Every Journey Starts...4 Out Of 5 Stars
Blessed with a voice as roughly hewn as crushed walnut, Cliff Eberhardt took a journey to Texas to record "500 Miles: The Blue Rock Sessions." He's a singer songwriter in the classic mold, delving into songs of introspection and the trials of live. Whether it's with his definitive originals or covering a chestnut like "500 Miles" (probably most likely remembered as done by Peter, Paul and Mary), he also takes a minimalist's approach to the recording process. In at least one instance, just Cliff and a guitar, in another, Cliff's guitar accompanied by bass, percussion and accordion. It's amazing just how much resonance he can get with just a few slight touches. Although he often appears with a full combo, best heard on "When The Leaves Begin to Fall."
There's also a great cover of John Hiatt's "Back of My Mind," transformed here into a waltz. But the best is saved for last, as Cliff revisits one of his earlier songs, "The Long Road." I have to admit that I am unfamiliar with the original, but this is a wonderful version. As Cliff states in his liner notes after "20 years, it has changed as I have...I decided to take a new look at an old friend." With its questioning look at the people and places that surround your life, it turns from a song about a young man's look at the future to a rumination of how you've lived your life. It's a great song and alone, is worthy of your listening to "500 Miles."
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