Rick Roberts – Windmills / She Is A Song CD

AllMusic Review

Windmills Review by Ken Dryden

Guitarist and singer Rick Roberts' time in the spotlight was rather brief, but he made consistently strong recordings. Following the breakup of the Flying Burrito Brothers in 1972, Roberts made two solo albums for A&M, of which Windmills is the first. Roberts' "In My Own Small Way" was recorded by the Flying Burrito Brothers but wasn't issued in the U.S. prior to the band's demise; this tune leans more toward bluegrass than the rock heard on the rest of the release, and it includes ex-Burrito Bernie Leadon on banjo and harmony vocals. His "Sail Away" is rather long by comparison to most rock ballads at over seven minutes, but this catchy composition doesn't drag at all. His low-key ballad "Jenny's Blues" has minimal accompaniment. The album's supporting cast and guests also include Don Henley, Jackson Browne, Chris Hillman, David Crosby, Al Perkins, and Byron Berline. Although some of this music has appeared on a 1979 compilation, the original LP will likely be difficult to find.

She Is a Song Review by Ken Dryden

Singer/guitarist Rick Roberts' second of two solo LPs was recorded prior to the formation of Firefall. This release, produced by fellow ex-Burrito Chris Hillman, is more wide-ranging than his earlier solo effort. There are quite a few musicians on loan from Stephen Stills' group Manassas; in addition to Hillman, Latin percussionist Joe Lala, keyboardist Paul Harris, and Al Perkins on pedal steel guitar are present. Roberts' attractive vocals and low-key acoustic guitar are consistent throughout the record. "She Is a Song" is a breezy ballad with fine work by Perkins and Lala (heard on flute). His take of Stills' "Four Days Gone" has more of a country flavor, while "Glad to Be Going" features Rusty Young's magnificent Dobro. Although a few songs turned up on a 1979 anthology LP, this long out of print record will be tough to acquire.

881881001627

GOTTCD016

Gott Discs, 2009

UK

Good condition 

C11