Tom Rush (from the album Gardens Old, Flowers New

Tom Rush (from the album Gardens Old, Flowers New

Tom Rush (from the album Gardens Old, Flowers New available on Appleseed Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Tom Rush is widely credited with helping usher in the era of the modern Singer/Songwriter and bringing Folk music to a wider, more mainstream, realm. After all, his resume speaks for itself. He covered songs by any number of up-and-coming artists and, in turn, gave folks like Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, David Wiffen, and Murray McLauchlan their first taste of greater recognition. He, in turn, wrote the classic “No Regrets”, a song that deservedly became a standard and has been covered by any number of other artists ever since.
 
Now at age 83, it’s clear that Rush hasn’t lost his magic touch. Some six years after his last offering, Voices, he’s still creating melodies that are as effortlessly appealing as his earlier work. His enthusiasm is evident as always, and the easy, affable embrace shared in songs such as “Won’t Be Back at All”, “Sailing”, “Glory Road”, and “Gimme Some Of It” — the latter an adaption of an obscure traditional tune — make it clear that Rush’s joy in making music remains unfailing and undiminished.
 
Not that he’s wholly engulfed in euphoria — there’s a palatable sense of ache and melancholia wafting through certain tracks like “If You Will Love Me” and “Toy Boat Song” in particular. So too, Rush’s Folk roots are also in full flourish. “One More Time Around the Sun” is a hearty sing-along that would be well-suited to a late night gathering at a favorite neighborhood haunt.
 
Like his other elder contemporaries — Arlo Guthrie, Judy Collins, Tom Paxton, Arlo Guthrie, Eric Andersen, and yes, a certain wizened Mr. Dylan, Tom Rush proves that with age comes a certain knowing sensibility.  The carefree strains of “It All Comes Down to Love” demonstrate the fact that age needn’t be any deterrent as far as affairs of the heart are concerned.
 
‘I’m old and gray, I never ever thought I’d be this way’ Rush confesses, before boasting ‘I’m old and wise’. He is indeed. Songs such as “Siena’s Song”, “To See My Baby Smile”, and “The Harbor” come across as tender lullabies of sorts, each with a carefree, comforting caress that effectively sum up the enduring power of this poet and minstrel’s grace and wisdom. Even a song such as “I Quit”, a not-so-fond farewell, makes it clear he’s confident enough to take his own well-seasoned stance.
 
Engaging and inspired, Gardens Old, Flowers New proves his prowess still in full bloom. And in turn, we’re all the better for it. Indeed, it’s hard to imagine a more rewarding encounter.  (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of Tom Rush from AMAZON
 
For more information, please visit the Tom Rush website