David Bromberg and His Big Band: In Concert at the Count Basie Theatre

David Bromberg isn't exactly a household name—but the odds are that you've heard him, even if you haven't heard of him. Now in his mid-60s, the veteran string meister (he's best known as a guitarist but is also adept on fiddle, dobro, and pedal steel) has recorded or toured with many famous names, including Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, the Eagles, Willie Nelson, and Jerry Garcia, in addition to performing solo. This entertaining show, recorded in Red Bank, NJ, finds him in the company of a substantial group of musicians, including a horn section, a fiddler, backing vocalists, and others. The repertoire, described by Bromberg as “roots music,” is indisputably American: country, bluegrass, folk, a nod to Dylan (“It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry,” performed solo acoustic), and a heaping helping of blues. Bromberg is no one's idea of a great technical singer, but he's expressive and soulful, and his vocals fit perfectly with his style, from the lazy New Orleans feel of “Sloppy Drunk” to the lovely ballad “Nobody's.” A highlight is the hilariously bluesy “I'll Take You Back,” Bromberg's vengeful ode to the lover who jilted him but has now decided she wants him back (“I'll take you back when rattlesnakes have knees and money grows on trees,” he sings, “when rats learn how to fly and winos don't get high … when water ain't wet and George Bush pays back the national debt”). No frills here—just good music. Recommended. Aud: P. (S. Graham)