The album opens with bombs exploding and Tim's voice climbing into the sky as he straighfrowardly, almost weepingly, derides war - THE war - a protest song if there ever was one, but beautiful nonetheless. Anger never turns to noise. There is a touch of madrigal in Kight-Errant. Here, Tim tears through the heart as well as puts out some powerfully vivid lyrical imagery on "I Never Asked to Be Your Mountain", one of my desert-island 10 songs; maybe 5, if they make me pick. His voice, reportedy on the 16th-or-so take of a 6-minute burning coal in which he sings almost without break, flies in the stratosphere, then out of orbit, once breaking into ascending but still-in-tune sobs. He experiments with harpsichords on "Carnival Song"….
After 25 years, constant traveling, nine albums, and various solo projects, Saffire are calling it quits with one last tour and Havin' the Last Word, a collection of new tunes, covers of favorites, and songs that define their dissolution. It sounds as though it's a happy-sad decision, gratified for all the success and love accrued from their fans, but pleased for future blues via other partnerships and collaborations that can now be achieved individually. Though all will pursue solo careers – Ann Rabson is already firmly established – it is this magical and timeless combination of spirit, focused same-page concept, and great musicianship that has served Saffire very well far beyond most bands. This final effort showcases individual vocal tracks, as if the group members are already preparing for going out on their own, as there's very little group harmonizing. Individual efforts notwithstanding, the group still convenes musically on common ground, especially when Rabson plays piano, Gaye Adegbalola jams on the slide guitar or harmonica, and Andra Faye offers her musings on fiddle, mandolin, or upright bass.
I Always Turn The Blues On, Val Starr & The Blues Rocket's fourth all original blues CD, hit the streets on August 1st, 2017. " We released the CD just in time for International Blues Day on 8/5. Her prior release, Woman on a Mission received solid radio support, holding the #1 spot on the Airplay Direct Global Radio Blues Charts for 5 straight weeks in March. The band also debuted on the Roots Music Report blues charts at #39. Their radio success can be attributed to their talent, hard work and music business background.