John Stewart was an early member of the Kingston Trio, replacing Dave Guard in 1961. He wrote one of the Monkees’ greatest hits (“Daydream Believer”). He inspired Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac to play guitar. Buckingham paid him back for that by producing Stewart’s last hit record (1979’s Gold). He has not left the music industry in all that time. Releasing albums for different labels, small and large, even independently, he has weathered the storm and continues to write and play his quirky, powerful songs to this day.
Appleseed Records is rapidly developing into a label to be reckoned with. In the past year they’ve released excellent albums for Eric Andersen, Tom Paxton and Roger McGuinn (among others) and promise to continue to grow, adding to their thoughtful folky roster for the future. Now comes Havana, latest of John Stewart’s 40 solo albums, and a powerful addition to the ouevre it is.
Stewart’s guitar playing is what drew Lindsey Buckingham to pick up the instrument, but it’s a rhythmic folky style — almost minimalistic. Sensitive ears will hear the influence exactly. The backing musicians play to this subtle sound. They are sympathetic, and allow Stewart’s fretwork to be the main accompaniment. John Hoke provides quiet percussion and drums; Noelle Ford plays viola on “Starman;” Thano Sahnas adds electric guitar to “Dogs in the Bed,” (which also replaces Hoke with Dennis Kenmore in the drummer’s chair); and Stewart’s wife Buffy Ford Stewart sings. Otherwise, it’s all Stewart, on banjo, bass, keyboards and harmonica … but mainly guitar.
The songs are vintage Stewart, simple chord structures, catchy but subtle melodies, and lyrics both straitforward and honest. Stewart is singing more like recent Johnny Cash these days. A bit breathy, deep and a little wobbly…but true and captivating. His cover of “Lucky Old Sun” (one of my favorite songs, in fact) is slow, contemplative, and a touch sad. But Havana is not a record stuck in the past. Stewart touches on current events, with the final cut. His song notes read, “We won’t let our people go to Cuba, but we can visit Red China instead?” The notes suggest this is not a political song, but based on the fine Ry Cooder was recently assessed for his attempts for record Cuban artists…what are we to think? “Waiting for Castro to Die” indeed!
“Davey on the Internet” is a comment on the activities of the John Stewart Internet discussion group. “Who Stole the Soul of Johnny Dreams” is described by Stewart as being about “the cost of naivete and youthful exuberance when they catch up to us.” “I Want to be Elvis” echoes the desires of generations of musicians, including the Beatles! “Turn of the Century” is a tribute to the Princess of Wales. “Miracle Girl” is a moving love song to his wife Buffy Ford Stewart, who has had some serious health problems over the years. In fact at one time Stewart was without health care, and was selling his guitars off to pay for Buffy’s care. She has defeated those problems, and maintained a positive frame of mind throughout it all.
John Stewart, songsmith to such diverse artists as the Monkees and Pat Boone, ex-folkie, guitar stylist, and his own man. Havana is a fine addition to his catalogue, and a great place to start for the newcomer.
(Appleseed Records, 2003)
