Faced with little public interest and virtually no label support, Waldman's self-confidence and fierce musicality seemed to falter a little here. "Sunshine in the morning/Why do I feel cold?/Feels like I'm standing still/But I'm growing so old" she sang on the baleful "Mr. Boatman," which set the tone for a largely downbeat, softly spoken recording. Stripped of the lavish orchestral arrangements of her first two releases, her usually perky songwriting was rendered understated, pensive and almost teet...   [ read more ]

CD $12.33

Marrying Waldman's sound with the inestimable Muscle Shoals musicians, Gypsy Symphony is a funky, shimmering delight, and other artists weren't slow to notice. "My Love Is All I Know," "The Good Love" and "Mad Mad Me" were recorded by Melissa Manchester, Percy Sledge and Maria Muldaur, respectively. The latter, in particular, showcases Waldman as a more accessible, more accommodating Laura Nyro, and possibly a more deft pianist, too. Most compositions on the record flaunts ...   [ read more ]

CD $12.33

1978's Strange Company was the first and most successful of Waldman's attempts to up the rock quotient of her sound, and the use of Heart producer Mike Flicker was in no small part responsible. Instead of meddling with her never-less-than-competent songwriting, he positioned it within the more conventional framework of a five-piece rock band. The move paid off with a regional hit ("Long Hot Summer Nights") and also bore one of Waldman's finest moments, the extraordinary title track: part ...   [ read more ]

CD $12.33