Rick Danko

About

<i>Live On Breeze Hill</i> is the achingly beautiful sound of a man dying. Danko performed these songs on May 23rd, 1998, before passing away on December 10th, 1999. Recorded with fellow Band member Garth Hudson and later Band contributor/producer Aaron Hurwitz, <i>Live On Breeze Hill</i> opens with “Sip the Wine,” sounding more haggard and worn out than the version on Danko’s solo debut, though he still hits all his notes with a weary resolve alongside a contrastingly healthy sounding choir of backing gospel singers. The crisp and polished production also contrasts nicely against the vintage tube-burning tones of old Fender guitars and antiquated wooden keyboards, especially on last-gasp versions of Band staples like “Stage Fright” and the bookending “It Makes No Difference” which obviously doesn’t play with the vigor of the original, though this time around the tune is much more heartbreaking. Fans of Neil Young’s “Doom Trilogy” (<i>Time Fades Away</i>, <i>On The Beach</i> and <i>Tonight’s the Night</i>) are likely to appreciate the taxed soul that Danko bled into <i>Live On Breeze Hill</i>.

via Apple Music

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