Fred Neil-Sessions (audiophile vinyl rip using SME30 turntable)

The turntable/arm/cartridge/phonostage combination probably cost around $55,000 USD

"Sessions" comes across more as a rehearsal for an album rather than an actual album, giving it an unusual, atmospheric vibe: one can almost see the guys grinding out cigarette butts between lukewarm cans of Olympia, followed by shots of Imperial at 4 in the morning, just kicking back (if they have Olympia in Hollywood, that is). It's almost as if Capitol taped the rehearsal, cancelled the scheduled recording session, then released the rehearsal. But, surprisingly, this rough hewn, devil-may-care informality works, for the most part, giving the whole affair a laid-back yet idiosyncratic feel.

Assets: 1) Fred Neil's deep, dark, whiskey-infused voice, hitting those nice LOWWW notes dead-center. 2) Neil's songwriting is solid as ever ("Fools are a Long Time Coming" is a masterpiece). 3) Fascinating dialogue between Fred and his sidemen: Man, they're just trying to work things out. Let's face it: this IS a rehearsal, but an interesting one. 4) The surprising presence of first-call jazz bassist Jimmy Bond--who worked with Chet Baker, Art Pepper and Herbie Mann, among many others--on what is essentially a folk date. His deep, rich sound gives the bass more presence here than on most folk dates.

Liabilities: 1) Some of the tracks go on too long, and 2) There are FOUR acoustic guitarists frequently aimlessly meandering about, searching for direction, any direction. Their simultaneous playing/jamming/meandering results in a cacophony of dissidence, turning sound waves into cottage cheese.

Recommended anyway for Neil's vocals, songwriting and incredible presence. You feel like you are there, too, just hangin' out, chugging beer followed by shots of Imperial with the dudes. Making suggestions, too: "Hey, Fred, why don't you guys try that in E-flat....(burrrppp!)." It's like you were personally invited to the rehearsal at Capitol in the wee small hours, lucky you!

YouTube sample