Peter Steward

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Jimmy Webb

Live and at Large in the UK - 7

My love of the songs of Jimmy Webb goes back to my teenage years. A superb songwriter, I have always preferred other people's interpretations of his own songs. Indeed Jimmy seems to be aware of the shortfalls in his own voice.

But over the years he has developed a laid back and self deprecating style with his live albums. This is the best to date. Jimmy has an easy-going style that pulls the audience into his world and this album follows on the success of Twilight of the Renegades - his last studio release.

There is much to be admired here. Jimmy lets us into his world of friends and renegades and talks with great enthusiasm about the likes of Rosemary Clooney, Frank Sinatra, Art Garfunmel, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Richard Harris and all the other people who "have swum up stream."

Musically his voice has now reached a decent pitch and seems to be smoother than in previous offerings. Above all it is the charm of the man that stands out in an interesting collection. Along with old favourites like Wichita Lineman, Didn't We, All I Know and Galveston comes more contemporary pieces like Paul Gauguin in the South Seas and Time Flies.

Sadly the only let down on the whole album is a rather pedestrian and long drawn out MacArthur Park that is just too slow for comfort. Overall another marvellous insight into the world of a songwriting genius.