Danny O'keefe is first and foremost a story teller. Go for the story first and then get drawn into the music. What's interesting playing this one through the Surround Master is that the bass guitar seems to be prominently focused in the left rear channel. This is unusual for most decoded music I've heard so far; but tends to be fitting with the overall style of the music. Another thing that Mr. O'keefe always had going for himself is the unique sound of his singing voice. When you here him sing, you know it's him, and that is something rare to have; and his vocals just sound soothing and homey to me. Breezy Stories has always been a favorite of mine and is only enhanced further by having all those luscious vocals and instruments wrapped around you like a winter's blanket.
Along for the ride with Danny on this one are:
Hugh McCracken - guitar
Donny Hathaway - piano
Gordon Edwards - bass
Bernard Purdie - drums
Norman Pride - congas
Airto Morietra - percussion; tambourine
Dominic Cortese - accordian
Montego Joe - congas
Arif Mardin - vibes & bass marimba
Richard Davis - upright bass
Cissy Houston, Myrna Smith & Sylvia Shemwell - background vocals
David Bromberg - acoustic & electric guitars, dobro
Andy Statman - mandolin
Ken Kosek - fiddle
Dr. John - piano
Hugh McDonald - bass
Steve Morsley -drums
Gene Orloff & Emanuel Green - violins
Charles McCracken - cello
Richard Dickler & Norman Forrest - violas
Peter Ecklund - trumpet
John Payne - tenor sax
Reggie Young - electric guitar
John Christopher - acoustic guitar
Bobby Wood - pianos
Shane Keister - piano
Bobby Emmons - organ
Mike Leech - bass
Gene Chrisman - drums
Hayward Bishop - percussion
Leo LeBlanc - steel guitar
PRODUCED BY - ARIF MARDIN
* This release also features the songs: "The Road" and "Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues"; and a very respectable overall DR of 13.
https://www.discogs.com/Danny-OKeefe-Breezy-Stories/release/5932760
I would not have taken the time to type all these player's names if I didn't think they had done a great job; and to highlight what fabulous musicians Danny & Arif corralled for this very special album - Breezy as you please!
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