
Disadvantages:	None

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

** Who is Bruce Cockburn? **

Bruce Cockburn (pronounced Co-burn) is a Canadian national treasure. He is a singer songwriting genius whose career has so far spanned 35 years. Cockburn has released 27 albums.

** What does Bruce sound like? **

Bruce is unique. He is very adaptable and his career over the years has shown a sucession of styles. Therefore whether you are in the mood to listen to folk, jazz, pop or rock, there's a Bruce record to suit! Lyrically he is exceptional.

** Very short Bruce bio **

Bruce first picked up a guitar at the age of 14, he went onto attend the Berklee Collage of music. Bruce owns many acoustic and electric guitars that have either been made for him or given to him as gifts. He doesn't just play these guitars, he makes them sing. You have to see Bruce live before you will believe the magical sound Bruce's guitars make really are just him playing and not several people!

***** 'High Winds White Sky' album ******

Bruce's second album was originally released in 1971. I understand in 2003 a remastered version of this album was released that includes at least two bonus tracks.

This is right up there in my top three Bruce CDs and that's a very difficult choice. This CD can be hard to find in the UK, alhough I'm sure you could order it from shops or purchase it over the Internet. This CD was brought back from Canada for me by the Canadian friend who introduced me to Bruce.

High Winds White Sky has a very strong folk sound. If you like Carole King, James Taylor, Joss Stone or early Paul Simon tracks, you will really appreciate this gem.

Bruce's amazing guitar skills shine through on this album because many of the tracks are acoustic. Lyrically this album is very strong with Bruce at his most poetic. The album cover was taken on Ward Island near Toronto.

** Track Listing: **

[1] Happy Good Morning Blues

This is a short, fun introduction to the CD. Bruce is having fun with this track. Beautiful finger-picking on the guitar.

[2] Let Us Go Laughing

A soft, relaxing, quiet track to chill out to. Bruce creates amazing imagery with his lyrics; he reflects that although we may face challanges in our lives, perhaps we should consider remaining positive and cheerful as this may make us stronger and take us further.

[3] Love Song

This song is only 2.26 minutes long, but it's sensational - a real star. Once again Bruce's tremendous finger-picking brilliance on the guitar takes your breath away. We had the lyrics from this song as a reading at our wedding.
'Though my eyes be closed forever, Still I would find you, You shine across my time'.

[4] One Day I Walk

This is a quirky track where Bruce reflects that some days are filled with joy and other days can be more difficult.

[5] Golden Serpent Blues

Another short, light-hearted track where Bruce shares his thoughts about a woman who has caught his eye.

[6] High Winds White Sky

Bruce tells us he had a major crush on somebody when he wrote this track, but he goes onto say it never amounted to anything.

[7] You Point to the Sky

I wish this track was four times longer than just over two minutes! This track is so cool. Imagine sitting on a cliff in the bustling wind, just looking out over the sea and this track playing in the background - fantastic.
'You point to the sky, The sky is reflected in your eyes, and I want to fly'.
Again, you lose yourself in the fabulous guitar playing; how can Bruce move his fingers across the fret board so fast?

[8] Life's Mistress

What a wonderful idea that life has a mistress with keys around her waist. Somebody to watch over the landscape who understands exactly what it needs to keep it alive.

** Awards and recognition Bruce has received **

Bruce has been awarded the Order of Canada, a lifetime achievement award in Italy, 11 Canadian JUNO awards, has been inducted into the Canadian hall of fame and has had his original songs covered by over 200 artists.

Bruce Cockburn is a well kept secret in the UK, but that's a definite bonus for his loyal fans who delight in the tiny and intimate venues Bruce performs in over here. Some of his fans are part of an International mailing list called 'Humans', they are an exceptional International collection of intelligent, funny and caring people.